Business
ORRA Celebrates Landmark Milestone with Grand Opening of Innovative Headquarters in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, ORRA President Rose Kemp, and ORRA CEO Cliff Long cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of the massive new headquarters for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association.
This building isn’t just a new facility for ORRA – it’s a national hub designed to inspire and support REALTORS® in their pursuit of excellence.
The grand opening of the massive new headquarters for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Corey Williams / Florida National News)
Central Florida Real Estate Trade Giant: ORRA
The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) marked a major milestone in Central Florida’s real estate industry with the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This new complex, located at 5421 Diplomat Circle, spans 45,000 square feet four stories square across three buildings on a 7.2-acre property, and is set to redefine ORRA’s offerings for its 20,000 members and the larger Central Florida community.
The grand opening of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association’s new headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photo by Corey Williams / Florida National News)
Designed to support ORRA’s commitment to propelling the real estate profession into the next century, the new headquarters prioritizes innovation, education, and growth.
ORRA’s CEO Cliff Long underscored the significance of this expansion: “It’s time to welcome our REALTORS® home to a place that can handle our rapidly growing membership. As we put a heavy emphasis on education, we need a space to accommodate an increasing list of classes and events.”
The facility was selected in 2019 and purchased in early 2021, with ORRA transforming the once-92% vacant property into a landmark along I-4.
The space is tailored for the next generation of REALTORS® with amenities that include:
- Classrooms: Three modern classrooms equipped for educational seminars, workshops, and continuing education programs.
- Creativity Pods: Innovative workspaces designed for collaboration and brainstorming to foster creativity among REALTORS®.
- State-of-the-Art Media Studio: Includes a dedicated podcast room and video production capabilities, allowing REALTORS® to create high-quality media content to enhance their digital presence.
- ORRA Innovation Lab: A cutting-edge space where members can explore and test advancements in real estate technology, including artificial intelligence and metaverse applications.
- Gym: A wellness facility for members and staff, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Major Investor Lounge: An exclusive, tech-enabled space for REALTORS® who contribute at least $1,000 annually to RPAC. The lounge features facial recognition access, comfortable seating, a wet bar, and private amenities.
Each space has been strategically designed to create an environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and productivity.
“We are at the start of an exciting new century for real estate,” Long explained. “Technology and community are intersecting hugely, and our new building exemplifies the latest trends. When our members enter this new building, we want them to feel right at home, so they’re better able to serve Central Florida.”
Hundreds attend the grand opening of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association’s new headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photo by Corey Williams / Florida National News)
The grand opening celebration offered an immersive experience for attendees with building tours, live entertainment, food and drinks, and giveaways. Attendees, including members and elected officials, were treated to a firsthand look at the cutting-edge technology and innovative spaces designed to elevate their careers and service to the community.
ORRA’s Impact on Central Florida Real Estate
ORRA’s new headquarters cements its position as the eighth-largest real estate trade association in the country, bringing with it increased opportunities for Central Florida REALTORS® to thrive in an ever-evolving market. The new space’s comprehensive facilities are a powerful resource for members to build their skills, expand their networks, and serve Central Florida’s growing housing needs.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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
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
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.
