Business
Presidenta de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Metro Orlando se Reúne con Líderes Políticos y Empresariales en Puerto Rico
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN News en Español) – Gaby Ortigoni, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Metro Orlando (HCCMO por sus siglas en inglés), visitó Puerto Rico la semana pasada para continuar construyendo puentes y desarrollar relaciones con líderes empresariales y gubernamentales, específicamente en las ciudades de San Juan y Ponce.
La mayoría de los esfuerzos de HCCMO con Puerto Rico se enfocan en la región sur, ya que los recientes terremotos impactaron severamente esta región, además de los huracanes, la crisis económica y la pandemia.
Gracias a las alianzas que HCCMO está construyendo con la Cámara de Comercio del Sur de Puerto Rico, Ortigoni se reunió con los principales líderes empresariales y gubernamentales en San Juan, Ponce, Lajas y Juana Díaz. También se reunió con Pedro Zorrilla, CEO de GFR Media y ex miembro de la Junta de directores de HCCMO, con quien la Cámara también está desarrollando alianzas para promover las relaciones económicas entre Puerto Rico y la Florida Central.
Los hispanos representan más del 30 por ciento de la economía del Centro de la Florida, y los puertorriqueños representan más del 50 por ciento de esta fuerza económica en la región. Los múltiples vuelos diarios y directos desde el Aeropuerto Internacional de Orlando a Puerto Rico, el éxodo de cientos de miles de puertorriqueños a Florida Central durante las últimas tres décadas y el ecosistema fértil de Florida Central para los propietarios de pequeñas empresas y profesionales son algunos de los factores clave que han convertido a la región de Metro Orlando y Puerto Rico en socios comerciales estratégicos.
Salvador F. Rovira, presidente Electo, y Jessica Fernández, directora ejecutiva de la Cámara de Comercio del Sur de Puerto Rico, coordinaron reuniones estratégicas para solidificar las alianzas entre su Cámara y HCCMO. Juan Quiroga, presidente de JCQ Services y Miembro de la Junta Directiva de HCCMO; Justin Nickerson y James Tattersall de Tavistock Development Company, organizadores de Lake Nona Flavors de Puerto Rico en asociación con HCCMO, también visitaron la isla durante este viaje de negocios.
Las reuniones incluyeron a José Luis Dalmau, presidente del Senado de Puerto Rico; Rafael “Tatito” Hernandez, presidente de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico; Jayson I. Martínez Maldonado, alcalde de la ciudad de Lajas; Luis M. Irizarry Pabón, alcalde de Ponce; Francisco Rodríguez Alier, administrador de la ciudad; Jean Paul González, director de Desarrollo Económico; Annette Rodríguez, directora de la División Legal y Marisaida Morales, asistente ejecutiva del alcalde Irizarry; Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, ex Gobernador de Puerto Rico y anfitrión del Aníbal Podcast; Luis Gierbolini, presidente; Cameron McKenzie, presidente-electo; y Teresita Santiago, miembro de la Junta Directiva, Cámara de Comercio de Puerto Rico; Iván Rodríguez, director de Turismo de Ponce, y Yashi Ruiz Bonet, directora auxiliar Porta Caribe Compañía de Turismo Sur de Puerto Rico.
También estuvieron presentes Rodroherick Correa, presidente, Global Mattress, uno de los mayores fabricantes de colchones de alta calidad en Puerto Rico con showrooms en la Isla y Florida Central; Oscar Misla Villalba, dueño y presidente, y Noris Torres Santiago, vicepresidenta & CFO, Ciracet Healthcare Innovation Center; Francés Torruella, fundadora, Museo del Castillo Serrallés; L. Derek Fleming, presidente, FB Property Group; Fernando J. Rodríguez, presidente, Prime Janitorial; Abel Misla Villalba, vicepresidente, Misla Villalba Engineers & Architects; Silmarie González Orengo y Juan C. Irizarry, dueños del Hotel Parguera Plaza y organizadores del Festival de la Piña en La Parguera, en Lajas; Waded Alvarado, reconocida artista y fundadora de Noches de Galería en Ponce; y Yassette Rodríguez, gerente general, Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort.
HCCMO continuará fortaleciendo las alianzas estratégicas con Puerto Rico con eventos e iniciativas que se anunciarán oficialmente este año.
La Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Metro Orlando (HCCMO) es una organización sin fines de lucro cuya misión es impulsar el crecimiento económico mediante el fortalecimiento de los negocios hispanos en la Florida Central.
Desde 1993, HCCMO, la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Metro Orlando, es un epicentro para la aceleración de los negocios y un lugar donde el comercio ocurre todos los días. Los miembros tienen acceso a beneficios, programas y eventos exclusivos centrados en tres pilares: comercio, capacitación y desarrollo comunitario. Con más de 1.450 miembros, esta Cámara es una de las más grandes de la región y una de las cámaras hispanas más reconocidas de la nación.
Para obtener más información sobre la Cámara de Comercio Hispana, visite hccmo.org o llame al 407-428-5870.
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.
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