Georgia's Lowndes County, with its seven industrial parks, has a perfect fit for almost any industry. That's because each park features unique attributes, from rail services for plastics and manufacturing, to parks situated near Interstate 75 for distribution and service industries.

One key to Lowndes County economic success is its Industrial Authority. Their commitment to existing industries is as strong as to new industries. The Industrial Authority is especially pleased that this south Georgia business hub has maintained low unemployment. We were fortunate not to have experienced the economic downturn on a level like much of the nation in the past few years. Much of the credit goes to the Authority's dedication to diversity. Tourism, retail, and industrial all have equal roles in the Lowndes County economy.

Credit also goes to the Lake Park Area Chamber of Commerce, a vibrant partner with the Industrial Authority. Together they strive to promote economic development in the greater Lake Park area, with the Chamber providing information about tourism, relocation, and business resources.

Prime among Chamber goals is the creation of a positive business environment. To that end it assists entrepreneurs with their operating plans as well as their property and business locations.

Technical assistance is also available so that new and existing companies can expand. The Lake Park Area Chamber of Commerce supports community beautification efforts, provides seminars, and one-on-one mentoring to address local business needs.

Despite that Lowndes County is one of Georgia's newest metropolitan areas, its amenities mirror that of much larger urban centers. from the symphony, theaters, and art galleries, to athletics and theme parks, the regions sophisticated quality of life beckons the creative and enterprising. An area highlight is Wild Adventures Theme park, one of the fastest growing parks in the nation.

Moody Air Force Base in north Lowndes County also attracts an educated, devoted, economic base. So too does Valdosta State University with its 10,000 student enrollment. Valdosta Technical College and Georgia Military College are icing on the county's first rate educational cake.

The Lake Park Chamber works closely with Valdosta State University and Technical College to provide training in customer service and hospitality from front line personnel. An especially popular offering is the Chambers "marketing-on-a-shoestring-budget" classes that help local businesses manage cash flow as they establish and build their brand.

Obviously, through the partnership of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority and the Lake Park Area Chamber of Commerce, the region is primed like a well oiled economic machine.

While the area's residents and visitors are enjoying south Georgia's climate and the amenities of a metro area that provides a solid and educated base, the Authority and Chamber are taking care of business: providing a vital economic force to attract and advise new businesses. That in turn can only attract more amenities.

So if there is a perfect fit, Lake Park, Valdosta, and Lowndes is it.