In the past several weeks, two longtime family businesses have announced their intention to close their doors for good. Let’s hope this isn’t a sign of things to come, but neither of these businesses closed due to the recession.

A few weeks ago, Alvin Payton Sr. decided to retire and close his family business after 50 years. Valdosta Floor Covering had been serving customers for many years and employed many individuals in the city, including his wife, Claudia, and his sons, on occasion. His children have careers of their own, and Alvin Sr. said it’s time to fish and spend time with grandchildren.

Romine’s Furniture in Quitman is also quitting business, as of this week, after 95 years and at least three generations of family. They’ve survived wars, recessions, and more in their time, and they’re quitting to enjoy their retirement, not because the economy is forcing them to.

Every business should be so lucky to have such long and successful runs. These individuals deserve praise for their service to their communities over the years, for providing employment for others, and for being productive citizens.

These businesses may be gone, but the values these families have instilled in succeeding generations will stay forever. Most small businesses don’t survive for longer than a few years, so the Paytons and the Romines apparently learned the age old saying — treat others as you want to be treated and the business will take care of itself. Perhaps that’s the lesson today’s entrepreneurs could benefit from.

Entrepreneurs in Action

On Saturday, Entrepreneurs in Action will take place at Val Tech from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to the public, the event will feature speakers discussing various topics for entrepreneurs, and the winners of the Chamber’s annual Guardian Bank Business Plan Competition will be announced at 2 p.m.

If you’re interested in attending, call the Chamber at (229) 247-8100.

Business Roundup

The former home of Southern Stationery on North Patterson Street is being renovated into office spaces. Located across from Covington’s, there may also be a coffee shop or something similar in the building once renovations are complete, but I understand nothing is completely decided yet. I’ll keep you updated.

Southern Stationery had been in the location for many years and moved to Lee Street, behind the Department of Labor building.

Also downtown, Glo has reopened. It’s a night club on North Patterson Street where those who are deemed admissible can dance the night away, eating sushi and enjoying dance music.

I’ve been told that Magpies, the Christian cyber cafe next to Publix, may be reopening at some point soon.