The following are a list of organizations and government departments that may be helpful for your business needs.
Regional and State Resources
Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce
Franklin Southampton Economic Development is a partner and member of the regional chamber organization. The regional chamber is also part of the local Business Assistance team to provide support to our existing industry.
Downtown Franklin Association
Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) works in coordination with the VA Department of Housing and Community Development’s Main Street Program in administering façade grants. DFA also manages the downtown visitor center and promotes the area by hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year.
Paul D. Camp Community College and Regional Workforce Development Center
Franklin Southampton Economic Development maintains a close relationship with both the Community College and the Workforce Administration. Workforce Development programs are a key component of our long-term strategy for the regional area. The Paul D. Camp Community College is also part of the local Business Assistance team to provide support to our existing industry.
Virginia's Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance
Franklin Southampton Economic Development is a member of Virginia's Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) and works with HREDA on their marketing missions and business recruitment efforts.
Opportunity, Inc.
Franklin Southampton Economic Development is a partner and a board member of Opportunity, Inc. Opportunity, Inc. is a workforce development organization formed to address the region’s needs with employers’ demands on both quantity of labor force and skill levels to support a growing economy.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Franklin Southampton Economic Development partners closely on business recruitment and existing industry programs with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) located in Richmond.
Virginia Employment Commission
Franklin Southampton Economic Development regularly collects employment information from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). VEC provides a wide variety of no-fee services to employers, including exposure of job vacancies, recruitment assistance, labor market information, tax credit information, and many more. VEC also provides employment assistance for those looking for work.
Virginia Department of Business Assistance
Franklin Southampton Economic Development will work with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) to provide benefits in providing a skilled workforce, acquiring small business financing, and obtaining important business information.
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Franklin Southampton Economic Development will work with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help market producers and processors of agricultural goods.
Small Business Administration
Franklin Southampton Economic Development can help you reach a local contact from the Small Business Administration to take advantage of one of their many services, ranging from financial assistance and government contract opportunities, to disaster assistance and legal compliance.
City of Franklin Local Resources
City of Franklin Local Resource Contact Information
1050 Pretlow Street • Franklin, VA 23851
Right of Way Work (permits), Storm Water Management,
Traffic & Utilities, City Sewer & Water Tap - Russell Pace, Director
Soil & Erosion Control - Chad Edwards
Phone: 757-562-8564
City of Franklin Community Planning (Inspections/Zoning/Permits)
207 West Second Avenue • Franklin, VA 23851
Building Official/Zoning Administrator/Planner - Donald Goodwin, CBO, CPCA
Code Enforcement Officer - Philip Sherman
Phone: 757-562-8580
City of Franklin Commissioner of Revenue
207 West Second Avenue • Franklin, VA 23851
Brenda Rickman
Phone: 757-562-8548
City of Franklin Treasurer
207 West Second Avenue • Franklin, VA 23851
Dinah Babb
Phone: 757-562-8540
Southampton County Local Resources
Southampton County Public Works Department
25177 Public Works Road • P.O. Box 400 • Courtland, VA 23837
Hart Council, Director
Phone: 757-653-2886
Southampton County Public Utilities
17287 Pittman Road • Boykins, VA
Julien Johnson, Director
Phone: 757-654-6023
Southampton County Building & Zoning
Phone: 757-653-3015
26022 Administration Center Drive • P.O. Box 400 • Courtland, VA 23837
Building Official/Zoning Administrator - Beth Lewis
Building Inspector (permits) - Lee Copeland 757-653-3011
Code Service Specialist - John Jenkins 800-229-3160
Permits: electrical, mechanical, plumbing 757-653-3012
Southampton County Commissioner of Revenue
26022 Administration Center Drive • P.O. Box 760 • Courtland, VA 23837
Amy Carr
Phone: 757-653-3030
Southampton County Treasurer
26022 Administration Center Drive • P.O. Box 250 • Courtland, VA 23837
David Britt
Phone: 757-653-3025
