AMERICUS —  Ahead of schedule, Eaton Corporation fulfilled its pledged commitment to One Sumter in July, thanking the economic development foundation for its efforts to support economic growth and workforce development in Americus and Sumter County. Dwight Jones, plant manager, met with members of the One Sumter board of directors for the formal check presentation and expression of appreciation for their commitment to the company.
Indicating the hope for future partnership, Jones thanked the board for their support in the Eaton Road project, spearheaded by the Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority, which will increase both access to the plant facility and ensure the safety of its workforce should an emergency situation arise. The $631,000 road project is the epitome of the public sector’s response to support the viability of private industry in Sumter County. With funding assistance from the One Georgia Authority, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Sumter County Board of Commissioners, City of Americus, and the Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority, the project represents the results of all community partners working together for the betterment of Sumter County’s employment base — the heart of the work of One Sumter.
Jones and his team have been intimately involved and committed to the ongoing college and career academy initiative as a model program for workforce development, along with One Sumter, Sumter County Schools, and South Georgia Technical College. Lisa Durst of Eaton’s Contributions Committee indicates the company’s appreciation for One Sumter’s efforts, stating “[We are] so glad our company supports our communities this way!”
One Sumter is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the economic development efforts of Sumter County through four key focus areas:  1) economic development, 2) workforce development, 3) marketing & communications, and 4) transportation. A five-year capital campaign effort, One Sumter is supported by over 100 donors representing business and industry, educational institutions, local government, and the contributions of private individuals who have invested in the vision for future growth. Collections from investors are anticipated to continue through 2019.
For further information about One Sumter or how you might get involved, contact Mary Beth Bass, executive director, at 229.815.1669 or at marybeth@onesumter.org.