February 18, 1:45 – 3:30 p.m. Working Session
Room: Truman
Session Description

Local leaders will share a story of progress and potential borne from a commitment to activating the substantial assets that make Orange County one of Indiana’s true treasures. It’s a story that spans from poverty into possibility in Orange County. This session includes a trolley tour of historic French Lick and West Baden. Space is limited to 30 participants; pre-confirmation is required. For questions, please contact Julie Halbig at juliehalbig@regionalopportunityinc.org.
Who should attend: economic development professionals, community development representatives, government representatives, employers, and nonprofits
Session Presenters

Skylar Whiteman is the Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership.
Skylar was raised in French Lick and currently resides in Paoli. Before joining OCEDP, she served as a licensed Health Facility Administrator in senior living communities throughout Southern Indiana for over 9 years and led teams recognized for quality, regulatory, and financial successes at the local, state, and national levels. Skylar gained a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by businesses and residents of Orange County during her time leading a business that employs over 90 individuals. Skylar is passionate about elevating Orange County and strengthening relationships with businesses, leaders, and residents while working to grow the community for those who live, work, and visit.

Chuck Franz is the CEO of the French Lick Resort.
French Lick Resort encompasses three grand hotels in the heart of southern Indiana. French Lick Springs Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while West Baden Springs Hotel is a National Historic Landmark that has been featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Places to Stay in the World” and ranked by US News & World Report as the No. 1 hotel in Indiana. Both hotels trace their origins to the mid-1800s and were returned to their original grandeur thanks to a $600 million restoration project completed in 2007. Valley Tower Hotel, which opened in 2019, offers a new type of resort experience with adjoining rooms and spacious, luxurious accommodations.
The resort also features 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course and the 18-hole Pete Dye Course, two world-class spas, resort-style gaming, horseback riding and carriage rides, fine and casual dining, sporting ranges, concerts and special events, unique shops, children’s activities and 169,000 square feet of meeting space.