Macon Makers help stimulate economy

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Maker movement is in full swing, but do you know who a maker is and how they impact the economy?

The College Hill Alliance is trying to jump start Macon’s economy. They believe one way to do this is through Macon Makers.

Makers define themselves as someone who creates. They range from engineers to artisans, and everything in between.

The group wants to create jobs, which they feel, will help stimulate the economy.

“We’re looking to take those people that have innovative ideas, give them the tools and resources they need to inspire themselves to build,” explained Rob Bertzel, a founding member of Spark Macon.

The Macon Maker campaign is a way for all of these innovators to connect with each other and Spark Macon is the place to do it. It’s a space where makers can come together to work on their craft with the tools they need.

A 3D printer, a wood and metal shop, and a music space, are just some of the tools already available in the maker space located on Cherry Street.

Bertzel hopes as membership grows, they will be able to add more tools and resources based on the group’s needs.

“We want to see Macon on the map for creating products that locals enjoy and that you see outside of the state,” explained Nadia Osman with The College Hill Alliance.

For many of these artists and craftsmen, what starts as a small hobby, could turn into something much bigger.