Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce

🚨 Have you signed up for AlertLowndes? AlertLowndes is now available to all residents in Lowndes County, Georgia, replacing the previous CodeRed system. AlertLowndes is a free service that allows individuals to receive notifications sent from Lowndes County Emergency Management to stay informed on potentially hazardous situations involving severe weather and other emergencies.

The switch to AlertLowndes allows residents to receive alerts via phone, text and email, and answer poll questions that will give Lowndes County officials critical information during emergency situations. While some individuals who were previously signed up for Code Red may have their information transferred and automatically enrolled in AlertLowndes everyone is encouraged to sign up for AlertLowndes to add additional and updated information to the new platform to ensure accuracy. Residents and travelers to Lowndes County should sign up for free at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action... to receive timely and actionable emergency alerts via email, text, or voice message. They can also identify when and how they are alerted and communicated with before, during, and after emergencies.

For more information and to sign up for AlertLowndes visit, www.lowndescounty.com and click on the AlertLowndes icon or https://www.smart911.com/smart911/login.action?lpse=1

Sign up today!

🎉 Congratulations to Only Options Valdosta, our Small Business of the Month! 🎉

Established in 1985, Only Options has been a staple in the Valdosta community, offering an exquisite selection of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories from top brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Trina Turk, Crosby by Mollie Burch, and Emily McCarthy. Since Devan and Justin Martin took ownership in 2014, they’ve expanded their legacy with the addition of R.L. Martin & Company for men’s fashion.

Known for their quality, unique merchandise, and exceptional customer service, Only Options caters to all generations and builds meaningful, lasting relationships with their customers. Their commitment to Valdosta shines through in their support of community events and philanthropic contributions.

Join us in celebrating this incredible local business for their dedication, style, and the one-of-a-kind shopping experience they bring to Valdosta!

🗳️ TODAY is Election Day! 🗳️

Your voice matters, and every vote counts! Make sure you head to the polls and cast your ballot. Confirm your polling location by clicking on the link below. If you need assistance or can't find your location, call the Lowndes County Board of Elections office at 229-671-2850. Spread the word and encourage your friends and family to vote!

Click link to confirm polling location: https://ow.ly/uHNW50RNFnC

Congratulations to Mellow Mushroom for being named our Leading Business of the Week! Since opening in 2014, Mellow Mushroom has been a cornerstone of Valdosta’s dining scene, serving up unforgettable guest experiences with their far-out pizzas, signature cocktails, and unmatched hospitality.

Beyond great food, Mellow Mushroom goes above and beyond to support our community, partnering with local schools, the humane society, and hosting popular events like themed trivia nights, music bingos, and paint & sips.

Join them on November 11th as they partner with Three Rangers Distillery to support the Three Rangers Foundation and Forgotten Coast K9, both organizations dedicated to serving our veterans. Don’t miss this special event—members of Three Rangers will be signing books and bottles, with proceeds supporting a great cause.

Please join us in welcoming Justin Sandlin as the Chamber’s new Events & Programs Director! 🎉

Justin brings years of expertise in event planning and special events, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. He’s eager to connect with our community and help make every Chamber event unforgettable. Whether it’s about events, sponsorships, or anything in between, reach out to Justin—he’s excited to start meeting new faces and building lasting partnerships right here in Lowndes County! Welcome, Justin!

Congratulations to Jermaine Riley of Coffee County for winning the prestigious 2025 Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Student of the Year Award! 🌟

Jermaine was chosen to represent Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in the statewide EAGLE program, which celebrates excellence in adult education and the incredible journey of literacy. As a part of the Certified Literate Community Program of Georgia, EAGLE brings together communities and resources to support literacy and education throughout the state.

A big shout-out to all the finalists, including first runner-up Brandy Lowe (Ben Hill County), Grant Perkins (Lowndes County), Brittany Culliver (Lowndes County), and Jennifer Edwards (Cook County), who have all shown remarkable dedication to their education!

Wiregrass’s Adult Education program is accepting new students! Classes are free and accessible across the college’s 11-county service area. For more information, email [email protected].

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse this morning for Membership 101! We loved connecting with our members in such a beautiful setting. Until we’re back in the Barber House, the courthouse will be our home for Membership 101 sessions. See you next time!

Thank you to our Membership 101 sponsor, Cecil W. Powell & Company.

🎉 Congratulations to Beverley Richardson-Blake on being named Ambassador of the Quarter! 🎉

Beverley went above and beyond this third quarter, dedicating time and effort to support the Chamber’s mission and earning the top points in service. Her commitment and passion make a real difference, and we are so grateful for everything she does! Thank you to our amazing Ambassador program sponsor, Conger LP Gas.

🎉 Ribbon Cutting Alert! 🎉 Join us in congratulating The Boardwalk on their ribbon cutting with the Chamber! ✂️ Boardwalk is your go-to for local spirit wear, custom garment design, corporate apparel marketing, and giftables, plus gang sheet printing and custom corporate logo design. With two talented graphic designers on board, they bring creative visions to life, from unique logos to eye-catching apparel.

This summer, Boardwalk leveled up with exciting additions like the Trucker Hat Bar and Custom Sweatshirt Parties—perfect for some hands-on, creative fun! We are so proud of their team’s dedication, not only to their work but also to our community. In just the last three months, Boardwalk’s efforts raised over $12,000 for causes close to home, including Adoptions, Hurricane Helene Relief, and SGMC.

📍 1927 Baytree Place

Thank you to our Ribbon Cutting sponsor, The Flower Gallery

Join us for Membership 101 tomorrow and learn how to unlock all the benefits and resources the Chamber has to offer! Connect, grow, and get the most out of your experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

Date: October 30th
Time: 8:30 am
Location: Historic Lowndes County Courthouse - Level 2

We’re excited to have Cecil W. Powell & Company sponsor this beneficial event. Don’t miss this chance to learn about all the benefits, meet our team, and see how we can help your business and nonprofit thrive!

