History

The Franklin County Office of Economic Development was formed in January 2013 by the Franklin County Board of Supervisors. Previous to that, economic development duties were part of the Commerce and Leisure Services Department. This department oversaw economic development, tourism, and parks and recreation efforts.

As more and more emphasis was put on economic development by the Board, a decision was made to split the Commerce and Leisure Services Department: one department to focus on economic development and tourism and the other to handle solely parks and recreation activities for the County.

Full-Time Director

Since that time the Franklin County Office of Economic Development has employed a full-time Economic Development Director who also oversees a full-time Tourism Development Manager. The Economic Development Director is housed in the same office suite as the County Administrator and answers directly to him and the Board of Supervisors.