-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
The Granville County Economic Development Office has a new economic development specialist, whose primary focus will be to recruit new industries to the county, with a particular focus on promoting the Triangle North Granville business park just outside Oxford.
Audrey Boone brings nearly a decade of experience in economic development, sales and marketing to her role with Granville County, according to a press statement from Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. Boone most recently was the executive director of the Gainesville, Texas Economic Development Corporation near the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. During her time in Gainesville, Boone was responsible for recruitment of industries with a focus on promoting Gainesville’s “shovel ready” sites.
“Granville County is an excellent area primed for growth and I am excited to continue my professional journey here,” Boone said in a written statement. “There are incredible assets across the county and I’m eager to start sharing Granville’s story with industries domestically and internationally that could one day ‘Grow with Granville,’” a reference to the catchphrase used in the county’s promotional materials.
In Texas, Boone also worked with state and local government partners to develop attractive incentive/grant packages to prospective businesses and led efforts to develop Gainesville’s largest industrial property into a rail-served industrial park with Strategic Rail Industrial Services, which represented a $274 million economic impact to the City of Gainesville.
Before leading the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation, Boone served as the Manager of Marketing and Engagement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, which serves the Bryan/College Station region, home to Texas A&M University. She also led marketing and business development efforts for the Abilene Industrial Foundation in Abilene, Texas. Boone has extensive leadership experience with professional organizations serving as a board member of the Texas Economic Development Council and as a member of its Executive Committee, serving as Treasurer of the Workforce Solutions Texoma Board, and holds memberships in good standing with the Southern Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council. Boone is a graduate of Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Management, Finance and Marketing.
Boone is currently pursuing her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Boone is an avid community volunteer, dedicating her free time to the Big Brother Big Sister program, Kiwanis, United Way and other nonprofit organizations.
The Economic Development Office is located at 310 Williamsboro St. in Oxford and the staff can be reached by calling 919.693.5911.
