Economic Development and Tourism Releases 2024 Annual Report By: Orange County Communications Department
The Orange County Economic Development and Tourism Office is pleased to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report. This report summarizes the Office’s efforts, and successes, promoting Orange County as desirable location to live, work, and visit. Attracting and retaining vibrant businesses is key; to that end, Orange County has advanced its efforts in business attraction and retention this year by fostering stronger community collaboration, securing critical grant funding, and preparing sites to accommodate new opportunities. The Economic Development team has implemented creative solutions to achieve goals from the strategic plan to support growth throughout the county while also participating in regional collaborations. Examples include site readiness work on two lots in the Lee Industrial Park, receiving Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) grants for two brownfield sites, and participation in regional grant initiatives.
One way to promote the attraction and expansion of business is to provide tools and assistance to interested firms. Tools can include seminars, grant assistance, and more. Connection is key, and the Office recorded 347 business touch points (staff outreach efforts) in 2024. Results were evident. Four of the five measured tax revenue streams related to economic development experienced an increase from 2023. Some of the biggest increases were tourism-focused, including a 15.02% increase in transient occupancy tax revenue, and a 18.37% increase in meals tax revenue. Furthermore, unemployment was below the national average for each of the year’s quarters. Workforce development is key to both increasing employment and making Orange County desirable to prospective employers. To that end, The Economic Development team created opportunities for fostering the growth of Orange County’s workforce by organizing networking and educational events to highlight local careers, industries, and employers. Much of this outreach was directed to the Orange County High School student body.
An “Enhanced Quality of Life” became an official goal of the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2024, but the Economic Development and Tourism Office had already been hard at work making that a reality. The 2024 Annual Report highlights several events and achievements which helped further that goal for our residents. One favorite accomplishement was the unveiling of a new historical marker in honor of Edna Lewis, the Grande Dame of Southern Cooking. This event was a fitting conclusion to several years of helping share Mrs. Lewis’ powerful story to Orange County visitors and residents through the Edna Lewis Menu Trail. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit www.thinkorangevirginia.com or read the full 2024 Annual Report Document.
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OCI April 2025
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