Our Mission
The mission of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority is to recruit new industry, support existing industry, create employment opportunities for the citizens of our region, expand and diversify the sources for public tax revenue, and stimulate private investment. A Valdosta State University study commissioned by the Industrial Authority in 2007 highlights the enormous economic impact of industry in the Valdosta-Lowndes region. It also highlights the critical importance of an aggressive economic development organization.
What is the Industrial Authority?
The Industrial Authority is an organization that oversees industrial and economic development in Valdosta and Lowndes County. In 1960 the Authority was formed as an amendment to the Georgia State Constitution. The Authority is made up of a board of five members: two city appointees, two county appointees, and one joint appointee. The terms of the members are five years. The officers of the board are Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary. Day-to-day operations are conducted by the staff of the Industrial Authority consisting of an Executive Director, Assistant director, Operations Manager, Project Manager, and Receptionist.
The V-LCIA has a wide range of powers from which to promote economic development in the city and the county. The Authority can buy and sell property. It is charged with recruiting and providing assistance to new industries as well as supporting the very important existing industries currently located in the community.
Strategic Plan
In a strategic planning session, the Industrial Authority established the following five year goals:
- Create at least 3,000 new jobs, through direct Authority impact.
- Of the 3,000 new jobs, at least 25% of them should be above the median manufacturing wages for the area.
- Through direct Authority involvement, businesses will make at least $250 million in capital investment (either new businesses or expansion of existing businesses).
- There will be at least 4 corporate office relocations to Lowndes County.
- Businesses in at least 4 different industry sectors will locate in Lowndes County.
- At least one new business with a minimum of 500 employees will locate in Lowndes County
Source of Funds
The Industrial Authority currently receives a dedicated one mill of tax levied by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and agreed upon by the City of Valdosta.
An additional source of revenue for the Authority is SPLOST, or Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Through the use of SPLOST funds, the Industrial Authority is able to make capital improvements, which have historically included upgrades to industrial water, sewer and road systems. Infrastructure improvements such as these are vital to maintain a safe and state-of-the-art working environment for industry. Also, funds are sometimes used to acquire new land, as was the case with Perimeter West Business Park, which was purchased through SPLOST funds.
Land Holdings
The Authority has land holdings in six industrial parks located throughout the county. These include: Hahira Business Park, Perimeter East Industrial Park, Buster Bassford Business Park, Azalea West Business Park, Azalea City Industrial Park, and the Lake Park Industrial Park. The Authority currently has two new industrial parks under construction.
The Industrial Authority Today
See Staff and Board
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