i4 Business 2019 Business Leaders of the Year

FACES OF BRIDG

TOURISM: YEAR IN REVIEW

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CHARLIE

GRAY

2019

10 HONOREES IMPACTING CENTRAL FLORIDA

TECH SASSY GIRLZ AND STEM

ON THE RISE

DECEMBER 2019

®

C E N T R A L

F L O R I D A

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500-acre technology district located in Osceola County, less than 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and within a mile of Florida’s Turnpike 100,000 square feet of Class A office space

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Entitled for up to 11 million GSF of mixed-used spaces Home to BRIDG, imec and future companies to come Featuring NeoCity Academy high school, a new project based, inquiryfocused STEM learning environment

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BRIDG Not-for-proďŹ t, public-private partnership for advanced sensors and next-generation nanoscale electronic systems ITAR-certiďŹ ed, DMEA trust-enabled versatile 200mm fabrication facility for the development and lowvolume production of microelectronic devices Nearly 60,000 square feet of cleanroom/laboratory manufacturing space with space to accommodate a variety of partner-funded activities Offers process technologies and R&D capabilities for system miniaturization, device integration, hardware security and product development key to aerospace, defense and the IoT/ AI revolution

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Creating a Roadmap to Her Future Success The Girl Scout Gold Award

The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, recognizing girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable Take Action projects that have sustainable impact in their communities and beyond. ☙ The Gold Award makes a difference in the college admission process. ☙ Gold Award recipients have a stronger positive attitude about themselves and the lives they lead. ☙ Gold Award recipients are more likely to see themselves as leaders and to have had a leadership experience.

To learn more about your local Girl Scout Council and how to get involved call us at 407-896-4475 or visit us at www.Citrus-GS.org.

i4 Business Advisory Board

This Month's Featured Advisory Board Members

WE’D LIKE TO THANK OUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS FOR KEEPING THEIR FINGERS ON THE PULSE OF OUR COMMUNITY AND HELPING US BRING YOU THE BEST STORIES FROM AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA.

Thank You

Romaine Seguin Romaine Seguin is president of Global Freight Forwarding at UPS, where she oversees air, ocean and rail freight forwarding as well as brokerage and supplier management throughout the global UPS network. She previously served as president of the UPS Americas Region, where she oversaw operations in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Seguin has held a variety of operational and managerial roles with UPS since joining the company as a part-time hub supervisor in 1983.

Judi Awsumb, Awsumb Enterprises Jim Bowie, University of Florida Incubator Program Jackie Brito, HR Asset Partners Cari Coats, Accendo Leadership Advisory Group Andrew Cole, East Orlando Chamber of Commerce John Davis, Orlando Regional Chamber Laura Dorsey, Florida Black Chamber and National Cultural Heritage Society Stina D'Uva, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Carol Ann Dykes Logue, University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program Harry Ellis, Next Horizon Susan Fernandez, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Lena Graham-Morris, HORUS Construction

Stina D’Uva For nearly 30 years, Stina D’Uva has been an integral leader in the Orlando community. As the president/CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for 18 years, she has helped grow the organization into a driving force of business that earned the coveted Chamber of the Year award from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals in 2009, 2012 and 2015. D’Uva served as chair of the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, and in 2014 she was elected and continues to serve as vice president of the MetroWest Master Association.

Mark Allen Hayes, Stockworth Realty Group Gwen Hewitt, United Negro College Fund Karen Keene, ATHENA Orlando Women's Leadership and Dean Mead Attorneys at Law Shelley Lauten, Consultant Lisa Lochridge, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Catherine Losey, Losey PLLC law firm Laureen Martinez, Orlando Economic Partnership Yog Melwani, Align Commercial Real Estate and Indian American Chamber of Commerce Hope Edwards Newsome, Triloma Financial Group Rob Panepinto, Florentine Strategies Romaine Seguin, UPS Global Freight Forwarding Mary Shanklin, Fifth Estate Media Marni Spence, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) Robert Utsey, Coastal Construction

Marni Spence Marni Spence is a tax principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) Orlando, a wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax and consulting services firm with more than 6,100 people, 120 U.S. locations and a global affiliation. With more than 29 years of tax experience in public accounting, focusing on closely held businesses, Spence leads the firm’s manufacturing and distribution practice in Florida. Spence serves as co-chair of the ATHENAPowerLink governing body and is a board member for the National Center for Simulation.

She sits on the executive committee of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 5

®

INSIDE⊲⊲ DECEMBER 2019

30

Entrepreneurship

Marsha Robbins Dramatic Education

32

Sports Tourism

Jason Siegel

Greater Orlando Sports Commission

16

Business Leader of the Year

34

Workforce Development

Thad Seymour Jr.

