Business
Danielle Permenter Named to ACCE’s Prestigious Forty Under 40 List for 2024
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Danielle Permenter, Chief Development Officer at the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), has been recognized among the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 40 Under 40 list for 2024. This accolade highlights her outstanding contributions to the chamber of commerce industry and her innovative leadership in advancing the Orlando community.
ACCE’s Forty Under 40 program annually celebrates the top emerging leaders who exemplify creativity, dedication, and a commitment to driving progress within their communities. The honorees include CEOs and staff professionals from diverse roles and chamber sizes, all recognized for their success and vision.
“I am truly honored to be recognized among such talented and passionate professionals,” said Permenter. “This acknowledgment highlights the impactful work we’re doing at the Orlando Economic Partnership, and I’m excited to continue driving programs that strengthen our community and economy.”
A Driving Force Behind Orlando’s Growth
In her role at OEP, Permenter leads the organization’s strategic initiatives in programs and events, investor engagement, and marketing and communications. Her efforts have significantly contributed to talent and community development through programs like UpSkill Orlando and Leadership Orlando.
Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP, praised her contributions:
“Danielle’s dedication to innovation and community development exemplifies the Orlando Economic Partnership’s mission to advance our region as a global, creative capital. This well-deserved recognition speaks to her leadership and the critical role she plays in shaping our organization’s success.”
An Impressive Career of Service and Impact
A graduate of Florida State University, Permenter’s achievements extend beyond OEP. She is recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and actively contributes to national initiatives, including the ACCE Education & Workforce Development Fellowship and the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management National Learning Network.
Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE President & CEO, emphasized the importance of this recognition:
“These remarkable leaders exemplify the talent and commitment that drive meaningful change. Their inspiring passion to advance their communities and promote innovation in the chamber profession shape a promising future for those they impact.”
ACCE and OEP’s Prestigious Achievements
ACCE represents over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related organizations, with more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. In 2023, the OEP earned the Chamber of the Year award, the highest honor in the industry. Permenter’s leadership played a key role in achieving this recognition, which underscores her ability to inspire excellence and innovation.
The full 2024 Forty Under 40 list was announced in the Fall 2024 edition of Chamber Executive, ACCE’s digital magazine.
Takeaways from Permenter’s Recognition
- Danielle Permenter’s inclusion in ACCE’s Forty Under 40 highlights her impact on community development and economic growth.
- Her leadership in programs like UpSkill Orlando demonstrates her commitment to advancing the Orlando workforce.
- This recognition reflects OEP’s position as a leading chamber organization, driving innovation and collaboration.
For more details about the ACCE Forty Under 40 list, visit https://magazine.acce.org/.
________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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.
Business
Florida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) has reached a major digital milestone, surpassing 1 million views on a 20-minute YouTube video, marking a significant moment in the network’s continued audience growth and online impact.
The video has shown renewed momentum over time, trending twice—first in August 2017 and again in April 2026, when it gained an additional 470,000 views.
Florida National News (FNN) continues to experience a strong and steady rise in digital viewership across its social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Audiences are increasingly engaging with FNN’s trusted news coverage, community storytelling, and original video content.
On February 12, 2025, FNN also surpassed 1 million views on Facebook, with a 30-second video reaching over 1.2 million views, further highlighting the network’s expanding digital footprint.
Today, both FNN’s YouTube and Facebook platforms have achieved million-viewer status, solidifying FNN’s position as a growing digital news leader.
This milestone reflects FNN’s expanding reach and impact, connecting with millions of viewers and delivering content that informs, engages, and empowers communities.
VIEWERSHIP MILESTONE SIGNALS EXPANDING DIGITAL REACH
FNN officials say the 1 million-view benchmark represents more than just a number — it signals growing trust and interest from audiences across Florida and the nation.
While individual FNN videos have consistently generated tens of thousands — and in some cases hundreds of thousands — of views, surpassing the 1 million mark underscores a broader trend of rising visibility and relevance in a competitive digital media landscape.
The network’s Instagram platform has also seen strong performance, recently exceeding 350,000 views, further reinforcing FNN’s multi-platform growth strategy.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FNN?
Building on this momentum, FNN plans to:
- Expand original video programming and live coverage
- Increase audience engagement across all social platforms
- Strengthen partnerships and community-based storytelling
- Accelerate growth toward the next milestone beyond 1 million views
Network leaders say the goal is not just higher numbers, but deeper impact — connecting with audiences in meaningful ways while continuing to grow as a trusted digital news source.
Central Florida News2 days agoNick Nesta Wins Apopka Mayor Runoff in Landslide, Defeats Christine Moore
Florida3 days agoDavid Jolly Campaign Tops $5 Million in Fundraising, Gains Momentum in Florida Governor’s Race
Business5 days agoFlorida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025
Central Florida News3 days agoMaribel Gomez Cordero, Rick Singh and Emily Bonilla File for Orange County Clerk of Courts Race
Entertainment2 days ago160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
