By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. – 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)

Orange County Economic Development Corporation Director Jessica Hill understands the competitive edge of promoting the county as the right place to invest a new business.

“When I ran track and cross country, I would write 1 Corinthians 9:24 on the mirror during the season,” Hill said. “Now in Economic Development, it gives new meaning.”

Family and faith are the two most important assets in her life.

Hill sees the desire of the people of Orange County to support and be engaged in the community is an asset to the area.

“The people of Orange are special in being compassionate, loyal and hardworking,” Hill said. “It is beneficial for growth and opportunities.”

Hill, mother of two boys, 2 and 4, said she enjoy their innocence and seeing life through their eyes.

“Dad is a biology teacher, so we like to be on the water or exploring the woods looking for bugs with the boys,” Hill said.

The Orange County Economic Development Corporation was formed in 2003 to better serve the economic development needs of Orange County. The County of Orange, the Orange County Port and Navigation District and the Cities of Bridge City, Orange, Pinehurst, Vidor and West Orange realized the strengths gained by pooling resources to attract quality jobs and investments to Orange County. The Corporation is staffed by a full-time economic development professional and provides services to assist new and existing businesses expand or relocate to Orange County, according to the official website.

Hill has been with the Orange County EDC since March 2016. Since then, Hill has reestablished the then essentially dissolved EDC.

The Orange County Economic Development Corporation meets on the second Monday of each bi-month at 3 p.m., at the Orange County Airport, 2614 State Hwy 87 S in Orange. Circumstances may warrant a date/location change or cancellation. Meetings are open to the public unless the item is posted as a closed meeting item as allowed by law. The agenda for an upcoming meeting will be posted 72 hours prior to the meeting at http://orangecountyedc.com/meetings/