Local Economic Development Legend Loren Hill Gets A Very Big Honor – The Rhino TImes

Economic Development Guru Loren Hill Honored with Lifetime Service Award

Loren Hill, a prominent figure in economic development, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of High Point, Guilford County, and North Carolina. Over the past three decades, Hill has played a pivotal role in attracting numerous major companies to the region, shaping the economic landscape of Guilford County.

Leading Economic Development Organizations

Hill’s career was marked by his leadership in the highly successful High Point Economic Development Corp. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance in 2015, which has been widely regarded as a driving force for economic development in the county.

Collaboration and Achievements

Despite his allegiance to the North Carolina Tarheels, Hill has maintained a strong working relationship with Brent Christensen, the President and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and a devoted Duke fan. Hill’s amiable personality has made him well-liked among his peers.

Commitment to Health and Well-being

During the pandemic, Hill embarked on a daily 30-minute walk with his wife, rain or shine, to improve his health. Despite his wife’s reputation as a fabulous cook, Hill successfully shed a significant amount of weight.

Lifetime Service Award

Hill’s contributions to the economy have not gone unnoticed. He was recently honored with the Lifetime Service Award from the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). This prestigious award recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions to the association and exceeded expectations during their membership.

Carolina Core’s Economic Developer

Although Hill officially retired on January 1, 2021, he quickly returned to work as the Carolina Core regional economic development director for the Piedmont Triad Partnership. In this role, Hill is responsible for fostering collaboration and driving growth in the region.

Other Recipients of the Lifetime Award

Walt Sprouse, the former executive director of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, and Katherine Thomas, who has dedicated over 20 years to the NC Economic Development Association, were also honored with the Lifetime Success Award. Their remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on economic development in North Carolina.

About the North Carolina Economic Development Association

The North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) was established in 1966 and serves as the voice for North Carolina’s economic development community. With over 900 members, including professionals from various sectors, NCEDA provides training, networking opportunities, advocacy, and other services to secure the state’s economic future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
• SDG 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 8.2: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, employment rate, and investment in research and development (R&D).
• Indicator for SDG 9.3: Percentage of small-scale enterprises with access to financial services.
• Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis:

The article discusses the achievements and contributions of Loren Hill, an economic development guru, in attracting businesses and driving economic prosperity in High Point, Guilford County, and North Carolina. The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as Hill’s efforts have led to economic development and job creation.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as Hill’s work involves attracting businesses and promoting innovation in the region.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as Hill has fostered collaboration among local jurisdictions and continues to nurture collaboration and growth in the region.

Based on the article’s content, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified:

• SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
• SDG 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, indicators that can be used to measure progress include:

• Indicator for SDG 8.2: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, employment rate, and investment in research and development (R&D).
• Indicator for SDG 9.3: Percentage of small-scale enterprises with access to financial services.
• Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development.

Source: rhinotimes.com