VALDOSTA —
While experts initially predicted a quick recovery from the economic downturn, and many locally insisted that Valdosta was recession-proof, events in recent years have shown that not to be the case.
This region has suffered as much as any in the country with job losses, closed businesses, lack of industry growth and the disappointing housing market. Foreclosures remain high, new home sales remain low, and the expected recovery hasn’t yet materialized.
Speakers Thursday at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce breakfast shared their insight into the current and future economic landscapes, most of which centered on issues overseas and with oil prices. Hitting closer to home with a valid concern was a local VSU professor, who rightly assessed the need to help protect the thousands of jobs at Moody AFB in light of Congressional talk of budget cuts and another round of base closures.
While growth has come in spurts to the area, it’s not been sustained and has not produced the volume of jobs needed to offset the losses. But that doesn’t mean the outlook is all doom and gloom. The region still has some very strong industry segments which are growing, albeit slowly, and there are signs that a recovery may not be far away.
Optimism tinged with realism is perhaps the best way to approach the immediate future, but the days of high growth and low unemployment may not return for some time.
What We Think
Optimistic realism
- What We Think
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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. -
Furloughs: They beat the alternative
As summer break nears, many area education boards have spent the final school days preparing faculty and staff for furloughs for the 2012-13 calendar.
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.
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A few thoughts for new graduates
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Video helps veterans
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. - More What We Think Headlines
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
