Page 2 - Macon Annual Report

IMPACT OF THE

THE CHAIRMAN

Ron Shipman

Since the mid-1800’s, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
focused on working with businesses to maintain a business-friendly
environment to help sustain economic growth and prosperity
throughout Middle Georgia. For 2018, economic growth through
business success remains one of several key focus areas for our
chamber. To accomplish this achievement, the Greater Macon
Chamber of Commerce will continue to forge stronger partnerships
with our education and business leaders, public officials and community
advocates.

These partnerships, with our institutions of higher education like Mercer
University, Middle Georgia State University, Wesleyan College, Fort
Valley State University and Georgia College and State University, and with our
technical college partner, Central Georgia Technical College will help align
our educational and training programs with the needs of our current and
future workforce. This alignment will help to ensure that our Middle Georgia
graduates remain career and/or college ready.

The Chamber also believes that a strategy for the recruitment and retention of talent will help
businesses expand. Bright, energetic, intellectually inquisitive scholars will be attracted to a
vibrant, walkable downtown like Macon, Georgia. This talent recruitment and retention strategy
will also promote an environment where entrepreneurs will start and grow their business ideas.

Additionally, coupled with the promotion of education and business success, we will
continue to be an advocate for regionalism and engage our elected officials, at the
localand state level, to continue to build a fiscally healthy community in which to live, work,
invest and enjoy.

The combination of our engaged investors and talented staff of the Greater Macon
Chamber of Commerce will sustain an environment of success in Middle Georgia. As the Chair of
the Chamber of Commerce for 2018, I am honored and excited and I affirm that the chamber will
continue to link education, workforce development and regionalism with our investors to build a
stronger business community throughout Middle Georgia.

Ron Shipman
2018 Chairman