News

Orange County, VA –Orange County is pleased to announce The Edna Lewis Menu Trail program a winner of the 2023 NACo Achievement Award. Through this initiative, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism aims to highlight Orange County’s Black history, agriculture, and current culinary industries while commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the release of Edna Lewis’ first cookbook – The Edna Lewis Cookbook.

Known as the Grand Dame of Southern Cooking – her cookbooks are seminal works on farm-to-table dining, southern cuisine, and Black history.

The Menu Trail program has attracted national media attention and visitors from afar featuring Orange County restaurant stops along the way.

Julie Perry, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism says, “The Edna Lewis Menu Trail has been an important tool to tell Mrs. Lewis’ story and explain how her life in Orange County shaped her culinary perspective and Southern Cuisine.”

Through The Menu Trial, Orange County has helped preserve history, a way of life and the cultural contributions made by generations of African American women in the South.

Visitors can experience The Edna Lewis Menu trail now through Memorial Day.

For more information visit https://visitorangevirginia.com/taste/the-edna-lewis-menu-trail/ or contact Julie Perry at jperry@orangecountyva.gov.

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Effective immediately, the Virginia Career Works - Orange Workforce Center will provide workforce services by appointment only.   Job-seekers may contact Virginia Career Works directly to make an appointment at (540) 212-4570, option 3.   Services can be provided virtually, in-person at specific locations in Orange County, and in-person at the Virginia Career Works - Culpeper Center, located at 210 E Steven St., Ste. 200 Culpeper, VA 22701.  

This change represents the first step in workforce services being offered in a mobile form.  Beginning on July 1, 2023, Orange County workforce services will no longer be provided at the Center located at 127 Belleview Ave, Orange, VA 22960. Instead, workforce services will be available one day per week, in each of the three Orange County Library locations. “We are excited to make the services of Virginia Career Works even more accessible to Orange County,” shared Marty Bywaters-Baldwin, Chief Mission Officer for Rappahannock Goodwill. “Whether creating a resume, applying for a job, or accessing funding for training, the partnership with the library system will allow more Orange residents and businesses to be served.”  

Branch locations and hours of operation for workforce services are listed below. Please note that times listed are only for workforce services, and do not reflect the Library hours of operation.

Branch Locations and Hours of Operation:

Tuesdays - 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Orange County Main Library

146A Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960

Wednesdays - 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Gordonsville Library

319 N. Main Street, Gordonsville, VA 22942

Thursdays - 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Wilderness Library

6421 Flat Run Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region, and to be able to pilot a mobile offering of workforce services to job-seekers.  Bringing these services to the three Library branches will allow more folks to gain access to the valuable programs and services offered.” noted Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

For more information regarding workforce services, please visit the Virginia Career Works page or contact them at (540) 212-4570, option 3. 

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Orange, Virginia - The Market at Grelen is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest venture, The Grelen Depot. With historic preservation, art and beauty in mind, this versatile property was thoughtfully renovated and designed by Grelen Co-Owner, Leslie Gregg. Located in the town of Orange, Virginia, her goal was to restore this classic old world building with creativity and charm adding to the character of its adorable Main Street. The ultimate vision was to glamorize the exterior while creating a variety of small elegant indoor venue spaces that compliment The Market at Grelen. The end result is a contemporary building that exudes warmth and a bit of European flair.

The Grelen Depot boasts high ceilings, ample natural light, an art gallery, bar and lounge areas as well as a loft space with a range of seating options. Each space has its own distinct personality and all can be used for a variety of events including weddings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, workshops, corporate retreats, and more. One or more spaces can be rented to create the perfect experience for the guest. Specifically there are three distinct event spaces: The Gallery, The Lounge & The Loft. The Gallery & Lounge work well together for a wedding ceremony and reception but also serve as an Art Gallery that will be open periodically for art openings. The Loft has a different vibe featuring whimsical neon signs and a retro lounge area that simply calls out for live music and fun!

