About

OCEDP is committed to all aspects of business. Our goal is to be a catalyst to ensure that businesses have access to the resources they need when it comes to Business Retention Expansion, and Attraction. 

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About

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 12 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

A confidential, single point of contact for business assistance Our staff is extremely knowledgeable of Orange County’s opportunities and resources available and navigates the site selection and business development processes by:

  • Providing market insights
  • Delivering programmatic and incentive information
  • Bringing together public and private sector leaders
  • Guiding businesses as they make and implement important location decisions

THE TEAM

 

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 on the Orange County Habitat for Humanity board as the Secretary and the Paoli Chamber of Commerce as the Treasurer where she can better strengthen relationships within our community while giving back to Orange County.

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alan Beck  Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: French Lick Springs Resort

Russ Sage  Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Jasper Group

Liz Smith  Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Reynolds Construction, LLC

Mylea Pluris  Type of Director: Virtue of Position Affiliation: Appointed by Paoli Town Council

Cathy Carnes  Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Town of West Baden

Dave Wolford  Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: French Lick Town Council

Nancy Mitchell-Morris  Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Mitchell Jewelry

Ken Schnaus  Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Springs Valley Bank

Randy Clark  Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Town of Orleans

Richard Dixon  Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Appointed by County Commissioners

Kevin Knies  Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Paoli Community School Corporation

Chad Hager  Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Orange County Council

Pam Metz Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Boston International/Celebrate The Home

Brandy Ream Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Visit French Lick West Baden

Jack Mensch Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Quantumlytix LLC

Our Members

Titanium Members

Platinum Members

Gold Members

Silver Members

Infrastructure Systems Incorporated
Indiana Natural Gas Corp.
Cave Quarries
The Superburger
KFC/Taco Bell
Orleans Community Schools
Paoli Community Schools
Springs Valley Community Schools
Kerstiens Custom Builders
French Lick West Baden Chamber of Commerce
French Lick Wine & Spirits

Bronze Members

Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Paoli Chamber of Commerce
Best Western Plus French Lick
Elite Therapeutic Massage and Tanning
Mitchell’s Jewelry
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division

PARTNERS AND ALLIES

Established relationships mean you’re connected with the right resources, faster
To deliver a comprehensive array of services, Orange County partners with a host of organizations that provide expert technical assistance, financial support, market insights, policy leadership and overall guidance in the pursuit of county economic development. The partnerships include local governments, businesses, schools, and other community organizations committed to helping the business community. Additional partnerships that increase Orange County’s resources and expertise include:

  • Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
  • Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)
  • Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
  • USDA Rural Development
  • Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission
  • Radius Indiana-https://radiusindiana.com
  • South West Indiana Development Council -https://swidc.org

Strong network of allies also serving Orange County clients Additional organizations who have provided support to Orange County and our clients include:

  • Duke Energy
  • Hoosier Energy
  • IMPA (Indiana Municipal Power Association)
  • Radius Indiana
  • Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division
  • South Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

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