FRANKLIN
Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. of Franklin, VA, received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for its 2016 project in the category of Entrepreneurship and a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its 2016 project in the category of General Purpose Website both from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 27, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which was held Sept. 25-28, in Cleveland, OH.

“On behalf of the IEDC board of directors and Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, congratulations to Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. Not only did they work to provide a necessary service to their community; but also, their participation in the awards program sheds light on their stellar projects which other communities can now use a benchmark.”  – Barry Matherly, 2016 Board Chair, President & CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership.

Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. is a public private partnership which is tasked with four main objectives including helping to recruit new business/industry, helping to grow and retain businesses in the community, to promote entrepreneurship and lastly to showcase the area’s tourism opportunities.

In 2005, the Franklin Business Center (formally the Franklin Business Incubator) opened its doors to entrepreneurs, startups and expanding businesses that were in need of office space, support and guidance. The fully renovated and restored 40,000 sq. ft. building is owned by the City of Franklin, and is managed by Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. Since the Franklin Business Center’s inception the program has had 15 successful companies “graduate” out of the program. Currently, the Franklin Business Center is at 80 percent occupancy with 27 businesses participating in the program.

Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. partnered with Marathon Consulting of Virginia Beach to develop and design a website that met all four of the organizations’ objectives. The final product provided Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. with a professional, user-friendly, responsive website that helps to promote the Franklin Southampton community.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

“The awards process is a thorough, non-biased and multi-layered process. These are extraordinary accomplishments for all winners, and an overall great effort by all participants. We look forward to next year’s awards competition,” Matherly said.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,700 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.