News

The Franklin Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a $38,262 grant from the Franklin Economic Development Commission to support the Chamber’s new Support 31 campaign, a community-focused initiative designed to inform, engage and support businesses, residents and visitors throughout the ongoing U.S. Highway 31 improvement project in Franklin.

The Support 31 campaign is a collaborative effort between the Franklin Chamber Foundation, the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the City of Franklin. Structured in two strategic phases, the campaign aims to provide clear communication, maintain business visibility and encourage continued community support during construction.

“When traffic slows, commerce slows and that ripple effect impacts all of Franklin,” said Rosie Chambers President/CEO of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to help businesses stay visible, accessible and supported during construction, while reminding the community to brave the barrels and keep Franklin businesses open and thriving.”

Phase One: Information and Awareness

The first phase of the campaign focuses on delivering accessible and easy-to-understand information related to the U.S. 31 project. The goal is to help businesses, residents and visitors better understand construction timelines, access points and where to find reliable updates and resources.

To support this effort, the Chamber has developed and distributed informational brochures outlining construction phases to businesses located along the U.S. 31 corridor. A dedicated project webpage at franklincoc.org/us31-project serves as a centralized hub for updates, maps and supplemental information designed to simplify and support information provided by Indiana Department of Transportation.

In addition, the Chamber has secured an intern through the U.S. Army Career Skills Program who will conduct direct outreach to impacted businesses to ensure they have the tools and information needed to navigate construction challenges.

Grant funding will support professional marketing services including graphic design, printed materials, brochure displays and vinyl door clings. Additional grassroots marketing efforts will include videos highlighting traffic flow, business entrances and high-traffic periods.

Phase Two: Business Support and Community Engagement

The second phase of the campaign is focused on encouraging continued patronage of Franklin businesses throughout construction. More than 150 businesses are expected to be directly impacted by the project, and reduced traffic volumes have already affected economic activity throughout the corridor.

According to data obtained through Placer.ai, traffic along the corridor is down approximately 100,000 vehicles, representing a 6.2 percent decrease comparing March and April 2025 to the same period in 2026.

This phase of the campaign encourages the community to brave the barrels and continue supporting Franklin businesses during construction. Funding from the Franklin Economic Development Commission will support targeted marketing initiatives including social media giveaways featuring locally purchased gift cards, branded Franklin shopping totes, advertising in local publications and digital marketing campaigns designed to drive awareness and foot traffic.

To help maintain a positive and engaging tone, the campaign has also introduced a mascot, Barry the Orange Barrel, who serves as a friendly and recognizable ambassador for project updates and community messaging. Barry will appear throughout campaign materials, window clings and social media efforts to reinforce a consistent and upbeat community presence.

“The Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Chamber Foundation are grateful for the partnership with the City of Franklin and the Franklin Economic Development Commission to strengthen these local businesses our community,” Chambers stated.

The Franklin Chamber Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen the Franklin community, enhance economic vitality and create opportunities for local businesses and residents.