Charlie Gray

University of Central Florida

20

Health Care

GrayRobinson

Private Industry

Harry Arnon

Hernon Manufacturing

22 Tourism

36

Daryl Tol

AdventHealth Central Florida Division

38

Business Leaders of the Year Nominees

Brian Comes

Hyatt Regency Orlando

24

Economic Development

Linh Dang

Addition Financial

26

Professional Services

Daniel Entwistle Curium Solutions

28

Social Entrepreneurship

Katia Medina

Prospera

6 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

“WHY DON’T YOU GET THAT YOUNG SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS? I THINK HE’S GOING SOMEWHERE.” GRAY WAS ABLE TO SECURE JOHN F. KENNEDY AS THE SPEAKER. – PAGE 16

NOMINATE A MANUFACTURER S t e r l i n g Ma n u f a c t u r i n g B u s i n e s s E x c e l l e n c e A w a r d

T h i s s t a t e w i d e a w a r d , l e d b y F l o r i d a Ma k e s i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e F l o r i d a S t e r l i n g C o u n c i l , recognizes high-performing Florida manufacturing companies; offers a framework for networking and sharing manufacturing best practices; and provides participant companies with feedback and opportunities for improvement and development.

ELIGIBLE All manufacturers with a

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NOMINATOR

Individuals, industry groups, suppliers, customers, workforce or economic development organizations, or government agencies.

Nomination period: Submit nominations at FloridaMakes.com or to SMBE@FloridaMakes.com

Through Dec. 20, 2019.

No write ups necessary! Just company's name and point of contact with email address.

®

INSIDE⊲⊲ DECEMBER 2019

42 Faces of BRIDG

DEPARTMENTS

11

Publisher’s Perspective

12

On The Rise iNNOVATORS | iNFLUENCERS | iNDUSTRY LEADERS

13

From the Editor

SPOTLIGHT

46

Chris Cucci and Mike Sleaford | CenterState Bank

14

Business Briefs

44

Take 5 with Visit Orlando Tourism Year in Review

54

Social Entrepreneur STEM Skills Tech Sassy Girlz Aims to Help Bridge the Gender Gap

58

Downtime Unique Experiences for Your Day Off

60

Business Seens

64

Watercooler

BEST PRACTICES GUEST EXPERT COLUMNS

ON THE COVER

48

CHARLIE GRAY

GrayRobinson

Helping Your Team Through the Holidays

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Julie Fletcher

Romaine Seguin | UPS International

50

Matching Your Messaging to Your Goals Cherise Czaban | i4 Business

52

3 Elements That Are Often Overlooked in Strategic Projects Wendy Romeu | Alluvionic 8 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

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Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, expanded its litigation bench in Orlando with Construction Law Florida Bar Certified Attorney George “Trey” Tate III. Tate is skilled in complex construction litigation and spearheaded the multiparty project agreements to begin construction of Medical City at Lake Nona.

JONATHAN PIERCE Pulte Group’s North Florida division has announced that Jonathan Pierce has been named vice president of construction. In this new role, Pierce will be responsible for overseeing construction operations, including construction, customer care and support teams for the North Florida division. The division closes on more than 1,500 homes annually.

MATTHEW DETZEL Litigation attorney Matthew Detzel has joined Holland & Knight’s Orlando office as a partner. Detzel focuses his practice on helping institutional clients detect, respond to and resolve complex fraud schemes, routinely serving as advisor, investigator and an advocate in litigation and appeals. Detzel earned a J.D. degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a B.A. degree from the University of Florida.

ELISHA GONZÁLEZ BONNEWITZ FAIRWINDS Credit Union, one of the largest locally owned and operated financial institutions in Central Florida, has added Elisha González Bonnewitz as a new vice president of community relations and government affairs. Skilled in philanthropy, constituent outreach and issues management, she will oversee activities in Brevard, Volusia and Tampaarea markets.

CATHERINE NORRIS Catherine Norris has joined Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin as an associate. A member of the casualty department, she focuses her practice on automobile negligence and premises liability matters. A graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, she worked for U.S. Congressman Bill Posey on Capitol Hill and the Brevard County Attorney's Office.

SARA BERNARD Real estate attorney Sara Bernard has joined Holland & Knight’s Orlando office as a partner. Bernard handles a wide range of transactions as counsel for developers, builders, institutional lenders, and public and private entities.

She serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation board of directors and is an executive committee member of the University of Central Florida Alumni Association.

MATT RUSSO Matt Russo has rejoined RMC Group as vice president of operations. He will be responsible for providing direction and assistance to each division head in connection with the placement of business. He brings over 14 years of experience to the agency, with a diverse background in risk management and engineering. Russo graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a civil engineering degree.

ROSANGELA PARKER Restaurant Managers LLC acquired exclusive rights to the Salata Salad Kitchen brand for the state of Florida and has recruited Rosangela Parker as its marketing manager to assist with the rollout of a projected 35 locations statewide. Parker has more than 10 years of experience in tourism, marketing and brand development.

