FRANKLIN SOUTHAMPTON GATHERS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS APPRECIATION WEEK

The spirit of entrepreneurship was on full display on Friday, May 2nd as Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) and the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce joined forces to host a special event marking National Small Business Appreciation Week, which is held nationally from May 4-10. Held at the Franklin Business Center with about 50 community leaders in attendance, the celebration welcomed local business owners, elected officials, and community partners for a morning of networking, recognition, and inspiration.

“Small business is the lifeblood and identity of our local economy,” said Karl Heck, President & CEO of FSEDI. “With neighboring areas having larger companies such as Boar’s Head, Keurig Green Mountain, and Georgia-Pacific announce recent plant closings that also affect our residents, starting and growing small businesses in Franklin Southampton is one way we can diversify and expand our employment base,” Heck said.

The event began with a lively networking breakfast and reception, featuring delicious catering by Nuhaus Cuisine, LLC. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the vital role small businesses play in the region’s economy.

A highlight of the morning was the keynote address from Bryan K. Stephens, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber. Stephens addressed the audience regarding the enduring value and impact of small businesses, leveraging your connections, and supporting growth.

Other speakers at the event were Marshall Rabil of Hubbard Peanut Company and the FSEDI Board, Executive Director Madison Berryman of the Franklin Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Karl Heck from FSEDI, Lisha Wolfe from the Camp Community College Workforce Development Center, and Jimmy Strozier, owner of Highground Services and 2025 Western Hampton Roads Business of the Year recipient. Keeya Young of Royale Sambal and Samantha Urquhart of The Lighthouse Project, 2025 STARTUP winners, were also introduced.

The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce and FSEDI are committed to the development of partnerships with local businesses throughout Franklin Southampton and their essential role in our growth and development. Their ongoing support and dedication help foster a thriving environment for entrepreneurs and established businesses.

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

National Small Business Week is an annual event that happens year May 4th to May 10th, and is officially recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). During this time, the vital contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners are celebrated. The City of Franklin and Southampton County also acknowledge this event.

This is the second year that FSEDI and the FSA Chamber have partnered on this event, which has returned to the area since a pause for COVID.