Macon, Georgia - On Friday, June 1, 2012 members of the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MBCCVB) board of directors and staff met at the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club in Cordele, GA for a board retreat to develop a new vision and mission for the MBCCVB.  The meeting was facilitated by Pat Merritt, CEcD, Manager, Community Development, Georgia EMC on behalf of Central Georgia EMC, Flint Energies, Oconee EMC, Southern Rivers Energy and Tri-County EMC.

               Current and incoming new board members participated in a day-long strategizing session to develop a vision for the MBCCVB, review the current mission, identify core values, and develop a 3-5 year strategic plan with goals and objectives.  Participants discussed current trends, challenges and opportunities, and shared their visions for the Macon-Bibb County area through the year 2017.  "Establishing a strong and engaged board is vital to achieving the MBCCVB vision" said Monica Smith, MBCCVB President & CEO "this is the first retreat for our board, and was very helpful in developing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely) goals."

               The proposed new mission developed for the MBCCVB is as follows: The mission of the MBCCVB is to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination.  With a proposed supporting vision for Macon-Bibb County through 2017 as: "We see the Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitors Bureau being the maestro in creating a Southern journey through a mosaic of vibrant cultural experiences; sharing Macon's history, music and living art from the gateways to the heart of the city; and engaging leaders, businesses and residents to become Macon's ambassadors; helping visitors experience the Song and Soul of the South."  Steve Jukes,MBCCVB Board Chair, participated in the retreat and shared his thoughts on the experience.  "Board leadership and individual expectations were very helpful in developing our new vision and mission.  We look forward to working with leaders, business owners, and our community to make Macon a superior destination."

               The MBCCVB is the non-profit destination marketing organization of Macon and Bibb County, funded by hotel-motel sales tax collections.  Central Georgia EMC, Flint Energies, Oconee EMC, Southern Rivers Energy and Tri-County EMC provided the meeting facilitator's services for the MBCCVB board retreat.  For more information about the MBCCVB visit http://www.visitmacon.org/.