ByTheHotspotorlando
March 2019
From Our Desk
fessional inclination. With that in mind, we welcome those who can share a little of their time, treasure and talent to us. Together we are a stronger voice.
To be able to gather the participation of those who Brazil America council purpose, believe that they can make a difference is my wish of unity and progress. In the quality of the current Brazil America council This call is our desire to reach out to all president, i am very proud to be part of an institution created to add in the life and purposes of Brazilians and Americans. We are planning events, lectures, social and cultural Being a bi-national organization, in Brazil as in the activities dedicated to members and board members. USA, we need to register points that are essential for the participation of all those who are enthusiastic of our objectives. Thank you The BAC is composed by volunteers and collaborators that, are committed to add to the organization at Alfredo Scaff Filho all levels. President Our group of collaborators are intimately linked to the Brazil/USA social interaction of each one, along with their pro-
Partnerships To Last a Lifetime Phone #(407) 505-0519
5668 International Drive, Orlando-Fl 32819 For reservations please Call (407) 354-0260
Who We Are
We are an entity created to build the bridge between cultural and business aspects of doing business in the United States of America and Brazil. We are located in Central Florida, famous tourist region where Disney parks and so much more is located. Our primary objective as a Council, is to provide our community information, direction and introduce solutions that would assist with their needs be it in business or personal development. We are our members. Brazil America Council is a voice in the community, a gathering place of ideas and culture which enhances the principle that together we are stronger. With offices in the Central Florida and in Sao Paulo – Brazil, we want to make sure the synergy between the Americas is experienced by our members at our events, bringing our community closer together. Our Brazil America Council aims to showcase our local artists to introduce their work and other aspects of their national culture throughout the many regions not only of Brazil but of the Americas. Brazil America Council envision also to be forum of ideas, to discuss and promote growth and to be a voice in the community. We promote network events with our sister chambers located in Central Florida, business seminars and business luncheons.
Visit Our Site: http://brazilusa.org Visit Our News Blog: www.brazilamericacouncil.com
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Maria Sapkoviski and the Cartier Prize winner
Renata Lazo
GilmaraBertini Ponso
Realtor Renata Lazo, Attorney Simone Freitas and friend
Girl’s Night Out Event
Luciana Ramos VP Boi Brazil Steakhouse
Suzan O’Hearn, Daisy Morales, Laiz Rodrigues
the Nespresso and Clinique Crew
Our last networking event was at our partner’s store Macy’s at the Mall of Millenia. We had make up by Clinique, Cartier Perfumes, prizes, coupons refreshments, Nespresso and much more . It was a fun night for the girls. where we talking business was just an option, and relax and have fun an order, Here are some pictures. Thanks to Maria Sapkoviski, International Liaison at Macys.
quarter end supply variations, which has made it more Preparing for the Effects volatile than LIBOR. Also, for SOFR to truly replace LIBOR, of a Disappearing Lending larger volumes of trades are needed in order to develop longer term SOFR based reference rates. Benchmark FAREWELL TO LIBOR:
By: Michael P. Carolan, Esq. For decades LIBOR (short for London Inter-bank Offered Rate) was one of the most commonly used benchmark interest rates for financial transactions. Derived from a daily survey of about 20 large banks, it was intended to reflect the interest rate at which banks lent to one another. However, confidence in LIBOR as an accurate reflection of market interest rates was shattered when investigations concluding in 2012 uncovered criminal manipulation of LIBOR markets by certain reporting banks. Despite attempts at reforming the system, in 2017, it was announced that LIBOR will be effectively phased out at the end of 2021. While efforts to develop a replacement for LIBOR have been ongoing for years, financial markets have yet to settle on the replacement benchmark rate with different countries coming up with various alternatives, but no one proposal is gaining clear traction as the universal benchmark rate. In the United States, the Federal Reserve and United States Treasury have introduced the Secured Overnight Finance Rate (SOFR) as the proposed LIBOR replacement and began publication of that rate in April 2018. The SOFR is a rate derived from market data on overnight loans collateralized by Treasury securities. Some of the primary differences between SOFR and LIBOR are that SOFR is based on real transactions from a range of firms versus the reported expectations of a small set of bankers on which LIBOR was based (making SOFR more transparent and less susceptible to manipulation), and SOFR reflects the interest rate for collateralized loans which are now more common, whereas LIBOR reflected an unsecured interest rate. One concern with SOFR is that it has been susceptible to price swings tied to Treasury Bill issuance and month/
