Business
Winners Announced for the 2018 Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards
LOS ANGELES, (FNN NEWS) — Today, the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation awarded $375,000 in matching grants to 15 nonprofits serving small- to mid-sized towns and cities across America to produce free outdoor concerts as part of the fourth annual Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards. Reflecting the Levitt Foundation’s commitment to creative placemaking projects generating community support, the Levitt Foundation once again opened the Levitt AMP selection process to the public to choose the top 25 finalists.
![The Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is a $25K matching grant opportunity to bring free outdoor concerts to small to mid-sized towns and cities across the country.](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/164481/levitt_amp_grant_awards_logo.jpg?w=800 "The Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is a $25K matching grant opportunity to bring free outdoor concerts to small to mid-sized towns and cities across the country."){kind=logo}
The public voted on the submitted proposals over a three-week period in November, selecting their favorite projects online at http://levittamp.org.
“We are thrilled to announce the 2018 Levitt AMP Grant Awards winners, and are thankful to everyone who voted during the online competition to choose the finalists,” says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation. “Each of the winners makes a compelling case for how the Levitt AMP Music Series will create vibrancy in a public space while strengthening the social and economic fibers of their communities.”
The 15 Levitt AMP winners hail from rural towns with populations of less than 10,000 like Whitesburg, Ky.; Galva, Ill.; St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and Middlesboro, Ky.; to mid-sized cities like Berea, Ky.; Carson City, Nev.; Ocala, Fla.; Sheboygan, Wis.; Stevens Point, Wis.; Utica, N.Y.; and Woonsocket, R.I.; to larger cities spanning the country including Escondido, Calif.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Santa Fe, N.M.; and Trenton, N.J. Each winner will present 10 free concerts featuring a diverse lineup of high-caliber entertainment as part of the Levitt AMP Music Series, for a total of 150 free Levitt AMP concerts across the U.S. in 2018.
Below is the full list of this year’s Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards winners (in alphabetical order):
* Previous Levitt AMP winner
Berea, Kentucky* (population: 15,147)
The Berea Arts Council will continue to infuse vibrancy into the city’s Old Town Artisan Village—a historic cultural district recovering from years of economic hardship and vacancy—through multi-layered and inclusive arts experiences at the second Levitt AMP Berea Music Series. The 2018 series will help to spark further investment in the area, positioning Old Town to be a hub for art, food, and community gatherings.
Carson City, Nevada* (population: 54,742)
The Levitt AMP Carson City Music Series presented by the Brewery Arts Center will return for the third year, energizing the Minnesota Street Stage through free live music and further transforming an abandoned corridor into a thriving community hub and point of pride. The upcoming series will deepen and expand activation of downtown Carson City’s Historic District, helping the Brewery Arts Center realize its potential as an epicenter for the arts.
Chattanooga, Tennessee* (population: 177,571)
Jazzanooga will bring the second Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series to life on the lawn of the historic Martin Luther King District’s Bessie Smith Cultural Center, further activating the area once considered a famed live music hub and center for African American community life. The 2018 series will bring momentum to a larger community-wide effort to celebrate the area’s renowned musical heritage while reestablishing it as a thriving cultural destination.
Escondido, California (population: 151,613)
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido will present California’s first Levitt AMP Music Series at Grape Day Park, an underused historic green space in need of activation. Levitt AMP Escondido will bring new life to this central and accessible park, highlighting its potential while drawing together the city’s diverse communities to enjoy family-friendly entertainment alongside one another.
Galva, Illinois (population: 2,502)
The Galva Arts Council will enliven Wiley Park through the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series, transforming this large underused green space into a vibrant community hub for people to come together and enjoy a broad range of music genres. The series aims to have positive impact on the lives of those who live and work in Galva and its surrounding areas, creating a favorite gathering place and point of local pride.
Middlesboro, Kentucky* (population: 9,626)
Through the Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series, fourth-year grantee Discover Downtown Middlesboro has transformed a gravel lot into the Levitt AMP Pop Up Park—a vibrant gathering space complete with a volunteer-installed lawn and donated permanent stage. The 2018 series will build upon this momentum, augmenting the community-driven revitalization of its downtown and positioning the series for a wider impact.
Ocala, Florida* (population: 59,253)
Marion Cultural Alliance will present the second Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series in Webb Field, a three-acre green space in the once-thriving West Ocala neighborhood. The 2018 series will further demonstrate the value of this underused space, bringing the entire community together to feel the power of shared cultural experiences and see the vast potential for community engagement in this central green space.
Santa Fe, New Mexico* (population: 83,875)
The nonprofit AMP Concerts will present the second Levitt AMP Santa Fe Music Series at The Santa Fe Railyard in the heart of the city in conjunction with the iconic outdoor space’s 10th anniversary. The 2018 series will continue to elevate the mix of talent presented, expanding its reach and providing a vibrant point of pride for Santa Fe residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin* (population: 48,686)
Levitt AMP Sheboygan has flourished over the past three years, sparking significant investment in the area and bringing people together downtown. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center will present the fourth Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series in the city’s new City Green—once the site of a vacant large retail store, soon-to-be a vibrant green space in the heart of the city’s newly created Arts, Culture and Food District—celebrating this multi-year placemaking milestone.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont* (population: 7,535)
Catamount Arts will present the second Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series on Dog Mountain, a bucolic, dog-friendly spot in the center of a former industrial area that is ripe for revitalization. The 2018 series will continue to provide cultural access, drive economic activity, bring the community together and elevate community pride.
Stevens Point, Wisconsin* (population: 26,423)
CREATE Portage County will present the second Levitt AMP Stevens Point Music Series in Pfiffner Park along the Wisconsin River, building upon their efforts to create a thriving city center that provides urban amenities and a lively cultural scene for the community. The 2018 series will continue to illustrate the social and economic impact of creative placemaking initiatives to the local community and beyond.
Trenton, New Jersey* (population: 84,056)
Now in its fourth year, the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series presented by the Trenton Downtown Association will build upon its progress, spurring additional economic activity and community participation in the central and accessible Mill Hill Park. The upcoming series will further transform this underused space, giving people of all backgrounds a place to connect and enliven their community through free, live music.
Utica, New York* (population: 60,652)
Utica Monday Nite will present the third Levitt AMP Utica Music Series in Kopernik Park to fuel the social, physical and financial resurgence of Oneida Square, bringing the refugee-dense neighborhood closer to realizing its potential as a hub for culture and community engagement. The 2018 series will continue to illustrate the value of this underused green space as it inspires people of all backgrounds to come together to create a stronger, more unified community.
Whitesburg, Kentucky (population: 1,974)
The Cowan Community Center will bring the Levitt AMP Whitesburg Music Series to life on the Mountain Heritage Festival Stage, enlivening the center of this small rural community—which ten years ago was home to a closed school and vacant storefronts. The series aims to bring momentum to the town’s revitalization, encouraging residents to celebrate and participate in the renewal efforts together, recognizing the value of inclusive cultural experiences in the process.
Woonsocket, Rhode Island (population: 41,406)
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley will present the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series in River Island Art Park, a scenic underused park situated at the heart of the city. The series aims to serve as a cultural, community, and economic catalyst for the city—drawing neighbors back into the once bustling public square to enjoy free and accessible art, support economic growth and strengthen community ties.
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.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