ON THE RISE features individuals in your organization who have been promoted, new team members, board appointments or other employee announcements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT: WWW.I4BIZ.COM/ONTHERISE

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For more information, contact Cherise Czaban Cherise@i4biz.com i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 9

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Publisher's Perspective

CELEBRATING THE 2019 HONOREES

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

— Coach John Wooden

F

or the past six years, the December issue has recognized key business leaders in the Central Florida community. This year’s honorees join an impressive list of business leaders.

It's truly a privilege each year to recognize these men and women and tell their stories. We see their love and commitment to our community, whether they were raised here or have moved here. They are growth-focused both personally and professionally, they strive to make a positive longterm impact and they are servant leaders — truly focused on initiatives and the teams around them.

You’ll read about who and what inspired them, lessons they learned along the way, the challenges they may have faced, and how they overcame them.

Please join us in celebrating and honoring these amazing leaders.

To your success,

CEO and Publisher

Favorite quotes from this issue “From my early life, I have loved Orlando. I remember so vividly what was downtown then. ... It was a friendly town. It used to be if you walked down Orange Avenue, you knew everybody and everybody knew you.”

“Central Florida had a lot of advantages for what we were looking for. ... Working with high-tech companies forces you to move up a level and become a more hightech manufacturer.”

“Every day is different. Every guest you meet, every customer you serve is different. Everyone has a story you get to hear about, so no two days are ever alike.”

“The work I did then wasn’t about me, but about the wellbeing of the people around me. It taught me responsibility, the value of working hard, and how education can transform your circumstances.”

“It doesn’t matter what kind of work we’re assisting on. ... How do we show up each day and empower others to achieve more? How do we challenge each other to disrupt our thinking?”

— Charlie Gray, Page 17

— Harry Arnon, Page 21

— Brian Comes, Page 23

— Linh Dang, Page 25

— Daniel Entwistle, Page 27

“For me, exceptional leadership is about much more than authority and recognition. It’s about developing people and others to reach their full potential.”

“To me, it’s the circle of life … the same elementary students we are training may study it in college, use theater applications in their career or become theatergoers. We all work together to continue keeping the arts alive.”

“My biggest fear from the beginning has been that this becomes a standstill year. I can’t work that way, and neither can our team.

So our board and leadership are focused on how do we exit this academic year accelerating forward?”

“There are a lot of communities that say they collaborate and say they are inclusive, and we truly are.

We’re still in some ways a small Southern town, but in many ways we’re an exploding epicenter.”

“We are with people at some of the most transformational moments of life. … I feel very fortunate to have ended up in a place where you can build something that can make a forever impact on a family.”

— Katia Medina, Page 29

— Marsha Robbins, Page 31

— Thad Seymour, Page 33

— Jason Siegel, Page 35

— Daryl Tol, Page 37 i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 11

ON THE

RISE

iNNOVATORS | iNFLUENCERS | iNDUSTRY LEADERS

DEBRA ANDREE, M.D. President / CEO

Dr. Debra Andree will become the health system’s next President/CEO. She has served as the organization’s chief medical officer since 2015 and will succeed Margaret Brennan, who retires in January 2020. Andree began her career at CHC as a pediatrician in 2002 and was later promoted to Chief of Pediatrics in 2013 and then Associate Medical Director.

She believes strongly in developing a workforce from the community, and she also is a proponent of lifelong learning and the importance of educating future medical professionals. Andree maintains a prestigious faculty position with the Florida State University College of Medicine and is active with the Florida Association of Community Health Centers.

One of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations, Community Health Centers Inc. cares for 70,000 patients annually throughout Central Florida.

ON THE RISE features individuals in your organization who have been promoted, new team members, board appointments or other employee announcements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT: WWW.I4BIZ.COM/ LEADERSONTHERISE 12 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

MICHAEL GREENHOE Business Relationship Officer

Suncoast Credit Union announces the hire of Michael Greenhoe as a business relationship officer for the Suncoast Commercial Lending department.

Greenhoe is responsible for growth in the commercial loan and deposit portfolios in Southwest Florida, working with a variety of businesses and industries.

JOHN SAUNDERS

Business Relationship Officer

Suncoast Credit Union announces the hiring of John Saunders as a business relationship officer for the Suncoast Commercial Lending department.

Saunders is responsible for expanding commercial financing needs and managing existing commercial loan relationships throughout Hillsborough County.

The Orlando Opportunity Fund announced its formation on Nov. 18. The fund will focus its investment in real estate projects and early stage businesses in Central Florida’s opportunity zones.

Opportunity zones are federally designated areas that provide tax benefits to investors, meaning this fund could boost returns and incentivize crucial local investment in Orlando startups.

