Vision Magazine #14 2013

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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66,000 cast members your customers!

Make our

Advertise in the employee publications at the Walt Disney World Resort and tap into the tremendous buying power of our 66,000 cast members. Then watch your sales grow!

Contact Irma Coombs • 407.828.4329 • irma.coombs@disney.com 2 | Visión

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©Disney

Apr-May-June 2013 Issue #14

Editor’s Note

P.5

Ian’s Social Media Box

P.6

Affordable Care Act

P.8

Why Engage In International Trade

P.11

Orlando Believes

P.12

Irastorza’s Bookshelf

P.18

The Global Links Program

P.20

Minority Certification

P.23

State of the City Address

P.23

Sales Personality Rush

P.25

The Main Street Gardener

P.26

HCCMO Update

P.26

Gallery

P.28

From Work To Play

P.30

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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editorial team Maritza Martinez Editor in Chief Ian Suárez Art Director Robert Newland Newland Associates Group, Inc Tony Lagos Rosalina Stober Hispanic Business Initiative Fund Rafael Irastorza Power Grid Engineering, LLC George Fournier Writer Millo Aldea millote.com Diego Puig McGee & Powers, P.A. Jonathan Aponte Cover Photo/Photographer Rafael Gerena Instruxo Nelson Camargo Baüza & Associates Mónica Libreros Graphic Designer

HCCMO staff

Diana Bolivar President

Marilen Marnett

Director of Events and Operations

Gabriel Soltrén

Director of Marketing & Business Development

Christine Peña

Events Coordinator

Ian Suárez

Graphic Design & Social Media Coordinator

Elda Rivera

Marketing & Membership Coordinator

Tiffany Madrid

Business Development Specialist

Luisa Garcia

HCCMO 2013/14 board members executive board José Cerda

Chair State Farm Insurance

Giorgina Pinedo-Rolón

Vice-Chair Gio Communications, Inc.

José Nido

Vice-Chair Elect Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

Administrative Assistant

Yuitxa Ramírez Veintidós Office Coordinator

Marissa Rivera Editor Assistant

Albert Hurtado

Treasurer Albert Hurtado, CPA, PLLC

Janet E. Martinez

Legal Advisor Janet E. Martinez, P.A.

Lourdes M. Mola Secretary Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

board of directors Maritza Martínez

Ex-Officio University of Central Florida

Orlando Alancastro

Director OUC: The Reliable One

Modesto Alcala

Director Universal Orlando

Héctor Bauzá

Director Bauzá and Associates

Kari Conley

Director Orlando Health

José G. Costa Director Terracon

Evelyn Martínez

Karla Muñiz

Director Florida Hospital

Christina Pinto

HBIF Representative MPC Wealth Management

Keith J. Raymond

Director Popular Community Bank

David Ruíz Director UPS

Scott Skidelsky

Director Balfour Beatty Construction

Irma E. Stenman

EDC Representative Metro Orlando EDC

Director Osceola Heritage Park

Official Package & Delivery Partner of the HCCMO Fashion Square Mall 3201 E. Colonial Dr. Suite A-20 Orlando, FL 32803 407.428.5870

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www.hispanicchamber.net

Editor’s Note...

Dear Reader,

I’m delighted to serve as Visión Magazine’s Editor this year. As a recent MBA Grad, I enjoy reading about the latest business trends, economic development opportunities, self-improvement articles, technology trends, etc., especially when delivered in a concise and clear manner, and this is what Visión Magazine does. Visión Magazine aims to engage, educate and provide valuable current resources for the business community in Central Florida.

In this issue, you will enjoy reading about the estimated impact a professional soccer team would have on our City Beautiful (p.12); considerations that should be top of mind for businesses when considering international trade (p.11); and you will learn about what Tupperware Brands Corporation and our friends at Rollins College are doing to empower women around the globe (p.20); among several other stories we hope you’ll enjoy.

I welcome your feedback! Let me know of topics you would like featured in future issues of Visión. Please share with me your reaction to what is included in the magazine, and of course, we’d love to hear your ideas on how we can make our magazine even better.

Happy reading!

Maritza Martinez Editor in Chief University of Central Florida

HCCMO trustees F O U N D I N G TRUSTEES

TRUSTEES

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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SOCIAL MEDIA

BOX

@haveyoumetian

The Perfect Tweet

by Ian Suárez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Big brands seem to have it easy when it comes to social media. Fans and followers easily connect with what they “obsess about.” For a small company, things don’t come as easy. But it’s very doable to reach such greatness. Today you will learn a little bit about Twitter and what makes for the perfect tweet. If you are reading this column, you’re already a step ahead in this crazy, “tweeterrific” world.

It’s a major networking step to make a mutual connection with an influential contact, but the real challenge is selling yourself: the work, expertise, experience, and all the things you bring to a company.

Now try doing it in 140 characters or less.

140 Characters. That’s all you get. It’s the number of characters you’re limited to when trying to make an impression on Twitter. I know for some people this might not be enough, but if you play your cards right you’ll have one of the more powerful social media tools in your arsenal.

Twitter is a social network like no other. It encourages brevity and

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operates on a system where popular and/or interesting people have the most followers.

Post messages with poor grammar and bad content, and your follower count will easily drop in a couple of days. But talk about trending topics, put thought (and love) in to your tweets, share things you find really cool (even though sometimes they seem silly), and you might be surprised by how much your social circle grows. Get to know your audience and see what works. That’s the difference between 1,000 followers and your 10 closest friends.

Don’t be afraid to post several times a day. The half-life of a link on Twitter is 2.8 hours, compared with Facebook’s 3.2 hours. This means you can post about different topics, inform your followers of a sale, and even send a “tweet” out with that funny joke you just heard…all in one day.

El dolor en las manos y las muñecas te hacen ver las cosas de otra forma.

Ponemos a tu alcance atención experta para las manos y las muñecas.

