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Secret Service Recovers $286M in Stolen Pandemic Loans

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FILE - Attorney General Merrick Garland, looks at federal prosecutor Kevin Chambers, right, after appointing him to be the Justice Department's chief pandemic fraud prosecutor, during a meeting of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Fraud Enforcement Task Force at the Justice Department, March 10, 2022 in Washington. The U.S. Secret Service recovered $286 million in fraudulently obtained pandemic funds to the Small Business Administration, Friday, Aug. 26. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Secret Service said Friday that it has recovered $286 million in fraudulently obtained pandemic loans and is returning the money to the Small Business Administration.

The Secret Service said an investigation initiated by its Orlando office found that alleged conspirators submitted Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications by using fake or stolen employment and personal information and used an online bank, Green Dot, to conceal and move their criminal proceeds.

The agency worked with Green Dot to identify roughly 15,000 accounts and seize $286 million connected to the accounts.

“This forfeiture effort and those to come are a direct and necessary response to the unprecedented size and scope of pandemic relief fraud,” said Kevin Chambers, director for COVID-19 fraud enforcement at the Justice Department.

Billions have been fraudulently claimed through various pandemic relief programs — including Paycheck Protection Program loans, unemployment insurance and others that were rolled out in the midst of the worldwide pandemic that shutdown global economies for months.

In March, the Government Accountability Office reported that while agencies were able to distribute COVID-19 relief funds quickly, “the tradeoff was that they did not have systems in place to prevent and identify payment errors and fraud” due in part to “financial management weaknesses.”

As a result, the GAO has recommended several measures for agencies to prevent pandemic program fraud in the future, including better reporting on their fraud risk management efforts.

Since 2020, the Secret Service initiated more than 3,850 pandemic related fraud investigations, seized over $1.4 billion in fraudulently obtained funds and helped to return $2.3 billion to state unemployment insurance programs.

The latest seizure included a collaboration of efforts between Secret Service, the SBA’s Inspector General, DOJ and other offices.

Hannibal “Mike” Ware, the Small Business Administration’s inspector general, said the joint investigations will continue “to ensure that taxpayer dollars obtained through fraudulent means will be returned to taxpayers and fraudsters involved face justice.”

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Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando Leads Transformative 2024 Executive Mission Trip to Spain

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, in partnership with JCQ Services, is set to launch its 2024 Hispanic Chamber Executive Mission Trip to Spain from November 6-10, 2024. This mission represents a major step in strengthening business connections between Central Florida and Spain through focused collaboration on Smart City innovation, sustainable development, and expanded tourism.

“This Executive Mission Trip to Spain creates a unique opportunity to connect resources and foster innovation across borders,” said Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “Our goal is to bring forth a wave of economic growth for Central Florida by building long-term partnerships in Spain.”

Key Mission Trip Highlights:

  • Catalyzing Economic and Tourism Growth: The Chamber aims to establish new business relationships and explore avenues for expanding Florida-Spain tourism by advocating for more direct flight routes.
  • Promoting Smart City and Sustainable Development Partnerships: Spain’s leadership in urban innovation aligns well with Central Florida’s goals, and this mission seeks to bring those advancements back to the region.
  • Strengthening Central Florida’s Global Economic Footprint: The Chamber’s vision includes showcasing Central Florida as a premier investment destination for Spanish businesses, especially in technology, tourism, and infrastructure.

Mission Itinerary Highlights:

  • Smart City Expo World Congress Conference
  • High-Speed Iryo Train Journey
  • Welcome Rooftop Reception in Madrid
  • Cultural and Business Engagements, including visits to El Cortes Ingles, Madrid’s Chamber of Commerce, Galeria Canalejas, the Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium, the Royal Collections Gallery, and a cultural immersion at the Corral de la Moreria Gala Closing Ceremony.

The mission promises to build Central Florida’s position as a dynamic economic partner for Spain, creating lasting benefits across sectors.

 

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ORRA Celebrates Landmark Milestone with Grand Opening of Innovative Headquarters in Orlando

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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.

___________________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

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Kia Center to Host Hiring Events: Join the Winning Team!

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Source: Kia Center
ORLANDO, FL — Kia Center, Central Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, previously announced their series of hiring events which started on September 30 and will continue on December 9, and January 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. These events are designed to attract passionate individuals eager to provide legendary experiences for guests while supporting local sports teams and world-class performances. With a busy calendar featuring Orlando Magic basketball and Orlando Solar Bears hockey, the need for dynamic team members has never been greater.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to explore part-time roles in areas such as guest services, security, food and beverage, and cleaning services, with same-day on-site interviews available. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and two forms of identification. Additionally, those attending can apply for positions at nearby venues like Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. As a bonus, attendees will have a chance to win complimentary tickets to upcoming events, including performances by Simone Biles and Justin Timberlake. For more information, visit KiaCenter.com.

______________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News

kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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