Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – A record number of business and community leaders gathered at the French Lick Resort March 5 for the Orange County Economic Development Partnership’s 2026 annual dinner, where OCEDP recognized outstanding local businesses through the inaugural Best of OC Awards and highlighted the collaborative leadership shaping Orange County’s economic future.
The evening brought together elected officials, business owners, regional partners, and community stakeholders from across the county to celebrate progress and discuss continued economic momentum in Orange County.
OCEDP Executive Director Skylar Whiteman opened the evening by thanking attendees and sponsors for their support and partnership.
“This event is a reflection of the collaborative spirit that exists across Orange County,” Whiteman said. “The businesses and leaders in this room are shaping the reputation and future of our county every single day.”
The evening was made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Title Sponsor Timeless French Lick, Dinner Sponsor Indiana Municipal Power Agency, and supporting sponsors Midwestern Engineering, HWC Engineering, and French Lick Resort. Joe Lannon, Director of Timeless French Lick, shared remarks during the program about the impact of tourism in Orange County.
Whiteman also recognized members of the OCEDP Board of Directors for their leadership and volunteer service in guiding the organization’s strategic direction.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Best of OC Awards, a new initiative created to celebrate businesses making a meaningful impact across Orange County. Nominations were open to the public and submitted by employees, customers and community members.
“These nominations were especially meaningful because they came directly from the people who experience these businesses every day,” Whiteman said. “Each submission reflected the dedication, character, and community spirit that make Orange County special.”
The 2026 Best of OC Award winners include:
- Outstanding Small Business: Chicago’s Pizza
- Best Place to Work: French Lick Resort
- Business of the Year: Jasper Group
During her remarks, Whiteman also emphasized the importance of maintaining a countywide perspective when it comes to economic development.
“In Orange County, we may have friendly rivalries between our communities, but when it comes to jobs, housing, workforce, and opportunity, we all share the same team,” she said. “When one community succeeds, the entire county benefits.”
The evening’s guest speaker was Russ Sage, Executive Vice President of Culture and People at Jasper Group, who spoke about leadership and the importance of trust in building strong communities.
“Strong communities don’t happen because they’re lucky,” Sage said. “They happen because leadership is steady over time.”
Sage emphasized that collaboration across business, government, and civic sectors plays a key role in long-term success.
“Strong communities are not built by sectors,” he said. “They’re built by leaders who understand they share the same ground.”
He also highlighted the importance of trust in creating environments where collaboration and investment can thrive.
“Trust is the currency of strong communities,” Sage said. “Once trust is devalued, everything costs more.”
Sage concluded by encouraging leaders to remain intentional about the culture they help create in their communities.
“Communities do not drift into strength,” he said. “They are led there.”