Connect with us

Business

CFHLA Recognizes Our 2021 Members of the Year and the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award Recipient

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – On Saturday, December 18th, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) held its annual Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, where CFHLA celebrated and recognized our organization’s 2021 award winners including the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award, Lodging Member of the Year, Allied Member of the Year and the Engineer of the Year.

This year, the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award was presented to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by CFHLA. The award is named after the first CFHLA Board of Directors Chairperson, Charles Andrews, and it recognizes an individual’s achievements and contributions to Central Florida’s Hospitality Industry, as well as the community at large. CFHLA would like to thank Mayor Demings for his consistent support of the Central Florida hospitality industry throughout his career in public service. Additionally, Mayor Demings has shown tremendous leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the betterment of our community, throughout this pandemic.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (second from right) receives the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association's highest award during the organization's 2021 Hospitality Gala at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, Florida Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (second from right) receives the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s highest award during the organization’s 2021 Hospitality Gala at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, Florida Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

Furthermore, CFHLA would like to congratulate the following 2021 Lodging, Allied and Engineer of the Year Honorees who were also recognized at the Hospitality Gala.

Brian Comes receives his award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

Brian Comes receives his award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

The 2021 CFHLA Lodging Member of the Year Award was presented to Brian Comes, Area Vice President, Hyatt Regency Orlando.

Erin Sims receives her award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

Erin Sims receives her award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

The 2021 CFHLA Allied Member of the Year Award was presented to Erin Sims, President, Landform of Central Florida.

Justin Bolin receives his award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

Justin Bolin receives his award during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo courtesy of the CFHLA.

The 2021 CFHLA Engineer of the Year Award was presented to Justin Bolin, Director of Property Operations, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Congresswoman Val Demings, Assistant to Orange County Administrator Lucas Boyce (right) and a guest pose for a photo during the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association's 2021 Hospitality Gala at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Congresswoman Val Demings, Assistant to Orange County Administrator Lucas Boyce (right) and a guest pose for a photo during the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2021 Hospitality Gala at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

Other elected officials in attendance included Mayor Demings’ wife, Congresswoman Val Demings, State Senator Victor Torres, State Representatives Daisy Morales, Kristen Arrington and David Smith, Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero. Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph, Orange County Public School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs, Osceola County Vice Mayor Viviana Janer and others were also in attendance.

State Senator Victor Torres and State Representative Daisy Morales pose for a photo during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

State Senator Victor Torres and State Representative Daisy Morales pose for a photo during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

(l-r) Osceola County Commissioner and Board Vice Chairwoman Viviana Janer (left), Susanna Randolph and her husband, Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph, State Representative Daisy Morales and State Representative Kristen Arrington pose for a photo during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

(l-r) Osceola County Commissioner and Board Vice Chairwoman Viviana Janer (left), Susanna Randolph and her husband, Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph, State Representative Daisy Morales and State Representative Kristen Arrington pose for a photo during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

Orange County School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs and State Representative Daisy Morales pose for a photo during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

Orange County School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs and State Representative Daisy Morales pose for a photo during the CFHLA Hospitality Gala Saturday, December 18, 2021. Photo: J Willie David III / Florida National News.

The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association’s mission is to advance tourism and the community through hospitality. As the world’s largest regional lodging association, CFHLA represents approximately 80 percent of the more than 125,500 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, and the nearly 500 “supplier” organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries.

For more information on the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, please visit www.cfhla.org.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages

Published

on

The multispecialty clinic features 24 treatment rooms, pediatric imaging and services designed to bring care closer to Middleton families.

MIDDLETON, Fla. (FNN) — Families in Middleton have a new option for pediatric and women’s specialty care with the opening of the AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic, according to an Oct. 29 news release from AdventHealth.

Located at 2274 Alder Ave., the clinic brings together pediatric primary care, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopedics and women’s urogynecology services. The facility includes 24 treatment rooms, a pediatric X-ray room and spaces for children’s heart screenings.

Bringing care closer to families

Middleton, a master-planned community along Central Parkway, is home to approximately 1,200 families and households, many with residents who work in and around The Villages, according to the release.

For Jenny Trew, whose family was the first to move to Middleton, the new clinic could mean fewer long trips for routine appointments. She has been driving nearly an hour to Clermont for pediatric care for her 13-year-old twin sons, Jasen and Jackson.

“Going to the pediatrician usually means pulling both boys out of school, taking time away from work and making a day out of something that should be pretty simple,” Trew said in the release.

Having a pediatrician in the neighborhood will make it easier to balance health care appointments with work, school, sports and other activities, she said.

Dr. Vanessa Carroll, chief medical officer of AdventHealth for Children, said proximity matters when families are seeking care for a sick or injured child.

“Parents don’t want to take their child to just any doctor. They want someone they can trust, right around the corner,” Carroll said in the release. “Because when your child is sick or injured, an hour-long drive can feel even farther.”

Expanding women’s specialty services

The clinic also provides urogynecology services, including care for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions.

The location gives women a nearby option for specialized treatment aimed at improving comfort, health and quality of life, according to AdventHealth.

“Women spend so much of their lives caring for others, and it can become very easy to put their own health last,” Kristen Toth, vice president of AdventHealth for Women, said in the release. “We want women to know there is care here for them, too.”

The clinic brings AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women together at one location to serve families through different stages of life.

Supporting students and schools

Middleton’s early childhood centers, two K-8 schools and high school collectively enroll more than 3,000 students, according to the release.

LeAnne Yerk, principal of The Villages Charter Elementary School, said access to nearby pediatric care supports students’ health and readiness to learn.

“As educators, we see firsthand that a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom is deeply connected to their health and well-being,” Yerk said in the release.

She described the clinic’s proximity to schools as an important resource for students and families, helping connect health care with educational support.

Location and appointments

The AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic is located at 2274 Alder Ave., Middleton, Florida.

To schedule an appointment, call:

  • Pediatric primary care: 352-467-7862
  • Pediatric cardiology: 352-353-2788
  • Pediatric orthopedics: 407-303-5687
  • Women’s urogynecology: 407-303-1380

For online appointment information, visit MyMiddletonPediatrics.com for children’s services or MiddletonUrogyn.com for women’s services.

Continue Reading

Business

GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies

Published

on

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.
A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.

The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.

“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.

“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families

Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.

Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.

Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.

Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program

GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.

Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.

Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.

Aviation Investments and International Service

The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.

International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.

GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.

Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility

The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.

The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.

Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.

A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.

GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.

Continue Reading

Business

Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions

Published

on

The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.

The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.

Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.

More Than 400 Exhibitors Showcase Restaurant Solutions

According to organizers, the combined events feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing food and beverages, equipment, technology and services.

Participating companies include Gordon Food Service, Back of House, PizzaMaster, Horizon Food Brokers, Keg Kraft Beverage Company, Galbani, Florida Dairy Farmers, Stirling Food Systems, Specialty Butter and OGGI Foods.

For operators facing rising costs, staffing challenges and changing technology, the events offer opportunities to compare products, meet suppliers and explore ways to improve efficiency and the guest experience.

Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI

More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.

Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.

A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.

A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.

Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs

The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.

The announced schedule includes:

  • Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
  • Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.

The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.

Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.

Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”

The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.

One Registration Connects Two Industries

By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.

The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending