Sumter County Development Authority hosts second ‘Fields and Feathers’ event

AMERICUS — Officials with the Sumter County Development Authority said the second “Fields and Feathers” event they hosted last week was a success.

The event, which took place from Nov. 27-28, was meant to showcase Sumter County’s community and potential economic development opportunities. Officials said it was attended by statewide executives from Delta, UPS, Electric Cities of Georgia, Georgia Power and Georgia EMC, as well as a select number of potential prospects.

During the two-day event, Fields and Feathers toured guests around the Americus downtown district and industrial park. It also provided access to privately owned hunting plantations in the county. On Nov. 27, attendees took part in a skeet shoot and wild game supper at Skeca Plantation, hosted by Development Authority Chair Paul Hall.

Chris Clark, executive director of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the group on behalf of the Georgia Chamber and Georgia Allies.

“I want to applaud the Sumter County Development Authority for hosting statewide developers at their second Fields and Feathers,” Clark said in his speech. “Americus has so much to offer, so many opportunities and great leadership. Combined with a world-class technical college and university the future is bright and telling your story and building new partnerships is vital for your success.”

On Nov. 28, four quail hunts were planned at private plantations hosted by community leaders, and then the entire group participated in a pheasant shoot. The guests ended their day at Thirteenth Colony Distilleries, where they sipped on south Georgia libations, listened to music by the Plucktones, tasted a fish fry by celebrity chef Leon Gatewood/Cousins Catering and received hospitality at the Windsor Hotel.

“Businesses, developers and corporate projects are attracted to our area because of our supportive, diverse community, and our beautiful land and lakes. We are also a thriving college town, thanks to being home to Georgia Southwestern University and South Georgia Tech (College),” Development Authority Executive Director Barbara Grogan said. “Our Fields and Feathers event allows potential prospects and statewide influencers a two-day immersion, allowing them to see an intimate view of Sumter County’s amazing industrial site opportunities, meet our local successful entrepreneurs and get a taste of our strong sense of community.”

The Development Authority was established in 1962 to enhance the economic environment of Sumter County through the growth of the private sector. It actively works with existing and prospective businesses considering the county as their location for growing and creating jobs.

“I would like to congratulate the Sumter County team on an outstanding Fields & Feathers event. Everything was well done, well organized and world class,” Jim Lovett, regional project manager with Georgia Power and one of this year’s participants, said. “What makes the event really special is the teamwork and participation from local officials, the education community, and the private sector. Sumter County is truly open for business.”

For more information on the Authority, visit www.sumtercountychamber.com.

File Photo