Finally, The Depot also features a luxury two-room suite, called The 118. This space has a living room, bedroom and glamorous full bath. It was designed with honeymoon couples in mind, but makes for a perfect getaway for those looking to explore all that Central Virginia has to offer.

Known for a commitment to excellence and unparalleled customer service, Grelen is excited to introduce Central Virginia’s newest premier event venue. Whether one is looking to host an intimate celebration, plan an unforgettable 50th birthday party or stay the night, The Grelen Depot is sure to please.

To learn more about The Grelen Depot and/or to schedule a tour, please visit our website at www.grelendepot.com or contact us directly at 540-672-7268. We can’t wait to help you create an unforgettable event.

Contact:

The Grelen Depot

118 E Main St, Orange, VA 22960

info@themarketatgrelen.com

IG: @grelendepot

www.grelendepot.com

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Charlottesville, VA – The Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) will expand its signature program, a 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop for aspiring and existing business owners, to Culpeper and Orange this Fall. In partnership with the Economic Development Offices of the Town of Culpeper and Orange County, the workshop will launch on August 22, 2023 at the Carver Center in Rapidan, VA, located off of James Madison Highway. Applications open May 1, 2023 and are available online at cicville.org/culpeper-orange-workshop. 

“Community Investment Collaborative’s 16-Week Workshop is a proven driver for building an entrepreneurship ecosystem. It’s designed to help entrepreneurs do two things: determine if the business can be viable, and learn the basics of running a business,“ said Paige Read, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Town of Culpeper. “We are grateful for the partnership with Orange County Economic Development in bringing this series north to the greater Culpeper-Orange community. I am confident participants who complete the program will be better prepared for an ever changing business landscape.” 

CIC expanded its service area to include Orange, Culpeper, Madison, and Rappahannock counties in 2020 when it took over as host of the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC). CIC also partnered with The Town of Culpeper and Orange, Culpeper, Madison and Fauquier Counties to manage business grant programs that were funded by the CARES Act to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. Adding an additional location for the Entrepreneur Workshop implements a portion of the organization’s strategic plan to increase program offerings to rural communities in its region, with a focus on under-resourced entrepreneurs. 

“We are excited to partner with the Town of Culpeper Economic Development and Tourism Office to bring this enriching opportunity closer to our respective business communities. Historically, attendance by Orange County businesses to this workshop has been low. We are confident that bringing this course closer to home will allow for more accessibility, therefore increasing participation by Orange County business owners and entrepreneurs,” said Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Orange County. 

The Fall 2023 sessions of the Entrepreneur Workshop will take place in Culpeper-Orange and Charlottesville, simultaneously. Each cohort will have dedicated team members, workgroup leaders, and session facilitators to assist the entrepreneurs in successfully completing the rigorous program. Interested participants are encouraged to apply online and will be prompted to select a cohort in accordance with where their business will be located and what is most feasible for them to participate weekly. 

This project was made possible through the support of The Town of Culpeper Economic Development and Tourism Office and Orange County Economic Development, and funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries. 

Entrepreneur Workshop graduates have the option to be paired with mentors and join Small Business Circles for ongoing support and insight from fellow entrepreneurs, and are also eligible to explore other aspects of CIC, including its Financial Management Program and its microloan program, which offers financing options of up to $50,000 to help them formally launch or expand their businesses. 

Applications are available May 1 - July 7, 2023. Classes will be held weekly, on Tuesday evenings, at the Carver Center, from 6PM - 9PM, August 22 - December 12, 2023. To apply for the upcoming Entrepreneur Workshop or to learn more about CIC, its programming and available resources, please visit https://cicville.org. 

Learn more here. 

To read more click here.

