Learning Tree Educational Resources Named Leading Business of the Week

The Chamber Ambassadors honored Learning Tree Educational Resources as the Leading Business of the Week for August 19, 2019.
 
For 40 years, Learning Tree Educational Resources has catered to primarily schools and teachers by providing educational materials, supplies and equipment.  In addition to the traditional educational materials, Learning Tree offers a wide-range of toys, games and puzzles.
 
“In addition to the retail store, which is open to the general public, Learning Tree also markets through an online web site, mylearningtree.com, and a print catalog which is distributed throughout South Georgia and North Florida,” said Robin McGhin Sr., Owner.  “While most of our business comes from around a 100 mile radius of Valdosta, over the years we have filled orders in almost every state and a number of foreign countries.”
 
One of the Learning Tree’s greatest accomplishments has been simply surviving.
 
McGhin stated, “The past decade or so has been very hard on the school supply industry.  First, with the recession, came severe cuts in school budgets.  Then, came the explosion of the internet.  School supply companies started falling like flies.  In 2010, our national education market association directory had 55 listings for companies in Georgia.  In the 2018 directory, we were one of only five companies listed for the state.”
 
Learning Tree is passionate about the serving and providing resources to the people of the Valdosta-Lowndes County community.
 
McGhin said, “The thing I love most about being in this business are the personal bonds that have developed: bonds with customers, with employees, and with family.  Over the years, we have had customers who first visited us as education students at VSU and shopped with us throughout their teaching career. Some are now retired and shop with us for their grandchildren.  We love our customers.”
 
According to McGhin, Learning Tree has employed hundreds of people over the years.  Most of the employees were students in a part-time position.
 
McGhin stated, “Many went on to be teachers, a few stayed on to work for Learning Tree full-time, and others went on to other professions.  But no matter what their route, it is very rewarding when they stop by or call and update us on their journey.”
 
Learning Tree Educational Resources is proud member of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.
 
McGhin stated, “The Chamber has done a magnificent job of fostering the growth of our community into a hub for South Georgia. The networking and educational opportunities the Chamber provides support local business and foster entrepreneurship.  In addition to promoting private business, the Chamber has played a major role in preserving and advancing important community institutions such as Valdosta State University, Wiregrass, SGMC, and Moody AFB.”
 
For more information, visit Learning Tree Educational Resources at 281 Norman Drive or call 229-244-9967.
 
The Leading Business of the Week program is designed to recognize members who have partnered with the Chamber for at least five years. Marcotek Digital Office Solutions proudly sponsors the 2019 Leading Business of the Week program. For more information visit www.ValdostaChamber.com/Leading-Business-of-the-Week