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Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh “2015 State of I-Drive”

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Orlando, FL – Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh delivered the State of I-Drive at the Wyndham Orlando Resort today, March 11, before an audience of more than 600 citizens, business leaders, realtors and special guests.

According to Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, the economic forecast for International Drive is brighter than ever built on new attractions.

Singh took the audience on a journey by presenting a video to highlight the outstanding achievements of the region over the last 20 years, cited new technology and continuing education for realtors.

The State of I-Drive featured panelists from numerous different areas of the tourism business field that included: Susan Godorov, VP of Marketing and General Manager for Pointe Orlando; Charles Whittall, president and founder of Unicorp, who have been responsible for I-Drive Live, Titanic, I-Shops, and of course, the 425 ft. iconic observation wheel, The Orlando Eye; Alejandro Pezzini, COO of AMP Group and Perfumeland; Rich Larkin, the General Manager of the Wyndham Orlando Resort, Joshua Wallack, COO of Mango’s Tropical Cafe and SKYPLEX fame and also The Honorable Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser . The panel was moderated by Orlando WFTV Channel 9 reporter Shannon Butler.

During the Q/A session a longtime I-Drive business owner voiced his concerned about the lack of marketing to Orange County residents. The panel assured the audience that both tourism and local residents will be part of I-Drive business marketing plan.

Panelist Joshua Wallack, managing principal for Skyplex entertainment complex announced a huge zipline attraction that would pull backward 600 feet in the air to an observation deck, then release guests to travel down 1,500 feet to the ground in SkyPlaza.

Panelist Alejandro Pezzini, the chief operating officer of AMP Group, announce that a 17,000-square-foot unnamed supermarket will be built in the Orlando Crossings Mall, located at the intersection of International and Municipal drives.

Panelist Susan Godorov, VP of Marketing and General Manager for Pointe Orlando discussed the opening of Blue Martini in April.

I-Drive is 21 square miles, 10.5 miles from North to South with 7,700 parcels, and 5,000 businesses that also included $1 billion dollars of current development taking place, an area with a $11.5 billion dollars of market value, that generates $188 million dollars in tax revenue annually.

The Florida National News learned that there’s at least 27 new development I-Drive projects for 2015 and beyond. From Universal Orlando Report’s King Kong Attraction, Mango’s Tropical Cafe and Nightclub Complex, Hollywood Plaza Parking Facility is a 7th story garage that includes a rooftop restaurant and a ground level retail shops, and Citi Lakes Luxury Apartment Homes to just name a few.

Singh thanked the panelist, sponsors and his staff a successful event.

Below is several pictures from the State of I-Drive event.

2015 The State of I-Drive Panelist

2015 The State of I-Drive Panelist

rick i drive 1

2015 The State of I-Drive 600 Citizens attend

rick i drive

Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, local Realtors, and The Honorable Daisy Morales, Orange Soil & Water District Supervisor

 

 

 

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Business

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Listed as Speaker for Global AI, Supply Chain Summit

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Organizers say the Oct. 26–27 conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers and technology professionals for discussions on global commerce, digital transformation and industry innovation.

DALLAS, TX (FNN) — Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson is listed as an invited speaker for the Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit and Global Recognition Awards 2026, scheduled for Oct. 26–27 in Dallas, according to an announcement from the event’s organizer.

The American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management, known as AAPSCM, said the two-day summit will take place at the AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria, 5460 James Temple Drive.

The conference will focus on artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, innovation and the future of global commerce.

Mayor listed among international speakers

Organizers identified Johnson among the invited speakers joining executives, policymakers, academics, consultants and professionals in procurement, supply chain management, technology and logistics.

The announcement describes participants as coming “from the United States and around the world.”

According to the release, Johnson is listed among speakers participating in the Oct. 27 program. The announcement does not specify the subject or time of his remarks.

AI, forecasting and digital transformation

The second day’s agenda includes a session on artificial intelligence and machine learning in inventory management, forecasting, and sales and operations planning.

An executive leadership session titled “Driving Innovation & Digital Transformation” is scheduled to follow.

The program will examine technology’s role in procurement, logistics and supply chain operations, with an emphasis on how leaders respond to changing business conditions.

Awards to recognize industry achievement

The summit will also include procurement and supply chain awards, followed by Global Excellence Awards recognizing individuals, organizations and industry leaders.

Organizers said the awards program includes more than 35 categories spanning procurement, supply chain management, artificial intelligence and logistics.

The announcement describes the awards as recognizing “achievement, innovation and leadership.”

Executives and decision-makers expected

AAPSCM said it expects attendees to include chief executives, chief procurement officers, chief supply chain officers, chief operating officers and technology leaders.

The anticipated audience also includes procurement directors, logistics professionals, government representatives and specialists in AI and digital transformation.

About the organizer

AAPSCM describes itself as a U.S.-based nonprofit professional organization that supports professional development through certification, education, training, membership, conferences and international collaboration.

Event and registration information

  • Event: 2nd Global Procurement, Supply Chain, AI & Logistics Summit & Global Recognition Awards 2026
  • Dates: Oct. 26–27, 2026
  • Venue: AC Hotel & Residence Inn Dallas by the Galleria
  • Address: 5460 James Temple Drive, Dallas, Texas 75240
  • Organizer: American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain and Tourism Management
  • Registration: aapscm-conferences.org
  • Organization: aapscm.org

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Business

Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

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Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
  • Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
  • Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
  • Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
  • Admission: Free and open to the community
  • Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

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Business

ALDI to Launch Seven Ready-Made Meals in October, With Single-Serve Dishes Under $8

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The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.

BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.

The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.

“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.

Price and preparation

ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.

“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.

The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.

2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)

When and where to find them

The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us

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