Welcome to the Messy Middle
In Episode 47 of The Town Square Podcast, co-hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Ted Cummings, the Chairman of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and the President and CEO of Onyx Media. This powerful and insightful episode peels back the layers of what it means to lead in a community that is still defining who it is and where it wants to go. Ted brings passion, purpose, and perspective as a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for public education, small businesses, and strategic development.
But perhaps the quote that captures the essence of this entire conversation comes near the end:
“Newton County needs to decide what the hell it wants to be when it grows up. It doesn’t have an identity.” – Ted Cummings
From economic development to AV wizardry, public education to farming Jamaican produce in Georgia soil, Ted’s story is nothing short of remarkable. And his love for this county is clear.
From Kingston to Covington: Ted Cummings’ Journey
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised partly in New York, Ted Cummings made his way to Newton County nearly 20 years ago. What began as a convenient bedroom community soon became the place where he would plant deep roots, grow his business, raise a family, and lead significant change.
His company, Onyx Media, started reluctantly at the encouragement of Coca-Cola after a corporate contract fallout. But what began as a freelance gig turned into a full-fledged AV and media powerhouse. Today, Onyx services major corporate clients like Volkswagen, Coca-Cola, and Eli Lilly, handles high-end trade shows and automotive prep, and even builds out command and control centers for the Department of Defense.
Leading with Innovation
Ted shared remarkable stories of quick-turnaround AV setups with military-grade precision, and of his methodical, excellence-driven leadership style. One story that stood out was the 3-hour setup for Eli Lilly’s East Regional Awards event at World of Coca-Cola. With only hours to prepare, Ted and his team flawlessly executed a setup involving two semi-trucks worth of AV and lighting equipment. His principle? Redundancy and preparation—if something fails, the audience should never know.
Ted doesn’t just do events. He transforms them.
The Vision for Newton County
While Ted’s business accomplishments are extensive, what makes him a standout guest is his heart for the Newton County community. As Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, he’s led the organization toward a more member-centric structure—one that is not just about paying dues, but about participating and leading. Much like a thriving church, Ted says, a chamber works best when its members are up front, involved, and invested.
Under his leadership, the Chamber has adopted a strategic plan with two clear priorities:
- Public Education Advocacy: Not to take over the school system, but to be its champion. Ted wants businesses to highlight and support the good happening in local public schools.
- Community-Centered Collaboration and Growth: Ted believes that a strong, connected, and vibrant community fuels business success. If Newton County thrives, so will its businesses.
Busting the East Side / West Side Divide
One of Ted’s most poignant observations is the long-standing divide in Newton County between East and West. He calls it out with clarity:
“What are we, LA? East side? West side? It’s Newton County. That division has to stop.”
Having lived on both sides of the county, Ted sees firsthand the different experiences, development levels, and biases. But he insists it doesn’t have to be that way. With courageous leadership, unity-focused decision-making, and a commitment to equity, Newton County can rise above the division and find its identity.
Education and Workforce Pipeline
Ted is passionate about the role public schools play in economic development. He lauds Newton County’s school system for the opportunities it provides and the close-knit community that surrounds it. He has served on multiple boards, including the Career Academy, and was PTO president at the STEM Academy.
He supports the upcoming workforce framework being developed by the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, Newton County Schools, and the IDA. This initiative will create clear, effective pipelines from the classroom to the career field. As he puts it, internships and real-world exposure are essential:
“We can show kids other career options. Just carrying tape and pushing gear at our company starts at $25/hour.”
On Small Businesses and Economic Growth
Ted also emphasizes how small businesses need to support one another. Instead of chasing the elusive “big contract,” local businesses should partner together, keep their dollars local, and build sustaining relationships.
“There’s more money on the small level. Small businesses need to do business with each other.”
He wants the Chamber to become more accessible, active in every corner of the county, and an essential resource for both large industries and mom-and-pop shops.
On Identity: The Sweet Magnolia Vision
When asked how he would define Newton County’s identity, Ted didn’t hesitate:
“Sweet Magnolia. We need that friendly, Southern hometown feel. Yes, we’ll grow. But we should stay welcoming, accessible, and proud of what makes us unique.”
He warns against letting outside influences reshape Newton without respect for its roots. Development is not the enemy, but growth must be intentional, not reactive.
“People and companies are coming here because of that small-town charm. Not to change it.”
Final Challenge to the Community
In true Ted Cummings style, he didn’t hold back at the end:
“My challenge to Newton County? Decide what the hell you want to be when you grow up.”
“Stop trying to be everything to everybody. All money ain’t good money.”
“And stop electing leaders who are only worried about re-election. Elect people with courage.”
This episode is a clarion call to civic leaders, business owners, and residents: let’s do the work of defining and shaping our identity before it gets shaped for us.
Important Links from This Episode
· Onyx Media Group: https://onyxmsgroup.com
· The Town Square Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com
· Donate to Support the Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/donate
A Big Thank You to Our Sponsor
This episode is made possible in part by our community sponsor:
Angel Pitts, United Bank Wealth Management Advisor
Serving Covington & Madison, GA
Phone: 770-412-4932
Website: https://www.accessunited.com
United Bank Wealth Management Services – Building relationships that go beyond investments.
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Until next time, let’s keep it between the ditches.
