Local YMCA makes a splash with new facility in Monroe

The construction of a new Y in Monroe emerged from a need for aquatics in Walton County. Swimming is fun, and swim lessons save lives. “Eighty-eight percent of childhood drownings occur with an adult present,” said Angie Putman, CEO of the YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont, citing a statistic from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.

Angie and the leadership of the Y knew they had to make sure the fundraising was successful and transparent, which is one reason they asked Synovus Market President Meredith Malcom to join the board. Meredith quickly reached out to the connections she’d built over a quarter-century serving Walton County, inviting them to be part of this landmark resource for community health and wellness. With her guidance, the local Synovus branch set up a dedicated account for donations, even structuring it to allow more of the total funds to be insured by the FDIC (a strategy known as an insured cash sweep).

When the time came to begin construction, including pools for both swimming and therapy, the board put the loan business out for bid. “Synovus came back with the best loan structure and the most competitive rate,” said Angie, who’s looking forward to the difference the new facility will make in the health of the Y’s  members and their families. “Synovus has helped us fulfill our mission as a community connector. We’ve been very pleased with this partnership.”