On February 19, members of the Macon-Bibb business community traveled to Atlanta for Macon Day at the Capitol. The group included thirty-eight members of the Leadership Macon Class of 2026 and sixty additional business and community leaders. Their goal was to participate in discussions on workforce policy, infrastructure investment, housing, public safety, and economic competitiveness.
The trip was organized with support from The Knight Foundation and Macon-Bibb County, while transportation was provided by All State Electrical. Leaders from various industries joined together to engage directly with state officials.
The day began in the House of Representatives where the chamber was formally recognized by the Speaker alongside members of the Macon-Bibb legislative delegation. Mercer University was also recognized, and its new President, Dr. Penny L. Elkins, was introduced.
After leaving the Capitol, participants attended a working lunch at the Historic Georgia Freight Depot. Lunch was provided by Piedmont Macon Medical Center and featured direct engagement with representatives from several state agencies: The Governor’s Office, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Department of Community Affairs, Department of Labor, Georgia Department of Transportation, and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. These representatives addressed topics including workforce trends, housing development, infrastructure projects, agriculture’s economic role, and strategies for business recruitment and retention.
A panel discussion moderated by Chamber President and CEO Jessica Walden explored how Georgia’s business community is represented at the Capitol. Panelists came from aerospace and defense sectors as well as manufacturing, higher education, industrial development, and corporate government relations.
“Macon Day at the Capitol is about choosing to engage before decisions are made,” said Walden. “When our business community shows up informed and unified, we strengthen our region’s competitiveness and create an environment where businesses and families can thrive.”
Later in the day participants met with legislators individually after gathering for a group photo on the South Gallery steps with members of their legislative delegation.
In the evening nearly 300 leaders—including Mayor Lester Miller—attended a Fish Fry Reception at the Historic Georgia Freight Depot. The event aimed to encourage collaboration among attendees through food provided by local vendors such as Jim Shaw’s Seafood and NuWay Weiners along with entertainment supported by NewTown Macon and PBK.
Additional sponsors included Atrium Health Navicent; Cox; Georgia Power; Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority; YKK AP; AT&T; Visit Macon; Metro Power; The Miner Agency; Mercer University; Sheridan Construction; YKK; Apparel Authority; Atlanta Gas Light; Central Georgia Technical College; GIGA Inc.; Northside Hospital Cancer Institute; Piedmont Occupational Medicine; Synovus.
According to information on its official website, the Macon County Chamber of Commerce supports workforce development initiatives as well as educational programs to drive regional growth while advancing economic vitality in Macon County. The organization provides networking opportunities along with advocacy resources designed to foster connections between local businesses.
“Choosing Macon means choosing to advocate, choosing to collaborate and choosing to lead,” stated organizers during remarks reflecting on how collective efforts across generations can influence decision-making processes at both local and state levels.
