The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Orange County Economic Development Corporation along with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce has opened the Orange County Business Recovery Center at 3737 North 16th Street in the Northway Shopping Center. Business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are here to help Orange County Businesses devastated by the disaster, making available telephone and internet services, and giving businesses a place to come in and make copies and send faxes,” said Bobby Fillyaw, Executive Director of the Orange County EDC.

“These services are available to any business in Orange County at no charge.”

Also provided will be office work space; however, space is limited for up to two workers from each business.

They are also compiling a list of possible relocation sites for businesses that have been displaced by the storm. “Anyone that has lease space available, please call us,” Fillyaw said. “We are not a realtor, but we will be able to put you in contact with the right people.” The number to call for the EDC is 409-883-7770 and the Orange Chamber of Commerce 409-883-3536.

Personnel from the Small Business Administration are expected to be available to assist with the application process. Members of the EDC and Chamber have been trained to help as well. Fillyaw is also working to have volunteers from the Senior Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE, available to give advice.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce is looking to help businesses as well. “We are also in the process of contacting chamber members,” B.J. Hanneman, membership coordinator said. “We would like for them to give us a call to inform us of their current status and needs after the storm.”

Fillyaw wishes to thank the property owners of Northway Shopping Center, The City of Orange EDC, The Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation, Time Warner Cable, AT&T, BASF and Chevron Phillips for their help in getting the operation off the ground. “They have really been wonderful to us,” he said.