DAVID BRIM Chief Strategy Officer

David Brim is a marketing strategist and entrepreneurturned-investor focused on funding early stage companies and commercial real estate. Brim is also the co-founder of the opportunity zone resource group Bright Impact.

DONNA MACKENZIE Chief Financial Officer

For the past four years Donna Mackenzie has served as executive director of StarterStudio, a business incubator and accelerator program for technology startups.

Mackenzie has been involved in more than $90 million in startup and early growth investments.

JOHN COOPER

President of Startup Investments

Since 2014, John Cooper has been the managing director at Los Angeles-based merger and acquisition advising firm Houlihan Lokey. Cooper formerly served as managing director of Microsoft Corporation in the corporate development and strategy group.

VINCE WOLLE

President of Real Estate Investments

Vince Wolle is the founder of Lake Marybased Results Real Estate Partners LLC. Wolle is an experienced commercial real estate executive, broker and investor with over 23 years of experience, averaging more than $40 million in commercial real estate brokering volume over the past seven years.

From the Editor

Let Central Florida Give You a Warm Hug

I

’ve lived all over Central Florida for almost 35 years now, and I still love looking at the region through other people’s eyes as if I’m arriving here for the first time. It amazes me when I hear people talk about their experience moving here and how they felt the community embrace them.

During interviews this year, we’ve asked many Central Florida leaders what they love about living and working here. One by one, they’ve painted a picture of Central Florida. These words are unique to our community. They define why we are successful in competing for vacation visitors, conventions, sporting events, concerts, plays, airline routes, corporate relocations, grant dollars, state and federal funding, venture capital and so many other important elements that make up our dynamic community.

We haven’t been able to fit all of these descriptions into the magazine, so we thought you’d appreciate hearing them directly from the speakers: Thad Seymour Jr., interim president of the University of Central Florida: “We moved here 28 years ago from Chicago, where we had been 10 years. We figured we’d be here two or three years, and we never left. We raised our kids here. There are a bunch of things we’ve come to love about this place, but a lot of it is this sense of optimism.

There’s a forward momentum here. There’s a spirit of collaboration, which a lot of people talk about, and it’s true.”

From Daryl Tol, CEO of the AdventHealth Central Florida Division: “It’s been an easy community to be an active part of. I’ve always felt embraced here. … It’s remarkable how in Central Florida, we gather together to make a difference. … It’s really a warm community.”

From George Aguel, CEO of Visit Orlando: “We have a culture here. Many people who lead businesses and lead our community here were at one time part of the tourism industry. … They get the value of hospitality and have developed a service mentality. Wherever you go, people are genuine, friendly, inviting, embracing and want to help. They want to be there to give you a great experience.”

From Alyse Quinn, co-founder of Big Vision: “Having lived in other large cities, I have never experienced

a community like the one here in Orlando. We love the creative community here. I feel like we’re on the cusp of big things, and I can feel this wave coming over Orlando building this creative momentum.”

Sheena Fowler, Orlando Economic Partnership vice president of innovation and Orlando film commissioner: “Orlando is home to dreamers and doers, and this is everpresent in the residents who create the innovation that powers our economy. … This kind of creativity is contagious and is palpable throughout the community, continuously inspiring new ways of doing and seeing things.”

Dr. Anette Khaled, UCF professor and cancer specialist: “There is an energy in this area. Everyone is so entrepreneurial, so willing to take risks and try something new. People may often be very skeptical of new discoveries, but here I’ve found they are more willing to try new things — and that’s how we’re going to advance.”

From Jason Siegel, CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission: “There’s an intense level of optimism. …

Take a look at our skyline, the infrastructure changes, the airport, I-4, the downtown campus, the investment in sports … There’s a lot to be proud of, and it gives us a lot to sell our community on when we’re out trying to win opportunities for the region.”

Chester Kennedy, CEO of BRIDG: “I tell folks from outside the area all the time, I challenge you to find a hundredmile stretch anywhere in the world where there is more happening than there is across the I-4 corridor right now from a technology standpoint.”

So when you’re traveling to other parts of the state, nation, world and universe in the coming weeks and months, be sure to spread the word. Central Florida is a great place to visit, yes, and it’s also the best place to live.

Editor-in-Chief

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 13

Business Briefs

$20 Million Federal Grant Will Help Lake Nona Reduce Use of Cars Orange County received a $20 million federal BUILD grant in November that will be used to create a robust local alternative mobility network in Lake Nona. This is the first BUILD grant awarded to Central Florida and will go toward creating multi-modal corridors with dedicated autonomous vehicle lanes, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, an integrated multiuse mobility hub, and support for autonomous vehicles. Lake Nona developer Tavistock Group has committed to help the community reduce automobile dependency.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao made the announcement in Lake Nona, joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Administration is targeting BUILD Transportation grants to repair, rebuild and revitalize significant infrastructure projects across the country,” Chao said.