Si padeces de dolor en las manos y las muñecas, hasta la simple tarea de levantar una taza de café puede ser una propuesta agonizante. El Hand and Wrist Clinic de Florida Hospital Kissimmee ahora ofrece el centro quirúrgico más completo del área con terapistas en rehabilitación especialmente entrenados para que puedas estar en contacto con el mundo a tu alrededor sin sentir dolor. Dirigida por el Director Médico Joseph Robison, MD, un cirujano de manos con una preparación especializada del Cleveland Clinic, la clínica se especializa en cuidados quirúrgicos complejos de todo tipo de casos que ocurren entre el codo y la mano.

Llama hoy al (407) 303-DOCS (3627) para sacar una cita y ponte nuevamente en contacto con tu mundo. www.FloridaHandClinic.com

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FHK-13-12099

HEALTH

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: Key Small Business Provisions Information provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will help small business by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. If you’re a small employer, the following are some of the ACA provisions that may apply.

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PROVISIONS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT: Small Business Tax Credits The small business Health Care Tax Credit helps small businesses afford the cost of health care coverage for their employees and is specifically targeted for those businesses with low-and-moderate income workers. The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. Businesses that have fewer than 25 fulltime equivalent employees, pay average annual wages below $50,000 and that contribute 50% or more toward employee health insurance premiums may qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35% to help offset the costs of insurance. In 2014, this tax credit goes up to 50% and is available to qualified small businesses that participate in the Small Business Health Options Program. Small employers can claim the credit in 2013 and for two additional years beginning in 2014.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC’s) Disclosure Rules Employers are required to provide employees with a standard “Summary of Benefits and Coverage” form explaining what their plan covers and what it costs. The purpose of the SBC form is to help employees better understand and evaluate their health insurance options. Penalties may be imposed for non-compliance. The U.S. Department of Labor has provided a sample completed SBC that employers may reference.

Medical Loss Ratio Rebates Under the ACA, insurance companies must spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical care rather than administrative costs.

Insurers who do not meet this ratio are required to provide rebates to their policyholders, which is typically an employer who provides a group health plan. Employers who receive these premium rebates must determine whether the rebates constitute plan assets. If treated as a plan asset, employers have discretion to determine a reasonable and fair allocation of the rebate. For more information on the federal tax treatment of Medical Loss Ratio rebates, refer to IRS’s FAQs.

W-2 Reporting Beggining January 2013 (applicable to 2012 reporting), most employers must report the aggregate annual cost of employerprovided coverage for each employee on the Form W-2. The new W-2 reporting requirement is informational only and it does not require taxation on any health plan coverage. Small employer exception: For 2012 reporting and beyond until further guidance is issued, the W-2 reporting requirement does not apply to employers required to file fewer than 250 Form W-2s in the prior calendar year. To learn more about the requirements, as well as exclusions, visit IRS.gov.

Limits on Flexible Spending Account Contributions

adjustments. Note that the limit only applies to elective employee contributions and does not extend to employer contributions. To learn more about FSA Contributions, as well as what is excluded from the cap, visit IRS.gov.

Health Insurance Coverage Reporting Requirements Beginning with health coverage provided on or after January 1, 2014, employers subject to the Employer Shared Responsibility rules must provide the IRS with information about full time employees’ coverage under the health plans and the cost of benefits provided. Likewise, employers that sponsor self-insured plans must submit the reports detailing information for each covered individual. The first of these reports must be filed in 2015. The IRS is expected to provide more information in the near future clarifying these rules.

90-Day Maximum Waiting Period Beginning January 1, 2014, individuals who are eligible for health coverage will not have to wait more than 90 days to begin coverage.

The IRS has provided temporary guidance on how employers should apply the 90-day rule and is expected to provide more information in the near future clarifying these rules.

Workplace Wellness Programs The ACA creates new incentives to promote employer wellness programs and encourage opportunities to support healthier workplaces. Effective January 1, 2014, the maximum reward under a health-contingent wellness program will increase from 20 percent to 30 percent of the cost of health coverage, and the maximum reward for programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use will be as much as 50 percent. The U.S. Department of Labor is expected to provide more information in the near future clarifying these rules.

Additional Resources The U.S. Small Business Administrator’s health care web page, www. sba.gov/healthcare, is dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. This site will serve as a gateway for small business owners connecting them with information provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Healthcare.gov is a web portal maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The small business site includes information about the new health insurance Marketplaces, coverage options, and more. Businesses can stay connected to the latest information on the Marketplaces by signing up for text and email alerts at signup.healthcare.gov.

IRS website includes summaries of tax-related ACA provisions, FAQs, and eligibility worksheets.

Beginning January 2013, the maximum amount an employee may elect to contribute to health care flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) for any year will be capped at $2500, subject to cost-of-living

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OUC

empowering the next generation.

AND NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL:

At OUC—The Reliable One, partnering with Nemours Children’s Hospital means far more than just powering one of the area’s newest state-of-the-art medical facilities.

It also means helping Nemours conserve energy and protect the environment.

One example: multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lighting designed to give young patients at Nemours a small sense of control and comfort during their hospital stay by allowing them to choose the color of lights in their rooms.

These lights not only illuminate the Orlando skyline, they also help brighten the world for the children at Nemours – reflecting the power of strong community partnerships.

To educate children about the benefits of saving energy and water, OUC sponsored a “Believe in Conservation” art contest. Winners participated in Nemours’ grand opening by flipping the switch on the hospital’s multi-colored lights.

The iconic image of colorful, energy-efficient LED lights at Nemours Children’s Hospital shows millions of visitors flying in to Orlando that the city is home to innovation in Lake Nona’s emerging Medical City.

To see what else we’re doing in the community, visit

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BUSINESS

Why Engage In International Trade?

by Julíana Peña - Enterprise Florida Inc.

arch 11 marked the third anniversary of the creation of the National Export Initiative (NEI). The Initiative aims to improve the conditions that directly affect the private sector’s ability to export – working to remove trade barriers abroad, help firms and farmers overcome hurdles to entering new markets, and assist with financing.¹ Since the birth of the initiative, international trade has taken a prominent role in the day-to-day business decisions of American companies by sparking their interest in attracting foreign buyers. As United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk has said, 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, providing ample opportunities for U.S. exporters.

