Economic Development and Tourism Office Releases 2023 Annual Report By: Orange County Economic Development & Tourism and Orange County Communications Using their 2021 - 2025 Strategic Plan as a compass, Orange County Economic Development & Tourism continued to elevate business attraction and retention, drive visitation through creative marketing and storytelling, invest in workforce development, encourage small business development and entrepreneurship, and improve the quality of life offered within Orange County. These efforts are highlighted in the release of their most recent annual report. In a word, the report showcases “ growth. ” Each element of the department ’ s mission demonstrated growth in several ways. For example, growth in programs and services was marked by the inaugural 16 - week Culpeper - Orange Entrepreneur Workshop, relocation of the Workforce Development Center to the more -
accessible location of our local libraries, and a tripling (yes, tripling) of participant numbers in the annual Corks & Caps program! Growth in grants and recognition was found in the Edna Lewis Media Trail program being recognized with both National Association of Counties and Virginia Association of Counties awards among other achievements. Awareness and digital presence growth was highlighted by welcoming twice the number of visitors to the Orange County Visitor Center and an impressive 122% increase in web traffic to visitorangevirginia.com. Business growth witnessed expansion, new investment, and long - term viability. Examples include Macmillan Publishing Services ’ (MPS) groundbreaking ceremony for a 200,000 sq. ft. expansion, a ribbon - cutting for the new MITRE Drone Range, and the celebration of American Woodmark ’ s 50th Anniversary. Furthermore, 18 new small businesses accessed and utilized some of the tools offered by Economic Development to begin their operations in Orange County! These impressive events were supported by strong unemployment numbers. Orange County ’ s unemployment performed favorably against nationwide averages in every quarter of 2023, and was never higher than 3.1%. Tax revenue statistics reinforced the successes listed in the annual report. With the exception of meals tax revenue (decrease of 2.77%), all business - focused revenue streams experienced an increase compared to 2022. The machinery and tools and transient occupancy tax revenues exhibited the greatest jump percentage - wise, at 17.02% and 26.74%, respectively! Much more information is featured in the full report, which is available for reading online at thinkorangevirginia.com. Those interested in expanding or starting a business are encouraged to contact the Orange County Economic Development and Tourism Office at 540 - 672 - 1238 or info@thinkorangevirginia.com for assistance.
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