Orange County will use key findings from the project to help expand the program to other parts of the area.

One of the project’s partners is Beep, a private company that relocated its headquarters to Lake Nona this year to launch an autonomous shuttle bus service.

BRIDG Awarded First DoD Contract BRIDG in Osceola County has been awarded its first major contract from the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract, potentially valued at more than $20 million, is from the DoD’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment office for providing a new technology for next-generation microelectronic multi-chip systems to strengthen national security and cyber resiliency.

“In order to retain the leading edge for our warfighters, we must take the necessary steps to increase domestic development and manufacturing capacity for critical emerging technologies,” said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. He and U.S. Representative Darren Soto worked in bi-partisan support to help secure the contract.

BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership in Osceola County, operates an advanced microelectronics fabrication facility enabling state-of-the-art manufacturing for industry and government.

Microelectronics that are used in large defense projects are frequently outsourced or made by foreign-owned companies.

Securing the microelectronics supply chain is a priority of the DoD.

“The capabilities enabled by this contract will allow us to assist the defense industrial base to achieve performance levels that consume 80% less power and are five times faster than conventional electronics,” BRIDG CEO Chester Kennedy said. “This positions BRIDG to be at the forefront of protecting our nation’s technical leadership and global competitiveness.”

Business 14 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

IAAPA Opens New Headquarters in Orlando

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, IAAPA Chairman David Rosenberg and IAAPA President and CEO Hal McEvoy Just in time for its annual conference at the Orange County Convention Center, the professional association for the global attractions industry opened its new $14 million, 22,000-squarefoot headquarters in Orlando. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions had relocated from outside of Washington, D.C., two years ago and had been working in temporary quarters. The move created 40 high-wage jobs in Central Florida.

The building features a bright orange wave on its exterior and an interior filled with colorful touches. It’s located near John Young Parkway next to the headquarters for Darden Restaurants. IAAPA’s conference, held every November, brings in 1,000 exhibitors and more than 38,000 industry professionals from 100 countries. It is booked to remain in Orlando through 2030.

Innovation

Education

Ryan Seacrest Foundation Installing Studio at Children’s Hospital To help young patients and their families through the healing process with music, entertainment and creative expression, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation is installing a state-of-the-art broadcast media center encased in glass near the main atrium of the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. The Seacrest Studio will be the 11th placed inside a pediatric hospital, and the first in Florida, by the foundation that was established by the host of the TV show “American Idol” and his family. Seacrest also is known as a radio show host and a producer.

Slated to open in mid-2020, the studio will provide programming to patients, whether they are physically in the studio or

watching through a closed-circuit network from their rooms. Patients will have the opportunity to host their own radio and television shows, watch live musical performances, play games and interview celebrity guests. They will be able to call the studio from their hospital rooms to engage in events they are watching on their screen.

“Every day, we care for kids not only from our community, but from all over the world,” said Cary D’Ortona, the hospital’s president.

“Whether their stay is just a few days or several months, we’re excited to partner with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation to give these patients a unique way to heal and learn.”

“I have always believed in the healing power of entertainment, but when we opened our first studio nearly nine years ago, I had no idea the extent of the benefits that these creative outlets could bring to patients and their families,” Seacrest said. “As we open our 11th Seacrest Studio, we could not be more excited to bring these opportunities to the families of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and look forward to many memories to come in the Orlando community.”

Orlando Magic Revises its Master Plan for Entertainment Complex Near Arena The Orlando Magic organization has filed a new master plan for its sports and entertainment complex next to the Amway Center in downtown Orlando, and the proposed project has grown bigger. Originally unveiled last year as a $200 million project, it is now estimated at $500 million.

The 8.4-acre site is expected to include entertainment venues, bars and restaurants, as well as a conference center, a 300-room hotel, an 18-story office tower, a 310-unit apartment building, retail space, a parking garage and two plaza areas for outdoor events.

WANT TO SHARE YOUR NEWS? Do you have some news you’d like us to share with the community? Please be aware that we work two to three months in advance of our publication date. Submit press releases and announcements to press@i4biz.com.

Tourism

Growth

Inspiration i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 15

®

CHARLIE GRAY [GrayRobinson]

By Diane Sears

W

hen Charlie Gray looks across Lake Eola out the 14th-floor window of his office, he can see the property where his childhood home once stood that now holds the Reeves House condominiums. He can see a downtown Orlando skyline he only imagined early in his career as a partner starting what has become the venerable GrayRobinson law firm with 250 attorneys and 14 offices in Florida and Washington, D.C. “From my early life, I have loved Orlando,” Gray said. “I remember so vividly what was downtown then, so many places we frequented and bought clothes.