Economies in the developing world are growing, and as their growth becomes constant their purchasing power increases, allowing them to access goods and services that otherwise would not be available to them. International trade opens those new and emergent markets for U.S. companies, enhancing their potential client base and reducing their dependence on national and local markets. Many companies nationwide were affected by the economic crisis; while some decided to downsize or close their doors, others opted to explore international trade as a way to overcome the crisis. In 2010 the total number of U.S. firms exporting goods totaled 293,131, an increase of 6.0 percent or nearly 16,500 companies from the number that exported in 2009.² In 2012, the U.S.International Trade Administration reported that U.S. exports hit an all-time record of $2.2 trillion and supported 9.8 million jobs. This demonstrates that international trade not only would help increase the revenue and profits of a company but also contribute to its expansion and economic growth.

Advice to small business owners There are three important things small business owners need to evaluate when thinking about engaging in international trade. One is the financial stability required to engage in exports. Exporting represents a financial risk for companies, and many trade finance organizations will not work with a business if it does not have a stable financial record. By meeting this requirement companies can receive assistance to finance their exports without using their own capital.

The second consideration is the business’ output capacity. You secured a customer abroad, great! But would you be able to fulfill

the orders as requested? The biggest faux pas an exporter can make is being unable to fulfill an order. This will most certainly end a relationship with a foreign buyer and tarnish the company’s reputation abroad.

Once a company has determined that it is fit to export, it should take the time to create an export marketing plan. Such plan is vital to creating a market entry strategy and identifying markets with the best potential for the company’s products. Remember that foreign markets differ from those in the United States in terms of culture, diverse export controls import tariffs, and other factors.

Help is available When you are ready to export, don’t feel that you have to tackle this new endeavor alone. The United States International Trade Administration says that compared with large firms, SMEs are especially dependent on local, state and federal government initiatives to open to foreign markets. Unlike larger companies, most SMEs do not possess offshore business affiliates that can be used to circumvent trade barriers and gain market access.³ Organizations like the U.S. Department of Commerce, Enterprise Florida, Inc. and your local chamber of commerce are there to assist SMEs with the implementation of their export plan. These organizations compile an array of trade promotion events such as trade missions. Trade missions are business development trips overseas designed to promote international business opportunities such as exports sales, foreign direct investment and strategic relationships. Florida companies are encouraged to participate in these missions as they have proven to be successful drivers of new business as demonstrated by the Team Florida Trade mission to Colombia, led by Governor Rick Scott. More than 50 Florida companies joined the mission and reported more than $40 million in expected sales.

¹ National Export Initiative (NEI). U.S. International Trade Administration ² Small & Medium-Sized Exporting Companies: Statistical Overview, 2010, U.S. International Trade Administration ³ Small & Medium-Sized Exporting Companies: Statistical Overview, 2010, U.S. International Trade Administration

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Cover Story

DOES SOCCER MAKE

ECONOMIC SENSE FOR ORLANDO?

by Rogue Gallart, The Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce

Soccer, fútbol, Sokker, Futebol, ‫مدقلا ةرك ةبع‬, Fußball, Calcio. No matter what you call it, the game transcends sport and passion. Soccer is much more than a game, or even a way of life. Soccer connects billions of people and impacts their lives in immeasurable ways. Why is it so important? Why do many of us on this planet obsess about it? What are the economic implications and, more importantly, the benefits to bringing Major League Soccer to Central Florida? The answers to these crucial questions are best highlighted in the opinions, regarding soccer and its related core economic development opportunities for our community. However, the most important point to remember is our potential to harness opportunities such as this when they are presented to us. Orlando, Florida attracts more than 51 million tourists a year (3.6 million of them are international tourists). Its airport, the Orlando International Airport (MCO), is the 13th busiest airport in the United States, and the 29th busiest in the world. So let’s ask ourselves: how many of these tourists are avid soccer fans?

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“We have a tremendous opportunity to bring a second major league franchise to this city.”

-Phil Rawlins

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Some say that soccer is a metaphor for life. In Franklin Foer’s book “How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization”, he makes the case that the globalization of soccer reveals the ethnic and cultural divisions that still plague most of the world. Foer asserts that soccer reflects the existing conflicts between class and economic disparity in the world and that this passionate sport of soccer has the unique ability to be a unification force rather than being divisive. This great game has the ability to be the source of unity, diplomacy, camaraderie, and dignity. These unique powers used properly give this sport potential to be used for much more good both locally and around the world.

Now let’s look at the fundamental statistics of what it would mean to bring a major league soccer team to Central Florida. If billions of people, who disagree on politics, religion, lifestyles, etc., can instantly be unified by one simple yet elegant sport, there is something amazing about that energy. Billions of people are engaged in soccer every day, and trillions of dollars are spent on every aspect of the sport. In advertising or marketing that is what is called a “no brainer.” If the power and passion for soccer can be harnessed to not just promote the sport, but to promote ideals, deeds, charities, and education, think what a multiplier effect there would be here in our community.

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the highest level of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. The league is comprised of 19 teams, with none currently in the southeastern United States.

MLS is poised to overtake the NHL as the fourth most popular professional sports league. It has already eclipsed both the NBA and the NHL in terms of average attendance at games.

Due to the rapid growth in soccer’s popularity, MLS has publicly announced interest in locating one or two expansion teams in the Sunshine State. This possible expansion into Florida will depend on the selected city or cities being able to build soccerspecific stadiums for their team. Cities including New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Minneapolis are also being discussed as possible expansion locations.

Last year, a poll taken by ESPN showed soccer is the second most popular sport among Americans ages 12-24 and the most popular sport among Hispanics. The study says 7 percent of all Americans 12+ are “avid” MLS fans; the highest level the league has ever reached.

The economic impact of having an MLS team in Orlando would The potential economic impact of having an MLS team in Orlando is tremendous..

