VALDOSTA — The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce announced Friday that fund-raising for its Impact 2012 initiative has exceeded the $1.75 million goal for the next five years, according to David Durland, Impact 2012 campaign general chairman and president and CEO of First State Bank and Trust Company.

As of Thursday, 121 businesses, individuals and local governments have pledged $2,278,250 for the programs of Impact 2012 over the next five years. Durland said, “We are very grateful for this strong show of support from our local businesses, local governments and several individuals. However, we still expect more companies to come on board over the next few days and will publish a list of all investors and volunteers once the campaign is completed. The success of this campaign will ensure that we can fully implement the plans and programs of Impact 2012 over the next five years.”

“It’s important that all of our corporate and community leaders realize that we’re really just getting started,” said James McGahee, chief executive officer of South Georgia Medical Center. “This five-year plan will benefit every citizen and every business of Valdosta-Lowndes County for generations to come.”

McGahee challenged those businesses that have not already made their commitment to join with those who have so the work of Impact 2012 can begin in earnest in 2008.

Impact 2012 will focus on workforce development and education, expansion of targeted businesses, entrepreneurial and small business development, enhancement of the pro-business environment, and attraction of amenity-seeking retirees. Measurable goals have been developed for each component of the plan.

See The Valdosta Daily Times’ Dec. 9 edition for a detailed story on the Impact 2012 campaign.