Ginn Sets Franklin Co. IBA Goals for 2015

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Franklin County’s new Industrial Building Authority Director, Frank Ginn, is settling into his new role and setting some goals for 2015.

Ginn took over the job at the end of October.

He said since then, he has been re-acquainting himself with Franklin County and its leadership.

“For me, it’s been a good reorientation to be brought up to speed about what has been going on in the County,” he said. “I hope to be getting out more to meet our local business leaders and plant managers. We look forward to a lot of positive things and growth as well as what we can do to build our tax base here in Franklin County.”

Ginn served for 10 years as Franklin County’s first county manager until he resigned to run for the 47th District State Senate Seat.

Ginn said in this new role as IBA director, he hopes to continue to help Franklin County move forward.

“One of the biggest thing is the same thing that I look at when I was a County Manager,” Ginn said. “Franklin County has huge potential and I want to help them reach that potential. I am happy that John Phillips is staying on and I look forward to working with Beth (Thomas) the new County Manager.”

As for goals in 2015, one large issue is working to keep Ty Cobb Medical Center solvent and the doors open until a partner or buyer can be found.

Ginn said having a hospital in the county is an important selling tool for economic growth.

“I think that you’ll see that all of the residents and organizations involved work to support the hospital,” he said. “When you look at industrial recruitment, when you look at the work force, having a hospital in the County is very important.”

Another large project designed to spur economic growth in Franklin County in the future is the installation of a major sewer and water line along the Interstate 85 corridor, along with the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Carnesville.

Ginn said he hopes to see that project move forward in 2015.

“When we look at the I-85 corridor, there’s a lot of potential for development,” Ginn said. “The big hold up has been the lack of sewer capacity. So, I’m proud to see the Board of Commissioners and the City of Carnesville are working together to build a wastewater treatment plant. We’re trying to get some things finalized. You have to make the math work. If you can’t live within a budget, then you can’t make it work. So, we’ve got to put a few more tweaks on the math.”

Ginn said another goal for 2015 will be to continue to build relationships with city leaders in the five county municipalities in order to help them grow economically.