A $35 million investment. Fifty new jobs. The expansion of a thriving business. Fruitful cooperation between two localities.

What else could you ask for?

Well, the obvious answer would be about five of these types of announcements every year.

But, for now, we’re thrilled with the one made by Gov. Terry McAuliffe when he visited ST Tissue on Tuesday. The recycled tissue manufacturer, whose facility is in a repurposed section of International Paper’s Franklin Mill, is expanding its operation.

And it is welcome news indeed for this community.

According to Sahil Tak, vice president of ST Tissue, the success of the project is due in large part to the cooperation between the leaders in Isle of Wight County and the City of Franklin, as well as the economic development teams in both localities.

We have no doubt that if these localities continue to find ways to work together, there will be many more announcements like this in the future.