To the Editor:

Since International Paper announced it was closing the Franklin Mill, John Smolak and the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. have come under a barrage of fire for lack of attracting new business in the area.

Hopefully the recent announcement that Enviva LP will build a wood pellet operation in Southampton County, creating 64 new jobs with a $75 million investment, will ease some of the pressure on them; however, I’m certain that John and his staff will not back down on their efforts to bring more industry to the area.

In the last year, I had the privilege to observe John and Southampton County Administrator Mike Johnson make presentations to prospective companies along with other localities vying for their business. I can emphatically say that the work they did was second to none, and we are beginning to see the success of their hard work.

Thanks to everyone involved and I for one appreciate all your efforts and look forward to watching our area grow and prosper.

Harvey Darden
Franklin