MACON, Ga. — Good news for Central Georgia: economic experts said they expect overall positive trends for the local and state economy.
In fact, the folks from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia said Macon's economy is stable and Warner Robins is on set to "outperform the U.S. economy."
As the state's premier economic forecast series began at the Macon Centreplex Thursday, business partners and community leaders from all over Central Georgia gathered to learn how the year's economy will impact us over lunch.
The Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business provides ecconomic forecast data and analysis.
Dean Benjamin C. Ayers delivered the state forecast; keynote speaker Greg George, the associate professor of Economics and director of the Center for Economic Analysis at Middle Georgia State University, delivered the 2024 economic forecast for the Macon region.
They say Macon's stability is thanks to "a focus on transportation and logistics, financial services, higher education, and healthcare."
As a healthcare hub for Central Georgia, the experts say that's an advantage for the economy.
Experts expect a positive employment outlook because of new jobs on the way.
However, one thing that's held Macon back, experts say, is the lack of high-tech jobs.
They said it's because students who graduate from colleges in the area tend to move away.
Mayor Lester Miller, a native Maconite, said that's always been a challenge.
"We've been focusing the last couple of years on getting kids college and career academies," Miller said. "Letting 'em know they can have some great paying jobs here in Macon without having to leave there. It's just an education process, we're starting to see the tide turn on that."
The experts also told us what they saw in the crystal ball for the future of Warner Robins.
Warner Robins Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Houston, Peach and Pulaski counties.
"As the economy in Warner Robins and Central Georgia continues to grow, it attracts more people, and it sends out the message — and it's important that people understand this — that this is an outstanding place to live, work, play, and pray," Joseph Richardson said.
Richardson owns Access Leadership, a consulting company, in Warner Robins.
As a retiree from Robins Air Force Base, he's looking forward to seeing it grow.
Per usual, RAFB serves as an economic engine for the region.
It's the largest employer in Central Georgia, where about 24,500 service members and civilians work, according to the MSA prospects report.
According to the report, "the base will benefit from new high-tech missions known as the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) which brings significantly higher military and civilian salaries. These new high-tech missions, which use satellite and space-based technologies to coordinate the use of military assets, will boost the metro area’s high-tech employment, which bodes well for growth and over time will improve the skill level of the local workforce."
Statewide, the experts expect jobs will grow as new ones are created this year.
"Not just Houston County, but Peach and Twiggs, and the other adjoining counties. It'd be nice to see us all grow together and support that regionalism that's so needed here," Michael Collins said.
Collins is the chair of Robins Regional Chamber and CEO of Total Computer Solutions.
As a native of Warner Robins, he's looking forward to more collaborative efforts among Central Georgians.
"We're excited! It's an exciting time, it's a time of growth," Collins said.
For more information and to register for the Georgia Economic Outlook tour series, visit www.terry.uga.edu/eo.