Letter to the Editor

FDCA: Punching above our weight
 
Letter to the Editor:
 
     We thank the Hampton Chronicle for publishing a thoughtful and informative article about Franklin County Development Association’s history and resume of success over the past 50 years.
     We also thank our many partners, including the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, the City of Hampton, Franklin REC, Corn Belt Power and the Franklin County Banker’s Association for supporting us financially and providing business-friendly public policy and incentives. These partnerships encourage job growth and business prosperity.
     To put that into perspective, since roughly 2000 our projects have generated over $11 million in property taxes with over $9 million going to Hampton alone. These taxes help keep the public’s property taxes lower and created hundreds of jobs, which is what adds stability to the county.
     It is important to recognize the contributions of our executive director for almost 12 years, Karen Mitchell. Her deep knowledge of economic development practices and policies, her communication and marketing skills as well as a genuine commitment to rural communities earns her our full support and appreciation. Her professionalism and drive have helped FCDA punch above its weight in competing for investment in our county.
     And no thank you would be complete without acknowledging the decades of support we have received from our fellow citizens, and for the work they do every day to make Franklin County a great place to live and work. It is gratifying to know our efforts to create jobs and sustainable communities throughout Franklin County are appreciated.
 
FCDA Executive Committee
Bruce Harris
John Latham
Rick Whalen
 
Dave Wohlford