Community partners gather for regional progress report Published May 27, 2010 By Wayne Crenshaw 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- More than 150 business and community leaders from around Middle Georgia came to the Museum of Aviation on Monday to participate in the first Robins Regional Progress Report. The event was organized by the Middle Georgia Military Affairs Committee and the 21st Century Partnership to report on issues important to the region and base. Speakers included Major Gen. Polly Peyer, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander; Mary Therese Tebbe, executive director of the 21st Century Partnership; Chip Cherry, president and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce; Macon Mayor Robert Reichert; and Laura Mathis, director of public administration for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission. Some of the highlights of the event: Tebbe gave the opening address on what it takes to be a great defense community. Cherry talked about encroachment issues with land on the north side of the base. Reichert discussed efforts to improve air quality in the region. Mathis spoke on the G-RAMP project. Tebbe spoke again on workforce development efforts. Peyer gave the closing address, highlighting the WR-ALC's P3I initiative, along with other information about the base. Peyer particularly highlighted issues related to growth of the base, including parking, transportation and efforts to hire hundreds of new mechanics. "Challenges always come with growth," she said. "We do need the communities' help in recruiting and retaining quality employees, and I want to emphasize the quality." Ed Rodriquez, Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce president, said the event was held to give area leaders more information about issues related to Robins. The Middle Georgia Military Affair Committee is made up of chamber members from communities throughout Middle Georgia. It explores issues related to Robins and the aerospace industry. The 21st Century Partnership is an organization that works to support Robins.