Greater Macon Chamber Honors Community Leaders at Annual Awards Ceremony
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce celebrated outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Fall Line Station. The event recognized those whose contributions have positively impacted the Macon-Bibb business community and demonstrated exemplary engagement with the Chamber.
During the ceremony, Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber, delivered the annual “State of the Chamber” address, reflecting on the Chamber’s progress and initiatives over the past year. Walden emphasized the Chamber’s role in supporting local economic vitality, stating, “Our Annual Awards program is a special demonstration of how we’re greater together – a culmination of the vitality we’ve experienced and the excitement of our momentum that continues to build for our region.”
Award recipients across various categories were honored for their leadership, impact, and service to the community. The 2024 award recipients included:
- Citizen of the Year: Stephen Daugherty, Piedmont Macon Medical Center
- Robert F. Hatcher Distinguished Leadership Macon Alumni Award: Karla Redding-Andrews, Otis Redding Foundation
- Ambassador of the Year: Izza Sola, Beach Insurance Group
- Workforce Impact Award: Sheridan Construction
- Small Business of the Year: Bibb Distributing Company
- Chairman’s Award: Mayor Lester Miller, Macon-Bibb County
- Business Catalyst of the Year: The Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative
- President’s Award/Chairman’s Recognition: Tyson Firlotte, Irving Consumer Products
- Industry of the Year: Irving Consumer Products
The Chairman’s Award was presented to Mayor Lester Miller for his exceptional efforts in advancing both the Chamber and the community, while Citizen of the Year was awarded to Stephen Daugherty for his contributions to enhancing the region’s economic climate and creating new job opportunities.
In addition, the Robert F. Hatcher Distinguished Leadership Macon Alumni Award recognized Karla Redding-Andrews for her leadership and community involvement. The Ambassador of the Year award went to Izza Sola for her outstanding work in engaging new Chamber investors and maintaining relationships with existing ones.
The Workforce Impact Award was given to Sheridan Construction for its role in growing and sustaining the local workforce pipeline. Small Business of the Year was awarded to Bibb Distributing Company for its positive impact on the local economy. The Business Catalyst of the Year award recognized The Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative for its innovative growth and business advocacy efforts.
Walden also shared several accomplishments from the Chamber over the past year, including hosting 88 programs, launching the GreaterCareerWorks.org platform, and increasing both program and membership revenue by 21%. Additionally, the Chamber now boasts 776 members, also known as Investors.
The event was made possible by presenting sponsor Cox and supported by several local organizations, including Macon Water Authority, Macon-Bibb County, Cadence Bank, and Irving Consumer Products, among others.
