Business
Tony Hsieh, Retired Zappos CEO, Dies at 46 After House Fire
Published
6 years agoon
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com, who spent years working to transform the city’s downtown area, has died. He was 46.
Hsieh was with family when he died Friday, according to DTP Companies, which he founded. He died of injuries suffered in a Nov. 18 fire in New London, Connecticut, Downtown Partnership spokesperson Megan Fazio told Hearst Connecticut Media on Saturday.
The Day newspaper reported the day of the fire that one person had been removed from a waterfront home in New London with possible burns and smoke inhalation. The person, whose name authorities did not release, was eventually taken to Bridgeport Hospital, which has a burn center.
Fire Chief Thomas Curcio was quoted by The Day as saying that crews arrived around 3:30 a.m. after a report of someone trapped in part of the house, that firefighters had to force their way in, and that they removed the victim, performed CPR and took him to a hospital.
Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years leading the company. The online shoe retailer shared a tribute on social media late Friday.
“The world has lost a tremendous visionary and an incredible human being,” the statement said. “His spirit will forever be a part of Zappos.”
Hsieh was a Harvard University graduate who joined the company — then called ShoeSite.com — in 1999. Zappos was sold to Amazon for $1.2 billion in 2009, but Hsieh had remained with the company until his retirement.
“Tony’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him, and forever brightened the world,” a DTP Companies statement said. “Delivering happiness was always his mantra, so instead of mourning his transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating his life.”
For years, Hsieh also worked to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, pledging $350 million in 2013 for redevelopment. The same year he moved Zappos’ headquarters into the former Las Vegas City Hall building.
“Tony Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform Downtown Las Vegas,” Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tweeted Friday night. “Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Many tributes poured out on social media.
“Your curiosity, vision, and relentless focus on customers leave an indelible mark,” Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO and president, posted on Instagram. “You will be missed by so many, Tony. Rest In Peace.”
“Tony Hsieh might be the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with,” former venture investor Chris Sacca tweeted. “He questioned every assumption and shared everything he learned along the way. He genuinely delighted in making anyone and everyone happy.”
Skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk added, “Tony Hsieh was a visionary. He was generous with his time and willing to share his invaluable expertise with anyone.”
“A truly original thinker, a brilliant entrepreneur, and a kind-hearted and generous friend to so many,” tweeted entrepreneur Max Levchin.
Ali Partovi, CEO of the venture capital fund Neo, was a partner in one of Hsieh’s earliest ventures, the internet advertising company LinkExchange. In a tweet Saturday, Partovi said Hsieh was one of the most creative people he had ever known.
“I’ll remember your unique combo of genius and mischief, and your infuriating ability to bet against all odds and win,” Partovi said.
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Business
Experience Kissimmee CEO DT Minich Inducted Into Florida Tourism Hall of Fame
Published
22 hours agoon
September 15, 2026
Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich receives statewide recognition after a career leading destination marketing organizations in Southwest Florida, St. Pete-Clearwater and Kissimmee.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing more than three decades of leadership in Florida’s tourism and destination marketing industry.
Minich was recognized during the 2026 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.
Presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the state’s tourism industry.
Three Florida Destinations, More Than Three Decades
According to Experience Kissimmee, Minich is the only tourism executive to have led three Florida destination marketing organizations.
His career includes leadership positions with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and Experience Kissimmee.
“This recognition represents every community, partner and tourism professional I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career,” Minich said.
“We are here not only to welcome visitors, but also to strengthen our communities, create opportunities for residents, and protect what makes Florida such a special place.”
From Southwest Florida to St. Pete-Clearwater
Minich began his destination marketing career in the Fort Myers area, where Southwest Florida’s coastal communities and natural environment influenced his approach to tourism development.
His work included helping develop the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.
Minich also helped lead tourism communications following Hurricane Charley and supported Gulf Coast destinations during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the organization.
He later spent seven years as executive director of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, where his work included expanding the destination’s international reach and developing its meetings and sports tourism business.
Transforming Experience Kissimmee
Minich became the first president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in 2014 as the organization transitioned to a public-private model.
During his tenure, Experience Kissimmee positioned the destination around its large vacation-home market and promoted Kissimmee as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.”
According to Experience Kissimmee, the area’s vacation-home inventory increased from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 homes during Minich’s leadership.
The organization says its annual budget also grew from approximately $11 million to more than $32 million, while its workforce expanded to more than 70 employees. Experience Kissimmee also established representation in more than 18 international markets.
Statewide Tourism Leadership
In 2025, Minich became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, giving him a role in statewide tourism strategy.
Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park and a VISIT FLORIDA board member, said Minich’s influence extends beyond a single destination.
“He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home,” Haught said.
VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin also recognized Minich’s statewide contributions.
“DT Minich has spent more than three decades in service to Florida tourism, and the relationships he has built are felt in every corner of the state,” Griffin said. “He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism.”
Joining Florida Tourism Leaders
Established in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to the development of Florida’s visitor economy.
Previous inductees include Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling, Harris Rosen, Carol Dover and William D. Talbert III, according to the release.
Minich now joins that group as the Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductee.