With US banks currently holding an estimated $10 trillion in LIBOR benchmarked loans, there are major potential implications for the elimination of LIBOR and transition to a new interest rate benchmark. At the end of 2021, LIBOR benchmarked loans will fall into two general categories: (1) non-problematic loans containing an adequate replacement benchmark rate provision that either identify a specific, and viable, alternative benchmark rate, or allowing the lender to choose the alternative benchmark rate; or (2) those that do not. Lenders with LIBOR benchmarked loans that do not have adequate benchmark rate replacement language could face significant loan administration issues including possible loss of interest income and increased risk of litigation. In order to mitigate this potential risk, lenders should consider consulting with counsel to evaluate existing loan portfolios for inadequate language and incorporating new replacement benchmark rate provisions in connection with any borrower requests for modifications, waivers or any other concession. Michael P. Carolan, a shareholder with WHWW, is Board Certified in real estate law by The Florida Bar and an AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. In his practice he represents lenders and borrowers in a wide range of commercial and financial transactions, buyers and sellers in all aspects of the purchase and sale of real estate, and landlords and tenants in all aspects of commercial leasing. Mike holds his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Duke University. He is currently the ChairElect of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of The Best Lawyers in AmericaŠ (2018 & 2019), designation in the area of real estate.
Andrew Roy Named WHWW WHWW Becomes a 2019 CREW National Sponsor Shareholder The firm is pleased to announce that it is the 2019 Bronze National Sponsor of the Commercial Real Estate Women C. Andrew Roy (CREW) Network. This year, CREW Network Convention and Marketplace will be held in Orlando, September 25WHWW recently named Andrew 27, 2019. WHWW CREW members include Nikki CaroRoy a firm shareholder. Andrew lan, Mya Hatchette, Heidi Mitchell, and Lauren Reynolds. serves as general counsel to business clients and also practices in the areas of bankruptcy 407.423.4246 // whww.com / restructuring, state and federal litigation, including appeals, and corporate transactions. He is the incoming President of the Orange County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, a Past President of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association and a co-author of the Bankruptcy Case Law Update and View from the Bench, produced by The Florida Bar. He received his J.D., M.S., B.S. and B.M. degrees from the University of Florida.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gerrard Grant Named to FL Bar Executive Council Gerrard L. Grant Gerrard L. Grant was recently nominated to serve as CoChair of the IRS Collection Activities Subcommittee of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar Executive Council for 2018 – 2019. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
https://portal.apexbrasil.com.br
Saiba o que o StartOut Brasil oferece para sua startup de negócios voltada à prospecção de clientes e investiO StartOut Brasil é programa do governo brasileiro que dores apoia a inserção de startups nos mais promissores ecossistemas de inovação do mundo. – monitoramento e apoio pós-missão para definição de estratégia de internacionalização e/ou softlanding no O programa é fruto da parceria da Agência Brasileira de mercado-alvo. Promoção de Exportações e Investimentos (Apex-Brasil), o Ministério das Relações Exteriores (MRE), o Ministério O programa é destinado a startups brasileiras já estabeda Indústria, Comércio Exterior e Serviços (MDIC), o Se- lecidas, que já tenham faturamento e que tenham uma brae e a Associação Nacional de Entidades Promotoras equipe 100% dedicada ao negócio, fluência em inglês e de Empreendimentos Inovadores (Anprotec). que demonstrem capacidade de se expandir internacionalmente sem comprometer suas operações no país. O objetivo é proporcionar aos empreendedores: As startups são avaliadas levando em consideração o – consultoria em negócios internacionais de acordo com grau de inovação, mapeamento de mercado, maturidade a oportunidade e interesse da empresa com o mercado da empresa e equipe. Além disso, o processo de seleção alvo; conta com um especialista do ecossistema de destino que avalia as startups em relação ao seu potencial de – mentoria com executivos do mercado alvo; negócios no mercado. – treinamento de pitch internacional; – imersão de uma semana no mercado alvo com agenda
Para mais informações, acesse https://www.startoutbrasil.com.br
Brazil America Council #fromlocaltoglobal Ph# (4070 505-0519 www.brazil-america.com (news) http://brazilusa.org/
Investing in Brazil
Os Estados Unidos foram o maior investidor no Brasil em 2017. Entre 2008 e 2017, o estoque de investimentos americanos no Brasil cresceu 55,3%. Já no caminho inverso o aumento foi de 356%, tendo alcançado a cifra de US$ 42,8 bilhões em 2017. Essas informações estão no “Mapa Bilateral de Investimentos Brasil/EUA” e dão uma ideia da magnitude das principais oportunidades de investimentos entre os dois mercados. A publicação foi desenvolvida por Apex-Brasil em parceria com o Brazil-US Business Council e a Amcham-Brasil e mostra em detalhes o atual panorama de IED entre os dois países, explicando sua robustez e grau de maturidade.
