FRANKLIN— David Merrick, Downtown Franklin Association director, has resigned after nearly one year in the position, according to an executive board member.

Merrick’s resignation came days after the end of the Franklin Fall Festival, an annual event that draws hundreds to activities on the downtown streets.

Merrick was the fifth director, filling a position that had been vacant since May 2006.

Still commuting from Colerain, N.C., the director came with an extensive background in business that included eight years of representing North Carolina Community College’s services.

An advertisement running in today’s The Tidewater News for the job of downtown manager states the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or business administration or a related field with two to three years of experience.

Responsibilities will include business and government liaison; continuing retention and recruitment of businesses; special events coordination and promotional activities and overall design programs for the historic district.

A residency requirement is added to the new job description. The successful applicant will be required to move within the corporate city limits within 12 months of being hired.

Attempts to reach Merrick on his cell phone were not successful.