Orlando City Soccer Club recently commissioned an advisory and planning firm for the convention, sport, entertainment and visitor industries to produce an economic impact study in anticipation of at transition from USL to MLS. According to the study, if the stadium is built and Orlando becomes home to an MLS franchise, the area

Soccer 101

can expect to see new direct spending of $1.2 billion over the next 30 years. Construction of a new stadium will generate nearly 1,000 jobs. Once built, the stadium would produce 390 jobs, personal earnings of $565 million and tax revenue of $9.1 million. Average attendance triples when a team transitions from the United Soccer League (USL) to MLS. The Orlando City Soccer team currently plays at the Citrus Bowl. The MLS organization would allow the team to continue in that venue, but only for so long. According to Phil Rawlins, president and part owner of Orlando City Soccer, to earn an MLS franchise, Orlando City Soccer must have a plan in place to own its facility. Rawlins has more than ten years of experience in sports management, having served as an owner and director of his hometown team, Stoke City, located in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England. He later founded the Austin Aztex in Austin, Texas before moving to Orlando in 2010.

In a recent conversation, Mr. Rawlins spoke of the need to plan for a facility designed specifically for soccer as a prerequisite for securing a MLS franchise.

“We really brought the team to pursue the MLS. No MLS team south of DC or east of Houston is nearby, and this area spans 25 percent of the market. This is a great way to take advantage of this open window that has been presented to us,” said Rawlins. We have a tremendous opportunity to bring a second major league franchise to this city. But with anything such as this it has a time stamp. We have to seize that opportunity now, as other cities also want this franchise. Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, and Tampa have shown major interest in grabbing these franchise spots.”

Recently, the new owner of Orlando City Soccer, Brazilian native and businessman Flávio Augusto da Silva has made a significant investment and future commitment to the Orlando City franchise.

The purpose of his investment was made very clear in the club’s press statement. “Build a soccer-specific stadium in Orlando, and ultimately acquire a MLS franchise. The new ownership allows Orlando City Soccer to bring in 53 percent of the total project share in the building of a new stadium for the franchise, which is very significant,” states Rawlins. Silva said, “I want to build a strong brand and business behind the field that will make Orlando City a very powerful club.”

Local government is also on board. “Attracting Major League Soccer to Orlando is about much more than sports,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer “Orlando’s international flights have doubled in the last six years, our local Hispanic population is booming, and soccer is the fastest-growing sport in America with Orlando boasting the second highest youth participation in soccer in the country. This means a world of soccer fans, and their economic impact, is at our front door. Tapping into these soccer fans, not only here in Orlando, but region-wide and from around the world would mean jobs and increased foreign investment in our city.”

Hat-trick - When one player scores 3 goals in a single match.

Assist - The pass or passes which immediately precede a goal.

Volley - Striking the ball before it lands.

4-2-3-1 - A formation that consists of four defenders, two more defensive minded midfielders, three midfielders and one forward.

Chip - A kick lofted into the air to try to sail the ball over the goalkeeper’s head and still make it under the crossbar into the goal.

4-4-2 - A formation that consists of 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 forwards.

Relegation - When a team drops down to the division below after finishing in one of the bottom places of the league at the end of the season because of a low points total.

Red Card - The playing-card sized card held up by the referee to signal that a player has been sent from the field. The player’s team must play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Nutmeg - When a player deliberately kicks the ball through the legs of a member of the opposition and collects it on the other side. The beaten player is said to have been Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando “nutmegged”.

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© 2013 Publix Asset Management Company.

There’s something important we’d like you to know about Publix: showing our appreciation to our customers is the cornerstone of our culture. It’s not just something we do when we think about it. It’s who we are. We want you to always feel good about shopping at Publix, and that everything you buy will meet your expectations. In fact, we feel so strongly about it that we’ve put it in writing. Come by and let us prove it. Publix Super Markets. Where shopping is a pleasure.

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www.publix.com

Mayor Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs have both toured MLS stadiums with Orlando City Soccer executives. Mayor Jacobs toured PPL Park in Pennsylvania and met with the facility’s architects and the Philadelphia Union’s owners to get a better sense of the soccer franchise.

“It’s gratifying that MLS is considering Central Florida for an expansion team. Our community continues to transform and MLS could aide in that transformation,” said Jacobs. “I am optimistic about the prospects, but for now I am focused on the due diligence process and want to be sure that, if we move forward, our taxpayers will get the best deal possible.”

In short, Orlando has done just about everything MLS could ask. One could easily argue that no lower division league deserves an MLS promotion more than does Orlando. Orlando averaged a league-high 6,606 fans per home game in 2012, according to the Doherty Soccer website. Orlando City Soccer has the fan base and the team also has a defined plan for the future. Recently the Orlando Sentinel took a poll asking whether Orlando should build a soccer stadium. 92 percent of those polled were in favor of a soccer stadium. Central Florida citizens have certainly voiced their opinion.

Another point on building a new stadium is that currently the league has no plans to switch to a winter schedule at this time, and as we know it gets rather warm in the middle of Florida during the summer months. Higher paid MLS stars aren’t going to love the idea of playing in Orlando in June, July or August (unless the new stadium has a dome or full roof).

We soccer fans in Orlando shouldn’t get too worried if our city isn’t awarded a MLS franchise between now and 2015. It’s been suggested that the league could eventually expand to 22 or even 24 clubs. Perhaps it’s simply a matter of which city gets a soccer-specific stadium first. There lie the challenges that Phil Rawlins had previously stated in advocating for a new stadium for the team. Imagine for a second if Orlando City Soccer became an MLS team and obtained a star like Brazilian footballer, Ricardo Kaká (Real Madrid & Brazilian National Team) just as L.A. Galaxy did by getting a star like David Beckham.

My family is from Spain, so perhaps I may be a little biased in the love I show for the sport. When we all begin to think about: “Should or shouldn’t we support the building of a new stadium here in Central Florida?” We should remember that big things always start from small beginnings.

Tourists from all over the world travel to Orlando for our unique attractions.

The ability to include an MLS team to this city will not only enhance their vacation experience; it will give them more memories and the desire to return again and again.

Phil Rawlins The man with the vision

by Martin Lande, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Phil Rawlins is the president and part-owner of Orlando City Soccer Club. He is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling all aspects of performance and services for the club.

A native of Stoke-on-Trent, England, he founded and developed a very successful IT sales and marketing consulting firm which worked with most of the world’s top hi-tech companies.

Rawlins has an extensive and successful career as a sports manager. He first became involved in the industry more than 10 years ago as owner and director of his hometown team, Stoke City FC. Today, they play their trade in the English Premier League; having earned their place in the country’s top-flight in 2008.

