Over 22 existing industries in Valdosta-Lowndes County attended a panel discussion luncheon featuring local government leaders from the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County.  Lowndes County Board of Commission Chairman, Bill Slaughter, County Manager Joe Pritchard, City of Valdosta Mayor, John Gayle and City Manager Larry Hanson served on the panel.
 
Two main topics discussed were local transportation in the city and county and workforce.  Both city and county officials provided updates on the Georgia Department of Transportation transportation improvements that are currently happening and future improvements that will impact the industries.
 
Joe Pritchard, county manager mentioned the Lowndes County Employees Wellness Program and how it could be a model for existing industries to take care of current and future workforce. “If we can partner or collaborate with the annual health expo the county holds with our existing industries; not only does it benefit our employees but can benefit the existing industries employees that participate as well,” said Pritchard.
 
Mayor Gayle spoke on the Great Promise Partnership and how the city is currently mentoring 13 youth from Valdosta City Schools, offering these young people up to two years of employment, job training, and income as incentives to completing high school. “Valdosta was one of the first two communities in the state to participate in the GPP, and we encourage local businesses and organizations to support and get involved with this program—for the betterment of our youth, our workforce and our community,” said Gayle.
 
Updates were also given on the Wastewater Treatment Plant, zoning and land use ordinances and Valdosta’s low crime rate.
 
The Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority hosted the luncheon as part of its Business Retention Action Team program. “We had over 40 people from our existing industries attended the luncheon, which is big. Local industries are an essential part of what makes Valdosta-Lowndes County successful, we are glad they do business here,” said Stan Crance, VLDA Project Manager/Existing Industry Coordinator.
 
Tom Call, Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority board chairman served as moderator of the panel discussion.