For Immediate Release:

Chris Engle, Vice President
AngelouEconomics
512-225-9323
cengle@angeloueconomics.com

Orange County, Texas, to Conduct Economic Plan in the Aftermath of Hurricane Rita

Orange County, Texas (January 27, 2006)—The Orange County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) announced today that it has retained the services of Angelou Economics and the Mike Barnes Group to provide leadership to the county in the formation of a strategic economic development action plan. Orange County, recovering from Hurricane Rita, is positioning itself for continued growth and development along the I-10 Corridor. The county’s Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Director, Bobby Fillyaw stated, “I don’t believe the future of Orange County has ever been brighter. Many investments are being made by local and non local companies. New construction is taking place and thousands of jobs are being created. Such rapid growth can sometimes be difficult to handle. Now is the time for us to position ourselves to meet the demands of such a future and the only way to do that is with a comprehensive economic development strategic plan. The Mike Barnes Group and Angelou Economics bring vast knowledge and expertise to assist us in developing a quality plan. I look forward to working with them to establish a new vision for Orange County.”

Mr. Gene Bouillion, Executive Director of the Port of Orange and the President of the OCEDC Board of Directors added, “It was clear to us after reviewing the proposals, it was obvious that the Mike Barnes Group and Angelou Economics brought such tremendous experience from across the nation and that they were the best choice to lead our efforts to develop a new plan. Angelou is one of the largest independent economic development consulting organizations in the world and the Mike Barnes Group brings over 25 years of experience working in the trenches with economic development projects. We believe their collaborative effort will help the Orange County EDC be a proactive and successful force for Orange County for many years to come.”

Recognition of the business, cultural, educational, transportation, and quality of life amenities will serve as a solid foundation for new business formation and business expansion in Orange County. The OCEDC is desirous of taking the utmost advantage of its strengths, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, to form the vision for its economic development future. Chris Engle, V.P. and Senior Analyst of the Austin-based Angelou Economics echoed this sentiment, “The many assets of Orange County provide the basis for a unique and visionary approach to this plan and subsequent economic development for the county. We are eager to begin our work in Orange County.” Mike Barnes, President and CEO of the Waco-based Mike Barnes Group expressed his observations similarly, “This plan represents a post hurricane strategy unique to Orange County. Our firm is honored not only to be involved in this collaborative effort, but to be a part of laying the foundation for this resilient county.”

Bobby Fillyaw observed, “This plan will be a document that helps us define who we are and what we want to become in the future. We will ask for public input as the process unfolds over the next few months to help us develop a quality, active and sustainable organization.”