Orange Economic Development Commission Approves $1,300 For Magazine, Plans Website Upgrades

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Economic Development Commission unanimously approved $1,300 in financial support for OrangeLife magazine during its Nov. 4 meeting, as officials reviewed plans to upgrade the town's economic development website and prepare for an upcoming holiday market.

Annemarie Sliby, executive director of the Orange Economic Development Corporation, also updated commissioners on new businesses opening in town and prospective businesses interested in locating in Orange.

Commission Approves Magazine Funding

Sliby told commissioners that the next edition of OrangeLife magazine is scheduled for distribution during the week of Nov. 16.

She presented a copy of the magazine and discussed concerns about the dark coloring used on its cover and some advertisements.

According to Sliby, the printer had recalibrated its equipment and produced new proofs with lighter colors.

Sliby requested $1,300 in financial support from commission members for the publication.

Commissioner Carol Russell moved to approve the funding, with Commissioner Thomas Dufour seconding.

The motion passed unanimously.

Website Upgrades Expected To Begin In February

Sliby reported receiving estimates from two companies for upgrades to the economic development website and said she was awaiting a third proposal.

She anticipated that work on the project would begin in February 2027.

In the meantime, Sliby said she was continuing to add relevant pages to the existing website.

Russell suggested including a screenshot of the town map on the website.

The commission did not select a website contractor or approve a project budget during the meeting.

Holiday Market Scheduled For Nov. 19

Sliby also discussed preparations for the upcoming Holiday Market, scheduled for Nov. 19.

She reported that 20 vendors had registered to participate and that Santa Claus was expected to attend.

Business Development Update

Sliby provided an overview of new businesses opening in Orange and prospective businesses interested in moving to the area.

Previous Minutes Approved

The commission unanimously approved its Sept. 1 meeting minutes.

Russell introduced the motion, with Commissioner Claire Sullivan seconding.

The Nov. 4 meeting was held in the Town Hall meeting room.

Those present included Sullivan, Dufour, Russell and Sliby.

Sliby called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.