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MACON, Georgia (41NBC\/WMGT) \u2013<\/span> From new tax-saving opportunities for farmers to major infrastructure projects and a strong film industry, Middle Georgia\u2019s business landscape is experiencing significant growth and transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n Agriculture tax exemption now open<\/strong><\/p>\n Georgia farmers have a limited-time opportunity to save money on sales tax. The 2026 Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) <\/a><\/span><\/strong>program is now accepting applications. <\/span>Qualified agriculture producers can apply for new certificates or renew those that expired in 2025. Once approved, certificates will remain valid through the end of 2028, providing substantial sales tax savings on agricultural purchases and equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n Monroe County welcomes major energy project<\/strong><\/p>\n A new natural gas power plant is coming to Monroe County, promising to bring jobs and economic benefits to the region. <\/span>Oglethorpe Power<\/span><\/strong><\/a> recently announced the selection of Kiewit Corporation to construct the facility. Monroe County Commissioner Eddie Rowland praised the development, stating that \u201cOglethorpe Power has been a valuable partner to Monroe County for decades, and their selection of Kiewit subsidiary TIC, a proven industry leader, will bring jobs and other meaningful economic benefits while strengthening the reliable energy infrastructure that supports Monroe County residents and businesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Five Star Automotive changes hands<\/strong><\/p>\n Middle Georgia\u2019s automotive landscape is shifting with the sale of Five Star Automotive to ALM Automotive Group<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. The transaction includes Genesis of Macon, Five Star Mazda, Five Star Hyundai Warner Robins, Five Star Hyundai Macon, and Five Star Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram Macon.<\/span><\/p>\n ALM Automotive Group CEO Khush Bhatia called the acquisition part of the company\u2019s diversification strategy to expand its franchised dealership portfolio. \u201cWe are excited to welcome these dealerships and their dedicated staff into the ALM family,\u201d Bhatia said. The deal closed on December 15, 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n Georgia\u2019s film industry sets another record<\/strong><\/p>\n Georgia continues to cement its status as a major entertainment production hub. According to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 2025 was another record-breaking year for the state\u2019s film industry, hosting 412 film productions.<\/span><\/p>\n Several Georgia-filmed projects are releasing this month on major streaming platforms<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. Netflix\u2019s \u201cHis & Hers\u201d premiered on January 8, while Amazon Prime Video will release \u201cIt\u2019s Not Like That\u201d on January 25. Netflix follows up with \u201cFree Bert\u201d on January 26th.<\/span><\/p>\n