Naysayers have predicted a steady decline of the manufacturing segment of the nation’s economy for years. Outsourcing overseas, downsizing, and consolidations have all hit locally with several major industries closing in the last decade.
On the positive side for our community, there has also been an increase in a number of manufacturing segments, which has helped to keep the local economy churning along despite the economic slowdown.
As more corporations realize that keeping manufacturing close to its markets makes far more sense than outsourcing it far away, this segment is holding its own and is not extinct. Far from it.
Though the fortunes of manufacturers in Lowndes County have ebbed and flowed in recent years, the future for this segment is still as strong and vital as ever. It’s heartening to see the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce step up to support manufacturers and the work they do for our community.
Today, the Chamber is hosting its annual Salute to Manufacturers Early Bird Breakfast at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
Nominees for the title of Manufacturer of the Year will be celebrated and a winner declared. However, with the attention the Chamber, the Industrial Authority, city and county governments are all paying to assisting manufacturers and helping to keep them alive and well in our community, manufacturers located here are all winners.
Valdosta-Lowndes County has a strong history of being pro-business and nowhere is this more evident than in the relationship between the community leadership and local businesses. The support for area industries and manufacturers is the reason why so many choose to locate here. And why so many have chosen to expand and stay here rather than relocate elsewhere.
To all the area manufacturers, thank you for all you do to provide employment opportunities and for being good community partners. The Times joins the Chamber in a heartfelt Salute!
What We Think
What We Think: Manufacturing recognized
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