Click to Register: https://ow.ly/9EbQ50TVMoe

Congratulations to Hydration Express for being named our Leading Business of the Week! 🎉

With a commitment to purity and convenience, Hydration Express offers BPA-free, food-grade bottles delivered without extra fees, hidden costs, or contract obligations. Customers have the option to rent state-of-the-art, self-cleaning, ergonomic dispensers, or they can use their own, ensuring flexibility that meets any hydration need. Hydration Express also gives back, supporting events like the Valdosta Fire Department's 9/11 Memorial 5K.

The team at Hydration Express are passionate about making a difference through clean, fresh water while enhancing the health and productivity of businesses and residents alike. Congratulations, Hydration Express, for leading by example in our community!

Congratulations to MK Training Solutions on their ribbon cutting! 🎉✂️

Based in Lake Park, GA, MK Training Solutions serves the training needs of organizations across South Georgia and North Florida, with a mission to enhance workforce development and safety programs. Their fully mobile training services can help protect lives, reduce injuries, and boost productivity. With a catalog of over 50 classes, they cover everything from Site Safety Audits, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Leadership Training to Active Shooter Tactics and Church Safety & Security Training.

Ready to create a safer, more productive work environment? Contact MK Training Solutions via Facebook, LinkedIn, or their website www.mktrainingsolutions.net. Let them help you achieve your safety goals!

Thank you to our Ribbon Cutting sponsor, The Flower Gallery.

🌟 Congratulations to Kona Ice of Lowndes for being named our Small Business of the Month! 🌟

Kona Ice brings smiles to the community with their refreshing, delicious, and colorful shaved ice treats! 🍧 Whether you're craving a classic flavor or looking for a sugar-free or dye-free option, they have something for everyone. Plus, they're Smart Snack approved, making them a hit at schools, businesses, and events throughout the area.

Serving from Rochelle, GA to Suwannee, FL, and Poulan, GA to Blackshear, GA, Kona Ice is bringing joy to both adults and children of all ages. Thank you for your commitment to providing a sweet treat and a fun experience across our region!

The ‘Meet The Candidates’ event was a resounding success! The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Home Builders Association of South Georgia and the Valdosta Board of Realtors, provided a fantastic opportunity for the community to engage directly with candidates running for office.

Special thanks to the candidates who participated: Clay Griner, Dexter Sharper, Michael Smith, Ron Bythwood, Joyce Evans, Kelley Saxon, Bill Slaughter

Events like these help build a well-informed electorate, and we’re proud to have facilitated this platform for open dialogue. As the November elections approach, we encourage all eligible residents to stay engaged, be informed, and get ready to vote! 🗳️

Congratulations to ASA Engineering & Surveying, LLC for being named our Leading Business of the Week! 🎉

Since 1996 ASA Engineering & Surveying, LLC has been prominent firm based in South Georgia, dedicated to providing comprehensive engineering and surveying solutions. Established with a commitment to excellence and innovation, ASA Engineering & Surveying’s successful consulting practice has been built on client responsiveness and quality of work. Over 85% of our business has been provided by repeat clients because we exceed client expectations while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. ASA Engineering & Surveying has emerged as a trusted partner for a wide range of projects, serving clients across various sectors including commercial, residential, industrial, and governmental.

A Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) will open in Lowndes County for survivors who incurred losses due to Hurricane Helene. The MRIC will open at the Lowndes County Civic Center, Building D, at 2108 E Hill Ave. Valdosta, GA 31601, for five days from Tuesday, October 22nd, through Saturday, October 26th. FEMA personnel will staff the MRIC from 8 AM until 5 PM each day to assist with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance programs. The sole function of MRICs is to register survivors. Anyone who needs help with an appeal, uploading paperwork, or other services should visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), which is open at Valdosta Fire Department Station #8 (former Church of the Nazarene) 4434 North Forrest Street Extension Valdosta, GA 31605. The DRC is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM until 7 PM and Sunday from 1 PM until 6 PM.

In addition to visiting an MRIC, the easiest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 7 AM to 1 AM. EDT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, give FEMA the number for that service.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following on hand before contacting FEMA: their Social Security number, address of the damaged primary residence, a description of the damage, information about their insurance coverage, current contact number and address where they can receive mail, and
bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

The MRICs will be accessible to individuals with disabilities, and accommodations can be made upon arrival. On-site communication accessibility tools will be available, including amplified listening devices and video remote interpreting. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.




Lowndes County, GA
Valdosta, A City Without Limits
Lake Park, Georgia's Southern Gateway City
City of Hahira
City of Remerton
City of Dasher

Congratulations to 5 Star Nutrition Valdosta on their ribbon cutting today! ✂️🎉

We are thrilled to welcome this incredible retail supplement store to Valdosta! Their mission is to help customers reach their fitness goals faster and easier, all while providing top-notch, personalized customer service. With a fantastic line of clean, effective, and affordable supplements, plus free services like InBody testing and consultations, 5 Star Nutrition is here to support your journey to better health!

Come meet the candidates who will be on the ballot this November! This is a great opportunity to engage with those running for office and learn more about their visions for the community. Attendance is free, and the public is welcome to join us on Monday, October 21st, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Valdosta State University Magnolia Room.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚:

Clay Griner
Dexter Sharper
Michael Smith
Ron Bythwood
Joyce Evans
Ashley Paulk
Latonya Gordon
Kelley Saxon
Bill Slaughter

We look forward to seeing you there!