DeSoto County Economic Development Summit Highlights How Technology Is Helping Shape DeSoto Countys Future

Editor's Note: Because those who need digital access the most may not be online to read this, we need your help to bridge the gap. If you know a neighbor, friend, or family member in DeSoto County who needs help getting affordable internet, a computer, or digital skills training, please click here and share these free Digital Navigator resources with them. Together, we can ensure everyone in our community stays connected.

DeSoto County Economic Development Manager Sondra Guffey and her team hosted their annual Economic Development Summit on March 26, 2026. Attended by over 60 participants and vendor representatives, the Summit focused on the efforts underway to advance entrepreneurship in DeSoto County, advancements in technology, and updates on new development planned for the future.

The Patterson Foundation's Digital Access for All team provided important information on digital access and digital navigator opportunities for businesses and residents throughout the community. The Arcadia City Manager, Beth Carsten, provided important updates about road construction projects that have impacted internet connections to local businesses and residents. She shared updates on projected completion dates for fiber network advancements and planning efforts to support continued progress within the City of Arcadia.   

Peter Justen, Founder & CEO of AmeriTrust Solutions, a presenter at the Summit, provided attendees with an example of how technology can improve outdated systems. Through a personal process of attempting to help his mother complete Medicaid forms, Peter recognized that the application had over 360 questions and had not been refreshed in decades, or was not utilizing any new technology options. He used an innovative technology process to reimagine Medicaid applications and public benefits access, helping millions of Americans apply for Medicaid.  What should have been an easy upfront process turned into a four-month agonizing ordeal for his mother, adding to frustration, fear of loss of services, and stress around whether her application was complete and what process it was in. He realized the problem wasn't her eligibility; it was the process.

From this experience, he set out to transform the Medicaid application process by leveraging technology and streamlining data connectivity. He identified that caseworkers were spending 70% of their time on paperwork instead of helping people. And that manual verification created billions in improper payments annually.

Peter's changes to the system established a human-centered approach to technology — one that prioritizes data verification, drives continuous improvement through measurement and analysis, and leverages cross-agency partnerships to implement, optimize, and achieve shared goals.

As DeSoto County continues its journey toward upgraded broadband access and technology, the Economic Development Department continues to find ways to share the future potential of its community and expand opportunities.