If Valdosta adds the TitleTown title to its rich and varied history of sports championships, perhaps it will elevate the city in the eyes of corporate decision makers as well. Everyone wants to be associated with a winner, especially one that is getting national attention for its winning attributes.

In this case, it really is an enormous honor just to be nominated against the likes of Boston, Denver, and L.A., and if you consider the incredible history of all sports here and the winning attitudes, we’ve already won the competition, regardless of whether or not we win the official title.

The title would also come with other benefits. For example, for the community leaders who were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement over a city image, TitleTown works nicely. Why stop with sports titles? Why not expand and compile lists which will also include academic achievements and awards, business awards and recognitions, and the government awards as well. Rather than being Winnersville or a Main Street City or a Tree City or the Azalea City, we can simply be “TitleTown.” Short, sweet and to the point.

Business Roundup

After Starbucks made its announcement this week about closing stores, I attempted to find out if Valdosta was on the list. A nice PR lady in Atlanta told me there is no list and the company is just working through the stores gradually over the next nine months or so. I’m really not concerned about the one that is currently here, as I’ve heard many times that it is a very profitable store for the company, but Starbucks had announced plans when they got here to expand and open at least one or two more locations in town, and that is what I fear we may lose. But maybe not.

The Wingate by Wyndham is opening this week and the Hilton Garden Inn is getting closer, but will still be at least three or four more months. The Drury Inn that is going to be built where the old Holiday Inn was on Exit 18 should be breaking ground very soon, and again, if O.G. goes anywhere in town, my bet is on that site.

Despite the wonderful Ichiban Japanese restaurant signage on the former Pic ‘n Save building on North Ashley Street, it’s not open yet, but apparently is getting closer to reality.

There are two new bars coming to Remerton to take the place of the closed Bungalows and Loozie’s — one is Mulligans, but I don’t know about the other one yet. I’ll keep you posted.

The newest strip center on Northside Drive is moving along nicely, and there are at least two places in town where there are signs for the Solo Space, shared executive offices, for lease. One is on Northside and the other is on Gornto Road.

And there really are plans to put in a small strip center on Jerry Jones, next to the condos there, or maybe in front of the condos at their entrance. Nothing official yet, but lots of complaints coming through the rant line from folks in the neighborhood.

Lastly, the Maryland Fried Chicken restaurant is open on North Ashley Street and has been doing a terrific business the last few days. That’s about it for this week, but if there’s anything I missed, please let me know!