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The Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI) Board of Directors recently offered thanks to two long-serving board members for their years of invaluable service and also introduced the two individuals new to the FSEDI Board as of July 1.

An FSEDI new release continued by stating that Dr. Felicia Blow has served in the appointed Franklin City Council board seat since 2009. Blow currently serves as the associate vice president of development for Hampton University. In addition to her role as board secretary, Blow chaired the Communications Committee, a sub-committee comprised of additional business leaders with the purpose of strategizing and disseminating information about the organization to various local, regional and state-wide organizations. 

“The FSEDI Board is exceedingly grateful for the 12 years of service Dr. Blow provided to both the organization and the entire Franklin Southampton community,” officials stated in the release.

Harrell Turner served as the most recent FSEDI Board chairman. Turner is the owner and operator of CHT Forestry LLC in Branchville. Turner was appointed by the Southampton County Board of Supervisors and has served on the board since 2009. Turner has provided invaluable insight surrounding acquiring and retaining companies especially in the forestry business sector. Turner’s 12 years of service has provided significant impact to the strengthening of the Franklin Southampton business community. 

“The FSEDI Board is thrilled to announce the two new members that began their board service on July 1: Meghan Councill and Bobby Pope,” officials stated in the release.

Councill will take the Franklin City Council-appointed board seat. Councill is the senior vice president, investments for Davenport and Company LLC. She previously served as the president of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as president of Franklin Rotary. 

Pope was appointed by the Southampton County Board of Supervisors. Pope currently serves as partner for both Mid Atlantic Gin and Nuts for Wildlife. 

“Both FSEDI Board and staff are pleased to welcome Councill and Pope to the organization,” officials stated in the release.

The mission of FSEDI is to diversify the economy, create high-quality jobs and provide a future to the families and youth of Franklin Southampton. For more information about the organization, call 757-562-1958 or visit www.fsediva.com.