|
The leadership of Valdosta and Lowndes County recently announced the official launch of the One Valdosta-Lowndes (OVL) initiative. With a community-wide focus, the OVL is a joint endeavor of key strategic partners, including the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, the City of Valdosta, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Valdosta State University, the Georgia Power Company, and South Georgia Medical Center.
Housed operationally within the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, OVL will serve as a catalyst for growth and change by uniting business and industry, the faith-based community, and the nonprofit sector with public sector partners to facilitate positive development and economic growth in Lowndes County.
As OVL's first director, Mary Beth Brownlee brings a wealth of experience in economic development and community collaborations. She recently worked with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and was executive director of the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation in Americus, Georgia. During her tenure at One Sumter, Brownlee helped raise $3.7 million in capital investments for the community.
With a passion for public service and helping communities find common ground, Brownlee says she is excited to lead the OVL initiative.
"One Valdosta-Lowndes has the potential and the expectation to be a game changer for Lowndes County," Brownlee says. "As the much talked about 'Capital of South Georgia,' OVL can address those issues that are either no one person's or entity's responsibility or take on those challenges that are so important, so all-encompassing, that it is everybody's issue, but because of that, very few know how to step up or take that on in a way that truly engages the entire community." READ MORE
| |
One Valdosta-Lowndes is a partnership initiative of the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, the City of Valdosta, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Valdosta State University, South Georgia Medical Center, and Georgia Power Company dedicated to creating foundational change and economic growth opportunity for all of Lowndes County. | |
|
The Valdosta City Council has hired Richard Hardy as city manager, overseeing ten departments, 600+ employees, and the city budget. Hardy has been with the City of Valdosta since 2014, first serving as the director of Public Works before being named deputy city manager of operations in late 2020.
As deputy city manager of operations, Hardy led the Public Works and Utilities Departments, including 17 divisions. He is a member of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Small Cities and Rural Communities (SC/RC) Committee and Georgia's APWA Southwest Branch. Hardy is also vice-chairman of Deep South Regional Municipal Solid Waste Management Authority, representing the City of Valdosta in sanitation, grant acquisition, and landfill disposal requirements.
"I am ecstatic to serve the citizens as City Manager. My vision is to collaborate and strengthen community relationships," said Hardy. "I am honored to have the support and trust of the Mayor and Council who saw fit to select me as the sole finalist."
READ MORE
| |
 | |
Governor Brian P. Kemp recently announced that Anovion Technologies (Anovion), a supplier of premium synthetic graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, will build a new manufacturing facility in Bainbridge. The project will create more than 400 jobs and over $800 million in investment in Decatur County.
“We're proud to welcome Anovion to Georgia, which is fast becoming the e-mobility capital of the nation,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Job creators like them are recognizing that every corner of our state has the resources and workforce needed for success. Having met their team personally, I look forward to celebrating their partnership with the hardworking Georgians of Decatur County.”
Anovion, a climate tech-driven advanced materials company, is one of the first qualified U.S. suppliers of synthetic graphite anode materials for use in e-mobility applications. Graphite is the largest battery material used in electric vehicles by mass, more than copper, nickel, manganese, cobalt, and lithium.
“We are thrilled to be opening our first large-scale expansion manufacturing facility in Georgia. The state’s strong technical workforce and top-tier schools will help advance research partnerships and contribute to a highly skilled talent pipeline in support of Anovion’s drive for continued innovation and creation of exciting climate technology jobs of the future,” said Eric Stopka, Chief Executive Officer of Anovion. “We are also encouraged by the region’s growing availability of clean energy, resulting in increased sustainability for Anovion’s manufacturing process. We are looking forward to providing solutions that will further secure the country’s electrified future with the support of our partners in Georgia and the Federal government.” READ MORE
| |
Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes Receives ACCG Public Service Award |  | |
The Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) presented Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes with the 2023 Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award. This award is presented to an elected or appointed official who has shown unwavering commitment to public service.
“The ACCG Awards & Recognition Program is an annual celebration of county leaders,” said ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills. “The awards embody the true definition of leadership, dedication, and selfless service, as exhibited by Paige Dukes. Congratulations to Paige on receiving this honor.”
Dukes has served Lowndes County for more than 26 years in various departments with roles ranging from county clerk to public information officer, volunteer firefighter, to now county manager. She is lauded for her professionalism and attention to detail, something that has served her well in her various roles in the county.
“It was a true honor to receive the Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award,” Dukes said. “I’ve had the privilege to work with outstanding chairmen and commissioners, agency directors, employees, and community leaders who, for over 26 years, have made Lowndes County the best place to live, work and raise families, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it.”
Dukes has led initiatives to improve the county’s image, including the launch of the county's new website. She has served as a public information specialist for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during different natural disaster events. In addition, Dukes is a former Georgia County Clerks’ Association president. She remains actively involved in her local community through leadership roles in several organizations.
| |
|
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) announced today that Joseph Paoletti CFP®, a Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Specialist, and Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Valdosta, GA Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes’ Magazine’s 2023 list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in the State of Georgia for the second consecutive year.
Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list comprises a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.
Joe, who has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 1996, is a native of Valdosta, GA. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia.
“I am pleased that Joe is representing Morgan Stanley,” commented Elizabeth Cambareri, Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Valdosta, GA office. “To be named to this list recognizes Joe’s professionalism and dedication to the needs of his valued clients.”
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement, and trust services. READ MORE
| | | | |