It was a friendly town. It used to be if you walked down Orange Avenue, you knew everybody and everybody knew you. Then something happened and downtown died. You could have shot a cannon down Orange Avenue and not hit anybody. But it grew, and things started happening.”

doing?’ He showed me. He was designing this,” Gray said, displaying a gold ring on his finger with the UCF Pegasus swirl logo. “I got to see this as it was forming.”

Another of Gray’s favorite accomplishments was helping get the Orange County Convention Center built.

Today, with a complex of 7 million square feet and 1.5 million visitors in 2018, the convention center is the second-largest in the nation behind its counterpart in Chicago. A state law passed in 1977 paved the way for the project’s funding by allowing county governments to impose a tourist development tax.

Orange County voters approved a 2% tax in April 1978, and it raised $3 million in its first year.

Gray became the county attorney in 1977 to help guide the convention center’s construction. In the meantime, he had his hands full with other government projects.

The county had 16 separate fire districts, and he worked the Those things didn’t just happen political system to get them on their own — they had help. Since consolidated into one. The county Gray returned to his hometown as a and Orlando were in a battle with University of Florida graduate in the government environmental agencies — Charlie Gray 1950s, he has been a guiding force over wastewater treatment and in many of the projects that have were banned from approving new changed the face of Central Florida. construction, and Gray helped negotiate a solution.

Today, at age 87, he is still connecting people and “It was traumatic because if you can’t issue a projects to make things happen. building permit anywhere in Orange County or the One of his proudest accomplishments was helping city, you’re not going to last very long,” he said. launch the University of Central Florida (UCF), one “Our economy was built on construction then and of the largest universities in the nation today with development. Wastewater treatment is not the sexiest more than 68,000 students, 13,000 employees and an subject, but it is absolutely critical to our community.” operating budget of $1.7 billion. Gray had helped get Through the years, Gray also had a small hand in Haydon Burns elected as governor and then secured helping Walt Disney’s team start a theme park empire his commitment to fund the university and locate in Central Florida. He pulled strings to get approval for it in Orange County, where it started off in 1965 as both State Road 408 and an interchange at Interstate one building under the name Florida Technological 4 and Florida’s Turnpike. He has helped get people University. Its founding president, Charles Millican, elected and appointed to numerous public positions. was given an initial budget of $75,000 for planning the university.

Things have not always come easily. Gray bought Gray remembers spending time with Millican and a Mercedes dealership in the early 1960s, and things his wife at the Grays’ beach house, and Millican was did not go well with the manager. Gray had to leave doodling on the back of a napkin. “I said, ‘What are you his law practice and run the business himself to bring

FROM MY EARLY LIFE, I HAVE LOVED ORLANDO.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR

2019

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it out of deep debt. One day a stranger named Al Burnett walked in and asked whether the dealership was for sale.

Gray eventually sold it to him for $1 plus the $10,000 of remaining debt.

Burnett made so much money from the dealership that he asked Gray his advice on what to do with it, and Gray’s answer was simple: “Have you thought about the University of Central Florida?”

Burnett donated his first $500,000 then and became one of the university’s largest donors over the years.

“As bad a deal as I made up front back then, it turned out to be one of my best deals,” Gray said. “It just worked out that way.”

One of Gray ’s biggest disappointments was the death of a planned highspeed rail project between Orlando and Tampa that had been earmarked for federal funding. “We need high speed rail in the United States,” Gray said. “Most Americans have never gone overseas. They don’t know that Japan, Spain, Germany and Europe all have high-speed rail. China has high-speed rail — the kind that gets up to almost 300 miles an hour and you can’t even see a glass of water tremble. If it had gone in, people in the United States, most of them go to Disney and Universal, would have ridden it just for the novelty and they would have understood that we need high-speed rail in America. We could have had high-speed rail going all the way from Miami to New York by now.”

Through it all, Gray has had his wife Saundra by his side.

They met at a Christmas dance in 1954. The next spring, Gray was walking in downtown Gainesville when he passed an appliance store with a television in the window and saw her on TV talking about giving ski lessons. Her parents owned Hagood Brothers 18 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

Marine in Orlando, and she felt right at home on the water. He looked her up and they’ve been together ever since.

“She is truly the wind beneath my wings,” he said. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without her.” As the UF homecoming chairman in 1957, Gray had been trying to decide who to invite to speak at the Florida Blue Key banquet, considered the political event of the year in Florida. “She said, ‘Why don’t you get that young senator from Massachusetts?

I think he’s going somewhere.’

Gray was able to secure John F. Kennedy as the speaker, and a picture of them at the event still hangs on the wall of his office today.

Saundra Gray served on the Federal Reserve Boards of Jacksonville and Atlanta, and through her connections her husband gets to travel with her every year to meet the current chair of the Federal Reserve Board. The Grays took some time off together from 1999 to 2001 for the trip of a lifetime, circumnavigating the world in a 54-foot Gulfstar sailboat.

