Business
24th Don Quijote Awards Finalists Announced at Dr. Phillips Center
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Source: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando // Excitement builds for the 24th Annual Don Quijote Awards as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera revealed the finalists of the four categories, along with this year’s Lifetime Achievement and Hispanic Community Champion award recipients during a press conference that was held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The press conference was 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 Central Florida’s Hispanic community. The winner of each category will be announced at the 24th Don Quijote Awards Celebration on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion. This black-tie award celebration will be from 6:00pm to midnight with Telemundo 31 news anchors Olga Aymat and Carlos Rausseo as this year’s masters of ceremony.
The 2021 Don Quijote Awards finalists are:
Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Business of the Year-Five Years or Less finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Capella Immigration Law, PLLC, Represented by Attorney Camila Pachón Roldán
- Prime Services LLC, Represented by the owner Milna Maldonado
- Vinali Staffing, Represented by its owners Ruth and Israel Vélez
Hispanic Business of the Year, More than Five Years:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Business of the Year-Five Years or More finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Castillo Engineering Services, LLC, Represented by owners Richard and Christopher Castillo
- JIRACOR, Represented by owners Jeannette and Richard Coronado
- Total Nutrition Technology, Represented by company founder Lourdes McAgy
Professional of the Year:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Professional of the Year finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Diana Almodovar, Deputy Director and County Engineer at Orange County Public Works Department
- Dr. Cyndia Morales Muñiz, Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Culture and Partnerships at the University of Central Florida
- Karla Muñiz, Executive Director of Strategic Workforce Integration at AdventHealth
Excellence Award:
This year’s Don Quijote Awards Excellence Award finalists were announced at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
- Dr. Luis Martínez-Fernández, Professor of History at the University of Central Florida
- Orlando Rolón, Chief of Orlando Police Department
- Carlos Torres, Uniform Patrol Division Commander at Orange County Sheriff’s Office
The Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement awards recipients are uniquely chosen by the Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee.
Hispanic Community Champion Award
OUC CEO and General Manager Clint Bullock was announced as the 2021 Don Quijote Awards Hispanic Community Champion at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
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 recipient of this award is chosen by the Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee focusing on contributions to the Hispanic community; evidence of promoting Hispanic professionals, executives, and board members within the nominee’s respective organization and in the general community; demonstrated leadership or community involvement to benefit the Hispanic community; and honors or awards.
The winner of the 2021 Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award is Clint Bullock, General Manager and CEO at Orlando Utilities Commission – OUC The Reliable One. Bullock serves as the CEO and General Manager of OUC, Florida’s second-largest municipal utility. They provide electric and water services to approximately 400 thousand accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud, and unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. Mr. Bullock began his career with OUC as a summer student and excelled in progressive roles during the past 30 years. His leadership has been integral in upholding OUC’s reputation as The Reliable One.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Univision’s Paul Gamache was announced as the 2021 Don Quijote Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
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 Emmy Award Winner, Senior News Director and Producer at Univision Orlando Paul Gamache. A pioneer in the local Spanish-language news market, Paul Gamache is one of the most trusted sources of information in Central Florida and a regional Hispanic icon for nearly three decades.
Paul Gamache is a truly high caliber news professional and mentor for many young Latino journalists and interns that have had the privilege of working in the same newsroom with him. There is no doubt that when you speak of excellence and credibility in Spanish language news in the Central Florida market, there is one name that stands out: Paul Gamache – Senior News Anchor for Noticias Univision Orlando.
The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo, AdventHealth, Bank of America, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Blue, Orlando Health, PNC Bank, VyStar Credit Union, Duke Energy, Fairwinds, Heart of Florida United Way, JP Morgan Chase, Kidsville Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando Magic, T&G Constructors, Travel & Leisure, Valencia College, Addition Financial, The Trentham Santiago Group, University of Central Florida, Visit Orlando, Orlando International Airport, iHeart Media, Univision Orlando, Telemundo 31, La Prensa Newspaper, Florida National News among many more. For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
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.
