Business This Week: Celebrate the day with your dad

By Kay Harris
The Valdosta Daily Times

June 20, 2009 06:41 pm

— Today is Father’s Day, the day when you should spend time with your dad, doing whatever he wants to do. Take him out to eat, cook at home, go golfing or fishing, but mainly just enjoy his company.
And if you are a father, take the time to enjoy your children today. Even if they’re teenagers and don’t think they need you anymore, they do. Sometimes just hanging out together is the best way to remind each other how much you care.
I’ve met some terrific fathers over the years; men who have sacrificed greatly in order to make their children’s lives easier. And I’ve been fortunate to have had some great surrogate fathers over the years since I lost mine when I was fairly young.
A World War II veteran, he’d be 89 now. I also have any number of big brothers, three by birth, who delight in giving me advice, solicited or otherwise, so I’ve never lacked for male influence in my life, but there are many who can’t say the same.
So if you are blessed with a father, or father figure, consider doing something special for them today. And don’t forget to wish all the men you know who are dads a Happy Father’s Day. Whether it’s their first or one of many, it’s a very special day.

Business Roundup
The Honda / Kia dealership on N. Ashley St. is undergoing a few changes. The owner/manager Lee Schilly is still there, but has sold stock to two partners, one of whose name is now on the dealership, attorney Pope Langdale. The new Langdale Honda Kia will stay on Ashley, and look for next Sunday’s business section for an interview with the partners.
There is a new development, or at least the sign for one coming soon, on N. Ashley St. where the old China Buffet used to be.
The large green building looks like it will not be there much longer, and the Shanri Plaza will be taking its place.
The place on Bemiss that readers have queried me about quite a bit this week, Club Diamond, opened where Peaches used to be, but isn’t what Peaches used to be.
It’s a gentleman’s club atmosphere where the waitresses wear bikinis, but no less, which allows them to be able to serve alcohol.
I’ve had some questions also about Firstline Corporation, which sold a few years back, and whether it’s still in business in Valdosta.
Does anyone know?
Also, to answer another reader question, it looks like the Exprezit on Northside and Ashley was undergoing some site cleanup and preparation for future development, but nothing’s final yet apparently.
No more news on the Buffalo Wild Wings coming in by the mall, but hopefully they’ll break ground soon.
There is a new business in the Valdosta Regional Airport called Sisters Café, so you have someplace to grab a bite to eat or a drink before you board now.
The Wilson Eye Center addition should be opening apparently by late summer, early fall. I understand the staff there is pretty excited about having more space and room to grow.
And the new vestibule at the Smok’n Pig is finished, but the new addition hasn’t been started yet.
Hopefully it will be soon so the restaurant can be finished and ready for the holiday season.
That’s about it for this week, but as always, if you have any questions, please send them my way!

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