The United States was the largest investor in Brazil in 2017 . Between 2008 and 2017 , the stock of American Investments in Brazil grew 55 , 3 %. Already on the reverse path the increase was 356 %, having reached the cipher OF US $ 42 , 8 billions in 2017 . This information is in the "Brazil/ USA Bilateral Investment Map" and gives an idea of the magnitude of the main investment opportunities between the two markets. The publication was developed by Apex-Brasil in partnership with Brazil-US Business Council and Amcham-Brasil and shows in detail the current panorama of FDI between the two countries, explaining its robustness and degree of maturity. See more in the infographic: https://lnkd.in/eNebVVU And Download the full study Source Apex Brazil-LinkedIn
Investing in Brazil Business Consulting Legal Support
International Business, Consulting and More Phone # (407) 815-5566/(407)432-2853
5472 International Dr. Orlando-FL 32819 Call (407) 447-8946
We are proud to be part of the Steering Committee for the Fusion Fest 2019
2019
Come Together Come Together FusionFest celebrates the many heritages of Central Florida — and our common FusionFest celebrates theidentity. many Heritages of Central Florida — and our common identity. BY G.K. SHARMAN
C
entral a melting pot. No surprise Central Florida is aFlorida meltingispot. No surprise there — we see the proof there — we see the proof every day in every day in offices, stores and supermarschools andschools offices, and stores and supermar kets. In all, our area is home to more than kets. In all, our area is home to more than 140 different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, heri140tages different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. heritages and backgrounds. And we’re not shy about celebrating our roots. We
To full of people andand cultures, Tohave haveroom roomfor fora world a world full of people cultures, thethe festival would have to be big. And different. And festival would have to be big. And different. And inclusive. It would have to be — no one had a word for inclusive. It would have to be — no one had a word for it, so the event planning committee coined its own: it, so the event planning committee coined its own: diversitastic. diversitastic The result is FusionFest. Presented by the Dr. Phillips Center, FusionFest The result is isFusionFest. a project of the Downtown Arts Presented byDistrict the Dr. Phillips (DAD) Center, with support from Orange County government what FusionFest is a project and of the Downtown OlsonArts termed “a growing grassroots District (DAD) with support from movement.” Orange County government and what Olson is not only“a the event’sgrassroots “chief Olson termed growing instigator” — that’s really his title movement.” Olson is not only — the event’s he has also been chief instigator of “chief instigator” — that’s really his title OCACA since it was created in 2001. has for alsoanbeen chief instigator Theheidea international festi- of OCACA since was created 2001. val had been floating around foritseveral years,inbut ideaTeresa for an Jacobs, international festival had then-Orange CountyThe Mayor near the beenwas floating around for several years, end of her second term, the one who pushed to but make it a reality, says Olson. DAD “is thrilled to be with the FusionFest then-Orange County working Mayor Teresa Jacobs, near theend of
have Puerto Rican parades, Asian
And we’re not shyfood about celebrating our roots. festivals, Latin and wine events, Scottish highland WeOktoberfests have Puertoand Rican parades, games. Asian festivals, Latin food and all, 62 ethnic or cultural wine Inevents, Oktoberfests andevents are held each year in Central Florida. Scottish highland games. In all, 62 “There reallyevents are that many,” says ethnic or cultural Terry Olson, director of Orange are held each year in Central County Arts & Cultural Affairs Office Florida.“There really —are that to all (OCACA). “I know I went many,” says Terry Olson, director of them.” of OrangeCounty Cultural But what if weArts had&one event that included everyAffairs (OCACA). “I knowall —of the places we come one?Office Something to celebrate fromtoasallwell as the ways we are I went of them.” But what if building a community together? we had one event that included every one?
her second term, was the one who pushed to make it a reality, says Olson.