Their route is traced in magic marker on a globe in his office, and he can tell a story about every stop. They created a website about their trip at Seagem.com.

Gray remembers returning to Orlando and answering questions at a social event.

“Somebody said, ‘You didn’t have a captain? You were the captain?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ and he turned to my wife and said, ‘And she was the crew?’ I said, ‘No, she was the admiral.’”

With all of their community involvement, and Gray’s work behind the scenes in politics, he said he never considered putting his own name on the ballot. “I’m interested in getting good people to run and helping them be elevated to office,” he said. “I’ve never really wanted to do it myself.

I just felt like I’ve got other things to do.” ■

Charlie Gray’s Orlando Arena construction hat given to him by Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick. The inscription reads: To Charlie Gray, Without your friendship and support on several occasions this great arena would still be a dream and its site a blighted slum. Wear this hat with the knowledge that you made a difference in the history of our city. With deepest gratitude, Bill Frederick August 26, 1988

Charlie Gray (far left) with U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy speaking at the Florida Blue Key banquet during the 1957 University of Florida homecoming

Gray had a small hand in helping Walt Disney’s team start a theme park empire in Central Florida.

Saundra and Charlie Gray during their lifetime trip of circumnavigating the globe in a 54-foot Gulfstar sailboat, the Sea Gem

to the 2019 Business Leaders of the Year from all of us at Shelter Mortgage.

Recognizing some of the most admired and influential individuals in Central Florida.

Our compliments on a job well done!

Charlie Gray Key Honoree

Brian Comes Tourism

Daniel Entwistle

Harry Arnon

Private Industry

Lihn Dang

Economic Development

Katia Medina

Professional Services

Social Entrepreneurship

Marsha Robbins

Jason Siegel

Thad Seymour, Jr.

Daryl Tol

Entrepreneurship

Workforce Development

Sports Tourism Healthcare

Shelter Mortgage is a proud Co-Sponsor of the 2019 Business Leaders of the Year Event

Kent Winkelseth VP/Sales Development

407.765.3810 SHELTER MORTGAGE COMPANY LLC | 408 East Ridgewood Street | Orlando, FL 32803 | kent.winkelseth@sheltermortgage.com Š 2019 Shelter Mortgage Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. This communication does not constitute a commitment to lend or the guarantee of a specified interest rate.

All loan programs and availability of cash proceeds are subject to credit, underwriting and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply.

Kent Winkelseth – FL/#LO17485; NMLS#552527 Shelter Mortgage Company LLC | 4000 W. Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer, WI 53209 | Corp NMLS#431223 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Equal Housing Lender

®

HARRY ARNON [HERNON MANUFACTURING]

By Diane Sears

H

arry Arnon becomes animated when he talks about airplanes, boats, cars or anything else that goes fast — not necessarily because of their speed, but because of the way they’re manufactured.

Aerodynamic materials can make them lighter and faster, and he loves to explain exactly how that works.

As the co-founder and CEO of Hernon Manufacturing, Arnon oversees a team that has grown to 70 since he and his brother Josef created the company in their basement in New York in 1978. Both had moved to the United States from Israel and were looking for a way to make a difference as well as a living.

Today Hernon has been in Sanford since 1990 and has a catalogue of as many as 5,000 adhesives used in everything from fighter jets, nuclear submarines and advanced missile systems to ammunition. It has also created dispensing equipment and UVLED curing systems that help manufacturers streamline their operations.

“It’s a pleasure to be in Central Florida and have all the support available to small businesses to grow,” Arnon said. “Hernon has a number of new technologies we will be introducing in the next few years that can change the manufacturing process.”

Arnon and his brother have both always had an interest in aircraft. Arnon served in the Israeli Air Force, where he learned the mechanics of fighter jets.

His brother, the company’s technical director, holds a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering.

Hernon now conducts business in 67 countries and has increased its sales 116% over the past three years. It holds numerous patents, and its extensive list of awards includes a President’s E Award, the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Arnon and his wife, Karen, who serves as the company’s executive vice president, are active in everything from professional associations to local charities.

WORKING WITH HIGH-TECH COMPANIES FORCES YOU TO MOVE UP A LEVEL AND BECOME A MORE HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURER AS WELL. THAT WAS ONE OF OUR GOALS.

In guiding the team, Arnon relies on leadership skills he developed in the military, where he served for four years in training and education.

“There is a lot you learn,” he said, “especially when there is a war, and then you learn real fast what to do and what not to do — and how important it is to execute the right decision and not wait for it.”

