Task Forces

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The One Orangeburg County Initiative

Business and Industry

Annual - Crucial Results
  1. Momentum is building for additional retail establishments.
  2. Local ordinance on alcohol sales have been addressed by elected officials.
  3. Property and business owners along 601 have bought in to Exit 145 improvements as indicated by participation, input and financial support.
  4. 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
  5. Increased focus on the housing issue, both multifamily and single‐family, for rent and purchase.
  6. Property owners and developers have
Five Year - Crucial Results
  1. Both travelers and residents view Orangeburg as a regional shopping center of activity.
  2. Sunday alcohol sales are generating additional revenue for merchants.
  3. Retailers, restaurants and hotels along Hwy. 601 have seen an increase in revenues and traffic.
  4. A County‐wide, coordinated marketing strategy is actively attracting non‐resident traffic to Orangeburg.
  5. Orangeburg has seen an increase in available and affordable single and multifamily housing.
  6. Highway 601 has more readily available “plug and play” retail and manufacturing sites prepared for occupancy.

Education/Workforce

Annual - Crucial Results
  1. Assess the needs of existing industry in the County as well as the needs prospective major employers and/or manufacturers are seeking.
  2. Develop a way to get students access to advanced manufacturing field studies, job opportunities, shadow opportunities, etc.
  3. Focus on STEM education in 9‐12 and provide opportunities for high school students to learn about STEM fields and opportunities.
  4. Create a forum to discuss the challenges and obstacles ‐ the “reality” ‐ of the public school system and collect areas of improvement.
  5. Survey parents and residents about their perception of the current state of public education in the County to use as a baseline.
  6. Initial steps to STEM Charter school have been taken, including a conversation around funding, and timeline is established.
Five Year - Crucial Results
  1. Talent is more ready than ever to go to work in the available jobs in the County, indicating that education and industry are aligned.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Assess the reality of the K12 situation in the County and tackle the major obstacles that hinder progress and negatively impact reputation.
  5. Perception of Orangeburg County Public Schools has improved among residents and nonresidents.
  6. A Charter school is established with a focus on STEM, in conjunction with OCTech.

Housing, Infrastructure, and Transportation

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

Marketing & Communications

Annual - Crucial Results
  1. Existing amenities and attractions have increased emphasis in current marketing efforts.
  2. Communication to residents is improved and a clear communication strategy is in place.
  3. More positive news stories coming out of the County, such as Regional Medical Center, are picked up by local, state, regional media.
  4. Public education (K‐12) success stories are being collected and catalogued to use in marketing efforts.
  5. Research completed for rebranding effort for the County; initial concepts underway.
Five Year - Crucial Results
  1. More tourists and non‐residents are coming to Orangeburg to enjoy the unique amenities found in the County.
  2. The internal (resident) perception of Orangeburg is more positive than ever as indicated by 2015 v. 2021 research.
  3. The external (non‐resident) perception of Orangeburg County is more positive than ever as indicated by 2015 v. 2021 research.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
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