Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Stephen Adams, made the announcement during an end-of-year celebration on Wednesday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - For the very first time, Macon has exceeded $1 billion in private investment during a calendar year.

Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Stephen Adams, made the announcement during an end-of-year celebration on Wednesday.

"Just two short years ago, we set a new record at $652 million in new private investment just for that year," Adams said. "We did not anticipate that two years later we'd be standing here telling you that that record has already been shattered at over one billion dollars committed in just one year."

The organization celebrated the milestone by handing out checks of $1.9 million to both Macon-Bibb County and the Bibb County School District. Adams credits both for making Macon a more attractive place to do business.

"The support system that we have with the Bibb County School System and Macon-Bibb County is unlike any other and it's unmatched," Adams said. "And we see that when we're talking to prospects from around the world that are considering Macon-Bibb County."

The record setting year was aided by the recently announced expansions of First Quality Baby Products and Irving Tissue. Embraer also reaffirmed its commitment to Macon by signing another 15-year lease.