South Georgia canning company gets new building - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

South Georgia canning company gets new building

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NORMAN PARK, GA (WALB) -

At a time when many businesses are struggling, one with some southern flair is thriving.

Lorri Jo's Southern Style Canning began just a couple of years ago in Norman Park. It's already doing international business and preparing to open a new facility.

Lauri Jo Bennett was a school teacher just two years ago. Now, she happily owns a small business with a new building.

"It's heaven," said Bennett. "We were operating in a 500 square foot building and cooking on a six burner stove, one stove. And we now have a state of the art kitchen. We still do everything by hand. It's hand poured, hand made"

The new building is 4,000 square feet and she says they have quadrupled their cooking process. That means more blueberry pepper jelly, salsa, and more. But, how is her business so successful in this economy?

"I have a sign that hangs in my shop that says that faith is not believing that God can, it's knowing that he will," says Bennett.  "I've given this business to Him and just follow his will. But, I also know we do produce great products and through the economy, people have had to stay at home a lot more. And they're eating at home and buying things that spruce up meals they normally cook."

It also helps that she brings her shop lots of personality.

When Lorri Jo goes to food shows, she's known for wearing her sparkly red boots. And now, she has some at the front of her store thanks to her parents. They gave them to her for her birthday.

Bennett will cut the ribbon on her new building on Wednesday and she wants a big crowd.

"We've invited everybody from U.S. Senators," she said."I know Representatives will be here. I talked with Senator Chambliss. He stopped by the other day. He is in Washington right now. But, I think Mrs. Chambliss will be here."

They have sold products all over the Southeast, and as far as California, Trinidad, and the Bahamas. But, their expansion has not drawn away from their hometown hospitality. There are a few greeters who can't wait to welcome you to the new store.

The open house is from 9 AM to 6 PM Wednesday and the ribbon cutting takes place at two PM.

 

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