One Sumter

GROW 2029 Begins…
Dear Donors and Stakeholders,
As Chairman of One Sumter’s Board of Directors, I am honored to address you on the cusp of what promises to be a year of significant milestones and achievements. In this fourth quarter of 2024, we have made notable progress on our projects, including advancements on our broadband project, lobbying initiative, and our community safety initiatives.
However, the biggest news of 2024 is the announcement of the launch of GROW 2029, our ambitious strategic plan aimed at guiding Sumter County’s development over the next five years. This represents a pivotal step forward in our collective efforts to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our community.
Additionally, 2024 marks the monumental 10-year anniversary of One Sumter’s founding and introduces a strong start to our next decade with GROW 2029. Over the past decade, our organization has been a driving force for positive change, addressing a diverse array of challenges ranging from workforce development to rural broadband infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we also reflect on the profound impact of our initiatives and the unwavering support of our community partners and donors.

Also, this quarter we announced a new emphasis on donor engagement and relationship management as the organization enters its second decade. Recognizing the need to dedicate full-time staff to guide the foundation’s evolution into a stronger, more purposeful nonprofit, the Board announces Colton Mims as One Sumter’s new Director of Donor Relations.

As we embark on this new chapter, I extend my sincerest gratitude to each of you for your continued dedication and commitment to One Sumter’s vision. Together, let us forge ahead with renewed determination and optimism as we work towards a brighter, more inclusive, and thriving future for Sumter County.
Thank you,
Alex Saratsiotis, Chairman, Board of Directors
One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, Inc.


Cultivating Courageous Conversations: One Sumter Economic Development Foundation to host Sumter County Violence Prevention Youth Summit

The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation proudly announced the inaugural Violence Prevention Youth Summit, which was a student-led initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of youth violence in our community. Hosted by a cohort of students from Sumter County High School, Southland Academy, and Furlow Charter School, this summit sought to harness the passion, creativity, and determination of our youth to develop actionable solutions for a safer, more peaceful community.
Held on the campus of South Georgia Technical College gymnasium, the Youth Summit focused on creating awareness about the criminal justice process and providing exposure to various professions within Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice system.
The theme of the summit, “Cultivating Courageous Conversations,” underscores the importance of open dialogue and collaboration in addressing complex societal issues. Panelists for the teen panel discussion included representatives from Sumter County High School, Furlow Charter School, and Southland Academy, providing diverse perspectives and insights into the challenges and opportunities in violence prevention efforts.


Project Updates:

Peacebuilding Initiative set to Premiere as Follow Up to Youth Summit
The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, in partnership with Chattahoochee Flint RESA, Law Enforcement, Education, and Recreation Partners announces, “Community Dialogue for Peace with Youth at the Center” Kick-Off event on September 19 at The Event Center @ The Reverend Pearly Brown Music Park.
This next phase of the Reformation Project journey is sponsored by The Housing Authority of Americus Locally Owned Funding Program and presented by NewGen Peacebuilders, a nonprofit that’s trained and certified more than 10,000 young people.

Any high school student in Sumter County was able to apply to be part of this experience and there was no associated cost. This initiative was designed to welcome and include youth voices in conversations about local issues and generate peace project ideas that can be implemented in Sumter County.
With the continued support of Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant and Americus Police Chief Mark Scott, the Greater Sumter County Partners will convene a dynamic group of some 65 stakeholders, students, business and community leaders.

Here was the Planned Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 19: Kick-Off Event where high school students and adults come together to build relationships and understand drivers of conflict and violence
Wednesday, Oct. 15: ADULT participants attended a one-day training on frameworks and tools for positive peacebuilding
Thursday, Oct. 16: STUDENT participants attended a one-day training on frameworks and tools for positive peacebuilding
Tuesday, Oct. 29: Facilitated dialogue to build common ground, imagine the future, and create peace project ideas presentation & celebration
Friday, Nov. 15: Culminating Event, The 6th Annual Jubilee Symposium at GSW Storm Dome with High School Students from across the region. Featured keynote speaker, Malcolm Mitchell, former NFL player and children books author to speak about the issues occurring within the community.


One Sumter and Community Partners to Host 6th Annual Jubilee International Peace Symposium!

Americus, GA – November 4, 2024 – The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, in partnership with NewGen Peacebuilders, Chattahoochee Flint RESA, law enforcement, local schools, and the Housing Authority of Americus, hosted the 6th Annual Jubilee International Peace Symposium on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Georgia Southwestern State University’s Storm Dome.

This year’s symposium is a landmark event, serving as the capstone of the ongoing Community Dialogue for Peace with Youth at the Center initiative. Designed to bring community members together and empower the voices of Sumter County’s youth, the symposium will feature a dynamic program focused on literacy, peacebuilding, and community unity.
The event will open with keynote speaker Malcolm Mitchell, Super Bowl Champion, author, and Founder/CEO of the Share the Magic Foundation, followed by an impactful presentation by Patricia Shafer, Executive Director of NewGen Peacebuilders. The program will include a hands-on workshop facilitated by NewGen, encouraging students and community leaders to collaboratively envision peace initiatives that bridge literacy and community development.

Carlyle Walton, CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, expressed his support: “One Sumter’s commitment to be the catalyst and community convener to address violence and develop actionable community-based solutions, is one of the many reasons I am honored to call Sumter County my home.”

