As the sun began to rise on February 19, buses filled quietly in Macon. Coffee in hand and conversations still low, seasoned business leaders and the next generation of changemakers boarded together with a shared understanding: the decisions made under the Gold Dome would ripple back home.
There is something incredibly powerful about watching the next generation of leaders board a bus at dawn. Thirty-eight members of the Leadership Macon Class of 2026 joined 60 additional business and community leaders on the trip, unified by one idea: the future of Macon-Bibb is not something that happens to us. It is something we help shape.
Workforce policy, infrastructure investment, housing, public safety and economic competitiveness; Macon was not going to watch those conversations happen from a distance. We were going to be in the room. That is what Choose Macon means.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Macon-Bibb business community traveled to Atlanta for Macon Day at the Capitol, supported by The Knight Foundation and Macon-Bibb County, with transportation provided by All State Electrical. Together, leaders representing industries across our region showed up unified in purpose.
The day began in the House of Representatives, where our chamber was formally recognized by the Speaker alongside members of the Macon-Bibb legislative delegation. In a meaningful moment, Mercer University was also recognized, and its new President, Dr. Penny L. Elkins, was formally introduced, highlighting the strength of one of Macon’s cornerstone institutions and its impact not only on Macon but across the state.
From the Capitol, the group moved to the Historic Georgia Freight Depot for a working lunch provided by Piedmont Macon Medical Center and direct engagement with state leaders. Representatives from 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 addressed priorities shaping Georgia’s future: Workforce trends, housing and downtown development, freight corridors and infrastructure projects, agriculture as an economic driver and business recruitment and retention.
The dialogue was candid and practical. Questions were asked, and local realities were shared. Advocacy works best when it is informed, and the Macon-Bibb business community gained valuable clarity about how local priorities align with statewide strategy.
The day’s presenters included:
- Ian Caraway, Director of Policy and External Affairs, The Governor’s Office – Discussing Statewide Outlook
- Sydne Smith, COO, Georgia Dept. of Economic Outlook – Discussing Economic Development
- Commissioner Christopher Nunn, Department of Community Affairs (DCA) – Discussing Community Development and Housing
- Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes, Georgia Dept. of Labor – Discussing Workforce & Labor
- Will Bentley, President, The Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Dept. of Agriculture – Discussing Agriculture as an Economic Driver
- Commissioner Russell McMurry, Georgia Dept. of Transportation (GDOT) – Discussing Transportation & Infrastructure
The afternoon concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Chamber President and CEO Jessica Walden, exploring how Georgia’s business community is represented under the Gold Dome. Leaders from aerospace and defense, manufacturing, higher education, industrial development, and corporate government relations shared how legislation is monitored, how coalitions are built, and how long-term relationships shape outcomes.
The panelists included:
- Ember Bentley, Executive Director, Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance & VP, External Relations, Mercer University
- Joel Wiggins, Managing Partner, The Southern Group of Georgia
- Brittney Hull, VP Government Affairs, Georgia Association of Manufacturers
- Justin Strickland, Director of Economic and Industrial Development, OmniTRAX
- Merritt Wall, Chief Government & Community Relations Officer, Middle Georgia State University
- Kaylyn Tinsley, Government Relations Principal, Chick-fil-a
“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.”
Before departing, participants gathered on the South Gallery steps for a photo with the Macon-Bibb legislative delegation and state leaders before meeting directly with legislators in their offices. Those one-on-one conversations are where relationships are built, and advocacy becomes personal.
As evening arrived, the focus shifted from policy to connection. Close to 300 leaders, including Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller and elected officials from across the state, gathered at the Historic Georgia Freight Depot for the Fish Fry Reception. Sponsored by Macon-Bibb County, with libations provided by Bibb Distributing and the entertainment stage supported by NewTown Macon and PBK, the reception was intentionally designed to foster collaboration.
Fresh fried catfish and cheese grits from Jim Shaw’s Seafood, NuWay Weiners, caramel cakes from Acres & Oak, pickleball with Rhythm & Rally, and the unmistakable sound of the Macon Music Revue created an atmosphere uniquely Macon. Yet the true impact was found in the conversations. Changemakers at the Capitol stood shoulder to shoulder with changemakers from Macon-Bibb. Partnerships deepened, and new connections were formed.
Additional support from 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, and Synovus reinforced what Choose Macon represents: a coalition committed to long-term regional growth.
Choosing Macon means choosing to advocate, choosing to collaborate and choosing to lead.
When the Macon-Bibb business community aligns across generations and industries, we do more than attend the Capitol. We influence it.
And that is Choose Macon in action.
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Choose Macon is more than a message. It’s a strategic initiative focused on growing Macon by influencing relocation decisions, strengthening workforce and community connections, and advancing long-term economic prosperity. Through intentional storytelling and engagement, Choose Macon invites people to see themselves — and their future — in Macon, Georgia. Visit ChooseMacon.com to learn more. This initiative is made possible through the support of the Peyton Anderson Foundation, the place-based philanthropic foundation of Central Georgia.
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