Task Forces
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The One Orangeburg County Initiative
- Business and Industry (also includes Agriculture; Small Business; and Entrepreneurship)
- Education/Workforce (also includes Financial Literacy)
- Housing, Infrastructure, and Transportation (also includes Gateway; Lodging; and Environment)
- Community Vibrancy (sub-groups have Coordinators)
- Recreation and Sports
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Entertainment, Events, Activities, and Tourism
- Safe Communities (crime prevention)
- People, Relationships, and Service
- Faith Works
- Multi-generational engagement
- Marketing and Communications

Annual - Crucial Results
- Momentum is building for additional retail establishments.
- Local ordinance on alcohol sales have been addressed by elected officials.
- Property and business owners along 601 have bought in to Exit 145 improvements as indicated by participation, input and financial support.
- An inventory of activities that Orangeburg currently has including festivals, farmers market and others is created to incorporate into a marketing strategy for non‐residents
- Increased focus on the housing issue, both multifamily and single‐family, for rent and purchase.
- Property owners and developers have
Five Year - Crucial Results
- Both travelers and residents view Orangeburg as a regional shopping center of activity.
- Sunday alcohol sales are generating additional revenue for merchants.
- Retailers, restaurants and hotels along Hwy. 601 have seen an increase in revenues and traffic.
- A County‐wide, coordinated marketing strategy is actively attracting non‐resident traffic to Orangeburg.
- Orangeburg has seen an increase in available and affordable single and multifamily housing.
- Highway 601 has more readily available “plug and play” retail and manufacturing sites prepared for occupancy.

Annual - Crucial Results
- Assess the needs of existing industry in the County as well as the needs prospective major employers and/or manufacturers are seeking.
- Develop a way to get students access to advanced manufacturing field studies, job opportunities, shadow opportunities, etc.
- Focus on STEM education in 9‐12 and provide opportunities for high school students to learn about STEM fields and opportunities.
- Create a forum to discuss the challenges and obstacles ‐ the “reality” ‐ of the public school system and collect areas of improvement.
- Survey parents and residents about their perception of the current state of public education in the County to use as a baseline.
- Initial steps to STEM Charter school have been taken, including a conversation around funding, and timeline is established.
Five Year - Crucial Results
- Talent is more ready than ever to go to work in the available jobs in the County, indicating that education and industry are aligned.
- An emphasis on advanced manufacturing skills (with focus on aerospace and automotive) at the K16 level to better prepare workforce and better attract manufacturers to area.
- Increase STEM focus and opportunities in grades 9‐12, which will increase the number of students entering the workforce or post‐secondary in STEM fields.
- Assess the reality of the K12 situation in the County and tackle the major obstacles that hinder progress and negatively impact reputation.
- Perception of Orangeburg County Public Schools has improved among residents and nonresidents.
- A Charter school is established with a focus on STEM, in conjunction with OCTech.

Five Year - Crucial Results
- Exit 145 is improved and beautified with a monument sign.
- Highway 601 has been visually improved by lighting and signals underground, pedestrian friendly sidewalks, and litter‐free landscaping and green areas.
- Retailers, restaurants and hotels along Hwy. 601 have seen an increase in revenues and traffic.
- Downtown Orangeburg has seen an increase in traffic due to a better, more connected Exit 145 and Downtown area.
- Travelers and residents view Orangeburg with an improved perception of safety, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Annual - Crucial Results
- Existing amenities and attractions have increased emphasis in current marketing efforts.
- Communication to residents is improved and a clear communication strategy is in place.
- More positive news stories coming out of the County, such as Regional Medical Center, are picked up by local, state, regional media.
- Public education (K‐12) success stories are being collected and catalogued to use in marketing efforts.
- Research completed for rebranding effort for the County; initial concepts underway.
Five Year - Crucial Results
- More tourists and non‐residents are coming to Orangeburg to enjoy the unique amenities found in the County.
- The internal (resident) perception of Orangeburg is more positive than ever as indicated by 2015 v. 2021 research.
- The external (non‐resident) perception of Orangeburg County is more positive than ever as indicated by 2015 v. 2021 research.
- The perception of public education (K‐12) has improved by both residents and non‐residents, and has led to more families choosing to live in the County.
- All‐new marketing strategy and campaign for the County is in place, helping attract tourism, boost in‐migration and bring new employers to the area.