Industrial Development Authority

The purpose of the IDA is "to provide for the economic development of Sumter County, to develop and promote for the public good and general welfare infrastructure, trade, commerce, business, industry, research, training support services, eleemosynary institutions and employment opportunities and promote the general welfare of this State

"by creating a climate favorable to the location of new industry, trade, business, commerce, research, training support services and eleemosynary institutions and the development of existing industry, trade, business, commerce, research, training support services and eleemosynary institutions within Sumter County. The object of the Authority shall be set out at all times in the Act of the Georgia General Assembly creating such Authority and can be amended only by an amendment to said Act."

The Sumter County IDA is comprised of Sumter County Commissioners, Brent Williams, Al Hurley and Bill Bowen; Americus City Councilmembers, Mayor Barry Blount, Eloise Paschal and Lou Chase; PDA members, Paul Hall, Juanita Wilson and Mike Donnelly. IDA members elected Blount as IDA chairperson, Donnelly as vice chairperson, Hall as treasurer and Paschal as secretary. For the time being, Garriga will serve dual roles as president of the Chamber and president of IDA. IDA members said the position of IDA president will eventually have to be filled by a person that will solely concentrate on the objectives of IDA.     

The Industrial Development Authority meets quarterly.