Orange County Economic Development Releases 2021 Annual Report
By: Rose Deal, Director, Orange County Economic Development
Taking an integrated approach to economic development, Orange County plotted decisive pathways forward in its 2021 - 25 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan established four key focus areas, with strategies and metrics measuring progress along the way. These focus areas informed economic development activities throughout the year, balancing the character of our community with opportunities for growth. The Strategic Plan focus areas served as compass points during a fiscal year demanding resilience. From new business launches and expansions to grants, partnerships and workforce initiatives, Orange County rose to the occasion. To help quantify the determination and resiliency demonstrated by the Orange County economy, the Economic Development Office commissioned its 2021 Annual Report, released in February 2022. The Annual Report identified several promising statistics which demonstrated the economic recovery from 2020. For example, $688,000 were awarded to ninety - nine (99) businesses in Bounce Back Orange Grants. Unemployment remained consistently lower than the national average. Travel and tourism demonstrated a strong rebound. Meals tax revenue increased by sixteen percent (16%), and transient occupancy tax enjoyed a remarkable forty - three (43%) increase year - over - year.
Beyond numbers, the report detailed a multitude of accomplishments achieved throughout 2021. Highlights included partnering with the Orange Workforce Center to co - host spring and fall job fairs focused on Orange County employers, the 2021 Quad County Business Summit and QuadTank Pitch Competition, sales of two (2) lots in the Thomas E. Lee Industrial Park, and much more.
For more information, visit www.thinkorangevirginia.com.
Page 9 | March, 2022
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