The Office of Small Business Affairs (OSBA) is working to celebrate and encourage our international and small businesses by hosting the first-ever International Summit on Wednesday, March 23, at the Macon City Auditorium from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Media members are invited to attend and conduct interviews.
“We have a rich history of welcoming new industries and businesses from around the world to our community and then supporting them as they grow and expand,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “But, like many other things, we can’t let what we’ve done in the past stop us from doing more in the future. We must find ways to support our local businesses now as they grow and find ways to help more open.”
“Macon should be celebrated for its diversity! We have business owners from all over the world here in our city,” says OSBA Director Charise Stephens. “We want to show our small businesses they can have clients locally and globally, and let new businesses know that we are welcoming to people from all around the world.”
As part of the opening session at 8:30 a.m., there will be a special recognition of YKK as the first Japanese company in Georgia and for being part of the Macon-Bibb community for 50 years. YKK Corporation purchased 54 acres in Ocmulgee Park to build its National Manufacturing Center in 1972, and it has grown to 300 acres. Currently, there are more than 600 Japanese-owned companies in the Peach State.
The day will feature remarks from Mayor Miller, Community Affairs Executive Director Dr. Henry Ficklin, Industrial Authority Executive Director Stephen Adams, and Georgia International Trade Deputy Commissioner Mary Waters. Panel discussions will begin at 9:00 a.m. and include topics such as resources for local businesses, examples of small businesses and how they can do business internationally, survey distribution, and networking. Macon-Bibb’s Procurement Department will also be there to help attendees learn about how to apply for government contracts.
“When people leave the summit, we want them to have a better understanding of what’s available to them, and how they can connect better to other businesses around the world and here in our community,” says Stephens.
Partners for the summit include Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Middle Georgia Regional Library, International Trade Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the UGA Small Business Development Center.
About the Office of Small Business Affairs:
The vision of the Office of Small Business Affairs is to provide equitable opportunities to all businesses in Macon-Bibb County. The mission is to develop and coordinate inclusive programs which promote growth in all these businesses, especially those which are minority-owned, women-owned, and owned by those with disadvantages. The Small Business Affairs Office seeks to support Macon-Bibb’s economic well-being by providing resources which will improve competition and opportunity for the aforementioned businesses within the RFQ/RFP bid process. The Office also promotes development of our small businesses and the workforce as a whole through community engagement and partnerships.