Business
Gov. Scott Announces Ruby Tuesday to Open Regional Office in Florida
Published
11 years agoon
By
Willie David
New office to create 45 jobs and a capital investment of $250,000
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Ruby Tuesday, Inc. will open a new regional office in Orlando. The expansion will create 45 jobs and a capital investment of $250,000.
Governor Scott said, “Today’s announcement that Ruby Tuesday will open up a new office in Florida is exciting news, and moves us one step closer to achieving our goal of becoming the global destination for jobs. Since December 2010, Florida businesses like Ruby Tuesday have created more than 807,000 private-sector jobs for our families, and we are working each day to bring even more job creators to our state.”
Founded in 1972, Ruby Tuesday is a national casual dining chain with more than 40,000 company and franchise team members. Ruby Tuesday’s new regional office will provide support to its restaurant teams and will include positions in the marketing, finance, development and IT fields.
JJ Buettgen, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “We are incredibly appreciative of the partnership with Governor Scott and the team at Enterprise Florida. The new regional office will serve as a great complement to our Restaurant Support Center in Tennessee, allowing us to continue focusing on our brand transformation efforts.”
As a right-to-work state with zero personal income tax and low corporate tax rates, Florida offers businesses a pro-growth business climate with few roadblocks and governmental regulations. Florida has more than 170 universities, colleges and technical institutes located throughout the state. In addition, Florida provides its companies a highly-skilled culturally diverse workforce and abundant opportunities for training.
Bill Johnson, Enterprise Florida CEO and president said, “We are excited that Ruby Tuesday has decided to open their new regional offices in Florida. Florida truly has the perfect climate for business under Governor Scott’s leadership. Every day, the Enterprise Florida team works to show companies what benefits Florida can provide. We thank Ruby Tuesday for their investment in Florida, and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”
This project was made possible by the close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Orlando Economic Development Council.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “We are thrilled that the widely recognized Ruby Tuesday brand has found a home in Florida. This job growth is just one more example of great economic news in the Orlando area.”
Chris Hart IV, CareerSource Florida CEO and president, said, “Ensuring Florida’s workforce has the right skills at the right time is critical to helping businesses like Ruby Tuesday compete and grow, and Floridians grow professionally. We’re proud that Ruby Tuesday chose Florida for its regional office and look forward to supporting the company’s continued success.”
“Since I took office, I have worked to diversify our economy, revitalize Downtown and support arts, culture and entertainment amenities to create a City that offers a high quality of life for everyone who lives, works and plays in Orlando,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “It is rewarding to see that these investments are paying off, with national corporations, like Ruby Tuesday, expanding their investment in Orlando and bringing not only 45 jobs for our residents, but also continuing to make a significant economic impact in our community.”
“We are very excited to welcome Ruby Tuesday to Orlando as they join the growing list of companies with regional or national headquarters who call our phenomenal area home.” said Rick Weddle, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Development Commission.
***
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has 737 Company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 44 states, 13 foreign countries, and Guam, in addition to 26 Company-owned and/or franchise Lime Fresh brand restaurants in six states and the District of Columbia. As of March 3, 2015, we owned and operated 658 Ruby Tuesday restaurants and franchised 79 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, comprised of 30 domestic and 49 international restaurants. We also owned and operated 19 Lime Fresh restaurants and franchised seven Lime Fresh restaurants. Our Company-owned and operated restaurants are concentrated primarily in the Southeast, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest of the United States, which we consider to be our core markets.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
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Business
Experience Kissimmee CEO DT Minich Inducted Into Florida Tourism Hall of Fame
Published
6 days agoon
September 15, 2026
Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich receives statewide recognition after a career leading destination marketing organizations in Southwest Florida, St. Pete-Clearwater and Kissimmee.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing more than three decades of leadership in Florida’s tourism and destination marketing industry.
Minich was recognized during the 2026 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.
Presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the state’s tourism industry.
Three Florida Destinations, More Than Three Decades
According to Experience Kissimmee, Minich is the only tourism executive to have led three Florida destination marketing organizations.
His career includes leadership positions with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and Experience Kissimmee.
“This recognition represents every community, partner and tourism professional I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career,” Minich said.
“We are here not only to welcome visitors, but also to strengthen our communities, create opportunities for residents, and protect what makes Florida such a special place.”
From Southwest Florida to St. Pete-Clearwater
Minich began his destination marketing career in the Fort Myers area, where Southwest Florida’s coastal communities and natural environment influenced his approach to tourism development.
His work included helping develop the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.
Minich also helped lead tourism communications following Hurricane Charley and supported Gulf Coast destinations during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the organization.
He later spent seven years as executive director of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, where his work included expanding the destination’s international reach and developing its meetings and sports tourism business.
Transforming Experience Kissimmee
Minich became the first president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in 2014 as the organization transitioned to a public-private model.
During his tenure, Experience Kissimmee positioned the destination around its large vacation-home market and promoted Kissimmee as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.”
According to Experience Kissimmee, the area’s vacation-home inventory increased from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 homes during Minich’s leadership.
The organization says its annual budget also grew from approximately $11 million to more than $32 million, while its workforce expanded to more than 70 employees. Experience Kissimmee also established representation in more than 18 international markets.
Statewide Tourism Leadership
In 2025, Minich became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, giving him a role in statewide tourism strategy.
Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park and a VISIT FLORIDA board member, said Minich’s influence extends beyond a single destination.
“He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home,” Haught said.
VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin also recognized Minich’s statewide contributions.
