BIBB COUNTY, Georgia (KBTV) – Local construction companies, contractors and suppliers will have an opportunity to learn how they can help build the new Macon Arena.
Macon-Bibb County and the construction team leading the project, Barton Malow + Sheridan Construction, are hosting a second information and pre-qualification session for businesses interested in working on the arena.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Macon Centreplex, located at 200 Coliseum Drive.
The session is open to subcontractors, vendors, suppliers and other businesses that provide services to the construction industry. Small and minority-owned businesses are also encouraged to attend, including SLBE, MBE, WBE and DBE firms.
Businesses do not have to register to attend, but registration is encouraged.
During the event, attendees will learn about upcoming construction bid opportunities, when specific bids will be released, how to become pre-qualified and who to contact about working on the project. They will also hear about other opportunities for vendors and suppliers.
Organizers say meeting with the project team in person will give businesses a chance to ask questions, learn what the project needs and connect with other companies that may be interested in working together.
Kim Brown, Supplier Engagement Specialist II with Barton Malow, says the meetings can also help businesses find partnership opportunities that may not be available through online postings alone.
Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller says the new arena is expected to bring more visitors and economic opportunities to the area.
He says the arena will be more than a place for events. It will also be part of a larger effort to grow the area’s entertainment, sports and tourism industries. Miller pointed to the Atrium Health Amphitheater and the recently renovated Macon City Auditorium as other projects helping change the region’s entertainment landscape.
Macon-Bibb County’s Office of Small Business Affairs is also helping spread the word about the event. The office is contacting current county vendors and will provide information about how businesses can become registered vendors with Macon-Bibb County.
Charise Stephens-Merriweather, Director of the Office of Small Business Affairs, says the goal is to make sure local, small and minority-owned businesses have a fair chance to compete for work on the project.
Businesses interested in attending can find more information and register at:
