Business
Orlando Economic Partnership Receives National 2023 Chamber of the Year Award
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE) names the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) as the 2023 Chamber of the Year. The announcement came at the ACCE conference in Salt Lake City, Utah this week.
Chamber of the Year is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry. It honors exceptional chambers that have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, economic prosperity, and quality of life.
“The Orlando Economic Partnership is honored to receive this national distinction,” said OEP President and CEO Tim Giuliani. “It recognizes the importance of our work to advance the benefits of our region’s growth to everyone who lives, works, learns, and plays in Central Florida.”
Noted for its innovation, adaptability, and community leadership, the OEP was chosen over finalists Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Portland Business Alliance.
“This award is a testament to the Partnership’s commitment to seizing the moment, to grow and diversify an economy that works for everyone,” said Market President for Florida Blue’s Central Florida region and OEP Board Chair Tony Jenkins. “The OEP is now nationally recognized for its critical role as a convener and catalyst for broad-based, positive, and inclusive growth.”
“Our business model aligns with being very mission-driven, which allows us to take on the big priorities of the region,” Giuliani said. “We adopted strategic foresight as a competency and as a process. As a result, we were able to develop many innovative and impact-driving programs and initiatives, including our digital twin of Orlando that we’re already using today for marketing purposes to help generate investment in the region. We are now talking to companies about how we use it as a critical resource for making decisions about the future of our region.”
The Chamber of the Year award involves a multi-stage process, which includes dynamic benchmarking, application, and interview. During the first two stages, chambers compete against the numbers. As finalists, they compete against other chambers within their category.
“Chambers of commerce play an increasingly vital role in promoting regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Earning this pinnacle achievement reflects their commitment and drive to ensure the vibrancy of their communities and organizational success. Congratulations to the Orlando Economic Partnership for their outstanding leadership, dedication to its community and serving as a role model for the chamber profession.”
ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
Business
Florida National News YouTube Channel Surpasses 1 Million Views, Matches Facebook’s 1M Milestone in 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) has reached a major digital milestone, surpassing 1 million views on a 20-minute YouTube video, marking a significant moment in the network’s continued audience growth and online impact.
The video has shown renewed momentum over time, trending twice—first in August 2017 and again in April 2026, when it gained an additional 470,000 views.
Florida National News (FNN) continues to experience a strong and steady rise in digital viewership across its social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Audiences are increasingly engaging with FNN’s trusted news coverage, community storytelling, and original video content.
On February 12, 2025, FNN also surpassed 1 million views on Facebook, with a 30-second video reaching over 1.2 million views, further highlighting the network’s expanding digital footprint.
Today, both FNN’s YouTube and Facebook platforms have achieved million-viewer status, solidifying FNN’s position as a growing digital news leader.
This milestone reflects FNN’s expanding reach and impact, connecting with millions of viewers and delivering content that informs, engages, and empowers communities.
VIEWERSHIP MILESTONE SIGNALS EXPANDING DIGITAL REACH
FNN officials say the 1 million-view benchmark represents more than just a number — it signals growing trust and interest from audiences across Florida and the nation.
While individual FNN videos have consistently generated tens of thousands — and in some cases hundreds of thousands — of views, surpassing the 1 million mark underscores a broader trend of rising visibility and relevance in a competitive digital media landscape.
The network’s Instagram platform has also seen strong performance, recently exceeding 350,000 views, further reinforcing FNN’s multi-platform growth strategy.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FNN?
Building on this momentum, FNN plans to:
- Expand original video programming and live coverage
- Increase audience engagement across all social platforms
- Strengthen partnerships and community-based storytelling
- Accelerate growth toward the next milestone beyond 1 million views
Network leaders say the goal is not just higher numbers, but deeper impact — connecting with audiences in meaningful ways while continuing to grow as a trusted digital news source.
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