High Point Economic Development Corp. President Loren Hill announced recently that he would be stepping down from that position at the end of the year, so perhaps it’s fitting that, in his last year, Hill was presented with a prestigious honor for his efforts, the Stanley Frank Economic and Workforce Development Award.
The award, named for one of Greensboro businessmen and philanthropist, the late Stanley Frank, is given to those who’ve worked diligently to build a better Greensboro and Guilford County.
Hill should take a lot of pride in the amount of business that he’s helped bring to Guilford County and the High Point area over the past 20 years while leading the High Point Economic Development Corp. However, when he received the award at the virtual State of the Community event, he said much of the credit goes to others.
Hill said it wasn’t so much a tribute to him as it was “the recognition of our successful countywide efforts over the last five years – the High Point Economic Development Corporation working hand-in-hand with the Greensboro Chamber, the County of Guilford, the City of Greensboro and the City of High Point.”
“Twenty years ago, I was the vice president for communications and public affairs for the Greensboro Chamber,” Hill said. “As part of my duties, I organized the first-ever ‘State of Our Community’ event. I also was the offstage announcer – what is called the ‘Voice of God’ – for the Chamber’s annual meetings. So, back then – when I was announcing the Greensboro Chamber’s award recipients – I would never have dreamed that – someday – my name would be called out at such an event.”
Last year, the honor was awarded to the late Steve Showfety, who was the president of Koury Corp. and who contributed to the local community in too many ways to list.
When Hill was presented with the award, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President Brent Christensen said he has witnessed first-hand “his drive, his dedication and his love for the community.”
Among other praise for Hill during the ceremony, former High Point Mayor Bill Bencini said Hill was a key figure in the creation of the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance – a countywide group formed in 2015 to attract business to the area.
