Retired General Robert McMahon and The 21st century Partnership challenged each and every business in middle Georgia to make Thursday's starting in April to be "Federal Employee Appreciation Day.

It's they're answer to mandatory federal budget cuts. McMahon called for local businesses to voluntarily offer some type of incentive to federal workers as they will now have make a living with a 20% cut in their budget.

"What we want to do is make sure this that they know this community embraces them and loves them," said McMahon.

Beginning April 1, federal workers will begin working 4 day work weeks until the end of the fiscal year in September 2013, including civilian workers at Robins Air Base in Warner Robins. but do the local businesses think it's a good idea?

"I think it's a good idea, I think it is. Being that it is a military town," said George Hogan.

Hogan is a barber at Underground Barbershop on Watson Boulevard just down the street from the airbase and has numerous customers employed there.

"I see them everyday and they are constantly telling me how it's going to effect them," said Hogan.

In fact, the shop already offers a 10% discounts to military personnel on Mondays, and says it's willing to do something on Thursdays as well. Hogan understands the deal is two fold.

"I understand the situation that they have been put in and it's not only going to effect their pocket but our pocket also," he said. "Because if it cuts back on their money it's going to cut back on my money."

McMahon said the country has been handed lemons but through this plan and taking individual ideas the community may have, 'We can make the best damn batch of lemonade you've ever seen.'