VALDOSTA — Under new leadership, the Downtown Valdosta Business Association is on a mission to revitalize the city’s downtown area.

“Downtown Valdosta is the heart and soul of this community,” said DVBA President Pat Sullivan. “We want to make sure that it is a place that everyone can enjoy. We like to think of Downtown Valdosta as the gem of South Georgia.”

With the increasing development along the Interstate 75 corridor, Downtown Valdosta has become a “pass-through” area for travelers rather than a destination, as was discussed during the recent DVBA meeting Thursday evening.

Local business owners in Downtown Valdosta are finding that their businesses are unable to compete with the national retailers at the mall, and there seems to be a dependence on the seasonal university student population.

Sullivan explained that the association is striving to recreate downtown so it serves as the center of vital growth, provides jobs and raises property values.

“Downtown Valdosta encompasses more than 130 businesses and professionals,” Sullivan said. “The DVBA is stepping up its game plan in hopes of unifying member businesses, stimulating awareness about the businesses and services downtown, and attract new business to this area.”

Sullivan added that the DVBA will take a very active role in happenings with the City of Valdosta, the Lowndes County Commission, Valdosta Main Street, Central Valdosta Development Authority, Industrial Authority, Tourism Authority and Chamber of Commerce.

“With the concerted efforts of these entities, as well as everyone in the community, we can make downtown the core of businesses, civic centers, entertainment venues, unique housing and cultural and artistic quarters,” Sullivan said.

The DVBA is open to all community members and supporters of Downtown Valdosta. Meetings are held once a quarter. Current DVBA board members include Brian Antoine of Flavor of New Orleans, Royce Coleman of Edward Jones Investments, Richard Miller of CMA Architectural Services, Albert Slone of ASA Engineering and Surveying, and Stan White of Christ the King Episcopal Church.