Orange County, VA – Orange County Economic Development is pleased to announce that Forked on Main, located in the Historic Sparks Building at 124 West Main Street in the Town of Orange is under new ownership. Business partners Stephanie Saperstein, and Will Miguel, purchased the existing restaurant on February 1, 2023. Ms. Saperstein has served as the General Manager of Forked on Main for the past year, and Mr. Miguel has served as the Executive Chef since November 2022.

Orange County Economic Development supported this new acquisition by connecting Ms. Saperstein and Mr. Miguel with various community partners and to the Department’s network of business resources provided by Community Investment Collaborative and the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center.

“For the past five years, Forked on Main has been a staple for Downtown Orange, serving guests with a unique twist on Americana cuisine, in an exceptional setting. We look forward to witnessing Forked’s continued growth and success in the community,” noted Rose Deal, Economic Development & Tourism Director.

For more information regarding Forked on Main, please visit http://forkedonmain.com/.

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Orange County, VA – The Orange County Economic Development Office, in collaboration with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), is hosting a FREE business development opportunity. The Orange County Business Boost Workshop will be offered on Tuesday, January 31, 2022, from 8:00 – 9:00 am in the Orange County Airport Conference Room, located at 11275 Aviation Way, Orange, VA 22960.

The Orange County Business Boost workshop is available for businesses interested in learning about the various, free resources available and how to use them to boost their business in 2023.  Topic covered will include; CV SBDC office hours in Orange County, Community Investment Collaborative programs and funding, CV SBDC workshops and topics, Orange County’s Revolving Loan Fund, Orange County’s Incentive Policy, Orange County’s Business Directory, Tourism Industry Marketing Leverage Grant, and more.

An experienced business advisor will also be available for FREE, confidential 1-on-1 business counseling sessions, immediately following the Workshop. Counseling sessions are available by appointment only, please call the CVSBDC at (434) 295-8198 to schedule your appointment.

This event is FREE to all Orange County businesses and a light breakfast will be provided. For more information and to reserve your seat at the workshop, please contact Regan McKay, Economic Development and Tourism Assistant at (540) 672-1238 or rmckay@orangecountyva.gov. 

Read more here. 

Orange County, VA – Orange County Economic Development and Tourism Director, Rose Deal, recently completed a two-week Advanced Economic Development Leadership (ADEL) Executive Education Program and was awarded the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) certificate.  Mrs. Deal has been an economic development practitioner for seven (7) years.  Deal noted that, “The Advanced Economic Development Leadership program was an exceptional learning experience!  It allowed me to convene and collaborate with like-minded economic development professionals from around the country, while also learning about today’s leadership and economic development best practices. I look forward to applying these new skills with our staff and community.” 

AEDL is a collaboration of three universities – The University of Southern Mississippi, Texas Christian University, and the University of New Mexico. These universities are committed to excellence in economic development and advancing the knowledge, skills, and application of key job creation strategies in America’s cities, communities, and counties.

The AEDL program is immersive and challenging. The experiential curriculum enhances key skills necessary for leading successful community and economic development strategies. Led by experienced world-class faculty, program topics include negotiation, personal and professional leadership, successful teamwork, site selection, economic development, incentives, innovative data for retention, expansion, attraction, entrepreneurship, talent, and more.  The Advanced Economic Development Leadership course accepts mid and senior-level practitioners from across the United States.

For more information on Orange County’s economic development opportunities please contact the Economic Development and Tourism Office at (540) 672-1238 or at thinkorangeva.com. 

Read more here. 

Orange County, VA – As a component of our “Enjoy Orange Campaign,” the Orange County Office of Economic Development encourages our community to shop local, by participating in the Orange County Enjoy Orange Passport Event. The event begins on Small Business Saturday, November 26th, and extends through December 16, 2022. The passport event encourages consumers to shop and dine at small businesses throughout Orange County (excludes franchises or national chains) for a chance to win one (1) of four (4) $25 gift card to an Orange County business of choice, or a variety of other prizes from local businesses. Winners will be announced on December 19, 2022.

