AMERICUS — The Georgia Power Foundation provided the first donation to the Americus Area College & Career Academy (CCA) initiative Thursday at the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Luncheon, a hallmark moment for the Academy’s planning efforts. Don Porter, local manager for the Georgia Power Company, was on hand with the utility company’s key leadership from throughout the region to make the presentation to the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation. Members of the community’s CCA partnership were on-hand to jointly receive the check, which marks the first corporate gift making the academy a reality.
Expressing Georgia Power’s support for the college and career academy that will enhance workforce development opportunities throughout the region, Porter stated how pleased he is to be working in a community with so many assets.
“With Georgia Southwestern State University and South Georgia Technical College willing to partner with Sumter County Schools, business and industry, as well as surrounding school districts to improve educational outcomes and economic development for Sumter County and the greater service area,” he said. “Georgia Power is excited about the partnership with Sumter County. Through the support of the Georgia Power Foundation, we are very happy to be able to support this community in such an important initiative for education. It’s about creating hoping for future generations, and that is the heart of what the Georgia Power Company is all about.”
With a unique partnership of Sumter County Schools, South Georgia Technical College, and One Sumter, the entire community has come together in a collaborative effort to establish a college and career academy with the hopes of serving students in surrounding communities as well. Guided by the expertise of Russ Moore of Seamless Education Associates, the CCA Steering Committee represents over 100 community leaders and stakeholders dedicated to improving education and workforce development for business and industry in the Sumter County area. Championed by a leadership team of Brandi Lunneborg, CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center; Kim Christmas, vice president of Human Resources & Community Relations for PharmaCentra & Concentra Solutions; and Barbara Grogan, executive director of the Sumter County Development Authority.
One Sumter Executive Director Mary Beth Bass expressed One Sumter’s appreciation for the Georgia Power Foundation’s support.
“The opportunity Georgia Power Foundation has given us by providing the initial seed-funding for the CCA is outstanding,” she said. “We are extremely grateful for their continued investment in our community and the many opportunities this will offer both for our young people, as well as our business and industry partners.”