In 2007, he founded the Austin Aztex. In the team’s two seasons, Rawlins helped the team build a strong fan base in the Austin community and, as the team improved, so did its attendance. Rawlins was named one of the “20 Most Influential People in Sports in Central Texas” by the Austin American Statesman and “Sports Executive of the Year” by the Austin Chronicle.

In the search for additional ownership, Rawlins decided to move the team to Orlando in 2010. He realized that Austin, as a marketplace, didn’t have the long-term feasibility of a major team. One of his biggest challenges was the lack of a soccerspecific stadium, hence the move to Orlando, a much bigger and attractive market for a soccer franchise.

In OCS’s first year of USL Pro, the team managed to sell out one of their tiers of executive seating and its attendance averaged 5,415 fans per game with more than 11,000 attending the USL Pro championship game at the Citrus Bowl.

Rawlins has very clear vision of what he expects from Orlando City Soccer. He wants to bring Major League Soccer to Orlando, establishing the city as a center for international soccer and to build a team the community can be proud of. He also plans to build a stadium for the team and to continue the growth of Orlando City Youth Soccer, which aims to change the landscape of youth soccer in the United States.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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Irastorza’s Bookshelf Book Review:

PEOPLE BUY YOU

The Real Secret to What Matters Most in Business

by Rafael Irastorza, Power Grid Engineering LLC

Do people buy products or buy you? In the highly-competitive business world we live in, customers have many choices to pick from when deciding to select a product or service they want to purchase.

P

roduct quality remains one of the key factors that enables companies to win their customers’ business.

Price is another one. But what about the People component?

What is the impact that salespeople have in the process of winning and retaining their customers? What if you, the salesperson, realize that what truly differentiates you from your competitors is your ability to solve problems and offer your customers the right solutions? Will you make the effort to enhance your selling skills? (People Buy You is a book designed to teach you interpersonal and selling skills that allow you to uncover and solve your customers’ problems.)

more likely to accept their point of view. The second behavior is smiling. You have probably heard the saying, “Frown and you frown alone, but smile and the whole world smiles with you.” A sincere smile communicates excitement, humor, confidence, happiness, kindness and friendship.

Simply, selling is one person solving another person’s problem, and to do that you must first get your potential customers to tell you what their problems are. You start the process of winning your customer by being likable. Being likable is a key attribute that opens the door to an emotional connection with your potential customer.

The more connected people feel to you, the more comfortable they feel sharing information that reveals their problems. With that information in hand you can focus on and solve their real problems, which gives you the opportunity to build trust and create positive emotional experiences. Let’s go over the process of winning and retaining customers as it is described in the book.

Build Trust

Be Likable

“Frown and you frown alone, but smile and the whole world smiles with you.”

The word likable is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online as, “having qualities that bring about a favorable regard.”

Being likable does not guarantee that you will get the sale or business deal. As we know, it takes more than likability and charisma to win in business. Likability is, however, the first and most important step to get People to Buy You. It also impacts how others perceive you, their willingness to engage in a conversation, and their openness to answering your questions. Unless we have a natural God-given talent for being likable, we have to work at and consciously practice certain key behaviors that will help us become more likable. There are two behaviors that are considered to be very important. The first one is being enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is simply having excitement for or interest in what you are doing.

What we have already learned about human nature is that people respond in kind. If you are enthusiastic about something, it is likely that those around you will become enthusiastic, too. The good news is we generally find enthusiastic people likable, and we are

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Connect and Solve Problems

Listening is a very important skill that enables salespeople to connect with their customers. By listening effectively, you demonstrate to your customers that you are paying full attention to the problems they reveal to you. Moreover, they confirm this when you ask them the right questions that will help you uncover their problems, identify their needs and offer them the right solutions.

Have you met salespeople that miss the listening part? They try to offer solutions first without even listening to you. They hear, but they don’t listen. They neglect the importance of seeking first to understand, then being understood.

Trust is the glue that holds relationships together and the foundation on which all long-term relationships rest. Following your promises, going the extra mile in everything you do, delivering your product on time and making sure that you walk your talk are all actions that increase your customers’ level of trust. In a world in which most people are just doing enough to get by, those salespeople who consistently do more than what they have to will stand out. Buyers appreciate and reward this commitment to excellence with repeat business, referrals, and ultimately with trust.

Create Positive Emotional Experiences

You can strengthen your relationships with your customers by creating positive emotional experiences. When you create positive emotional experiences for others, you take advantage of the law of reciprocity, which states that when you give something to someone, he or she feels an obligation to give something back to you. A few examples of simple, yet important things that could create emotional experiences include a handwritten thank you note, a birthday phone call and inviting your customer to play a round of golf at his or her favorite course in town.

¡TU MÚSICA DE HOY!

KQ103 targets today's Orlando Hispanic consumer with a focused approach to music, content and marketing. We take a research-driven approach to each advertiser to create a unique marketing campaign based on speciic goals and objectives.

You can reach an Account Executive at 407•647•5557

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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SOCIAL

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Hispanic Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce of of Metro Metro Orlando Orlando Hispanic

THE GLOBAL LINKS PROGRAM:

PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Article by Mary Conway Dato-on, PhD Associate Professor of International Business & Chelsea Yaw, MBA Candidate 2014 from Rollins College, Crummer Graduate School of Business

What if you could inspire and invest in one woman so fully that she generates a ripple effect throughout her community? What if this ripple expanded far enough to change not only the local community, but also the global economy? Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands Corporation, was inspired by this question during a 2011 trip to Iraq with the United States Department of Defense. Goings, alongside Elinor Steele, Vice President Global Communications and Women’s Initiatives, visited the University of Baghdad and participated in an open forum with students. From the forum, Goings and Steele learned that students in Iraq felt hopeless about their future careers due to the lack of opportunity in the country. When Goings asked the students why they did not consider entrepreneurship, the response was that they did not know how to be entrepreneurs. This led to the question: How are we able to inspire, innovate and change the business world?

