The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce is a SUPER HOST during On the Table Central GA 2023. This 5-day event takes place March 27-31 at locations throughout Central Georgia. The Chamber will host two table conversations a day during the event. Our tables will be open to the public, but they are limited to 12 seats each, and participants must register through OntheTableMacon.com.

Our table topics include:

1. How Can the Chamber Be Useful to You? – 2 p.m. March 27 
Have you joined the Chamber or considered doing so? Do you know what a Chamber does and how it benefits our business community? Are you curious about improving your connection to the Chamber or have ideas where we can make our mark on Macon? Join us for a roundtable discussion, On the Table, with the Greater Macon Chamber’s new president and CEO. 

2. Perks, Place or Pay: What Makes You Stay? – 9 a.m. March 27 
There is a war for talent. And then there is the work to keep the talent you hired. So what makes you want to work somewhere? Is it the perks, like remote work, fitness incentives or benefits that aren’t just insurance? Or is the sense of place, created by the vibe and belongingness of your work environment? Or is it competitive pay so you can afford the lifestyle you want to live? Maybe it’s all above! This table discusses workforce trends that retain employees and keep staff from quiet quitting, turning in their notice or searching for greener workplace pastures.  

3. Better Connected: What Does Effective Networking Look Like Post 2020? – 9 a.m. March 29 
They say your net worth is in your network, but what does that look like after COVID flipped the switch? Let’s discuss effective, collaborative networking in the post 2020-world. What are we seeking in connection to each other, our community and our careers and businesses? 

4. It Takes a Village: Workforce Solutions in Childcare – 2:00 p.m. March 30 
Childcare is an issue, no matter what side of the workforce dilemma you’re facing. This table discusses the ever-growing issues in childcare and how it affects our communities, workplaces and overall economy. Are there creative solutions? Best practices? Opportunities to improve systems in the private and public sectors? Join this table taking on one of the most difficult issues in modern workforce history. 

5. New to Macon: What’s Your Story? – 9:00 a.m. March 28 
Do you identify as new to Macon? Tell us your story. This table also explores community connections, opportunities, navigating Macon and how to welcome new residents and businesses so they can live, work, connect and thrive.  

6. Minority-Owned Businesses in the Round – 2 p.m. March 29 
This table is designed for those who identify as local, minority-owned businesses. Let’s discuss challenges, triumphs and opportunities, such as supplier diversity initiatives, in the mission to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive business community. 

7. Workforce in the Round – 2:00 p.m. March 28 
Calling human resource managers, those who hire and professionals working on workforce issues in our community. This table will be an opportunity to discuss the ever-growing war for talent, what it takes to tackle workforce drought and what is and isn’t working. Learn from each other on how to keep our community employed and businesses running. 

8. CEO Roundtable – 9 a.m. March 30 
Seeking chief executive officers for discussion on what makes our organizations work for Macon-Bibb’s prosperity. The table will discuss leadership best practices, share stories and seek solutions on identifying and nurturing the next phase.  

9. What’s Missing, Macon? – 2:00 p.m. March 31 
In your wildest dreams, what business would you bring to Macon? Bring your ideas, your wishes, your pitches for businesses that would make Macon a better place. This table will discuss the gaps, as well as explore the big dreams and even bigger ideas, in local business.

10. What’s Next after a National Park? – 9 a.m. March 31 
Macon, Georgia could very well become the gateway city to America’s next National Park. And when that happens, comes an influx of visitors, regional economic impact and business opportunities. Let’s discuss how the business community can support this opportunity, now and moving forward.

Community Foundation of Central Georgia will also offer everyone who participated an opportunity to apply for mini-grants as seed money to help launch ideas from these conversations. This project is part of a national initiative John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.