Editor,

Through the staff changes that 2019 presented Franklin-Southampton Economic Development, two ‘shining stars’ gave our office an extra boost of energy and support! Our staff would like to thank our interns, Hope Bunn and Tamera Williams, for their hard work and wonderful contributions to our team!

Hope Bunn started working for our office while still in her second semester of her senior year at Southampton High School. A member of the Senior Success organization, Ms. Millie Gardner coordinated Hope’s schedule to allow her to work with us four hours a week. Based on her incredible work as a student, Hope was hired for a paid internship over the summer. Hope will be attending N.C. State University this fall.

Tamera Williams joined our team as our second intern at the beginning of May, jumping right in by assisting tremendously at our annual Small Business Appreciation Cookout. Tamera will be a junior at Christopher Newport University in the fall as an Accounting major.

Both Hope and Tamera displayed great assertiveness and adaptability carrying out office responsibilities. The two quickly became valuable assets to our team, from professionally communicating with the public, processing billing for the Franklin Business Center, and creating and scheduling content on our social media pages.

We could not be more grateful for the insightful work both women brought to our office this summer. The local workforce is strong and ready to make a significant impact, based on the work of these two rock-stars!

With gratitude,

Jay Brenchick

Ashley Covington

Lauren Sloan