Submitted article
The Crawford County Partnership for Education and Economic Development (The Partnership) announced the addition of a new member to its team. Beginning October 1st, Gary Frankhouse, Jr. will serve Crawford County as Economic Development Coordinator.
“Over the last year, Crawford County has experienced an increase in activities that are strengthening businesses within the county and drawing interest from businesses looking to prosper here,” said The Partnership’s Board of Trustees President Steve Crall. “Adding a coordinator will allow The Partnership to build on this momentum. Gary’s primary role will be to support and grow existing businesses in Crawford as well as to attract and promote the area to prospective businesses,” he added.
“Gary will play a critical role in the growth of Crawford County,” said Dave Williamson, The Partnership’s Executive Director. “We’re excited to have him on board, and for the opportunity to further expand our economic development efforts in the county.”
Frankhouse, Jr, is a good fit for the job, Williamson added, because “he knows the community– he’s passionate about it, involved in it, and brings significant entrepreneurial experience to the table.”
A Galion High School alumnus (1989), Frankhouse, Jr. graduated from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business in 1993, is a Certified Public Accountant and has nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial retail experience with family-owned business, My Floors Flooring America in Galion. Frankhouse, Jr. said his entrepreneurial background and his relationships with mentors, teachers and coaches has given him a great appreciation for traditional values and work ethic.
“I am excited to join The Partnership’s growth-oriented team,” he said. “I am passionate about ensuring the success of Crawford County and assisting in restoring its recognition on a State and Regional level,” he said.
Already entrenched in these efforts, Frankhouse, Jr. founded the Galion Community Education Foundation and serves as its chairman, he is also the treasurer of the Galion Youth Baseball Board and a member of the Crawford: 20/20 Vision Committee– The Partnership’s community-driven plan to make Crawford County a better place to live, work and do business. When he heard of this opportunity to do even more for his community, he was inspired.
“It’s something I felt I needed to be part of,” he said. “I want to assist in highlighting the advantages of our County and differentiate Crawford from other counties in the State.”
He is also looking forward to exploring new opportunities with emerging markets and products that can lead to an increase of economic investment and jobs, which will lead to a better quality of life for Crawford County residents.
Frankhouse, Jr. and his wife, Holly, a speech pathologist at Avita Health Systems, have four children– Wilson, 12, Walker, 11, Carson, 9, and Lilja, 2– and are personally invested in the county’s success.
“My family is passionate about this area and we want other families to choose to stay or come back here and ensure a lifeline to Crawford County.”