Part of the solution for peace in Iraq is going to be leveraging the power of Iraq’s women. One of the drawbacks of centrally planned economies is that people get used to the government making most of the decisions because there is not that entrepreneurial spirit, because there isn’t that kind of freedom. The best thing we could do is to come in and provide you [an Iraqi woman] with the kind of training, the kind of skills, the kind of empowerment so that you could develop your own confidence. And then you would be a repeater station for other women.

-Rick Goings,

Chairman and CEO, Tupperware Brands Corporation Tupperware Brands Corporation was on a mission to make a difference when it partnered with Rollins College and the U.S. Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues to develop the Global Links Program: a private-public partnership with a mission to empower women through education and opportunity that will ultimately inspire the development of a new generation of entrepreneurs in Iraq – and beyond. The inaugural program sponsors a female scholar to spend a one-year immersion in the United States studying at the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business and participating in an externship with Tupperware Brands Corporation in the worldwide corporate headquarters located in Orlando, FL. The scholar’s participation in academic, professional and community activities centers on the “Five C’s”: Culture, Career, Curriculum, Community and Coaching. It is a year of personal and professional growth for the scholar that may be summarized best by the 2012 inaugural Global Links scholar Dr. Amel Abed Mohammed Ali, who stated prior to her return to Iraq, “My head and my heart are full.” And really, that’s where it all begins with social entrepreneurship—the heart.

With courage and hope, Dr. Ali devoted a year of her life to the pursuit of knowledge that she can share with her students on the return to her home university, and to stimulate their contributions to their nation’s

economic development. We discovered that her presence on our campus and in our community also expanded the world view of our students, faculty, and staff. There is no doubt that she contributed to our educational enterprise.

-Dr. Lewis Duncan, President of Rollins College

The next phase of the Global Links Program involves the home-country implementation of the social entrepreneurship and business principles the scholar learned and developed during her first year. Dr. Ali, the 2012 scholar, departed the U.S. for Iraq in January 2013 with a mission to teach, mentor and inspire her students at the University of Babylon to not only become social entrepreneurs, but also comprehend how strong communities can work together to build a stronger economy.

To help build a growing network in Iraq, the Global Links Program has paired Dr. Ali with the International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) Women for Women International, an organization dedicated to the support of women struggling to re-build their lives after war and civil strife.

The Global Links Program is about investing in global communities that will, in turn, produce a stronger global economy. Entrepreneurial organizations with a focus on social change, like Tupperware Brands and Rollins College, do not produce isolated results that cannot be replicated by others. Instead these organizations seek to create a blueprint that can be easily adopted and implemented by other organizations in regions where there is a need for social change.

Through her participation in programs such as Leadership Orlando and her active engagement in community events with both Tupperware Brands and Rollins College, Dr. Ali was able to appreciate the relationship among business, academia and the community, and how all three are interwoven components of our growing local and national economy. This understanding is critical to the development of Iraq’s economy and that of other developing economies throughout the world, and demonstrates why community engagement is such an important aspect of the Global Links Program.

At this point one might ask: What is the ripple effect on the local, Central Florida community? As much as Dr. Ali was able to learn from us, it is important to understand what the local community learned from her presence in our community. Dr. Ali was able to put a human face on a country and culture that has had a long-standing, tumultuous relationship with the United States. Those who were able to interact with her quickly realized that she represented an Iraq we do not hear about in the media, an Iraq struggling to rebuild and produce future global leaders. The experience was particularly poignant for organizations such as the Crummer Women’s Executives, who saw leadership potential in women of Iraq through the eyes and story of one woman dedicated to building a strong community.

In its simplest form, the Global Links Program creates a ripple effect with the potential to touch the lives of thousands of individuals.

Imagine the impact of multiple ripples, as this program is adopted by other businesses and universities throughout the world. This is the power of a private-public partnership with a goal that is both scalable and replicable. Now is the time to consider where we can make an impact in our communities, both local and global.

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

MINORITY CERTIFICATION: AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

by Rosalina Stober, Hispanic Business Initiative Fund

What is minority business certification and how can it benefit you as an entrepreneur?

Minority vendor certifications are designed to help minority, womanowned, and/or disadvantaged businesses find new opportunities, and to help government and corporations diversify their supplier base.

If you are looking to expand your business, certification could provide a tremendous growth opportunity.

First implemented by the Small Business Administration (SBA), certifications for Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) have now been adopted by many government and corporate entities nationwide.

In Central Florida, Orange County and the City of Orlando have developed certification programs and established MWBE participation goals. Many large companies in the region have made a similar commitment and honor the certification provided by the Central and North Florida Minority Supplier Diversity Council (cnFMSDC).

While the requirements of each certification vary, most require that the business be at least 51 percent minority or woman-owned.

The owner(s) must at least be legal residents and most often are required to be U.S. citizens.

Is minority certification the right choice for you and your small business? It often depends on your industry. Those most likely to benefit from this type of certification are construction-related and professional service firms.

Achieving certification is only the first step toward winning the business. Once approved, it will be necessary to become familiar with the complex and detail-oriented bidding process. You will need to make sure that your company is equipped to handle potential contracts and fulfill additional requirements. In the construction industry, for example, performance bonds that provide coverage on project execution are required for a bid to be considered.

Minority certification presents new business opportunities, however the application process can be daunting. Seek out resources that can help you navigate the certification process and help you promote your company directly to purchasing representatives. Organizations like the HBIF, SBA, cnFMSDC and others are here to help walk you through the certification process.

To learn more, Hispanic entrepreneurs should contact the HBIF to schedule a free appointment with a business specialist who can help determine which certifications are appropriate and help navigate the application process. As a result of HBIF’s efforts, many small businesses have won contracts working as vendors on government projects and with large for-profit companies.

State of the City Address Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

This year’s State of The City Address marked the beginning of my 11th year serving as Mayor of the City of Orlando and served as an excellent platform to reaffirm my continuing commitment to working for all Orlando families making this City a great place to live, work, learn and raise a family.

A year ago we said Orlando was slowly rebounding from the devastating effects of the recession, but that we were primed to come back faster and stronger because of the work our community has done to strengthen small businesses and our economy. Orlando has showed signs of economic recovery, from the lowest unemployment rate in four years to remarkable increases in commercial and residential permitting to more than $670 million in projects underway and $500 million projects expected to start soon in Downtown Orlando.

