5 minute read
Business Seen
In partnership with Orange County Government, the National Entrepreneur Center held an event November 8, 2021, to launch BizLink Orange, a new online platform that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners to business-building resources throughout Central Florida, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard and Volusia counties. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings read a proclamation for BizLink Orange Day, helping NEC President Jerry Ross announce the partnership with more than 40 resource groups. The event also featured guest speaker Jonathan Ortmans, the founder of Global Entrepreneurship Week and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
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Mayor Jerry Demings (right) presents BizLink Orange Day proclamation to Jerry Ross.
From left: Jo Newell, Orlando Economic Partnership vice president of corporate engagement; Jane Hertz, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative program coordinator; Todd Piorkowski, Perk Business Solutions president and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando ambassador chair; Rebecca Hertz, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative director of operations; Pedro Turushina, Hispanic Chamber director of business development; Joan Cleveland, African American Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant. Orange County Government leaders Andrea WesserBrawner, chief innovation and emerging technologies officer, and Eric Ushkowitz, economic development administrator.
Jerry Ross, Andrea Wesser-Brawner and Rob Williams. National Entrepreneur Center President Jerry Ross announces the launch of BizLink Orange.
Eric Ushkowitz and Jerry Ross. Audience gathers for BizLink Orange event at the National Entrepreneur Center. Jonathan Ortmans, president of Global Entrepreneurship Network, kicks off Global Entrepreneurship Week at the NEC event.
Khalid Muneer, Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and Lois Perry, SCORE.
Cupcakes provided by Sugar Divas Bakery.
From left: Carol Palacio, Orange County Economic Development Program coordinator; Rosanne Harrington, chief of staff for Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings; Eric Ushkowitz, Orange County economic development administrator; Julie Matthews, NEC vice president; Andrea Wesser-Brawner, Orange County chief innovation and emerging technologies officer; Rachel Matson, BizLink Orange program manager; Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson; and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe and Kevin Sutton. Goodie bags for attendees await at NEC.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS
Junior Achievement of Central Florida’s 44th Annual Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame was held on November 4, 2021, at the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress. This annual event brings together a dynamic collective of leaders and learners through an experience that connects and inspires, underpinned by JA’s vision of providing access and opportunity to every student in the region. Five honorees were inducted into the Hall of Fame: Dick Batchelor, Laureate; Ronald Rogers, Laureate Posthumous; Beverly Seay, Laureate; James Tharp, Spirit of Achievement; and Suneera Madhani, Entrepreneurial Vanguard. JACF students hosted the event, conducted lively and insightful interviews of the honorees, and shared their own personal journeys as well.
Dick Batchelor; Suneera Madhani; Beverly Seay; James Tharp; Karen Revels, JACF president and CEO; Dr. Janice Rogers Choice; and Debra A. Rogers.
Dick Batchelor; Paul Snead, 100 Black Men; Retired Vice Admiral David Brewer, 100 Black Men; and Walt Nason, JACF vice president of finance and administration. Fran Korosec, chairman of Junior Achievement of Central Florida (JACF).
Dr. Janice Rogers Choice and Debra A. Rogers flank the marque of Posthumous honoree Ronald Rogers.
Suneera Madhani, Entrepreneurial Vanguard honoree, during interview by Makaila Demosthene, 3DE by Junior Achievement, Oak Ridge High School, 10th Grade.
Melanie Bezold, Jessica Colgan, Lola Jean Baptiste, Kaylani James, N’Kayla Nisbett, Marc Delcy, N’Kayla Nisbett, Thuy Anh Dang and Makaila Demosthene. Jason Scott, JPMorgan Chase Bank, JACF chair-elect.
Paul Snead sharing his memories of the late Ronald Rogers and accepting the Laureate award on his behalf. BACK ROW: Kristy Mathieu, Suneera Madhani, Beverly Seay, James Tharp, Karen Revels, Dr. Janice Rogers Choice, Debra A. Rogers, Dick Batchelor, N’Kayla Nisbett. FRONT ROW: Thuy Anh Dang, Lola Jean Baptiste, Kaylani James, Makaila Demosthene, Marc Delcy, Jessica Colgan.
Karen Revels, JACF president and CEO.
Kimberly Lundy Palmer, a mentee of Ronald Rogers, is interviewed by Mark Delcy, 3DE by Junior Achievement, Oak Ridge High School, 10th grade. Jessica Colgan, 3DE by Junior Achievement, Osceola High School, 11th grade, presents honoree Beverly Seay with her award.
James Tharp, Spirit of Achievement honoree, interviewed by Kaylani James, JA Academy for Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Oak Ridge High School, 12th Grade. Audrey and Pat Knipe. Mr. Knipe was awarded the Junior Achievement Centennial Leadership Award.
Sharing JACF’s impact on their lives: Lola Jean Baptiste, 3DE by Junior Achievement, Oak Ridge High School, 11th grade; and N’Kayla Nisbett, JA Academy for Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Oak Ridge High School, 12th grade.
