Nominations open for The Sumter Item's 2022 Top 20 Under 40 contest

Nominations are now open for The Sumter Item's annual Top 20 Young Professionals Under 40 contest.

The 2022 contest and associated winners celebration event is a partnership between The Item, Young Professionals of Sumter and the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce that showcases Sumter's talent and workforce and the people who are leaders in their community, places of work, volunteering and entrepreneurial ventures.

"There are so many fantastic young leaders in our community, and this event is about recognizing all of their successes professionally, as well as in the community," said Vince Johnson, publisher of The Item. "This will be the fifth-annual Top 20 Under 40 held here in Sumter, and we are excited to showcase the bright future of Sumter to the entire community and give them the recognition that they deserve. Not only does this event allow for the public to nominate someone who is deserving, but the final magazine showcases individuals and gives the community a chance to 'meet' them."

Family members, friends and the community are encouraged to nominate and vote for the young professionals who are making a difference. Nominations are open through Aug. 11, and voting is then open Aug. 12-21. Someone only needs to be nominated once, and nominations should be approved within 24 hours. No subscription to The Item is necessary to nominate, be nominated, vote or win.

Nominees should make an impact in Sumter, Clarendon or Lee County and be under the age of 40 by Oct. 13.

"In the past, the winners have ranged from teachers to business executives and everything in between. This event helps us show that you can make an impact on your community regardless of your age and job title," Johnson said.

After voting ends, the top 20 winners will be revealed and recognized at an event on Oct. 13. More details will be announced as they are finalized, but the event is open to all community supporters. All winners, former winners, nominees and community members are encouraged to attend the reveal event. Winners will have been contacted ahead of time and given a free ticket.

Winners are decided based on community votes and a panel from the three partnering organizations.

Winners will also be recognized in the Top 20 Under 40 magazine produced by The Item and across our print, digital and social platforms. Copies of the magazine will first be available at the reveal event on Oct. 13.

Nominate today at https://www.theitem.com/20under40.