Business
Addition Financial Foundation Awards $175,000 to 10 Central Florida Nonprofits
Published
6 days agoon
September 10, 2026
Fifth annual Community Giving Celebration recognizes organizations serving families, students and communities across the region
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Addition Financial Foundation honored 10 Central Florida nonprofit organizations Wednesday during its fifth annual Community Giving Celebration, awarding $175,000 in unrestricted grants and providing recipients with year-round organizational support.
The breakfast and awards ceremony was held at Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus, bringing together representatives from the nonprofit, government, education and business communities.
Established in 2021, the foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lake Mary-based Addition Financial Credit Union. Each organization selected for the 2026 Community Giving Class was nominated by an Addition Financial team member based on its work in communities served by the credit union.
10 NONPROFITS RECEIVE COMMUNITY GIVING GRANTS
Three organizations — Central Florida Community Arts, Children’s Safety Village and Embrace Health — each received $20,000 grants. Seven additional nonprofits received $15,000 each: Empowered Girls Inc., First Tee Central Florida, Foundation for Foster Children, Gentian Creek Preserve, Prospera, Save a Life Pet Rescue and Tech Sassy Girlz.
The grants are unrestricted, allowing the organizations to direct the funding toward areas they determine will have the greatest impact.
“The Community Giving Celebration gives us an opportunity to shine a light on nonprofit organizations that are addressing important needs and creating meaningful change across our community,” said Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation.
Lehman said the foundation’s involvement extends beyond the grants, including connecting organizations with volunteers, resources and opportunities throughout the year.
ADDITIONAL $5,000 AWARDS PRESENTED
Two additional $5,000 awards were presented during the celebration.
The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program, a previous Community Giving Class participant, received one award. Save a Life Pet Rescue received another following a vote by Addition Financial team members who contribute to the foundation.
In addition to financial support, the 2026 class will receive volunteer assistance from Addition Financial employees, complimentary use of the organization’s community room and workshops on topics including media relations, fundraising and grant writing.
YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
The Community Giving program is designed to build relationships between Addition Financial and nonprofit organizations beyond a single grant cycle.
This year’s recipients work across a range of areas, including arts and culture, child safety, health, youth development, education, foster care, environmental conservation, entrepreneurship, animal rescue and technology education.
Through unrestricted grants and continuing support, the foundation said the program is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their operations while expanding their impact throughout Central Florida.
Business
AdventHealth Recruiting Nurses, Technologists and Clinical Professionals at 8 Central Florida Locations
Published
1 week agoon
September 8, 2026
The Sept. 9 regional hiring event will connect nurses, imaging and laboratory professionals, respiratory therapists and other clinical workers with hiring managers at eight AdventHealth locations.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth will hold a regional hiring event Wednesday, Sept. 9, at eight locations across Central Florida as the health system looks to expand its clinical workforce to meet growing demand for patient care.
The hiring events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and give nurses, technologists and other clinical professionals an opportunity to meet directly with hiring managers and clinical leaders, participate in on-site interviews and potentially receive same-day job offers for select positions, according to AdventHealth.
The recruitment effort comes as Central Florida’s population growth continues to increase demand for health care services across hospitals, emergency departments and other care sites.
High-Demand Clinical Positions
AdventHealth said career opportunities are available across several high-need clinical areas, including:
- Nursing
- Imaging
- Laboratory
- Respiratory care
- Surgical services
- Other clinical specialties
The regional format allows applicants to explore opportunities at multiple AdventHealth facilities while connecting directly with the people responsible for hiring and clinical operations.
Eight Central Florida Hiring Locations
Hiring events will be held simultaneously at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9:
AdventHealth Altamonte Springs
601 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs
Chatlos Classrooms
AdventHealth Apopka
2100 Ocoee Apopka Road, Apopka
Vyas Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Celebration
400 Celebration Place, Celebration
Mangrove Conference Rooms
AdventHealth East Orlando
7727 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando
Precedo Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Kissimmee
2450 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee
Woodlands Conference Rooms
AdventHealth Orlando, AdventHealth for Women & Children
601 E. Rollins St., Orlando
Alden Conference Room
AdventHealth Winter Park
200 N. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park
First Floor Conference Center
AdventHealth Winter Garden
2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden
First Floor Conference Rooms
Central Florida Growth Driving Recruitment
AdventHealth said the regional recruitment initiative is designed to strengthen clinical teams as the health system expands access to care throughout Central Florida.
Hiring across multiple hospitals and specialties also reflects the range of health care workers needed to support growing communities — from bedside nurses and respiratory professionals to diagnostic imaging, laboratory and surgical-services teams.
For qualified candidates, the possibility of interviewing directly with hiring managers and receiving a same-day offer for select positions could also shorten the traditional hiring process.
How to Register
Health care professionals interested in attending can register through the official AdventHealth Central Florida Hiring Event page.
Event: AdventHealth Central Florida Regional Hiring Event
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Locations: Eight AdventHealth facilities across Central Florida
FNN Community & Business
The regional hiring initiative represents a significant employment opportunity for Central Florida’s health care workforce while highlighting the continued demand for clinical professionals as the region’s population and health care needs expand.
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