Business Community Overview
Agribusiness
Agribusiness plays a primary role in local commercial vitality. Promoting innovative and flexible use of our fertile land and optimum growing conditions is a cornerstone of local agricultural practice. Agriculture production, crop sales and livestock sales combined totaled $36.8 million in 2002 which increased 38% over 1997. We are 13th in the state for agriculture production. We are 4th in the state for number of acres in vineyards with 200 acres devoted to grapes (Barboursville, Horton). We have 35 farms devoted to horses. We have 96 farms devoted to cattle ($5.6M). We have 7 farms involved in the dairy production ($4M). There was a 6% increase in the size of farms in Orange County.
Some local businesses of interest are:
- Battlefield Farms supplies flowers and bedding plants to the lawn and garden market.
- Orange County is home to two major wineries, Horton and Barboursville Vineyards.
- St. Gabriel Laboratories specializes in natural pesticides and herbicides that have no adverse impact on the environment.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing has played a significant role in the local economy for over 80 years when the predecessor of American Woodmark began creating quality wood products in 1921. Orange County is home to several nationally recognized industry leaders in such diverse sectors as:
- Periodicals (American Press)
- Plumbing Tools (RIDGID Products)
- Production Molding (Zamma Corporation)
- Hard Cover Books (Von Holtzbrinck Publishing Services)
- Cabinets (American Woodmark)
- Wooden Trusses (Timber Truss)
Technology
Technology companies have been present in Orange County for many years mostly in the form of small business and individual contractors. The emergence of technology companies in the 21st century’s business community in general has been mirrored here as well. In January 2006 the largest of Orange County’s technology companies announced their intention to locate. Diversified Information Technologies (DIT), a company specializing in business continuity, disaster recovery, business process solutions, and records management services, plans to employ 200 persons by the end of 2008. In addition to specific technology companies, Orange County is very proud of the application of innovative technological solutions to manufacturing and business that existing industries utilize in their day-to-day activities.
