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ICON Park President and CEO Named Tourism Leader of the Year

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Chris Jaskiewicz (courtesy photo)

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

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4ACES GC Announce Chris Rosaasen As New General Manager

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4Aces GC team Dustin Johnson, Pat Perez, Patrick Reed, and Harold Varner III

West Palm Beach, FL (March 27, 2024) – 4Aces GC, one of 12 teams competing in the LIV Golf League, today announced Chris Rosaasen as their new General Manager. The former CEO of TravisMathew and founder of Extracurricular, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and stewardship to the 4Aces GC team.

With over 20 years of brand-building, marketing, and business leadership, Rosaasen’s record of innovation in the golf industry will strengthen and accelerate the growth of the 4Aces GC brand. Rosaasen enters into the GM role after being endorsed by long-time friend and current 4Aces team captain, Dustin Johnson.

“I have known Chris for many years, witnessing firsthand how he has built multiple successful brands,” said Dustin Johnson, Captain of 4Aces GC. “Chris’s vision for the team aligns perfectly with what we aim to achieve, and I have full confidence in his ability to propel 4Aces GC to greatness.”

With an all-encompassing goal to build 4Aces GC into a recognized franchise with monumental value, Rosaasen will work with the team to create a unique and compelling brand identity, captivating sponsors and building a global fan base. The onboarding of Rosaasen to the 4Aces GC reflects the team’s relentless pursuit of greatness and underscores their commitment to performing at the highest level of the game.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to create a globally recognized franchise in golf,” said Rosaasen. “Being at the forefront of innovation in the sports industry is an invaluable opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge of doing something that has never been done before in golf.” For the last four years, Rosaasen has been serving as CEO of the Omniverse Group, a company dedicated to the goal of zero waste supply and fully circular, consumer supply chains. As CEO, Rosaasen shared in the Group’s vision to build sustainable, fully vertical, made-in-USA manufacturing.

In addition to the strategic vision of the team, Rosaasen will be responsible for management of the team operations including front-office staffing, revenue, marketing, commercialization, and player recruitment. Rosaasen has already transitioned into his new role.

For more information on 4Aces GC: www.4AcesGC.com

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FNN News names Janira Garcia its new Director of Corporate Partnerships, Sales and Marketing

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Associate editor of FNN News en Español Janira Garcia named FNN News' Director of Corporate Partnerships, Sales and Marketing on International Women's Day, March 8, 2024. File photo by Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News announced today the appointment of Janira Garcia as its new Director of Corporate Partnerships, Advertising Sales and Marketing.

Most recently, Garcia served as an associate editor of FNN News en Español, a sister news outlet of Florida National News. Her experience in news coverage and business development in Spanish will be key factors as FNN continue to expand.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of FNN, an innovative news outlet for a global audience,” Garcia said. “I believe my experience and expertise will allow me to build on the success FNN has already achieved in the last 10 years and will give me the opportunity to strengthen and expand our partnerships.”

“Janira is a proven leader with a rich and diverse background in our industry, and her strategic operations mindset will be vital in shaping the future of our company’s growth and success,” said J. Willie David, III, FNN’s president and CEO of Florida National News and FNN News Network.

In this role, she oversees Ad Sales efforts across the company’s Portfolio of brands and platforms, which includes Florida National News, FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, FNN News en Español, FNN Politics & Power, FNN News TV, FNN News Media, FNN News and FNN Brand Partnerships. Garcia will report to Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News and FNN News Network.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to accelerate our company growth through strategic partnerships and we’re excited to have Janira join our leadership team,” said Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News and FNN News Network.

To learn more about Florida National News, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.

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March 7 Luxury Auction® Set for Caribbean Waterfront Estate on Grand Cayman

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WEST BAY, Grand Cayman–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Luxury real estate auction house Platinum Luxury Auctions has announced another offering on the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. On March 7, 2024, a waterfront residence once asking $12 million will now be sold to the highest bidder in a live, luxury auction® without reserve. In October 2022, Platinum auctioned an oceanfront home in Grand Cayman’s Savannah neighborhood for approx. $4.7 million. The firm is conducting the March 7th sale in partnership with Antonette Baptist of principal brokerage Provenance Properties Cayman Islands, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in the Cayman Islands.

On March 7, 2024, a waterfront residence once asking $12 million will now be sold to the highest bidder in a live, luxury auction® without reserve.

 

 

“Platinum continues to strengthen its relationships with the Caribbean’s leading real estate agents and luxury brokerages, like Antonette and the team at Provenance Properties,” said Trayor Lesnock, Platinum’s founder and president. “We’ll look forward to adding this pristine, waterfront estate on Grand Cayman to our roster of successful luxury auction sales in the Caribbean to date.”

The tri-level property is located in the boutique, waterfront community of Stone Island Residences, a private and gated residential enclave developed by Dart Enterprises, one of the Caribbean’s largest developers and the leader of luxury, residential development on Grand Cayman.

The community is ideally located, occupying a small island on Governors Creek Harbor, just across from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club & Marina. It’s within a short walk of Camana Bay and the renowned Seven Mile Beach. George Town, the Caymans’ capital city and financial hub, is just 10-15 mins south.

The property’s current owner worked with the developer during construction to create a unique, custom residence within the community that offers approx. 9,500 sf throughout 3 living levels, with 5 bedrooms (plus a convertible 6th), 8 full and one half-bath. The balance of the residences in the development are approx. 4,500 sf.

Interestingly, the residence has not yet been occupied since its completion in 2020, though it’s been kept in exceptional condition. “It presents as ‘brand new’ – not a single crack, scuff or dent,” stated Lesnock. The owner also spent $750,000 to furnish the property, and those (unused) furnishings will be included in the sale.

Prominent property features include a waterfront pool with adjacent loggia and summer kitchen, multiple balconies, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, home theater, office, and a sleek elevator serving all levels.

Stone Island community amenities include a gated entry, 24-hr security, private boat slips, waterfront boardwalk, kids’ playground, infinity pool, waterside conservatory, and a luxe clubhouse.

Interested brokers and buyers may preview the property by daily appointment, between the hours of 11 am and 5pm (local time), now through March 6th. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting Platinum’s project manager, James Smith, at +1 800.997.4235. Property photos, video, and diligence documents are also hosted online at CaymanLuxuryAuction.com.

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