FCIDC works with local communities and businesses to promote industrial expansion and encourage the development of new jobs. One recent initiative of the FCIDC, in conjunction with the State of Vermont, is aimed at expanding the number of local companies with ISO-9000 Certification. The goal is to ensure that Franklin County businesses can compete in the international economy.

Franklin County is a leader in Vermont economic development. The strong working relationships between private and public sectors including business, development, and education organizations has been the catalyst for the creation of more than 2500 jobs in 30 firms over the past 25 years. This growth has brought Franklin County from a predominately agricultural based economy to today's diverse, dynamic industrial and economic base that is quality driven by leading edge technologies.

Franklin County is a mix of lakeshore, rolling farmland, and hilly terrain tucked into the northwest corner of Vermont. Franklin County is bordered by Lake Champlain, the Lamoille River Valley, the Green Mountains, and Canada. St. Albans serves as the population and commercial center of the county, while the surrounding towns contribute to the small town agricultural environment that dominates the county.

The county's economic history has been strongly influenced by its environmental assets and its proximity to Montreal, Quebec. Canadian companies have located their United States operations within many industrial parks within Franklin County. Many new residents have settled here because of the excellent quality of life and access to jobs. The population of Franklin County has increased from 39,980 in 1990 to an estimated 47,556 in 2004, or approximately 16%.

Franklin County has a strong commitment to education. The local public schools serve children from pre-school through high school. The county's five high schools offer diverse quality programs, such as college preparatory, business education, and technical education. The diverse technical education opportunities include industrial technology, culinary arts, and human services. Area residents also have easy access to higher education due to the numerous post-secondary institutions in nearby Burlington which attract thousands of students to the area: Burlington College, Community College, Trinity College, St. Michael's College, and the University of Vermont. The Community College of Vermont has a campus in St. Albans and Burlington, as well as other parts of the state.

Franklin County offers two main power options which are electric power and natural gas. Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS), Swanton Municipal Electric Company, Enosburg Municipal Electric Company, and Citizen's Vermont Electric serve Franklin County with electricity and offer a variety of service packages. Vermont Gas Systems provides natural gas service and will work with your firm to provide natural gas services that best fit your needs.

St. Albans, the population and commercial hub of the county, was recognized as being one of the "most livable" towns in the United States. The 100 Best Small Towns in America identifies St. Albans as being a "plucky old railroad town...[which] has virtually remade the local economy with a mix of new jobs, new housing, and new community facilities, like the Collins-Perley Sports Complex."

Tim Smith, Executive Director of FCIDC agrees. "During the last 7-10 years the county has enjoyed a resurgent growth due in part to our proximity to Canada. We've also enjoyed building upon our relationship to dairying and agriculture with the growth of the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery and its relationship to Ben & Jerry's, Franklin County Foods, and Barry Callebaut.  Vermont is a wonderful place to live. We have people who have a care and concern for one another."