Meet the economic development team driven by topophilia for Franklin County
Beth Simms
Director of Economic Development
Beth Simms is a Franklin County native, former small business owner, and economic development powerhouse. As director of economic development for the county, Simms works behind the scenes and in front of the business community to create business opportunities in the county. From bringing in new companies to helping Franklin County companies grow, to grant writing to push programs forward, Beth deploys her passion for economic development every day.
Simms is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, completed the Basic Economic Development Course at Georgia Tech in 2020, and is a 2017 alumni of the EA Morris Fellowship of Emerging Leaders based out of North Carolina. She was previously the cultural and economic development director for the Town of Rocky Mount and earned her bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College.
Want to know more about economic development or how you can invest in our community? Contact Beth Simms today.
Amy Minnix
Economic Development Specialist
Amy Minnix, a Franklin County native and an alumna of Ferrum College, joined the Franklin County Office of Economic Development in 2022 as Economic Development Specialist. Amy started her career with Smith Mountain Lake local development company, The Willard Companies, where she worked primarily in the country club division for twelve years. This experience exposed Amy early in her career to commercial and residential development, zoning, planning, real estate, and business development. Amy continued her career in local and corporate business development, marketing, sales, and the private club industry while residing in Florida and North Carolina prior to returning home in 2021. Amy has completed the Georgia Tech Basic Economic Development Course and completed coursework at the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
Amy is responsible for assisting with marketing initiatives and attraction, outreach to existing and prospective businesses, and maintaining an updated and active listing of available properties within Franklin County.