We’re seeing growth in our housing market and our region is expected to see more than 27-thousand jobs created in the year ahead, which would wipe out the losses we’ve experienced since 2008. Orlando Main Street program has helped more than 400 new businesses open created 24-hundred jobs and generated a $137 million re-investment in our districts. The Medical City at Lake Nona will ultimately create more than 30-thousand jobs and a ten-year economic impact of 8 billion dollars and Downtown Orlando’s Creative Village will become in our future neighborhood for technology workers.

Major League Soccer (MLS) is expanding and Orlando is at the top of its list. But, securing a franchise requires a new urban stadium. We have an ownership group prepared to invest, but timing is critical and we have a limited window of opportunity.

So, we owe it to our community to work together to make this happen. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, therefore a world of soccer fans, and their economic impact, could be at our front door.

A new MLS franchise in Orlando would generate nearly $1.2 billion in new direct spending over the next 30 years including the construction of a stadium, which alone would generate nearly 1,000 jobs.

I have no doubt that we will continue working together for the future of our city. The best times are yet to come and with the help of residents, local governments and private enterprise, we will turn Orlando into a modern metropolis worth admiring.

Visit www.HBIFFlorida.org or call 407-428-5872 for more information.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Sales Personality Rush

Lead the Witness...TO BUY!!!

by Millo Aldea - The Sales Personality

Have you ever heard of the term “Leading the witness?” Wikipedia describes it as: “In common law systems that rely on by testimony witnesses, a leading question or suggestive interrogation is a question that suggests the particular answer or contains the information the examiner is looking to have confirmed.” It is, in more understanding lingo, asking questions that already have the answers embedded in them for your listener to respond in the way you want. Resulting in what I call “Forcing the answer”.

DID YOU KNOW YOU COULD DO THE SAME IN SALES? Not just to benefit you, but to have your prospect realize the true value of your product/service and have them sell themselves in the end!

PLAY-BY-PLAY

him taking less than 5 minutes to send an update, wishes, specials, news, link to a blog, etc. to all of his customers or followers using your mobile technology.

YOU: “Mr. Jones, what great things can come to your business by utilizing this service and having hundreds of people take advantage of your offers?”

You can clearly see again the presupposition of people taking advantage of his offer using the text blast. Now, let Mr. Jones describe many success stories and benefits coming from that. After that, ask him. How important is that to you? Lock down the priority. Prequalify the close!

YOU:”Mr. Jones, we have many multi-million dollar companies using our service and only the very best in your industry are using our ‘deluxe special’, because, do you know how much that can cost?

After it does what it does, take a wild guess?” A fascinating question!

Here is how to do it! In a sales presentation or a pitch, it is best if you make it an engaging conversation by asking questions in a way people can answer in terms of you. You do this during the time most sales people call a, “Discovery Phase”. I’m going to use mobile marketing or mobile text blasting as the product and service being sold to a company CEO. If you follow my word patterns, you can most definitely integrate my strategy to your product or service.

This strategy forces your prospective customer to respond with a high number, which gives you the advantage of coming back with your fair price, which will be less than what he estimated. If he says a very low number, you have to respond with: “Wo’ wo’ Mr. Jones, after all you will benefit from, you assume that low of a price? Where did I miss you?” Most likely you won’t have to do that.

After each feature demonstration…

And for the pen…

YOU: “Mr. Jones, how would you use this service to help you save the time from sending designed email blasts that very few people will open?”

Once you are done with your discovery phase, you have to close, right? Mr. Jones has practically sold himself in the ways your service can benefit him. Ask a simple closing question…

The answer is clearly embedded in the question. Mr. Jones will save time from designing an email blast, sending it, and taking a chance on people opening it, while everyone will see the text blast.

Although, what you want to do is have him say it, and have him start creating a story. Have him narrate a fictional story on how he can use the service to his advantage.

“How do you want to get started today: With option one, two or three?”

YOU: “Mr. Jones, what is the process of continuously maintaining your customers updated and engaged with what you do in the industry?”

The answer here is probably none and or very little social media awareness. It probably takes too much of the work they don’t want to do in the first place. That’s when you can create a fictional story of

He might pull back a little, but this is when you pull out your ‘shiny sword’ and say something like: “Ok Mr. Jones! According to our wonderful discussion, I read you as someone who likes to take advantage of things that bring him profit, especially when it’s a better deal than he expected. A person that wants to engage closer to his customers and wants to be ahead of his competition. I also read you as a person who realizes the importance of time and how to use your time to the best of your abilities to capitalize even more. Did I get you wrong? Or did I get you right?” Use eye contact with this close. Keep your straight face and confidence posture. And see what happens!

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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The Main Street Gardener

UPDATE Tend Your Fire

by Jerry Ross, National Entrepreneur Center

Big ideas, big dreams, and even big businesses all started out small. A little spark of inspiration can be the beginnings of a bonfire; however, the danger in being small is that it takes very little to extinguish the flame. A big idea can be crushed by an off-hand negative response or self imposed constraints.

Contributions made by Hispanic businessmen and businesswomen are sometimes overlooked. However, in March 2013, the Orlando Business Journal recognized the 1,356 members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando as the largest chamber membership in the Orlando area! We’re proud of this accomplishments achieved with the support of our members, stakeholders, trustees and sponsors. Since the founding of the chamber, more than 150 community leaders have volunteered to lead the organization by serving on the chamber’s board of directors. Hundreds of chamber members have served as volunteers and ambassadors to improve the economic well-being of our Central Florida community. We salute you!

Sometimes innovative ideas are rejected because they are simply ahead of their time, or because they defy the status quo…which is exactly why they should be pursued. However, as we seek opinions from those around us on these new ideas, truly good and trusted people won’t always see what you see. They may not have the experience you have, or maybe they are simply afraid for you, so they may try to blow out your flame. Don’t let them do it! Only you are allowed to blow out the flame of your new idea if it turns out to be less than perfect.