Something to celebrate all of the places we comefrom as well as the ways we are building a community together? DAD “is thrilled to be working with the FusionFest ORLANDO ARTS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
22
COURTESY OCACA (ALL)
BY G.K. SHARMAN
ORLANDO ARTS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
23
team as fiscal partner,” says Director Barbara Hartley.“This meets our mission to promote arts activities and stimulate the economy of downtown. We welcome all of the arts and encourage bringing culturestogether.”
membership, began meeting in November 2016 to address the question: How do groups share their heritage?
Food, of course. And dancing and parades, but also fashion and popular entertainment and interactive At Mayor Jacobs’ request, Olson took the lead on activities such as learning a few words of a foreign the creation of FusionFest. He, in turn, put together language. FusionFest has them all, plus contests for asteering committee of about 40 people from chefs, fashionistas and filmmakers and a film various backgrounds to brainstorm ways for groups pavilion that features short documentaries about to share their heritages. how people came to be Central Floridians. “We all have heritage,” FusionFest is scheduled for Nov. says Olson, who went to — the weekend after Thanksgivhighschool in Alaska — a ing. The dates were specifically place that is not like the chosen because they’re memoLower 48.“Your heritage is rable, Olson says, and they’re big whatever you say it is.” entertainment days. An estimatOrganizers hope Fusioned 20,000 people are expected to Fest is a real reflection attend. of the region. Central FlorHartley says she hasn’t seen an ida attracts two million event quite like international visitors a year, Olson says. Many of the FusionFest. area’s new residents come from overseas, and they arechanging the face of the community. “People can experience everything at one time in one location,” she says. “There’s nothing that brings In 2000, according to Olson, the area was 58 percent everything together at one time like this.” white and English-speaking and 42 percent diverse. She and Olson hope the event can introduce local Today, those numbers have basically flipped, and residents to their neighbors and help bridge the the region is building a new consensus. gaps between cultures. “FusionFest is very much about showing off who we “I have friends from Morocco and Ghana,” Hartley are as Central Floridians,” he explains. “It’s about says. “Learning about their traditions has been a how we influence each other as we create our own real blessing in my life.” uniqueand innovative Central Florida identity.” G.K. Sharman is a freelance writer based in Sanford, Florida, and a regular contributor to Orlando Arts The multi-ethnic and diverse steering committee, Magazine which soon grew beyond its original 40-person
You can’t have a party without music — which is why an event as distinctive as FusionFest needs its own theme song. “I Can Be Me Here,” an anthem to Central Florida’s diversity, was penned by musicians Damon and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, with input from their daughter Chelsea and songwriter/Broadway orchestrator Kenny Seymour. “It was inspired by the various nationalities we have here in Central Florida,” says Withers-Mendes, who was chosen by Oprah to play Shug Avery, the principal character, in the original Broadway cast of The Color Purple. Withers-Mendes was nominated for a Grammy and a Tony for the role. “My husband was trying to think of something that would be universal,” she says. “We have different skin colors and come from different places and eat different foods, but we all have one thing in common. We all have a heartbeat.” Shown, from left, are: Musicians Damon and Elizabeth Withers-Mendes with Thali Sugisawa, a source of inspiration for “I Can Be Me Here,” and Thali’s husband Matt Duarte, the song’s producer
Seymour heard the heartbeats and put some AfroCuban beats to it. The first verse goes like this: A wise decision. A voice so glad I listened. Make our home here, a walk of faith our mission. The sun brought us here. With a beat that’s forever sweet rhythm in my ear. I can be me here. I can be me here. The song will be performed both days of the festival and is available for download at www.fusionfest.org
If You Go When: Nov. 30/Dec.1, beginning at noon both days Where: Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orange Avenue and City Hall Commons, downtown Orlando
Cost: FusionFest is free. Parking is available at the City Commons Parking garage, other downtown garages and street lots, and on the streets. Food tokens may be purchased at the Food & Drink Court. More Details: Visit fusionfest.org
These are the guidelines to support FusionFest 2019. We will be glad for your interest and support. Please Contact hello@fusionfest.org
SAINT PATRICK’SDAY PARADE One of the highlights of FusionFest is the Flag Parade. It is a sign of how open we are to different cultures, costumes and Heritages. It is an amazing collection of Nationalities. Countries we didn’t even know were here. A great surprise Orlando is a melting Pot. A colorful mixture of ideas. With that in mind, The Flag Parade participates in several parades during the year to promote the FusionFest. We were able to participate on the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Winter Park and were very happy we did carry the Brazilian Flag along many others countries. The next Parade will be the Puerto Rico Parade on April 13, 2019 in Downtown Orlando.