Rose Deal, Economic Development and Tourism Director noted, “We want to encourage residents and visitors alike to “Enjoy Orange” buy shopping and dining local this holiday season. Our shops have personal, unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list. While you’re out and about, be sure to experience some of the best fare around at our local restaurants.”

To download your passport and for more information, please visit https://www.thinkorangeva.com/living-here/enjoy-orange, or contact Regan McKay at the Orange County Economic Development Office at (540) 672-1238 or rmckay@orangecountyva.gov.

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ORANGE, VA – The Orange County Office of Economic Development and Tourism is pleased to announce the creation of the Edna Lewis Menu Trail in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the release of The Edna Lewis Cookbook in 1972.

Edna Lewis was born on April 13,1916 in an area of Orange County called Freetown. Lewis authored three, groundbreaking cookbooks and is credited with bringing the culture and heritage of African American, Southern Cuisine to the world. She is often referred to as the Grande Dame of Southern Cooking and was the recipient of an honorary Ph.D. in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University (1996) and the James Beard Living Legend Award (1999). The United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in her honor in 2014.

The Orange County Edna Lewis Menu Trail is a collaborative effort commemorating Lewis and the 50th Anniversary of her first cookbook – The Edna Lewis Cookbook. It highlights seven (7) Orange County restaurants whose chefs will be creating their own versions of Lewis’s recipes for purchase on their menus from Thanksgiving 2022 to Memorial Day 2023. Assistant Director, Julie Perry says “This new Menu Trail is a way for visitors and locals alike to get a sense of Lewis’s legacy today. It’s a chance to see how local chefs reinterpret classic, Southern dishes - with access to many of the same ingredients and agriculture that inspired the great Edna Lewis. We can’t wait to taste their creations!”

Participating Restaurants are the BBQ Exchange, Champion Ice House, Clearwater Grill, Coopers Cookin and Catering, the Market at Grelen, Spoon and Spindle, and Vintage at the Inn at Willow Grove. 

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Orange County, VA – Orange County is pleased to announce that MPS, a division of Macmillan Publishers, will invest $26+ million over the next three years to expand its distribution operation in Orange County. Macmillan Publishers, based in New York, NY, is a global trade and higher education publishing company operating in over 70 countries, with imprints in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and India. Macmillan Publishers is a division of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned media company headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. MPS first opened its’ doors in Orange County in 1997 and then expanded in 2000 to add their Returns Facility, located in the Thomas E. Lee Industrial Park. The Orange County distribution facility handles all distribution for the United States and Canada, and some international customers.

This expansion is anticipated to create 10 new jobs over the next three (3) years. The Economic Development Authority incentivized MPS to expand its operations in the County by offering a $250,000 real estate and machinery and tools performance tax grant, in exchange for their $26+ million investment. “This is wonderful news for Orange County. MPS has been a valued corporate citizen for the past 25 years and we are so excited that they have chosen to invest in the community once again,” noted Rose Deal, Economic Development Director.

“We could not be more appreciative of the Economic Development Authority’s generosity and support of our business efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for MPS to continue expanding our operations here in Orange County. We’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with this community and its leaders for the past 25 years and this project solidifies many more years of growth and partnership.” noted a representative from MPS.

For more information, please contact Rose Deal, at (540) 672-1238.

Read more here. 

Orange County, VA – The Orange County Economic Development Office, in collaboration with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), is hosting two (2) FREE business development opportunities. A Starting Your Business Workshop and 1-on-1 counselingsessions will be offered on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

The Starting Your Business workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and is targeted towards those interested in learning best practices for starting a business, required registrations and regulations, and the components of sound business planning, including financial projections.

In addition to the workshop, free and confidential 1-on-1 business counseling sessions are available from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for those seeking feedback and advice from an experienced business advisor. Counseling sessions are available by appointment only. Please call the CVSBDC at (434) 295-8198 to schedule your appointment for November 2, 2022.

