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Central Florida Business Leaders Honored at 6th Annual Osceola Stars Awards

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Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper recognize entrepreneurs, business leaders and community champions at annual awards luncheon

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Central Florida business and community leaders were recognized Thursday at the sixth annual Osceola Stars Awards, celebrating entrepreneurship, leadership and service across Osceola County and the region.

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando hosted the Sept. 3 awards luncheon in partnership with the Osceola Star Newspaper at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Conference Center.

About 200 guests attended the event, which honored individuals and organizations in four categories: Rising Star, Business Star, Community Star and All Star.

Four Osceola Stars Awards Presented

Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington, Property Appraiser Katrina Scarborough, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Kelvin Soto and Sheriff Christopher Blackmon presented the awards.

Susana’s Café received the Rising Star Award, recognizing its continued business growth and community involvement.

AcuMed Group Wellness & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics received the Business Star Award for its growth and commitment to community development.

Martin Levert, executive director of Northbridge University, received the Community Star Award for his leadership and community service, particularly during times of need.

Ana Karina Alejo, creative services director at Telemundo 31, received the All Star Award for her public service and work highlighting the contributions of Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

Ana Karina Alejo: Media Can Give Communities a Voice

Alejo said the recognition represented more than an individual achievement.

“Receiving the All Star Award is a deeply meaningful honor because it represents more than a personal achievement, it reflects the relationships, stories and communities that have shaped my career,” Alejo said in a statement.

She said she believes in using media to give a voice to people and organizations making a difference and expressed pride in highlighting Osceola County’s Hispanic community.

“This recognition inspires me to continue building bridges, championing Hispanic voices and using my platform to celebrate the people who make our community stronger,” Alejo said.

Brandon Arrington Highlights Role of Local Businesses

Arrington emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses to Osceola County’s economy and communities.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs are the fabric of Osceola County,” Arrington said. “They are our neighbors, our employers, and the people who invest their time and energy in making our community a better place.”

Arrington highlighted Dr. Cecilia Rusnak of AcuMed Group Wellness Center & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics, saying recognition of Hispanic-owned businesses celebrates entrepreneurship and the role those businesses play in Osceola County’s continued growth.

Central Florida Business and Community Leaders Attend

The luncheon brought together business executives, elected officials and community leaders from throughout Central Florida.

Participants included Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando; Arnaldo Oliveras, chair of the chamber’s executive board; and Yanin Hansen, president and CEO of the Osceola Star Newspaper.

Premier sponsor AdventHealth was represented by Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Celebration. Gold sponsor Orlando Health participated with a special video presentation.

Other sponsors and supporters included Northbridge University, Experience Kissimmee, IKEA and Orlando Venues. Media partners included Norsan Media, Univision Orlando, the Osceola Star Newspaper and WAPA Orlando 26.

Culture and Community Take Center Stage

Puerto Rican journalist and communications professional Neisha Molina, a digital content producer for Entravision US Media at WAPA Orlando 26, served as master of ceremonies.

The program opened with the presentation of colors by a U.S. Army color guard, followed by the national anthem performed by School of Talent LLC.

Guests also watched a performance by Mexico Danza Orlando, adding a cultural component to the business and community celebration.

The event concluded with a concert-ticket raffle.

Celebrating Central Florida’s Growing Hispanic Business Community

The Osceola Stars Awards are designed to recognize more than business growth. This year’s honorees represent entrepreneurship, community service, media leadership and civic engagement — areas that organizers say contribute to Osceola County’s continued economic and community development.

The partnership between the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper also places the awards within the broader growth and influence of Central Florida’s Hispanic business community.

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Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

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Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
  • Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
  • Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
  • Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
  • Admission: Free and open to the community
  • Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

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ALDI to Launch Seven Ready-Made Meals in October, With Single-Serve Dishes Under $8

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The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.

BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.

The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.

“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.

Price and preparation

ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.

“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.

The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.

2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)

When and where to find them

The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us

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Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children

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Representatives from Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and Junior Achievement of Central Florida participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.

Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.

Community partners and preschool students gather around an Addition Financial playhouse during an ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program event at Rosen Preschools.

Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.

Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom

As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.

A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.

Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.

The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.

Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill

Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.

“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”

Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.

Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early

Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.

“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”

Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.

“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.


Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships

The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.

Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.

The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.

Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.

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