Information & Resources

Economic Development

Lyn B. Allen
Director of Economic Development
Franklin County Industrial Building Authority
165 Athens Street, P.O. Box 151
Carnesville, GA 30521
706 384-5112
Fax: 706 384-3204

Mission Statement

The Franklin County Industrial Building Authority is made up of the five Mayors and two appointees by the Board of County Commissioners. The Authority is a State of Georgia constitutionally chartered authority, which enables it more freedom than the statutory authority. We operate on a fiscal/calendar year with our operating budget provided by Franklin County.

Officers

• Chairman: Mayor Ralph Owens ( Lavonia )

• Vice Chairman: Mayor Bill Stewart ( Royston )

• Secretary/Treasurer: Mayor Brian James ( Franklin Springs )

• Mayor Harris Little ( Carnesville )

• Mayor Ray Morgan ( Canon )
• Mr. Gerald Voyles ( County )

• Mr. Shuratt Whitworth ( County )

About the Building Authority

The Authority engages a paid professional to handle the daily activities of the oranization. This person is housed in the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce building in Carnesville, and works Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Authority meets at 5:30 pm on the second Monday of each month at the Chamber office.

The Authority works actively with the joint Authority of Franklin, Hart and Stephens counties to promote the north east corner of the state. We co-host the Franklin/Hart Manufacturers Council in support of our existing industry program. We also coordinate our marketing program with the Georgia Department of Industry Trade and Tourism, Georgia Power Company, the Georgia Electrical Membership Corporation and other statewide economic development professionals.

We act as the central point of contact for business interested in a Franklin County. We maintain a complete listing of available sites and buildings suitable for industrial use as well as demographics and supporting data essential to new and existing industry activities. We work very closely with local schools and universities in order to improve our education system, our work force skills, and to setup QuickStart training programs for new and expanding industry.

Geographic/Amenities

Founded on February 25, 1784, named for Benjamin Franklin. The 266.7 square mile county is composed of four cities, Canon, Lavonia, Franklin Springs and Royston, surrounding the county seat, Carnesville. We range from 710 to 925 feet above sea level, and enjoy all four seasons. Annual rainfall near 50 inches. Average summer highs are in the upper 80s and the winter lows are near freezing. The prime feature is the 22 miles of interstate 85 running diagonally through the county. Click here to Download our Geographic Amenities document.

Available Sites & Buildings

The Authority owns a 56 acre site at exit #173, I-85 and partners with Hart County in a 150 acre industrial park at exit #177, I-85. There are many sites throughout the county; 2 acres up to 300 acres and some up to 100 acres with rail access. The Authority has partnered with Rooker and Associates in building a 100,000 to 200,000 sq. ft building, and has a building pad ready for a 50,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. facility.

Demographics

The 2000 census noted a county population of 20,285, with annual growth at 1%, per capita income is $22,306, and cost of living index is 90.0%. Our school system is SACS certified and we graduate 70% of those entering our high school. Our labor force is 10,700 with a 4.0% unemployment rate. Click here to Download our Economic Profie document.

Manufacturing Directory

There are 46 manufacturing firms in the county who employ 3,174. Twenty four with 2584 employees are located in Lavonia; nine with 466 employees are located in Royston; and thirteen other with 124 employees in the rest of the county. We have a non-union labor force, and most firms require a high school or GED Certificate to gain employment. Click here to Download a Directory of Manufacturing Firms.