These events are free to all local businesses. To reserve your seat at the workshop, register online at https://cvsbdc.org/event/starting-your-business-19/.

For more information, please contact Regan McKay, Economic Development & Tourism Assistant, at (540) 672-1238 or rmckay@orangecountyva.gov.

Read more here. 

ORANGE, VA – The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) announced this week that travelers to Virginia spent $69 million a day in 2021, up from $48 million in 2020. Virginia’s tourism revenues also reached $25.2 billion in 2021, marking an 87% recovery to pre-pandemic spending in 2019. This spending supported 185,000 jobs, $7.1 billion in salaries and wages, and $1.8 billion in state and local taxes. 80 of Virginia’s 133 localities fully recovered to 2019 levels of spending and many grew even further.

“Tourism has seen an incredible comeback thanks to the hardworking leaders in the travel and tourism industry across Virginia,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “As travelers continue to visit communities across the state, Virginia is on pace to restore the tourism industry into the vibrant and highly performing economic engine it always has been. We look forward to an even stronger recovery in 2022.”

In Orange County, direct visitor spending in 2021 was up 34.1% over 2020 and has surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019.  Tourism Program Manager, Julie Perry said “We are excited to see such tangible evidence of Orange County’s tourism recovery and are grateful for the dynamic attractions, lodging, restaurants, retail and recreation businesses in our community who have labored to make this a reality.”   

Total Direct Visitor Spending in Orange County

2019 - $45.6 million

2020 - $37.6 million 

2021 - $50.5 million

Read more here. 

Orange County, VA – Cooper’s Cookin and Catering will celebrate their one (1) year anniversary on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. at its restaurant location in Orange. The event will host a DJ and door prizes along with raffles and their famous southern cuisine and soul food.  

Cooper’s Cookin and Catering co-owners, Denise Thompson and her cousin Phillip Cooper, are direct descendants of several of the women from Gordonsville, VA tied to the “waiter carriers.” “Waiter Carriers” were local women who sold fried chicken and other food items at the railroad stop in the late 1800s and 1900s, prior to the time that dining cars existed. These women were able to gain financial independence through their entrepreneurial skills. Because of this, Gordonsville became known as the “Fried Chicken Capital of the World.”  Although the need for the services decreased as dining cars were added to rail cars and government regulations increased, their recipes lived on through Mildred Cooper, Gladys Cooper, Pauline Johnson and other relatives who continued to sell locally until the late 1900s.  

Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development noted, “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with Cooper’s Cookin and Catering and are proud that they continue the legacy of the waiter carriers today.  It’s significant that residents and visitors alike can taste the authentic, original recipes of the entrepreneurial women who earned Gordonsville the title of “Fried Chicken Capital of the World.”  We wish Denise and Phillip many more years of continued business success!”

Denise is Mildred Cooper’s youngest daughter and uses the original family recipes at Cooper’s Cookin and Catering. “This is where my vision came from. … My aunts and my mom. I know that they are smiling down on us,” says Denise Thompson. In addition to Phillip and Denise, Michael Cooper (one of Mildred’s sons) the special family chicken cooker, adds his flair to the mix. He is the force behind many of the Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival wins held by the Cooper family.

Cooper’s Cookin and Catering is located at 131 Byrd Street, Orange, VA.  They are open daily (except Wednesdays) for breakfast and catering, lunch.  For more information call 540-308-7199.   

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Orange County, VA – Central Virginia Wine Tours & Transportation is celebrating their 10th anniversary. Locally owned and operated by Stephen and Jenny Sanford of Orange, Virginia, Central Virginia Wine Tours & Transportation was started in 2012, when Stephen realized there was a need for transportation services in the region. Beginning with a six passenger Cadillac Escalade for tours, the business soon evolved and the inquiries for transportation continued. Over time, Stephen expanded his fleet to another SUV and a Minibus and extended the service regions to include Charlottesville, Madison, and Culpeper. Today, Central Virginia Wine Tours & Transportation has a fleet of six (6) vehicles, ranging from an SUV to a 24-passenger shuttle bus.

