IN THIS ISSUE:

The Innovation of Highway Maintenance

What is an Engineer?

Out With the Old, In With the New

Welcome

We're Working For

Congratulations

... and more!

AMPERSAND is published monthly to inform employees, clients, and friends of events and issues which affect the company.

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March  2004, Volume 16, Number III

by Su Clauson-Wicker

In a déjà vu-like episode, Richard "Rick" Huff II is serving his second term as Franklin County Administrator. Huff held the position from 1985 until 1991, when he left to become Albemarle County Deputy Administrator, but returned to Franklin in 2000 as his three children embarked upon their teenage years.

The local quality of life lured his family back, Huff says.

"It’s just a great place to raise a family," he says. "We’ve got two lakes, the mountains, the mountain biking trails, and a terrific school system."

Franklin County schools have an extremely high percentage of students using dual enrollment in the community college to accumulate college credits. Huff’s oldest son amassed 29 credits to transfer to Virginia Tech when he graduated, cutting two semesters off his tuition-paying years. Huff’s 17-year-old son has enriched his high-school study with college courses in criminal justice and legal science.

The school system’s Center for Applied Technology allows students to start exploring technology related fields in the eighth grade. "Our students are well prepared for good jobs within the county or for educational opportunities elsewhere," Huff says. "This would be very important to businesses considering a move here. We’re lucky to have a Board of Supervisors committed to making Franklin County a premier place to live."

The county’s holdings include the West Franklin Business Park adjacent to Ferrum College, the Franklin County/Rocky Mount Industrial Park, and the Franklin County Commerce Park, a 260-acre park south of Rocky Mount. Anderson & Associates has done site engineering here, designed the water and sewer system, and helps potential corporate tenants determine the
best location and costs for their requirements.

A&A has lately been involved in Franklin County’s master plan for a new, 37-acre park on Smith Mountain Lake. "There’s not much public access to the lake. This should give our residents a place to swim, fish, and launch boats," Huff says.

Huff learned about county government from a master. His father, Dick Huff was Augusta County Finance Director for 14 years and Augusta County Administrator for 17 years. He passed away in 1999.

"He gave his life to Augusta County, and it gave him a sense of contribution and satisfaction. I’ve learned that service has its rewards," Huff says.

When he’s not on the job, Huff is involved with church and family. He’s an elder in his church and serves as business manager for a church-related Bible college. He and his wife, Esther, have three children: 14, 17, and 19. &