“When you’re finally up on the moon, looking back at the earth, all these differences and nationalistic traits are pretty well going to blend and you’re going to get a concept that maybe this is really one world and why the hell can’t we learn to live together like decent people?”
— FRANK BORMAN, RETIRED NASA ASTRONAUT
I must admit that I often find myself wearing rose-colored glasses and looking for the best in my community. Downtown Macon has always been a melting pot for me– a place where all people in Middle Georgia come to have fun and enjoy life. Whether it is First Friday or a Macon Bacon game, a nice dinner or a night out at a show, my view of Macon is one of inclusivity and diversity.
One of the reasons for this view is the hiring practices of local small businesses. Hiring that is representative of all people in our society is so important to the viability and success of small businesses. This means including people of all ages, sexes, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and race. There are several businesses and organizations downtown that are shining examples of visibility in the workforce, but my favorite is the staff at Visit Macon.
Steven Fulbright is the Director of Tourism for Visit Macon. He shared, “Having a diverse workplace is important because it increases productivity, innovation, creativity, problem-solving skills, engagement with the community, and most importantly, empathy. This is important to the visitor’s center because we are customer-service driven. Our goal is to help all customers in the same way. Diversity also increases the reputation of your business in the community when it is a true reflection of what the community represents.”
At Travis Jean Emporium, I have made it a cornerstone of my values to hire people that are representative of not only the customers I currently serve but also, the customers I would like to serve. When customers see representation in a shop, restaurant, or business, it puts them at ease and instantly makes them feel welcome.
If you want a wonderful customer service experience, stop by Visit Macon located at 450 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard or Travis Jean Emporium located at 522 Cherry Street in beautiful Downtown Macon!