About Us
The Orange County Economic Development Partnership is committed to recruiting new business to the county, as well as promoting the retention and expansion of existing industry.
We are organized as a 501(c)3 organization, funded by both public and private organizations that reflect the diverse assets of Orange County. Likewise, our board consists of 15 members, including county commissioners, county council, four town councils, and business/industry.
Since our inception, we have fostered the growth of dozens of new and expanding businesses, providing personalized assistance in identifying sources of business capital; connecting businesses with educational, workforce development, supply chain, and other resources; and matching relocating and expanding companies’ needs with available properties.
Promoting Regional Growth
Our office is located in French Lick, Indiana. Major highways in Orange County are SR 37, SR 56, SR 145 and US 150.
Orange County, in turn, sits in the middle of the South Central Indiana Region where major interstate highways are easily accessible. Airports servicing the region are easily accessible as well with Louisville International being a one hours drive away and the French Lick Municipal Airport being very close by with the amenities to serve large private aircraft. In fact, Orange County Economic Development Partnership is a member of Radius Indiana, which is a regional economic development organization consists of eight counties (Crawford, Davies, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington).
Just one call puts you in touch with our expert team:
Orange County Economic Development Partnership
505 South Maple Street
P.O. Box 128 French Lick, IN 47432
812-936-3388
OUR MISSION
“Improve the Quality of Life of Orange County Citizens and Promote Business Vitality Through Activities that Stimulate Economic Development.”
PERSONNEL & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our knowledgeable staff provides a confidential, single point of contact for business assistance in Orange County. We support companies through the site selection and business development process by offering market insights, delivering program and incentive information, connecting public and private leaders, and guiding important location decisions.
Skylar Whiteman
Executive Director
Skylar Whiteman was raised in French Lick and currently resides in Paoli. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management & Policy from Indiana University Bloomington and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to joining OCEDP, she served as a licensed Health Facility Administrator in senior living communities throughout Southern Indiana for over 9 years and led teams that were recognized for quality, regulatory, and financial successes at the local, state, and national levels. Skylar gained a thorough understanding of the challenges facing both businesses and residents of Orange County during her time leading a business that employees over 90 individuals. Skylar is passionate about elevating Orange County and continuing to strengthen relationships with businesses, leaders, and residents, while working to grow the community for those that live, work, and visit here. Skylar shares her life with her husband, two sons, and their pets and enjoys time in the pool, watching and playing sports, reading, and traveling.
Chelsey Thomas
Assistant Executive Director
Chelsey Thomas is an Orange County native who was raised in Paoli, Indiana and currently resides there. She holds an associate’s degree in business administration and understands the challenges and advantages of living in rural Orange County, Indiana. Chelsey recently graduated from the Purdue Extension Leadership Academy. With this certificate of accomplishment, she has a better understanding of our community and how it operates. With five years’ experience in an administrative role at a CPA firm prior to working at OCEDP, she is knowledgeable about the local business climate and understands business operations. Chelsey uses her educational and work experiences to not only further the mission and vision of OCEDP but to also help in making Orange County a better place to live, work, relax, and do business. Chelsey Thomas also serves the Orange County Service Council, the Orange County Memorial Health Advisory board, the Paoli Chamber of Commerce as the Vice President, and the President of Possibilities in Paoli’s Main Street organization where she can better strengthen relationships within our community while giving back to Orange County. Chelsey shares her life with her husband, son, and dog. Chelsey enjoys running, walks with friends, and spending time outdoors.
Current Board Of Directors
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Jack Mensch
Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Quantumlytix LLC
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Richard Dixon
Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Appointed by County Commissioners
Nancy Mitchell-Morris
Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Mitchell Jewelry
Arla Fraizer
Type of Director: Virtue of Position Affiliation: Appointed by Paoli Town Council
Catherine Henderson
Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Orange County Council
Randy Clark
Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Town of Orleans
Dave Wolford
Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: French Lick Town Council
Liz Smith
Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Reynolds Construction, LLC
Jason Goodman
Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Paoli Community School Corporation
Zach Brown
Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Springs Valley Bank
Cathy Carnes
Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Town of West Baden
Russ Sage
Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Jasper Group
