G.C. Hixson, who has spent 40 years in the economic development field, has helped bring industrial and corporate offices to the region, including projects such Tachi S and Thermo Fisher. He retired from his position last month after 17 years as the executive director of the Wilson County Joint Economic and Community Development Board. In an exit interview, Hixson gave the Business Journal a behind-the-scenes look at the county’s rapid growth and what he thinks is next for the region.