Puerto Rico Bomba Drum Artisans Sponsored By Daxel Lopez Sundax Florida Inc. / Sundax Art Studio 13222 Rainbow Ln. Clermont, Florida 34715 Phone (321)221-0357 Awards www.sundaxflorida.com
Historical Event For the first time in the Bomba, autochthonous (small toad) musical genre of Puerto Rico and by the Artisan Development Division of the Industrial Development Company of Puerto Rico, 24 Bomba Drum Artisans of both genders were certified. After several workshops and having made their own drum, these craftsmen presented the elaboration process until its completion demonstrating the result of their individual work. Over 125 drums were presented for evaluation and certification. Artisan Ricardo Lopez and his wife Yoly Matos from Taller Palenque were the ones who offered the Bomba drum making workshop and the organizers of the presentation of the artisans who made the barrels to Mr. Hector Rodriguez, evaluator of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company. . This historic activity brought together the largest group of craftsmen to be certified in a single line in one place. With this certified group it is possible to maintain, promote and enhance the practice of the Bomba genre, the cultural root of Puerto Rico. The activity was held in the MarĂa de la Cruz Cave Historical Park in LoĂza, one of the towns where the Bomba stands out most in Puerto Rico. He stands out among the craftsmen Victor E. Lopez with his presentation of a "new era of drums" with colors and designs different from the traditional where the quality of sound is maintained and the Culture of the Pump is promoted and cultivated.
About The Bomba
It consists of drums called barriles or bombas (made from barrels of rum, one named buleador and another primo or subidor), cuá (two sticks that were originally banged on the side of the barril) and a maraca. Dance is an integral part of the music: The drum called “Primo” replicates every single move of the dancer, this is called “Repique”. Although the origins are a little scarce it’s easy to spot the elegance and poise of the Spanish Flamenco and the energy and soul of African dances. The traditional drums used in bomba are called barriles, since they have long been built from the wood of barrels. The high pitch drum is called “subidor” (riser) or “primo” (first), and the low pitch drums are called “buleador” and “segundo” (second). Not less important are the “Cuás” that are two wooden sticks banged on a wooden surface and a large Maraca that keeps time. Bomba is both a traditional dance and musical style of Puerto Rico. Its origins are rooted in the island's history of African slavery but today has evolved into a community expression of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. While Bomba can be used as the generic name for a number of rhythms, it is truly about a creative, interactive relationship between dancers, percussionists and singers. Today it's practiced as a communal activity in its centers of origin in Loíza, Santurce, Mayagüez and Ponce. Also, Puerto Rican migrants have brought the tradition to some parts of the US mainland. Puerto Rican Bomba is the first native music of Puerto Rico, created in the sugar plantations by slaves more than 400 years ago. African slaves were brought to Puerto Rico by the Spaniards during the 1600s. The slaves came from different African tribes and through this music, they could communicate. It is Puerto Rican because it has elements of the taínos (Arawaks) like the Maraca and Cuás (2 wooden sticks previously played at the side of the Bomba Barrel), the Spanish like the footsteps in the dancing and the greatest influence of is the African native. This represents the Puerto Rican cultural mix. In Bomba, there are only 3 instruments: Cuá, Maraca (only the singer plays it) and the Bomba Barrel. In the Batey or Sobera'o (circle or dance area), the Primo or Uploader Barrel will score sounds the steps that the dancer makes, and the other Barrel is called Buleador or Follower, who follows the rhythm that is constantly playing without stopping until the “Cantador/a” (singer) says so. The dancer enters the Batey to stroll around, showing off, mark their territory and space. Then, greets the Primo Barrel and begins its “Piquetes” (improvised Bomba steps). The dancer, with his/her “Piquetes” would be creating his/her own music and history, inspired by the song. Also, the dancer challenges the Primo Barrel Player (“Tocador/a”) by doing a rhythmic dialogue and making it difficult to follow him/her.
