Daniel DeMersseman | The Valdosta Daily TimesHoward Dasher, Central Valdosta Development Authority chair, Ellen Hill, Valdosta Main Street director, Betty Morgan, vice president for business development, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Mayor John Gayle, Missy Smith, Valdosta Main Street coordinator, Angela Crance, CVDA board member, and Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson gather for National Small Business Week.

VALDOSTA — Mayor John Gayle signed a proclamation recognizing the week of April 30 through May 6 as National Small Business Week at Valdosta City Hall.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our nation’s promise,” Gayle said Monday.

“Valdosta-Lowndes County has about 5,421 businesses and about 93 percent of those have less than 100 employees,” said Betty Morgan, vice president for business development, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.

“When we support small business, jobs are created and local communities preserve their unique culture,” Gayle said.