From wineries, breweries, and cideries to wedding/event venues to chef and family-owned restaurants, supporting local establishments has been at the forefront of their services. Stephen Sanford, owner of Central Virginia Wine Tours &Transportation, noted, “What better way to help our local economy by providing a service for guests coming to visit this beautiful area!” 

“We are thankful for Stephen’s vision to bring a transportation business to Orange County.  This is a much-desired service for County residents and visitors alike and supports our growing wedding industry and tourism industry partners,” noted Rose Deal, Director of Economic Development.  You can get more information for any tours or group events by visiting their website at centralvirginiawinetours.com or send inquiries to centralvirginiawinetours@gmail.com.

Read more here. 

Orange County, VA – The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, with the Orange County Economic Development and the Quad County Business Summit Planning Committee, are pleased to announce the October 12, 2022 Quad Summit at Shenandoah Crossings Resort featuring keynote speaker Dr. Kelli Palmer, Chief Diversity Office at WillowTree®.  WillowTree is a full-service digital product consultancy, with over 1,000 employees.  WillowTree began in 2008, with three individuals building mobile apps in Charlottesville, VA.  Today, WillowTree creates digital products for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500.

Prior to WillowTree, Palmer was CFA Institute’s Head of Global Inclusion & Diversity and Corporate Citizenship. In this role, Palmer led the strategic direction of CFA’s internal initiatives to improve the organization’s ability to recruit, retain, and promote an inclusive, diverse, and culturally competent employee base.  Palmer focused on the organization's culture to ensure success and to maintain/attract a high-quality workforce. 

This half day summit will include a panel of local business owners showcasing Wesley Chiles, owner of Chiles Enterprises (Louisa, VA), André Xavier, owner - C'ville Travel, C'ville Tours, C'ville Transportation, and Casa X Publishing, co-owner -Virginia Hop on Tours, Patch Brewing Co. (Orange, VA), and C'ville 3D, and Katherine Morris, co-owner of Performance Signs & Wraps (Greene, VA). 

The Central Virginia Small Business Development Center will host the fourth annual QuadTank Pitch Competition during the summit. The winning individual or team will be awarded a $$$ cash prize ($5,000 or more) to support implementation of their business plan. At the end of the Quad Business Summit, the winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. For applicants that are starting new businesses, there will be an opportunity to be evaluated for a Market Validation Micro Grant up to $1,000 from Community Investment Collaborative.  Interested individuals or teams must schedule a meeting with a Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CV SBDC) before September 16th to apply.  Contact Client Services Coordinator, Mesa McMurtrey via email: contact@cvsbdc.org, or by calling 434-295-8198.

We would like to graciously thank all of our generous sponsors: Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing Resort, WillowTree, First Citizens Bank, Dominion Energy, Community Bank of the Chesapeake,  Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Seventh Wall, Community Investment Collaborative, Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Louisa Chamber of Commerce, Greene Chamber of Commerce, Orange Chamber of Commerce, Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce, Fluvanna Economic Development Authority,  Xpress Copy & Graphics, and Firefly Fiber Broadband. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and are listed on the Summit website.

The full 2022 Summit agenda and registration is now available and can be found on the Quad County Business Summit website at www.qcbsummit.com.

For more information regarding the event, please contact Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director at (540) 967-0944.

Read more here. 

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – Due to field conditions at Booster Park, The ConnectOrange Community Showcase has been postponed. The ConnectOrange Community Showcase has been rescheduled for Friday, August 19, 2022, at Booster Park, located at 11177 Bloomsbury Road, Orange from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. For more information please contact the Orange County Chamber of Commerce at (540) 672-5216 or orangevadirector@gmail.com.

Read more here.