Rylan Miller of the chamber told the Franklin County Commission on Oct. 29 that the chamber's recent "Ladies Night Out" marked its 20th anniversary, drew a record number of participating businesses and more than 450 attendees.
"It was a smashing success," Miller said, noting 46 businesses participated in a scavenger-hunt promotion and that about 30% of participants who checked in were from outside Franklin County. Miller thanked the commission for funding and said the event likely produced additional local spending by visitors.
Separately, county staff discussed the Make My Move program, a relocation incentive program the county is pursuing as part of its workforce strategies. A county representative said the state will cover 80% of the program cost and that the program offers a financial incentive — described in the meeting as $6,000 paid if a relocating household remains in the community for two years. The county said it hopes to recruit 10 new families through the program and is developing a "welcome wagon" package of local perks from businesses and service clubs.
Commissioners praised staff and the chamber's outreach work; staff said any request for county cash to support Make My Move would be a future budget decision and not an immediate ask.
The chamber thanked commissioners for prior program funding and said it will return in the spring with the same annual events.