Business
Walmart and Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando Host Road to Open Call as 30 Entrepreneurs Pitch Made-in-USA Products
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Small business dreams took center stage in Orlando as Walmart and the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando hosted the 2025 Walmart Road to Open Call. The event gave more than 30 small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their American-made, shelf-ready products directly to Walmart’s sourcing team at the National Entrepreneur Center.
About the Road to Open Call
The Orlando pitch event marked the second stop in Walmart’s nationwide Road to Open Call initiative, which prepares entrepreneurs for the retailer’s annual Open Call event happening October 7-8, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas. The series will also make stops in Kansas City, Baltimore, Austin, Columbus, and Atlanta.
Walmart’s Road to Open Call is a nationwide program designed to connect small businesses with the retail giant’s sourcing team while offering valuable business-building insights and opportunities.
Voices from the Event
“Walmart is committed to supporting the success of small businesses, and events like the Road to Open Call play a pivotal role in achieving this mission,” said Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. “Through collaborations with organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, we’re creating real opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart and potentially transform their businesses while supporting U.S. manufacturing and job creation.”
Pedro Turushina, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Walmart on this powerful initiative that uplifts our local entrepreneurs. By connecting local small businesses with major retailers like Walmart, we’re bridging the gap between vision and growth, fueling community success and economic opportunity.”
Entrepreneurs Showcase Diverse Products
The event featured small businesses representing diverse industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety, and consumer goods. Each entrepreneur had the opportunity to deliver their pitch and receive immediate feedback and insights from Walmart representatives to help strengthen their business model and prepare for the national stage in Bentonville.
Since its inception in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call program has helped thousands of small and medium-sized businesses secure shelf space in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. The program also supports U.S. manufacturing, local job creation, and access to consumer markets nationwide.
What’s Next?
The Road to Open Call tour continues with stops in Kansas City, MO; Baltimore, MD; Austin, TX; Columbus, OH; and Atlanta, GA before culminating in Bentonville this October. Selected businesses from these stops will earn an invitation to pitch at Walmart’s 12th Annual Open Call event for a chance to land their products in stores across the country.
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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
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.
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