Business

ICON Park President and CEO Named Tourism Leader of the Year

Published

6 years ago

December 11, 2020

ORLANDO, Fla. – Chris Jaskiewicz, the president and CEO of the $250 million, 20-acre ICON Park, which is home to dozens of businesses, and who is at the forefront of helping the tourism industry survive the financial downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been named Tourism Business Leader of the Year by i4 Business Magazine.

i4 Business Magazine is a top source for news on the Central Florida business community and focuses on sharing insights from incredible entrepreneurs and business leaders who are shaping the region. Each year, the publication hosts the Business Leaders of the Year awards to recognize the most celebrated and respected individuals across the spectrum of business. Only one leader is named for each industry.

After assuming his current role two years ago, Jaskiewicz knew he would be leading a new entertainment complex in a market with established industry titans as neighbors. “Disney opened in 1971, Sea World in 1973 and Universal in 1990,” he said, “We opened in 2015 and are the new kid on the block.” To gain attention and get customers, he was bold with a new name – ICON Park, and strategic with a new selling point – a short stay, easy access, fun and affordable quality destination. A year into his leadership, USA Today named ICON Park the No. 1 attraction for kids in Orlando, and Forbes Magazine called it one of the seven best attractions in Orlando.

Then the pandemic hit. Undaunted, Jaskiewicz turned his attention to leading the charge to reopen businesses and worked directly with the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. “We have a lot of employees to protect and tenants to generate business for, and I wanted to fight hard for them. We told the task force, ‘This is how we are going to operate safely.’ And to their credit they listened, the county and state listened, and struck a perfect balance between safety and business concerns.”

In addition to CDC recommendations, Jaskiewicz highlighted ICON Park’s unique features: “Open-air, gate-free park,” he said, “With high-caliber restaurants, attractions and shops that already had strong safety procedures, so it’s not hard to overlay COVID-19 best practices.”

ICON Park reopened June 3, before Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando. But that was just the beginning for Jaskiewicz, who came up with idea to promote ICON Park’s tenants and other businesses on I-Drive. Traditionally, the area has been most popular with tourists, but with travel restricted, he brought businesses together and formed the Orlando Entertainment District.

“I grew up in Orlando,” he said, “And I remember Church Street Station as a major entertainment hub, and then Pleasure Island at Disney, and they are gone. I looked around at the spots at ICON Park – including Blake Shelton’s Ole Red and Tin Roof, both with live music nightly – and 15 attractions in our I-Drive area, and I saw that we had inherited the mantle of Orlando’s entertainment district.

“The way I see it, not even tourists want to go to a tourist corridor, let alone locals, so let’s call ourselves the Orlando Entertainment District because that’s what we are.”

Jaskiewicz’s strategy is paying off. “Our weekends are busier than prior year weekends and about 90 percent of our guests are local and Florida residents,” he said. “Locals like that we are fun, affordable and offer free parking and easy access. Instead of worrying about COVID keeping people from flying into Orlando, we are focused on who is already here. Locals don’t have to fly anywhere to have fun. They can drive 15 minutes to the Orlando Entertainment District.”

His earlier career as a sports and entertainment lawyer in New York City at the powerhouse Proskauer Rose firm helped prepare him for his current role, as did his time as COO of a leading Manhattan real estate development company, the position he held until he took the helm at ICON Park two years ago.

He’s excited about what 2021 will bring to ICON Park – several new restaurants and attractions will be opening – and he is equally optimistic about Central Florida’s future.

“When the pandemic ends, tourism in Orlando will rebound quickly because we are the vacation capital of the world with our climate; our world-class attractions and hotels; our excellent airport; and our talented people dedicated to hospitality. Florida is the future, and Central Florida is just that – right in the center of the future.”

To learn more about ICON Park, visit: https://iconparkorlando.com.

Source: News release – Will Wellons Communications

Business

U.S. Marine Veteran Receives Refurbished Vehicle Through NABC Recycled Rides Program

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

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

Published

2 months ago

April 19, 2026

Willie David

Credit ORRA: Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando

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

Published

2 months ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

Florida National News

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.