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.
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Distinguished leaders, cultural icons, tourism executives, and community champions from across the Caribbean and its Diaspora are set to gather for the 2025 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards—an afternoon dedicated to excellence, service, and the advancement of the region.
This year’s ceremony will feature a landmark moment: the presentation of the inaugural CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir Baltron Bethel, one of the Caribbean’s most influential tourism visionaries and a national icon of The Bahamas. Sir Baltron is recognized as the first and longest-serving Bahamian Director General of Tourism and a key architect of the region’s tourism growth and policy development.
Honoring Caribbean Changemakers
The 2025 CMEx Leadership Awards will recognize an exceptional roster of laureates whose work continues to shape Caribbean tourism, culture, and economic development. Honorees include:
Carole Alexis (Martinique), Dave Chang (Carnival Cruise Line), May-Ling Chun (St. Maarten), Ronella Croes (Aruba Tourism Authority), Laura Davidson (LDPR), Muryad de Bruin (Curaçao Tourist Board), Cathleen Decker (The Decker/Royal Agency), Loreto Duffy-Mayers (Barbados), Monique Hamaty-Simmonds (Cayman Islands), Clarisa Jiménez (Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association), Luce Hodge-Smith (British Virgin Islands), Janelle Hopkin (Grenada), Vonulrick “Von” Martin (Caribbeana Communications), Shomari Scott (Health City Cayman Islands), and Marcus Simmonds (Tortuga International Holdings).
“These exceptional honorees embody the spirit of leadership, innovation, and service that defines the best of the Caribbean,” said Bevan Springer, President of CMEx. “Their contributions across tourism, business, culture, and community development continue to transform the region.”
Regional and Global Dignitaries to Attend
The ceremony will welcome an array of regional officials and global tourism leaders, underscoring the event’s significance. Confirmed attendees include Lady Betty Hopkin (Grenada); Jennifer Matarangas-King (U.S. Virgin Islands); Cardigan Connor (Anguilla); Dona Regis-Prosper (Caribbean Tourism Organization); Latia Duncombe (Bahamas Ministry of Tourism); Joy Jibrilu (Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board); Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace (The Bahamas); Vanessa Ledesma (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association); Wendy McDonald (Royal Caribbean Group); and Dr. Lisa Indar (CARPHA).
Tourism directors from Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, and Grenada will also be in attendance. Adding a cultural highlight, Bahamian vocalist Simmone Bowe will return as the featured performer, bringing her blend of jazz, reggae, R&B, and gospel to the stage.
Committed Partners and Sponsors
The 2025 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is supported by a coalition of corporate, governmental, and destination partners whose contributions help sustain CMEx programs focused on youth development, education, and professional training throughout the region.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation serves as the Platinum Sponsor, with major sponsors including the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, Tropical Shipping, Unique Vacations Inc., The Decker/Royal Agency, Grenada Tourism Authority, Barbary Pyle Foundation, Tortuga Rum Company, Carnival Corporation & plc, Rodman Marketing Guru, and the St. Maarten Tourist Board.
Additional supporting sponsors include Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, Coco Palm, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Jade Mountain, Ladera Resort, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Tropical Attractions, and Villa Kaya.
The CMEx Leadership Awards celebrate individuals whose achievements span hospitality, cruise tourism, medical tourism, sustainable development, destination marketing, and media—fostering collaboration and a shared vision for a thriving Caribbean future.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — As the holiday season approaches and school cafeterias prepare to close for winter break, Central Florida organizations are joining forces to ensure that thousands of local children continue to have access to nutritious meals.
AdventHealth, Orlando Magic and Local Partners Mobilize Holiday Bus to Support Food-Insecure Families. Orlando, Florida, Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News
AdventHealth, the Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank are providing grants to support schools and food pantries across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, benefiting the nearly 200,000 students who rely on free and reduced-cost lunch during the academic year.
Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)
“For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition. When schools close for winter break, that need doesn’t go away,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to thrive when they are not in school.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT & EXPANDING SUPPORT
AdventHealth’s most recent community survey found that food insecurity remains a major challenge in Central Florida, with more than half of school-aged children relying on school as their primary source of nutrition. To help bridge the gap, AdventHealth is launching the “Drive Out Hunger” Holiday Bus, which will stop at schools, hospitals, sporting venues and community hubs throughout December.
At each stop, residents will be encouraged to donate canned and non-perishable foods. With support from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, every item collected will be delivered directly to school food pantries and community partners.
“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth. “This initiative reflects the heart of our community: people and partners uniting to lift one another up.”
AdventHealth Leads Regional Effort to Ensure Children Have Meals During School Break. Orlando, Florida. Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News
REGIONAL RESPONSE TO A CRITICAL NEED
Nearly 590,000 Central Florida residents — including over 150,000 children — face food insecurity on a daily basis. School district leaders say this collective effort is a tangible example of how community collaboration can relieve stress for families.
Serita Beamon, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)
“Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are so grateful for AdventHealth who shares our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Serita Beamon superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools. “Their generous support of our school food pantries will help ensure that students have access to meals when they’re off campus. This investment strengthens our community and provides critical support for our most vulnerable students and families and directly reflects how AdventHealth lives out their mission to care for our community.”
“Food insecurity remains a major concern in our Osceola County community and remains the primary pre-condition for learning,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Osceola County School District superintendent. “When community partners wrap their arms around our children and families during this pivotal time, it ensures stability and hope.”
Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said the organization is grateful for AdventHealth’s leadership and the alignment of local partners in supporting families beyond the classroom.
For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has served the Central Florida community as a not-for-profit health care provider. This holiday season, its mission continues beyond the hospital doors — delivering nourishment, compassion and support for families in need.
For the full schedule of Holiday Bus stops and the list of most-needed food items, visit: www.FeelWholeHoliday.com
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) proudly announces that for the “10th year” it will deliver full, real-time and post-event coverage of the prestigious 2025 Don Quijote Awards Gala, taking place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion in Orlando, Florida.
This year marks another milestone in FNN’s 10-year commitment to spotlighting business excellence, leadership, cultural impact, and community advancement across Florida’s Hispanic and Latino communities.
FNN’s coverage will include:
Red carpet arrivals and honoree interviews
Event highlights and on-stage presentations
Speaker and award-winner remarks
Professional photojournalism and multimedia content
Same-night and next-day article reporting
Live updates through FNN’s English and Spanish digital platforms
Florida National News continues to serve as a trusted bilingual independent news outlet dedicated to elevating stories of achievement, service, and influence within Florida’s diverse communities.
J. Willie David, III, President of Florida National News stated:
“Florida National News is honored to once again cover the Don Quijote Awards, a premier celebration recognizing individuals whose stories of perseverance and success inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, added:
“At FNN, we are not just reporting — we are preserving the stories of innovators, visionaries, and community champions. The Don Quijote Awards shine a spotlight on those who embody resilience and cultural pride, and we look forward to amplifying their voices on a statewide and global stage.”
Follow FNN on-air, online, and across social media for continuous Don Quijote Awards coverage as we bring audiences exclusive access to honorees, presenters, and distinguished guests.
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