Economic Summit for Public a Success, Says IBA Executive Director

Some members of the Franklin County community now have a better understanding of what it takes to attract new business and industry.

Several dozen citizens attended the Economic Summit designed for the public Wednesday at the Carnesville Community Center.

The morning session covered several topics including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the County, defining the population, how companies find a new location to set up shop, and what Franklin County or any county needs to do to attract them.

Facilitating the morning session was Rope Roberts, Community and Economic Development Manager for Georgia Power’s Northeast Region.

Roberts asked those attending to list some of the county’s strengths and weaknesses.

Under weaknesses, the top items included a lack of countywide infrastructure and no balance between housing and industry.

Under strengths, people listed the Interstate, the Highway 17 corridor, two state parks, and the good relationship Franklin County has with neighboring counties.

industrial Building Authority Executive Director Tonya Powers said she believes the economic summit went well and those who attended now have a good understanding of the process of economic development.

Powers said the Chamber and IBA will likely hold future economic summits for the general public.