FRANKLIN—A Franklin company is among 14 finalists in a statewide competition that highlights and promotes the most resilient businesses in economically challenged parts of Virginia.

Highground Services was among 88 businesses to apply for the University of Virginia Darden School of Business second annual Tayloe Murphy Resilience Awards.

“We have seen Highground Services take off and grow in spite of the enormous difficulties faced by our area,” said co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Jim Strozier. “We have turned monumental obstacles into amazing opportunities, and to have the Tayloe Murphy Center at the Darden School of Business recognize us for our efforts is especially gratifying.”

“We’re extremely proud of Highground Services,” added Nancy Parrish, small business development manager of Franklin-Southampton County Economic Development and manager for the Franklin Business Incubator, where Highground is located.

“I strongly encouraged them for this award and it has been an honor and privilege to work with Highground Services. This is not their first award and do not think this will be their last.”

Five winners will be announced during a dinner Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the University of Virginia. Winners will participate in a weeklong Executive Education course at Darden valued at $8,000 to $12,000.

“The goal of the Resilience Awards is to bring well-deserved attention to highly successful businesses in parts of Virginia that some might unwisely overlook,” said Greg Fairchild, executive director of the Tayloe Murphy Center. “These finalists demonstrate the strength of Virginia’s main street businesses, even in the face of significant economic obstacles. With average annual profit growth rates of 42 percent and average annual employment growth rates of 20 percent, in areas where the average company is actually declining, these firms embody resilience.”

Highground Services was founded in late 2006. The company does electrical engineering and process controls in addition to facilities management.

Highground Services grew from four to 35 employees in four years and was named the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Business of the Year.

Highground Services created 20 jobs last year when International Paper contracted with the company to maintain the closed paper mill. Highground Services hired all former IP employees for the positions, which pay more than $20 an hour.

Other partners are Chief Financial Officer John Warren; his wife, Rose, chief executive officer; and Lisa Strozier, president.