Driving around the Lowndes County area residents see businesses open, move and close down from time to time. The following is a list of businesses that have recently opened, closed, moved or are looking to open soon in the Lowndes County area.

It has been a pleasure to get to meet all of these new business owners and help keep the public informed, but I’m sad to say this will be the last Business Drive I will be writing for all of you.

Fret not though, there are plans in place for another reporter to pick up the mantle and continue the column.

I wish you all well and remember to celebrate and support local businesses. The entrepreneurs that put in the hours and the effort to bring something new and fresh is what makes Valdosta the city it is.

VALDOSTA

• C A Marketing Group is an online business, opened March 1. Office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m Monday through Friday. Contact: www.camarketinggroup.com. The business provides strategic marketing and public-relation support for businesses. This includes social media campaigns and public relations work.

• Hargray, does not have a physical location in Valdosta yet, turned on its Valdosta network March 24. This will activate service for the first customers in the area that are a part of the Hargray network. Hargray offers internet, digital television and phone. Contact: www.hargray.com/contact-us/

• You Pay It 4Ward and Associates opened March 14; it is located inside Shared Office Space, 100 N. Patterson St., Suite J. It is open 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: (229) 588-8845. It provides health and life insurance that provides life, dental and vision. And offers educational health seminars.

• Pro Janitorial Services does not have a physical address, opened March 13. Contact: (229) 375-5533. It is a mobile janitorial service.

• Oak Dollar Plus, 410 N. Oak St., opened March 15. 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., seven days a week. Contact: (229) 469-7861. The business is a locally owned dollar store with a variety of household items.

• Lowe Electric Supply, 915 Marion St., opened March 13. It is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: (229) 242-1755. It is an electrical wholesale distribution business.

• Matt’s Elite Fitness, 4333 Bemiss Road, Lot 5, is set to open April 1. Contact: (229) 415-0363. The business is a fitness studio.

Jason A. Smith is The Valdosta Daily Times business reporter. If you have a business tip, email daniel.demersseman@gaflnews.com.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.