Community leaders and business partners across Lowndes County gathered on Thursday to celebrate the progress of the One Valdosta-Lowndes (OVL) Foundation’s Synergy 2030 Strategic Plan.

The event, which kicked off OVL’s capital campaign, highlighted the organization’s vision for driving economic development in the region and provided an update on the funds raised thus far to support its initiatives.

The evening began with a social hour, during which local stakeholders discussed the importance of regional collaboration. Afterward, attendees came together for the official program, during which One Valdosta-Lowndes leaders and early investors shared a vision for the future of economic growth in the area.

The One Valdosta-Lowndes Foundation was established in 2023 as a public-private partnership aimed at fostering growth and prosperity for Lowndes County. This collaborative initiative brought together business, education, and government leaders to create and implement a plan for the county’s economic development. The Synergy 2030 Strategic Plan is a roadmap for this mission, setting specific goals to drive progress over the next several years.

Some of the key goals outlined during the event include the establishment of a Regional College & Career Academy; addressing workforce housing, transportation, and childcare needs; and providing support for existing industries such as agriculture, Moody Air Force Base, and South Georgia Medical Center.

During the event, OVL Director Mary Beth Brownlee announced that OVL has already raised $2 million, or 58% of its $3.5 million goal for the capital campaign, which aims to be completed within the next five years. The organization plans to leverage these investments to create a significant economic impact, benefitting both businesses and residents in Lowndes County.

Several early investors took the stage to speak about the importance of One Valdosta-Lowndes and the positive changes the initiative is already bringing to the community. Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter addressed the importance of collaboration between city and county entities, emphasizing the improvements already underway and the greater potential for future success through continued cooperation.

“This is an effort where this community can stand up and talk with one voice,” Slaughter said. “One Valdosta Lowndes is the opportunity to make Lowndes County the best it can possibly be.”

Educational leaders also underscored the significance of the initiative. Lowndes County Schools Superintendent Sandra Wilcher and Valdosta City Schools Board Member Jason Deloach shared their insights on how OVL’s efforts can benefit education, fostering stronger ties between schools and the business community, and creating new opportunities for students.

“Lowndes County Schools and Valdosta City Schools have a very positive, collaborative, longstanding relationship,” Wilcher said. “We believe a platform like OVL gives us a community where our students can come here, be successful, and want to stay here — live here, work here, and raise children here.”

Citation:

Author: Caison Kirkland caison.kirkland@gaflnews.com
September 16, 2024
Title of Article: Community leaders and investors rally behind One Valdosta-Lowndes Synergy 2030 plan
https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/community-leaders-and-investors-rally-behind-one-valdosta-lowndes-synergy-2030-plan/article_d4f3ed9a-742b-11ef-a8a7-5f566fec4738.html