VALDOSTA — Following the exciting announcement in recent weeks that Valdosta State University is getting the funds needed to finally build the Health Sciences Center, Gov. Nathan Deal is coming to town to help the community celebrate.

Sponsored by PCA, co-hosted by the Chamber, Breakfast with the Governor is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25 at VSU’s University Center Magnolia Room. Chamber members pay $25 for registration and all others are $40.

In addition to Deal, all the members of our local legislative delegation will be present — Reps. Amy Carter, Ellis Black, and Jason Shaw, and Sen. Tim Golden. By working together, they were able to secure the $32 million necessary for the building.

And what does this have to do with business, some of you may be asking? Well, in terms of economic development, this is the biggest project that has come our way in years and it will have an impact for decades. By building this center, VSU can expand its programs in the medical field, especially in nursing which has a critical shortage right now. In addition, by partnering with SGMC, the community will hopefully see a residency program for physicians starting in the coming years. The hospital has been working with all the others in the region to qualify for the program through the Medical College of Georgia, and with a physician shortage also on the horizon, it will be a great way to attract talent here.

So yes, in terms of the benefits to business, this growth means jobs, housing, retail sales, and the retaining and attraction of quality professionals to Valdosta. It’s the kind of project that this community needs.

If you are interested in meeting Gov. Deal and hearing about the recent legislative session, call the Chamber and reserve your seat soon.



Belk Charity Sale this weekend

A number of charitable organizations around the community are selling tickets to the Belk Charity Sale Saturday. The organizations get to keep the $5 and you get to shop at the store from 6 to 10 a.m. and receive special discounts throughout the store, along with other perks. Tickets are also available at Belk. It’s a great way to help charities and get some retail therapy at the same time!



Business Roundup

Southwest Georgia Bank is holding its ribbon cutting and grand opening for the new branch on Baytree this week on Friday.

The new Fred’s on Bemiss is officially opening this Saturday. The store has gone up in a hurry and judging by the number of inquiries I’ve gotten about it, will be a welcome addition in that area.

A new children’s boutique and consignment store is now open in Remerton. The shop on Plum St. is called Twirls of Sugarplums, and they consign clothes from newborn to size 14 for boys and girls, and also offer new boutique items as well, along with a number of other unique accessories.

Also in Remerton is the new Frankie’s Salon, located at Baytree Place where Susie Q’s used to be. She opened just this past week.

The Family Dollar on N. Ashley in the Castle Park area is getting ready for a major remodeling.

In Lake Park, the folks from Lin Garden restaurant on Lakes Blvd. are renovating the Sonic there and it will be called the Lin Hibachi.

Also in Lake Park, the KC’s Junk in the Trunk Thrift Shop has moved next door to where they were on Lakes Blvd. to get more space for the growing business and a grand opening celebration was held yesterday.

On the opposite side of the county in Hahira, the new Rabbit Moon Yarn shop is now open. The new store in downtown Hahira offers a variety of items and yarns for your knitting and crafting pleasure.

In Valdosta, there is a new insurance agency that has opened recently on Northside Drive. It’s called American General and Chance Chaney is the manager.

On N. Valdosta Highway, the new owners of the former Charlie Trippers restaurant are hard at work on the new Southern Landing restaurant, which they expect to open by the end of April.

And the new AgriSupply on Highway 84 is holding its big grand opening celebration on April 27 and 28, with Ag Commissioner Gary Black speaking on Saturday.

That’s all I have for this week, but if there’s something I missed, please let me know!