Business and Retention

The Business Retention Action Team "BRAT" provides the necessary services, information, solutions, and contacts to facilitate your company's success and growth. We also encourage business partnerships with local schools, which in turn strengthens the community through career education and job placement of our local high school graduates.

We encourage you to contact any of our team to see how we can help your company. All information is kept confidential and is used solely to leverage our respective functions in supporting your company's overall goal.

BRAT Team

Made up of individuals from eight different community and state organizations who are committed to serving and strengthening our local businesses. Team members are:

  • Andrea Taylor, Georgia Department of Economic Development
  • Christie Moore, Valdosta- Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce
  • Mackenzie Bennett, Valdosta- Lowndes County Development Authority
  • Jamon Williams, Georgia Department of Labor, Valdosta Career Center
  • Crissy Staley, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
  • Hank Hobbs, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
  • Alyssa Foskey, UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University
  • Scott Purvis, Georgia Power Company
  • Darrell Moore, Valdosta State University

Picture of Success

Team members act as change agents; assisting businesses; solving various operational and/or development issues; the end result being businesses satisfaction, retention, success, and growth in the local economy.

Our Promise

We recognize our responsibilities as economic developers to solve specific problems associated with business programs and success, to spotlight the importance of our manufacturers and distribution companies, and to be committed to community development.

Actions We Take

  • Sharing information, ideas and recommendations consistently
  • Doing what is right for the company, the region, and Georgia
  • Adding value to the company; a measurement of our success
  • Striving for solutions that make change for the better
  • Solving issues in a timely manner so businesses can focus on business

For more information on BRAT, contact any team member listed above or contact our team at 229.259.9972.


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