If we could listen in on the conversations about Valdosta, I’m sure that we would hear positive things about our city, but I am also certain that we would hear about the things Valdosta doesn’t have or isn’t. “There is nothing to do”, “Not enough high paying jobs”. My stance is that we should not wait on outsiders to come in to improve our community (improve our lives). Instead of looking for a big employer to come in, why not put our heads together and create big companies here (surely we have the talent and expertise, but can we work together? Do we support our own businesses?). Similarly, we may look for some big outside promoter to come here with fabulous events, but are we supporting our locally promoted events. I’m sure most of us know someone who has spent an incredible amount of time and money on an event or business but the lack of support didn’t encourage the project to continue.
We all can make a difference and contribute to the greater good of our community (most of the times without even going out of our way or breaking a sweat). The choices we make can make a difference. The choice of where we buy, sell, work, and play can change lives.
Valdosta is…what we make of it. I believe that we are interested in seeing our community do well or we wouldn’t have logged on to ValdostaConnect.com. I feel something special is happening here. This city is stepping “outside the box”. Borders and city limits are becoming a thing of the past. We are able to see what each member is about and are trying to accomplish. We have members in practically every state and territory of this country, and we have many members living throughout the world. Yet, we aren’t just here (not another number). Look at the pages of your friends and the people you don’t know. We are building, creating, becoming more than what we started with. This website lets us see how we can help each other accomplish great things. But, only if we choose to take the time to read, be informed, listen, and take action.
Comments from Members of ValdostaConnect.com
On June 3, 2008 at 7:25pm
Absolutely, our city has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years and I am very proud of that. I am grateful and proud to be a member of this site as well. We are an intelligent people and it would not take much for us to create an empire. Hard work, team work, and motivation is all we need. Count me in.On July 27, 2008 at 11:49pm
I agree. Valdosta is a metropolis, but we’ve got to get our weight up (if you know what I mean). We need better jobs, more events, etc…. but I also believe in community service and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to create a better environment for our families and communities. Thanks, Eric, for the blog!On August 9, 2008 at 10:52am
I agree because god said if we all come together things wll happen try him putting head’s together will make a miracle thing’s happen so god bless you all good luck=love ya hollaOn September 10, 2008 at 9:20pm
Eric, I couldn’t agree more. I here about so many students going to VSU, graduating, and having to accept a job out of Valdosta in order to receive a decent paying job. We can honestly make this happen, as long as we work together….. Here’s one idea: After working in Telecommunications for the last 18 years (Engineering Optical Networks – Cable TV, Internet, & Phone Services) I really would like to see Valdosta with a more reliable & high performing telecommunications Network which would provide a better variety of services at a lower cost to the customer. Perhaps even start another Telecommunications company, equipped with new next generation equipment with low “Total Cost Ownership”….. this would definitely create better jobs!On September 19, 2008 at 12:36am
Eric,You sound like a very intelligent young man with good intentions. Here’s the reality of it. I was borned and raised in Valdosta. I have worked many different jobs and have a pretty good idea on how things are ran in Valdosta. After moving to Jacksonville over 2 years ago. I landed the best job I’ve ever had, making more money than I ever have. I to, am in telecommunications for AT&T. I found out that the economic status of a city is the direct result of the educational success in that area. The more dropouts you have, the less money you will make in that community. Even Jacksonvile as a whole, is very much behind the 8 ball on the agerage income level compared to the rest of the major cities in this country. So, to even began to make these improvements, we have to began understanding where we want to go and how are we going to get there. Valdosta’s problems can’t and won’t be solved by putting on events and starting small businesses. It’s much DEEPER than that. I just only mentioned one thing. There are many, many more. It will be a very dificult job. There are people there who don’t want things to get better because it would make things harder for them. The sad thing is, there are people in Valdosta who don’t want things to change because they just don’t know any better. Then you have those who don’t want to work together because they are more worried about the next person getting more than they are.
You will find that no matter where you go in this world. You will never find anywhere else like Valdosta, Georgia. If there is anything I can do, give me a holla. I do love my hometown.By Eric Jackson on September 22, 2008 at 9:22pm
I hear you. I was born and raised here too. I Move away for 7 years, so I definitely know what it’s like to live in an area with much more opportunity. If we want to make improvements, we have to start somewhere (if only with a few people). And the best place to start is a change of mind and attitude (Like patronizing a family member’s or friend’s business instead of some large retail chain). We have to know that outsiders are not going to change our community, we have to do that for ourselves. Even if it means chipping away at whatever is holding us back.If you go to google and search Valdosta you will find a lot of businesses capitalizing on Valdosta (they don’t live here, don’t have an office here, don’t do anything here but try to get online business from us). Here where my business fits in (ValdostaConnect is more than just this social network), I am working hard to keep that online business in this community, because I will give back and make a difference locally.
On October 1, 2008 at 4:01pm
You told the truth. We have the power to make change. It is up to us to make a difference. It takes all of us working together. I will again say Mr. E Jackson I commend you for your work. I am honored to have the opportunity to be here and in that make connections that will help foster change.On October 22, 2008 at 10:35pm
Valdosta has reach metro status because of its population. However, it takes more than a “lot of folks” to build a community. I have worked with local community groups which were inspired to improve this town beyond means. However, there were things lacking. Valdosta is a grade 6 town, meaning the average grade level here is 6th grade. We lack a strong educational foundation. This prevents and have prevented several well paying companies from establishing here and without good paying jobs, its hard to put money into the community to build the community. The sad part of the story most of the people who are included in the educational level are not natives. I am not blaming them, simply stating that we are attracting people just not the people who can immediately help this town change and properous.We need to stop waiting for the government to take care of us and stop waiting for a hand out. I realize that we may fall short sometimes and need a hand up, but not every year after year. This mentality is passed on to our children and their children. The chain need to be broken for change to occur. We all should encourage someone to go back to school; the town needs educated, dedicated, hard working individuals.
