Business
Grenada’s Consul General Warren Newfield meets with Mayor of Orlando, a Hotel Mogul, and College Officials
ORLANDO, FL (FNN News) – In the framework of strengthening relations between Grenada’s new Consulate General in Miami and elected Mayors in the state of Florida, Ambassador-at-Large and Consul General Warren Newfield recently met with the Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando and his staff Reginald McGill, Constituent Services Director, and Kim C. King, Business Development Assistant Manager of the Office of the Mayor. The Honorable Daisy Morales, Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, and Ms. Margaret Lessey, Diaspora Liaison attached to the Consulate General of Grenada in Miami, were also present for the meeting with Orlando officials at City Hall on July 17, 2015. (see photo below)
The Honorable Daisy Morales, Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, The Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of the City of Orlando, Margaret Lessey, Diaspora Liaison with the Consulate General of Grenada in Miami, and His Excellency Warren Newfield, Ambassador-at-Large and Consul General of Grenada in Miami
Orlando Tourist Attractions and Events Drew 62 million Visitors
Orlando is also known as “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and in 2014 its tourist attractions and events drew more than 62 million visitors. Orlando had a city-proper population of near 250,000, making it the fourth largest city in Florida, and the state’s largest inland city. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the thirteenth busiest airport in the United States and the 29th busiest in the world.
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area’s GDP was $110.4 billion in 2013
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the metro Orlando economy in 2013 ranked No. 31 out of 381 metro areas in terms of the value of its goods and services produced. In addition, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan statistical area’s gross domestic product was $110.4 billion in 2013, up from $106.3 billion in 2012 and $101.6 billion in 2011.
Grenada’s Consul General Warren Newfield visits Orlando City Hall
Mayor Dyer extended his warm welcome on the Grenada Consul General on his first official meeting with the Mayor’s office. Consul General Newfield expressed his appreciation to Mayor Dyer and the city government for their efforts in promoting the development of friendly relationship between Grenada and Orlando. Newfield said that he looks forward to join hands with the city to further promote the mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in the aspects of investment, education, tourism, and culture, so as to benefit more people both in Grenada and in Orlando.
His Excellency Warren Newfield Ambassador at Large and Consul General of Grenada presented Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer with a book on the Visions of Grenada and invited the Mayor to visit the Caribbean island nation. Photo by J. Willie David, III, Florida National News
Grenada’s tourism industry can benefit by deepening its relations with Orlando City Government, Newfield stated. Consul General Newfield told the Florida National News that he personally extended an open invitation to Mayor Dyer to visit Grenada at his convenience, and presented to the Mayor a book Visions of Grenada, a visual representation of the stunningly beautiful islands of Grenada, Carriacou, & Petite Martinique.
Consul General Newfield Discusses Agriculture with State Official
The Honorable Daisy Morales is an elected official with the State of Florida Orange Soil & Water Conservation District, which covers 13 cities and towns within its jurisdiction, including Orlando. Supervisor Morales called the meeting with Consul General Newfield a new beginning to start a discussion between her office and Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries. Discussion of Food and Agricultural products is an idea for a future trade mission to Grenada, Morales stated.
Hotel Mogul Passionate About Education Donates Scholarships
While in Orlando, Consul General Newfield also met with Mr. Harris Rosen, a hotel mogul of Rosen Hotels and Resorts, the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Orlando, and several educational officials with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, is the nation’s second-largest university. Located in Orlando, UCF and its 12 colleges provide opportunities to 60,810 students, offering 175 bachelor’s and master’s degrees and 31 doctoral programs. Students come from all 50 states and 152 countries.
Grenada’s Consul General Warren Newfield meets with College Officials at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando
According to the Rosen College webpage, the college is the best place to study Hospitality Management. With a record-setting 59 million visitors in 2013, Orlando, Florida has officially become the most visited destination in the United States, and it is all thanks to its world-renowned hospitality and tourism industry. Located just minutes from some of the world’s top-rated attractions, resorts, restaurants, and convention spaces, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida provides students with an unrivaled opportunity to learn and work in the industry’s leading market. Situated in the heart of hospitality, Rosen College also looks like it belongs in a world-class destination.The159,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, Mediterranean resort-style campus is the largest facility ever built for hospitality management education.
Securing educational opportunities for Grenadians is a top priority, said Consul General Newfield. “I have secured several scholarships from The Rosen College that will help deserving students seeking a lasting career in Grenada’s hospitality and tourism industry”, Newfield added.
Miami and Orlando are among the Florida cities the Consulate General of Grenada will increase its consular services, especially with trade, tourism, education, investment, agricultural diplomacy.
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.
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