If your business needs a boost, we invite you to renew your membership and get involved in chamber events designed to spur economic activity including business after hours, leads groups, seminars, and our signature events; Hispanic Business Conference, Latin Food & Wine Festival, Don Quijote Awards, and the Hispanic Business & Consumer Expo. The involvement of all chamber members and sponsors in the chamber’s events helps everyone to prosper in the long run. The quickest way to get involved is to sign up for the next chamber event posted on www.hispanicchamber.net.

As entrepreneurs, protecting the flames of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship is an ongoing process but a necessary one. On one hand, not all my ideas prove to be good ones (just ask my wife!). Some proved downright laughable, and I am so thankful I did not pursue them.

However, I also see businesses every day that are making money from ideas that I discarded long ago! So, how do you separate the good ones from the bad ones, without extinguishing your creative flame?

This year, the Hispanic Business Conference is proud to host a distinguished professional golfer that played at the highest levels of the sport, our keynote speaker Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez. In 2012, with a career spanning more than 50 years, Rodriquez played a farewell round of golf at the Puerto Rico Open. After years of playing professional golf with the best of them, we’re honored to have Rodriguez inspire the next generation of Hispanic leaders in Central Florida.

E

ver had the spark of a new idea, a blazing new insight, or a burning desire to follow a dream? My passion has always been small business and it can flare up when least expected. Whatever produces the fire in your life, you must tend the fire.

Today, when I get an idea for a new enterprise, I can’t resist “testing” the idea on everyone around me and explaining why I’m excited about it. That process provides vital input and perspectives that I truly want and need.

However, I am much better at avoiding those people who would criticize a cure for cancer for being late! I’ve learned to seek out people who are open minded, creative and experienced to share my vision and ideas. While they might not see my vision or understand my enthusiasm, they will provide a fair review and then will give me honest feedback. It took some time, but now I have an informal group of advisors that I can trust with my fledgling ideas, and it has made all the difference. Today, some of my small idea sparks are moving toward the bonfire stage, while others have been extinguished because they were destined to burn me.

I contend that honest feedback and proper planning are vital for business success, however, without protecting the small flame of our new ideas and tending the creative fires within us, potential opportunities might just go up in smoke.

Until next time…

During hard economic times, chamber members need a positive return on their investment. In March and April, we organized “How to Sell at the Expo” sessions to provide exhibitors do’s and don’ts to make their experience as profitable as possible. “Due to the high volume of attendees, we were able to connect with many, and share our vision,” said a recent expo participant. As I write this, we’re extremely busy preparing for the 20th Annual Hispanic Business & Consumer Expo. Featured events of expo week include a free job fair, a minority business opportunity session and networking opportunities at the Hispanic Business Conference and the Hispanic Business & Consumer Expo.

Please save the date for our upcoming signature event, Latin Food and Wine Festival. Scheduled for October 18 (Savor the Night) and October 19 (Grand Tasting) at Cranes Roost Park. It’s going to be an amazing event celebrating the culinary delights of the Latin cuisine.

Working together we can make a positive economic impact in our community!

Send me your comments, as I would like to hear from you!

DIANA BOLIVAR

President Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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GALLERY

Installation Luncheon

Ribbon Cutting: Rocha Financial Group, LLC

BAH: The Castle

Go Red for Women

B3 Series: Breaking the Barrier with Lucas Boyce

BAH: Crews & Pesquera

BAH: 5/3 Bank

BAH: Humana

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Installation Luncheon

BAH: Univision

2013 Capitol Connection

Installation Luncheon, Business After Hours & more...

Jan - March 2013

Ribbon Cutting: Spine & Wellness

Ramon’s Farewell

BAH: Univision

Ribbon Cutting: Burger 21

US Representative Corrine Brown

Cafe with the President

B3 Series: Leadership with Dr. A. Novello

B3 Series: Breaking the Barrier

Installation Luncheon

BAH: Crews & Pesquera

Vision Magazine: 25 Influential Hispanics in Central Florida

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

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FROM WORK TO PLAY

Take The Plunge

by Fernando Agudelo, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

An ample amount of streams, rivers, and lakes in Central Florida means that there is no shortage of activities to create a water wonderland for fun seekers of every kind. From airboat rides to waterskiing, you’ll find a wide range of water adventures that will keep you busy for the entire summer.

Orlando Watersports Complex Sure, most people’s summers involve rest and relaxation, but for many thrill seekers out there, the ideal getaway involves watersports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and wakeskating. Orlando Watersports Complex, also known as “The Cable,” offers riders of all levels the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of these activities through a complex cableway that pulls riders without the need of a high-speed boat. Even if you’ve never wakeboarded before, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to master the skill.

Discovery Cove Snorkel with exotic fish and rays at Discovery Cove’s beautiful, fresh and salt water lagoons. Ranked #1 of 166 attractions in Orlando by TripAdvisor, Discovery Cove is a one of a kind tropical retreat where you can relax and play amidst stunning waterfalls and pristine white sand beaches. This all-inclusive resort-like experience could not be more appealing unless, of course, there are no lines or crowds of people. Since admission is by reservation only, the park limits the amount of guests to around 1,300 per day. (Insider tip: Book your reservation at least one month prior to your intended visit to guarantee availability.)

Make your Discovery Cove experience even more memorable by swimming and playing alongside bottlenose dolphins in their signature 30-minute dolphin interactive session.

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

Black Hammock Far away from the hustle and bustle of tourists is the Black Hammock, located on lovely Lake Jesup in Oviedo. Treasured by locals, the Black Hammock is not the conventional travel destination. Here you’ll get to experience the “real Florida” as you take an exhilarating airboat ride on Lake Jesup, known for hosting the largest alligator population in Florida. The airboat ride will grace you with some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife that Florida has to offer, but don’t leave without trying their famous gator bites and gator tacos. (Insider tip: You can get 10% off your meal at the restaurant using your Airboat Ticket stub.)

Blue Spring State Park Beat the Florida heat by diving into the crystal clear, 73 degree waters of Blue Spring State Park, the perfect getaway for a lazy summer weekend. The park is home of the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is located west of Orange City, about 35 minutes north of Orlando. If wildlife viewing, snorkeling, or scuba diving is your cup of tea, then you should head out to the Blue Spring State Park. The river is also popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating.

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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando