Valdosta Georgia: The Real Location Advantage W ith seven industrial parks, Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia has the perfect fit for almost any industry but especially for distribution. Each park has its own unique attributes, from rail served for plastics and manufacturing to parks situated near I-75 and just north of I-10 for distribution and service industries. Although the county has a relatively low unemployment level, it boasts a labor draw from seven surrounding counties, all of which depend on Valdosta-Lowndes County. As the regional hub of South Georgia, Valdosta-Lowndes County is the center for retail trade, entertainment, medical and transportation as well as employment.    The Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority recently completed a project with Lowe's Distribution Center, currently located in Azalea West Business Park. The company was faced with its existing facility quickly becoming too small for its needs. The Authority worked with Lowe's to secure additional acreage and a $750,000 OneGeorgia Edge grant for their expansion. Ken Garren, Executive Director of the Authority, states, "We take our commitment to our existing industries seriously. You are only a new industry for one day when you locate in Valdosta-Lowndes County.    After that you are a part of our industrial family and you become even more important to us." Garren continued, "Our commitment to diversification helps keep Valdosta-Lowndes County, as well as the region, strong and growing." Valdosta was fortunate not to experience the economic turndown on the same level as the rest of the nation in the past few years in part because of this continued diversification. Tourism, retail and industrial all have equal roles in the Lowndes County economy.    The quality of life in Lowndes County, one of Georgia's newest metropolitan areas, is second to none. Don't let the southern charm and welcoming attitude fool you; Valdosta-Lowndes County offers all the amenities of a large metropolitan community: symphony, theater, art center and athletics. One of the highlights of Lowndes County is Wild Adventures Theme Park, one of the fastest growing theme parks in the United States.    Moody Air Force Base, located in north Lowndes County, is an important part of the community. As the home of Valdosta State University (a 10,000 student enrollment), Valdosta Technical College and Georgia Military College, the importance of education in this community is apparent. Residents of the community enjoy the amenities of a metro city being proud to maintain their caring southern charm. If there is a perfect fit, Valdosta/Lowndes County is it for all.