Business
22nd Don Quijote Awards Finalists Announced
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Source: Don Quijote Awards // Excitement builds for the 22nd Annual Don Quijote Awards as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera revealed the 12 finalists of four award categories recognized at the event, along with this year’s Lifetime Achievement and Hispanic Community Champion award recipients during a press conference held today at Orlando Science Center, sponsored by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and Wells Fargo.
The Don Quijote Awards recognize businesses and individuals committed to excellence and to the development of the region’s Hispanic community. The winner of each category will be announced at the 22nd Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion.
The 2019 Don Quijote Awards finalists are:
Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less:
- NuCare Theraphy, LLC – Carolina Rincón
- Towers Construction Company – Oskar Torres
- Rite Start Home Inspection – Luis Martínez
Hispanic Business of the Year, More than Five Years:
- JIRACOR, LLC – Jeannette and Richard Coronado
- Chiropractic Clinics of Central Florida, LLC – Dr. Josue Maysonet
- SIMETRI, Inc. – Angela M. Albán
Professional of the Year:
- Dr. Fabiola C. Weber-Guzmán, Nemours Children’s Hospital
- Ybeth Bruzual, Spectrum News 13
- Dr. Giorgina Pinedo Rolón, City de Orlando
Excellence:
- Louis A. Quiñones, Jr. – Orange County Corrections Department
- Flora María García – United Arts of Central Florida
- Dr. Lisgelia Santana-Rojas – Nemours Children’s Hospital
The Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement awards recipients are uniquely chosen by the Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee.
Hispanic Community Champion Award
This award is given to a non-Hispanic individual who has led by example in supporting the progress of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. The 2019 Hispanic Community Champion is Former Florida Senator and Orlando Health Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Community Relations, the Honorable Andy Gardiner.
For eight years, Senator Gardiner served as a member of the Florida State Legislature, rising to the position of Senate President from 2015 to 2016. During his tenure, Senator Gardiner was a champion in helping Prospera double its program funding from the State. The additional funds helped Prospera serve Hispanics beyond its three regional offices, to offer training and consulting to thousands of additional entrepreneurs across Florida. Under his leadership, Orlando Health has renewed its focus on three key areas: Minority Business Development, Diversity and Inclusion, and Culture and Language Resources.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the development and empowerment of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. This year the honor goes to the Vice President of Global Supplier Diversity at Wyndham Destinations José Nido. During his career at Wyndham, the company has won numerous awards for the excellence and effectiveness of its supplier diversity efforts. In 2015, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and in 2016, he was the co-creator of the Hispanic Chamber’s Supplier Diversity Council with Orlando Health.
“Today’s finalists represent the best talent of our Hispanic community, and they are all winners. It is an honor for us to count these men and women among us, and it is a privilege to recognize their hard work and commitment to our community as this year’s Don Quijote Awards finalists,” said Carlos Carbonell, President of the 2019 Don Quijote Awards Committee and President/CEO of ECHO Interaction Group.
“We are glad, as usual, to be working alongside Prospera and collaborating more than ever to foster growth and opportunities for Hispanic business owners throughout Central Florida,” said Gaby Ortigoni, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.
“In Central Florida, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with the Hispanic Chamber, complementing each other’s services and supporting thousands of Hispanic-owned businesses and entrepreneurs each year throughout our region,” said Prospera President & CEO Augusto Sanabria. “On December 14, in just five weeks, our community will come together once again to honor some of the great success stories in Central Florida. However, this event would not be possible without the support of our very generous sponsors.”
The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Wells Fargo, Florida Blue, AdventHealth, Universal Orlando, Bank of America, Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, JPMorgan Chase, The Boeing Company, Paychex and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, among others. For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
