With the amount of new construction under way currently in Valdosta and Lowndes County, it’s safe to say that there will be a continued expansion of retail, hotel, restaurant, and housing options in the new year.

Chances are very good that this region will not see the slow down experienced in other areas of the country, as it’s a given that new school construction, the judicial complex and the jail expansion will continue as scheduled, and the influx of new Moody personnel will keep the housing market on a high note.

Making basic predictions for 2007 on the business front, realizing there are always variables, I think we’ll see the following in the coming year:

Regional growth. The entire South Georgia region is on an upswing, which shows no signs of slowing. As interest in the region continues going strong, we’ll see an increase in shared economic projects and more cooperation between the counties, as well as the continued revitalization of downtown areas in these smaller communities.

Retail growth. While we’ve seen a big spike in retail growth in 2006, I think we’ll see some smaller national chains commit in the coming year. I don’t know about the elusive Olive Garden, which seems to be at a growth standstill, but other national restaurant chains have been circling the market long enough, and something should shake loose soon.

Re-use. With the cost of land going up and the lack of open space in the highly desired commercial and retail centers, this year will see more land “re-use,” with older homes and older businesses in commercial corridors disappearing to make way for new projects. We’re already seeing this with part of the old Jolly Inn property and the old Holiday Inn, both being razed to make way for newer hotels.

Housing. Townhomes, garden homes and condominiums are beginning to take hold in the area. Often more geared toward senior citizens, this type of housing is also attractive to young professionals, and as building costs continue to rise, smarter use of available land and resources will make this type of housing more attractive for builders and buyers alike.

Construction. South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta State University and Moody Air Force Base all have announced plans for major, multi-million dollar projects beginning in 2007. The primary economic engines of the region, the growth of each will create jobs and stimulate the housing and retail markets.

Overall, Valdosta and Lowndes County is poised to continue on its strong growth curve through 2007, with the need for strategic planning by community leadership more essential than ever.



Business Roundup

Not much going on this week. I think everyone took the entire week off, including most construction crews, and little to no movement was seen pretty much anywhere I tried all week.

After the first of the year, however, expect to see the new hotels announcing their opening dates, the new car dealerships should be up and running soon, the new Macadoo’s on Baytree is only a week or two away from opening, and construction should resume in earnest on all of the of retail centers currently under way.

Have a safe and happy New Year!