One Sumter is inviting the community, especially high school students, to attend the symposium’s morning session from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with an invitation-only afternoon session designed for student and community leaders to further explore peace-driven projects. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3YLsHFE For more information, please contact Tammye Pettyjohn Jones at Tammye@onesumter.org or (229) 924-3042.

The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded to enhance and support economic development activity in Sumter County. One Sumter invests in four key priority areas identified within the GROW 2029 Strategic Plan: 1) Collaborative Leadership, 2) Vibrant & Safe Community, 3) In-Demand Workforce, and 4) Effective Communications. One Sumter has been dedicated to serving as a catalyst for change and growth across Sumter County over the last decade.


Thriving Communities Convening

The U.S. Department of Transportation to partake in a National Program, Thriving Communities Cohort #2 selected fifty-one communities in Georgia including Sumter County to partake in this event.

At this event, participants were able to voice their experiences and expertise from varying communities. It was aimed at connecting these communities with technical tools and resources that are needed to advance their transformative infrastructure projects, identify equitable project solutions, as well as help with many community aspects such as engagement strategies, wealth building support, help lower pollution, and improve the community’s overall health outcomes.

This project was a two-day event that took place with the Sumter County Schools. Ignite College & Career Academy needed for students’ transportation to the Work-Based Learning Program and movement between the SGTC and GSW campuses for career instruction from staff members.

This project is an inhibition to the general expansion as well as operation of Ignite CCA. There are many employers who are heavily interested in this as Ignite Students could be interns, however, as of right now there is a transportation barrier.

The Department of Transportation Thriving Community Convening had a meeting in Washington, D.C. where nearly 200 participants took part in award ceremonies and Capacity Builders who were assigned to provide Technical Assistance.

The key focus surrounding this meeting was on Transportation and Housing Catalyzing Opportunities, Rural Partners Network, as well as resources from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, US Department of Health and Human Services, along with other federal agencies.

There were many presentations, including one from Secretary Pete Buttigieg from the Department of Transportation and Under Secretary for Rural Development, USDA. The common mantra is “Putting People over Paperwork.” Pics of both leaders are enclosed.

There were certain models that will be shared within the community stakeholders in Sumter County. This event was an amazing experience as it will benefit the community very much.


Some general info

One Sumter Launches Donor Engagement Strategy; Hires New Director

November 26, 2024 – Americus, GA
The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce a new emphasis on donor engagement and relationship management as the organization enters its second decade. Recognizing the need to dedicate full-time staff to guide the foundation’s evolution into a stronger, more purposeful nonprofit, the Board announces Colton Mims as One Sumter’s new Director of Donor Relations.

With a relationship-based business background with William Bailey State Farm and Thryv, Mims brings expertise built upon a hands-on approach to cultivating donor and investor relationships, which will be essential to One Sumter’s long-term sustainability.

One Sumter Chair Alex Saratsiotis explains the foundation’s new approach, “Over the course of three successful capital campaigns with One Sumter, we have realized the key to our ongoing success will be to improve the ongoing relationships we have with our existing investors—and, the opportunity to grow our own throughout the five-year life cycle of GROW 2029, not just at the end of the five years. The communications, outreach and accountability to investors need to be a part of our daily business model. We believe Colton can do that.”

Throughout Mims’ career, he has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of the people and businesses he serves. His approach has consistently centered on building trust and offering genuine, lasting solutions—qualities that One Sumter is hoping will enhance his efforts in strengthening donor relations for the organization.

Saratsiotis continues, “Colton is going to be a great addition to our team. We are excited about taking the next step for One Sumter’s long-term success, and we believe Colton is the right person to guide us in that direction. It’s the piece we’ve known we’ve needed for some time, and making sure we are accountable to the needs and expectations of our donors is most important as we continue to address Sumter County’s economic, community, and workforce development priorities.”

Mims shares Saratsiotis’ enthusiasm for the opportunity to grow the organization, and in turn, its impact. Mims shares, “With One Sumter having a proven track-record of shaping a future where economic opportunity uplifts every member of our community, I am wholeheartedly focused on strengthening connections across Sumter County and beyond.”

Joining the One Sumter team on November 18, Mims will work in direct coordination with the Board of Directors and One Sumter’s Director of Programs Tammye Pettyjohn Jones. The new focus area will allow One Sumter’s staff to streamline efforts to create a more effective approach to both its critical work in the community and its ability to facilitate quality, meaningful relationships with those who make the work possible—the donors.

Mims concludes, “My goal is to provide meaningful ways for citizens and businesses to support One Sumter’s mission, with a commitment to unwavering stewardship.”

For more information about the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, please visit www.onesumter.org or contact them directly at 229.924.3042.


Pineland Broadband Update

The broadband project in Sumter County, led by Pineland, is making significant strides towards completion. Currently, only a few areas remain for construction and splicing to finalize the ring around Sumter County. Notably, distribution construction is progressing in the Upper River Road area, with multiple crews dedicated to the project. Over 44 miles of distribution have already been completed, with active service requests now open in the Upper River Road area. Additionally, hut construction is finished in the Desoto and Southwest service areas, adding to the operational offices alongside the Upper River Road and Northeast sites. With a focused effort on Sumter County, Pineland aims to reach a target of 25 miles of fiber construction per month. Efforts to streamline operations between the construction and engineering companies are underway, with expectations of increased production. These advancements are anticipated to accelerate progress, potentially leading to a substantial increase in monthly reimbursements. The project remains on track for completion by Thanksgiving 2025.