“DT Minich has spent more than three decades in service to Florida tourism, and the relationships he has built are felt in every corner of the state,” Griffin said. “He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism.”
Joining Florida Tourism Leaders
Established in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to the development of Florida’s visitor economy.
Previous inductees include Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling, Harris Rosen, Carol Dover and William D. Talbert III, according to the release.
Minich now joins that group as the Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductee.
Business
Addition Financial Foundation Awards $175,000 to 10 Central Florida Nonprofits
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 10, 2026
Fifth annual Community Giving Celebration recognizes organizations serving families, students and communities across the region
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Addition Financial Foundation honored 10 Central Florida nonprofit organizations Wednesday during its fifth annual Community Giving Celebration, awarding $175,000 in unrestricted grants and providing recipients with year-round organizational support.
The breakfast and awards ceremony was held at Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus, bringing together representatives from the nonprofit, government, education and business communities.
Established in 2021, the foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lake Mary-based Addition Financial Credit Union. Each organization selected for the 2026 Community Giving Class was nominated by an Addition Financial team member based on its work in communities served by the credit union.
10 NONPROFITS RECEIVE COMMUNITY GIVING GRANTS
Three organizations — Central Florida Community Arts, Children’s Safety Village and Embrace Health — each received $20,000 grants. Seven additional nonprofits received $15,000 each: Empowered Girls Inc., First Tee Central Florida, Foundation for Foster Children, Gentian Creek Preserve, Prospera, Save a Life Pet Rescue and Tech Sassy Girlz.
The grants are unrestricted, allowing the organizations to direct the funding toward areas they determine will have the greatest impact.
“The Community Giving Celebration gives us an opportunity to shine a light on nonprofit organizations that are addressing important needs and creating meaningful change across our community,” said Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation.
Lehman said the foundation’s involvement extends beyond the grants, including connecting organizations with volunteers, resources and opportunities throughout the year.
ADDITIONAL $5,000 AWARDS PRESENTED
Two additional $5,000 awards were presented during the celebration.
The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program, a previous Community Giving Class participant, received one award. Save a Life Pet Rescue received another following a vote by Addition Financial team members who contribute to the foundation.
In addition to financial support, the 2026 class will receive volunteer assistance from Addition Financial employees, complimentary use of the organization’s community room and workshops on topics including media relations, fundraising and grant writing.
YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
The Community Giving program is designed to build relationships between Addition Financial and nonprofit organizations beyond a single grant cycle.
This year’s recipients work across a range of areas, including arts and culture, child safety, health, youth development, education, foster care, environmental conservation, entrepreneurship, animal rescue and technology education.
Through unrestricted grants and continuing support, the foundation said the program is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their operations while expanding their impact throughout Central Florida.
Business
AdventHealth Recruiting Nurses, Technologists and Clinical Professionals at 8 Central Florida Locations
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 8, 2026
The Sept. 9 regional hiring event will connect nurses, imaging and laboratory professionals, respiratory therapists and other clinical workers with hiring managers at eight AdventHealth locations.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth will hold a regional hiring event Wednesday, Sept. 9, at eight locations across Central Florida as the health system looks to expand its clinical workforce to meet growing demand for patient care.
The hiring events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and give nurses, technologists and other clinical professionals an opportunity to meet directly with hiring managers and clinical leaders, participate in on-site interviews and potentially receive same-day job offers for select positions, according to AdventHealth.
The recruitment effort comes as Central Florida’s population growth continues to increase demand for health care services across hospitals, emergency departments and other care sites.
High-Demand Clinical Positions
AdventHealth said career opportunities are available across several high-need clinical areas, including:
- Nursing
- Imaging
- Laboratory
- Respiratory care
- Surgical services
- Other clinical specialties
The regional format allows applicants to explore opportunities at multiple AdventHealth facilities while connecting directly with the people responsible for hiring and clinical operations.
Eight Central Florida Hiring Locations
Hiring events will be held simultaneously at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9:
AdventHealth Altamonte Springs
601 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs
Chatlos Classrooms
AdventHealth Apopka
2100 Ocoee Apopka Road, Apopka
Vyas Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Celebration
400 Celebration Place, Celebration
Mangrove Conference Rooms
AdventHealth East Orlando
7727 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando
Precedo Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Kissimmee
2450 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee
Woodlands Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Orlando, AdventHealth for Women & Children
601 E. Rollins St., Orlando
Alden Conference Room
AdventHealth Winter Park
200 N. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park
First Floor Conference Center
AdventHealth Winter Garden
2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden
First Floor Conference Rooms
Central Florida Growth Driving Recruitment
AdventHealth said the regional recruitment initiative is designed to strengthen clinical teams as the health system expands access to care throughout Central Florida.
Hiring across multiple hospitals and specialties also reflects the range of health care workers needed to support growing communities — from bedside nurses and respiratory professionals to diagnostic imaging, laboratory and surgical-services teams.
For qualified candidates, the possibility of interviewing directly with hiring managers and receiving a same-day offer for select positions could also shorten the traditional hiring process.
How to Register
Health care professionals interested in attending can register through the official AdventHealth Central Florida Hiring Event page.
Event: AdventHealth Central Florida Regional Hiring Event
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Locations: Eight AdventHealth facilities across Central Florida
FNN Community & Business
The regional hiring initiative represents a significant employment opportunity for Central Florida’s health care workforce while highlighting the continued demand for clinical professionals as the region’s population and health care needs expand.
