Valdosta is a prominent commercial center in South Georgia. The city is also home to numerous manufacturing facilities. The primary employers are Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta State University and South Georgia Medical Center. About 27% of the workforce are employed in management, professional and related occupations.
The region produces goods such as tobacco, naval stores, especially turpentine, pine lumber and pulpwood. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs reports that Valdosta is known as the "Naval stores capital of the world," due to supplying 80% of the world demand for naval stores.
The largest employers in the Valdosta region are provided below:
- Moody Air Force Base
- Valdosta State University
- South Georgia Medical Center
- Lowndes County School System
- Valdosta City School System
- Lowes Home Centers Inc
- Convergys Corporation
- City of Valdosta
- Roadway Express
- Lowndes County
The major sectors for employment in Valdosta are:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Government
- Professional, scientific and technical services.
- Social services
Some of the jobs more prevalent in Valdosta than most other cities include, logging equipment operators, fiberglass laminators and fabricators; sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, wood; amusement and recreation attendants; paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators; helpers - production workers; and helpers - electricians.
Noteworthy data regarding the city of Valdosta: Approximately 25% of the population have a bachelor's degree or better. The cost of living index in 2008 was 82.8 which is low when compared to the nation's average of 100. In 2009 the average salary in Valdosta was $24,000.
Valdosta companies have access to business organizations such as:
- Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce
- Valdosta Lowndes County Industrial
- Georgia Economic Developers Association
The Valdosta Daily Times offers current information about the business activities in Valdosta.