Sanford Florida
Veterans Memorial Park Sanford Florida Veterans Memorial Park was built to honor soldiers who died in World War I. There were approximately 116,000 U.S. casualties in World War I, and seventeen of these men were from Seminole County, Florida. Thirteen of these local men died during the war and four died later due to complications related to war injuries. The site was first known as the “Monument of 1919” and then renamed “The World War I Memorial.” In 1973, the site was renovated and opened as a memorial for veterans of all conflicts. The Park is located in Downtown Sanford, and is surrounded by water. Beautiful Lake Monroe, an adjacent of Saint Johm’s River, with blue calm waters, birds and a tranquility hard to find these days. Around the Memorial Park you will find several refferences to past wars, from conflicts among natives and locals to the Second World War. You will also find a Marina and a Restaurant. It kakes around 35 minutes from Orlando and it is a great scape to spend an afternoon on a weekend. The address is 110 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771 Hours: Open 24 hours Phone: (407) 688-5103 No admission Fee
Lake Monroe - S
Sanford-Florida
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Seminole County Chair Brenda Carey, Osceola County Chair Cheryl Grieb and Lake County Chair Leslie Campione for a panel at the Orange County Regional Economic Summit held on March 29.
Mayor Jerry L. Demings joined partners from across Central Florida and the Orlando Economic Partnership to host the 2019 Orange County Regional Economic Summit on March 29 at the Orange County Convention Center.
Mayor Demings said during his remarks. “From the top down, we are evaluating our policies and procedures to help optimize the development process and seek out efficiencies. We must not forget that time is money for businesses.
This year, more than 700 attendees and community leaders joined the Summit to hear about the region’s flourishing economy. Spectrum News 13 anchor Ybeth Bruzual presided as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
”Mayor Demings said Central Florida continues to lead the state in job growth, creating more than 52,000 jobs in 2018, a 4.2 increase from the prior year. Additionally, Mayor Demings provided an overview of Orange County’s unparalleled quality of life, robust workforce pipeline and world-class talent pool highlighting regional powerhouses Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems and the $6 billion modeling, simulation and training industry representing 30,000 jobs with an average salary of over $78,000 annually.
“We want Orange County to be known not only as the premier place to do business, but a home for the entrepreneurial spirit and a hub for innovation. That starts with invigorating a culture of top-notch customer service in our Orange County Government operations,”
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Mayor Demings also presented a video titled, Voices of the Region, which highlighted representatives from various local small business and entrepreneurial programs. Following his presentation, Mayor Demings joined a panel discussion on the Orlando Economic Partnership’s 2030 report with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Seminole County Chair Brenda Carey, Osceola County Chair Cheryl Grieb and Lake County Chair Leslie Campione. The panel was moderated by CEO and President of the Orlando Economic Partnership Tim Giuliani. The report includes input from industry leaders on where the Orlando region is headed in 2030.
regulation, he provided an overview for Florida’s strong economic standing and Central Florida’s continued prosperity. “Our job projections are similar to the state but stronger and growing at a faster rate. Orlando continues to outpace Florida and the national economy,” said Snaith. “We are in a pretty good position.”
In fact, the Central Florida region is the 47th largest economy globally, just behind Portugal and Romania. With a renewed focus on regionalism, what’s good for Orange County also benefits Lake, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard Panelists discussed Central Florida’s strong industry sec- counties, Snaith said. tors, growing and expanding industries and the importance of regional mobility through transportation. Their The award-winning Orange County Convention Cenpriorities are nurturing and growing a regional ecosys- ter is the second largest convention facility in the Unittem and developing Central Florida as a hub for inno- ed States. Each year the OCCC attracts more than 230 vative entrepreneurship providing high paying jobs and events to the Central Florida area. As a result, roughly economic advancement for all residents. 1.4 million attendees contribute approximately $2.4 billion to the area’s economy each year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Central Florida still ranks number one in the nation for job growth for Photo Caption: Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, Central Florida joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Seminole County has ranked number seven on the Milken Institute’s Best Chair Brenda Carey, Osceola County Chair Cheryl Grieb Performing Cities index for two consecutive years. and Lake County Chair Leslie Campione for a panel at the Orange County Regional Economic Summit held on Sean Snaith, Ph.D., director of the University of Central March 29. Florida Institute for Economic Competitiveness, provided his annual forecast. In additional to insight on federal