On Wednesday, December 17, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) celebrated milestones from the past year and announced the launch of a new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway focused on building the county’s future workforce.

The announcement was made during MBCIA’s annual Holiday Mixer and included a signing ceremony officially launching the Advanced Manufacturing Pathway, a new program designed to give students direct, hands-on exposure to modern manufacturing while preparing them for high-demand careers in Macon-Bibb County’s growing industrial sector.

“The new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway Program will give students the opportunity to move directly from the classroom into our Macon-Bibb County workforce,” said Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education and CEO of Hutchings College and Career Academy. “This partnership is creating a talent pipeline that will change the trajectory of our community. We worked closely with local manufacturing industries to develop a curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”

Through hands-on instruction, industry-aligned coursework, and real-world training, students in the Manufacturing Pathway will gain skills tailored to the needs of employers recruited and supported by MBCIA. The program will welcome its first cohort of students in August of the upcoming school year.

MBCIA collaborated with the Bibb County School District, Hutchings College and Career Academy, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, and local manufacturing partners to ensure the pathway reflects the region’s current and future workforce demands.

“This initiative represents the kind of forward-thinking partnership that strengthens our community by connecting education, industry, and opportunity,” said Robby Fountain, Chairman of the MBCIA Board. “By investing in facilities like the Innovation and Technology Academy and programs like this Manufacturing Pathway, we’re helping build a workforce that will support Macon-Bibb’s long-term growth.”

The pathway will be housed at the Innovation and Technology Academy, an extension of Hutchings College and Career Academy. The Academy itself is the result of a partnership between the Bibb County School District, Macon-Bibb County, and the Urban Development Authority, and was made possible through the donation of the former Butler Collision Center building. That collaboration transformed the space into a hub for workforce training, innovation, and educational opportunity.

“When we talk about building a stronger Macon-Bibb, this is exactly what that looks like,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This Manufacturing Pathway gives our students a clear path to success while supporting the industries that help drive our local economy. I’m proud of MBCIA for bringing partners together and turning this vision into something that will have a lasting impact on our community.”

In addition to the announcement, MBCIA presented its annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) checks to Macon-Bibb County and the Bibb County Board of Education. The PILOT Program encourages business investment and job creation by offering structured property tax incentives tied to economic impact.

Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims accepted the check on behalf of the Bibb County Board of Education, and Mayor Lester Miller accepted on behalf of Macon-Bibb County.