Orange EDC Tracks Big Y, Noble Gas Construction And New Business Openings

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Economic Development Commission reviewed construction progress on several commercial projects and reported a mix of new business openings and closures during its Sept. 1 meeting.

Economic Development Director Annemarie Sliby discussed construction activity involving Noble Gas, Big Y, VEG ER for Pets and Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, along with other locations around Orange, according to the meeting minutes. She also reviewed businesses that have recently opened and others preparing to open.

The businesses identified as gains included Bimbo Bakeries Sales Center, Joyville Play & Café, Club Pilates, KidsUnited, Jenny Nails and All Freshened Pup. Businesses identified as losses were Guji, House of Brides, iSpa and Kennedy Perkins. Sliby said she continues outreach to other businesses, some of which have expressed interest in locating in Orange.

Website Redesign Being Explored

Sliby also updated commissioners on plans for the Economic Development Corp.'s website.

Of $1,625 allocated for the new website, $245 had been spent to establish Google Analytics to analyze traffic to individual pages. Sliby said she intends to eliminate pages that receive little traffic to reduce costs.

She was obtaining estimates from companies for development of a new website and planned to divide the project's cost between two fiscal-year budgets.

Golf Tournament Draws Sponsors

Sliby reported that OrangeLife magazine had $16,600 in advertising sales and eight articles. The magazine is published one week before Thanksgiving, and efforts were continuing to secure additional advertisements.

The commission's golf tournament, scheduled for Sept. 15, had secured $7,550 in sponsorships and 13 tee signs. At the time of the meeting, 24 raffle gifts and 84 players were signed up.

Sliby said she was working to obtain additional raffle items and tee signs. Duck Donuts, Litchfield Distillery, Jimmy John's Sub, Orange Ale House and possibly Texas Roadhouse were expected to provide refreshments on the course.

Commissioner Brosler moved to approve the commission's June 2 minutes, Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion, and all members present voted in favor. The minutes do not provide a numerical vote count.

The meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.