Advocating for businesses at the local, state, and national levels is a key priority of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Government Affairs Council develops its legislative agenda based on issues and concerns facing local businesses. 

On Feb. 2, members of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council met with the local delegation at the State Capitol to review this year’s agenda, which includes support for the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday, economic incentives for knowledge-based businesses, education, and funds for the arts.

“It is important for the Chamber to maintain open lines of communication between the business community and state legislators,” said Michael Lee, Chamber Chairman of the Board. “It is our responsibility to bring issues that are important to our business community to the state and federal legislators.”

At the top of this year’s legislative agenda is the continuation of the back-to-school tax-free holiday. 

“We will continue to keep our legislators informed of the economic importance of the tax-free holiday,” said Brad Folsom, Chair of the Government Affairs Council. “The tax-free holiday came about from a committee of the Chamber and was brought before the legislators by former Senator Tim Golden and Representative Ron Borders and remains important to our local retailers.”

The tax-free holiday allows families to prepare their children to return to school with computers, school supplies, and clothing.

The Chamber recognizes that the benefits of the tax-free holiday might not have the same economic impact within other metro areas; however, it provides a substantial revenue boost for retailers in Valdosta and Lowndes County, which draws customers from 15 South Georgia counties.

Helping knowledge-based businesses grow and succeed is a high priority of the Chamber. Established by the Georgia Assembly in 2013, Invest Georgia was launched to improve success opportunities for businesses incubation and growth in the state. The fund would provide access to venture capital, which is an important form of financing for technology companies and other knowledge-based businesses.

“We will continue to work with our local legislators and others to get funding for Invest Georgia,” said Folsom. “We think it can be helpful to South Georgia, especially in growing technology businesses already here and attracting others.”

The Chamber’s focus to develop a small-business incubator plays a pivotal role in supporting Invest Georgia and other avenues that provide financial assistance to encourage entrepreneurs to develop technology-based businesses in South Georgia. 

“Georgia invests millions in start-up every year through the ATCD (Advanced Technology Development Center) and incubators throughout the state, and then when these businesses need second-stage growth financing they often move to other states that provide venture capital funds,” said Chamber President Myrna Ballard. “Invest Georgia is crucial to transforming the economy, particularly in South Georgia, with knowledge-based businesses.”

Supporting primary, secondary, and postsecondary education initiatives that work to improve academic success, especially as it relates to workforce development, remains a high priority of the Chamber.

In 2015, the Opportunity School District (OSD) was approved by the General Assembly and requires a majority approval by Georgia voters in the 2016 general election. 

The Chamber will sponsor a forum in late summer to discuss the merits and concerns of the OSD and its impact on Georgia’s public schools.

“We want everyone to hear both sides of the issue and make an informed decision when they have the opportunity to vote in November,” said Folsom.  “Members of the community will have an opportunity to hear the facts on the issue and then voice their concerns or support.”

Folsom said the Government Affairs Council is encouraging the local delegation to invest in the arts as a viable economic strategy for Valdosta and Lowndes County. The Chamber is requesting a minimum of $10,000 allocated to the Turner Center for the Arts.  

“The Chamber is convinced the arts are a viable economic strategy for our community,” said Ballard. “The Turner Center for the Arts, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and theater productions both in the community and Valdosta State University make it clear that this can be a generator of economic development and quality of life.”

Folsom stated that the Government Affairs Council meets throughout the year to discuss upcoming issues that impact Chamber members and the overall business community. Also, the council monitors initiatives within the local government and provides support and resources that will positively benefit business growth and a strong economy.

In regards to the possible development of an inland port or related facility, the Chamber supports the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority and local governments as they move forward in completing their due diligence to determine the feasibility of this project.