Franklin County Industrial Building Authority

The mission of the FRANKLIN COUNTY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AUTHORITY is to create, maintain and focus a program through which public and private leadership can address the Economic Growth of the County and it’s incorporated cities.  The Authority is committed to cooperate with multi-county organizations chartered to address area Economic Development activities.

Benefits: 

• Improve investments and the County’s / Cities tax base
• Create employment opportunities for the citizens of the County
• Promote community involvement in the Economic Development process by civic, industry and business leaders
• Maintain an active business / industry retention program
• Market the County’s assets through any and all organizations and state departments with ability to support

Board of Directors

The Authority is made up of the Mayors of the five incorporated cities, and two (5 year term) appointees by the County Commission.

• Chairman: Ralph Owens -- Mayor, Lavonia 
• Vice Chair: Harris Little -- Mayor, Carnesville 
• Sec./Treas.  Brian James -- Mayor, Franklin Springs 
• Ray Morgan -- Mayor, Canon   
• Bill Stewart --  Mayor, Royston  
• Gerald Voyles --  County Appointee  
• Shuratt Whitworth -- County Appointee 
• Jeff Jacques -- Ex-Officio (County Commissioner)  
• Mike Green Esq. -- Legal Counsel

The Authority is supported by a full time Director of Economic Development, Lyn Allen, who reports to the Authority, and Michelle Doster, Administrative Assistant, who also serves as the Executive Secretary of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, located in Carnesville, provides office space and support to the Authority.

The Franklin County Industrial Building Authority is one of only 7 industrial authorities created by constitutional amendment (Georgia Laws – 1962 Session – pages1103>1108).