Business
Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando Honors Business Leaders at Exclusive Trustee Reception
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (Hispanic Chamber) hosted its exclusive Trustee Reception on Thursday, March 6, bringing together influential leaders and businesses for an evening dedicated to recognition, networking, and fostering impactful relationships.
Held at Houndsmen Lounge in Live at the Pointe Orlando, a proud member of the Hispanic Chamber, the event welcomed over 120 attendees, including trustees, business leaders, and prominent community figures.
Celebrating Leadership and Partnerships
During the reception, Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber, underscored the value of trust and collaboration in building a lasting legacy.
“Tonight, we celebrate you—our investors, our trustees, and our key partners who continuously fuel the growth and success of the Hispanic Chamber,” Turushina shared. “We grow when we trust each other, when we come together to create an impact. If you are here tonight, it’s because you want to leave a legacy. You want to make a difference.”
The evening also featured remarks from Alejandra Escobar, Vice President of the Hispanic Chamber, who highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit driving the region’s Hispanic business community.
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“Thank you for being here this evening, where we recognize the spirit of entrepreneurship and the commitment that drives our thriving Hispanic business community,” Escobar said.
Industry Representation and Community Engagement
The Hispanic Chamber’s 55 Trustees span key industries vital to Central Florida’s economic growth, including:
- 13 minority-owned businesses
- 14 financial services institutions
- 6 higher education organizations
- 5 healthcare and wellness providers
- 5 construction companies
- 6 government and nonprofit agencies
- 4 major parks and hotels
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Distinguished Guests and Live Entertainment
The Hispanic Chamber welcomed prominent leaders such as City of Orlando District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz and City of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinoza.
The reception’s entertainment featured a captivating tango performance by Art and Movement LLC and lively music from DJ Paulo, both Chamber members.
Acknowledging Key Supporters
The Chamber extended special thanks to Travel + Leisure, the presenting sponsor, for their invaluable support. Appreciation was also given to over 80 dedicated volunteers, including the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Supplier Council, and the Hispanic Business Advocacy Committee for their continued efforts in advancing the Chamber’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful for the 55 Trustees — corporations, government agencies, and regional leaders — who help power our mission forward,” Turushina stated.
He further encouraged sponsors and strategic partners to continue investing in the Chamber’s impactful programs, events, and initiatives to further strengthen Central Florida’s business community.
_________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
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.
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