Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – Orange County Economic Development Partnership will celebrate outstanding businesses in Orange County with a new recognition program.
The inaugural Best of OC awards will spotlight the businesses that make Orange County a great place to work, live and do business.
Skylar Whiteman, executive director of OCEDP, said the awards program developed out of strategic planning meetings involving the OCEDP board.
“As we updated our strategic plan, the team and board kept coming back to being intentional about supporting local businesses,” Whiteman said. “In economic development, we do lots of work behind the scenes to support businesses, but we wanted to do something publicly to recognize our local businesses.”
Awards will be presented in three categories:
- Business of the Year – Recognition of overall excellence, growth and contributions to the Orange County economy
- Outstanding Small Business – Demonstrates a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit with an eye on growth, innovation and having a positive impact on the community
- Best Place to Work – Excellent workplace culture where employees are engaged, valued and supported
OCEDP received a variety of nominations, from small businesses with five employees to large companies with hundreds making up the workforce. Nominees include manufacturers, service providers, automotive sales, restaurants and hospitality businesses.
Public voting is open now through Feb. 20 by going online at https://forms.gle/VmqLfuKHAB8HRiuz8 or through the OCEDP Facebook page. Voting is limited to one submission per person.
Award recipients will be announced and honored at the OCEDP Annual Dinner on March 5 at the Pete Dye Pavilion in French Lick. Members of the public can purchase tickets by contacting OCEDP, (812) 653-5359. Individual tickets are $40.