Our Mission
Diversify the economy, create high-quality jobs, and provide a future for the families and youth of Franklin and Southampton by:
- Utilizing Franklin-Southampton assets to DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY, meeting the community’s needs to attract new businesses and expand existing ones to avoid vulnerability to economic shock.
- Ensuring local government entities create a BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CLIMATE promoting an “open arms” environment to welcome new businesses and foster business growth.
- Promoting and FOSTER LOCAL TOURISM to create a positive economic impact on Franklin-Southampton communities.
- Fostering an internal ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE approach that will serve as a foundation for the continued development of FSEDI as a high-functioning organization.
About Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc.
Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) was incorporated in August 2005 as an economic development organization to serve the residents of the City of Franklin and Southampton County. After much planning and studying, the Franklin Southampton Alliance agreed a consolidated and unified effort by the city, county, and private sector was needed. Over the past twenty years Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. has made great strides in putting together an effective organization addressing our core economic development mission and goals for the community. Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. focuses on four primary areas: retaining existing industry, business attraction, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
Board of Directors
Meghan Councill
Chairman
Meghan Councill joined the Board of Directors in July of 2021 as the representative for the City of Franklin. She is a Senior Vice President for Davenport & Company LLC.
Will Holt
Vice Chairman
Will Holt is an attorney with Kaufman and Canoles and was appointed in July 2023.
Marshall Rabil
Treasurer
Marshall Rabil represents the Franklin Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce on the Board of Directors. He was appointed in July 2022. He is a Co-Owner and the Director of Sales and Marketing for Hubbard Peanut Company.
Robert Pope
Secretary
Bobby Pope was appointed to represent Southampton County’s interests on the Board of Directors in July of 2021. He is the Production Manager for Nuts for Wildlife.
Jamie H. Weist
Chamber Representative
Jamie is a licensed Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience in civil engineering, serving both the public and private sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion University. Throughout his career, he has been licensed to practice engineering in Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Delaware.
Most recently, he concluded his career with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., where he contributed to a wide range of infrastructure and development projects. A lifelong resident of Southampton County and the City of Franklin, he has been deeply rooted in the community for over 50 years. He is married to Michelle and is a proud father of three children and grandfather to two grandchildren.