When he finished his military service, he took a tour of Europe and ended up in the United States with $40 in his pocket. At some point, —Harry Arnon after Hernon kept expanding and Hernon has helped manufacturers still needed larger facilities, Arnon move to composite materials and and his brother began to consider relocating to the structural adhesive offering greater than 40 joules Orlando area. of impact and stress distribution instead of the traditional parts of metal, bolts, rivets and welding “Central Florida had a lot of advantages for what that concentrates stress on a single point or a line and we were looking for,” Arnon said. “The space center creates a drag in motion that slows down speed. This is here, and a there are a lot of companies here that transition allows for lighter, larger craft that can carry work as suppliers for the space industry. Working with bigger loads or more passengers and consume less fuel, high-tech companies forces you to move up a level and Arnon said. It also makes them safer. become a more high-tech manufacturer as well. That was one of our goals.”

“In order to improve performance of new airplanes, boats, cars and other assemblies, we are trying to Arnon also cited the weather, the beach, the lack of manufacture products so they have better resistance state income taxes and the state’s proximity to Latin to impact, shock and vibrations,” Arnon said. “Adhesive America. “All of these made us decide this was the right is the solution to all of the above.” place we wanted to move to, and I’m very glad we did.” ■

PRIVATE INDUSTRY

2019

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BRIAN COMES [Hyatt Regency Orlando]

By Meaghan Branham

M

ore than three decades ago, communications major Brian Comes left his speech class at James Madison University and made a beeline for the course catalog. “After that one class, I realized there was no way I was going to be a communications major,” Comes laughed. “I remember that day I went back to my dorm and flipped through the book. I saw ‘hospitality management’ and figured I’d give it a try.”

Hospitality wasn’t uncharted territory for him. He had previously been a busboy for a few years — and, he recalled, with more success than with speech class. There were so many things he liked about the profession even then. “Every day is different. Every guest you meet, every customer you serve is different. Everyone has a story you get to hear about, so no two days are ever alike.”

left an impression. He serves as secretary on the Visit Orlando board, vice chair of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, and vice chair of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. He helped create the Orange County Application Review Committee, which allocates tourist development tax dollars to nonprofits in the area, both for the health of the local community and for increased visitation.

His work on every board and committee has given Comes a unique insight into Central Florida’s strengths.

WE LIVE THIS IDEA OF TAKING CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES AND HELPING THEM REALIZE THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON OUR GUESTS. WHAT EACH AND EVERY PERSON DOES HERE MATTERS.

“It’s very encouraging to see firsthand the impact Visit Orlando has on the community,” Comes said. “I’ve been here only six years, but I see how we keep evolving, creating a sense of excitement and providing new experiences.

Hyatt Regency Orlando is a large group hotel connected to the convention center focused on making memorable experiences for our visitors. The return on investment for the groups that visit Orlando is important to our continued success.

But variety for Comes works best when paired with consistency. Now the area vice president at Hyatt Regency Orlando, he has been with the company more than 31 years in roles all over the country. As director of catering at the Grand “Visit Orlando has created Hyatt in San Diego, he was an and spread that message. This integral part of a project that is a destination that works doubled the hotel’s 750 guestrooms collaboratively for the best interest to 1,500 in two years. On Orlando’s of the community. There’s no — Brian Comes International Drive, he oversaw the denying that we’re competitive, 2013 transition of the 1,600-room but we know we can’t do it alone.”

Peabody Hotel to the Hyatt Regency The same is true of his work Orlando, where the operation within his own company. With more than 1,000 fullretained 95% of its employees and has promoted more time employees at the property and many more at than 80 people into management. hotels he oversees in both Florida and Georgia, Comes Throughout it, all, one thing has remained the same. has made it a point to never lose sight of what first “We have a purpose that I think our teams really take drew him to the industry and Hyatt: the people. to heart,” Comes said. “We live this idea of taking care “I’ve worked all across the country with talented of our employees and helping them realize the impact teams,” he said. “My role is easy, it really is: just they have on our guests. What each and every person support and listen to employees and guests, and keep does here matters.” people working. We want to stay successful for them.

We want to grow their opportunities, improve their Since moving to Central Florida in 2013, Comes has quality of life and improve our community.” ■ taken an active role in the community that has already

TOURISM

2019

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 23

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LINH DANG [Addition Financial]

By Meaghan Branham

L

inh Dang remembers leaving her birth country during the fall of Vietnam. “We didn’t know where we were going — but we hoped it would be a country where education would be an opportunity that everyone had. Education was always the answer.”

A police officer at the time, Dang’s father was faced with the need to find refuge for his family as well as himself. They encouraged him to go to Saigon, where the rest of the family would meet him when they could.

But he didn’t. He waited for them for days, unable to reconcile within himself the idea of leaving his wife, eight children and five grandchildren behind.

When they were finally united and set out on their journey, he was determined to keep them together.

Once in the United States, the family set up a sewing business out of their home, where Linh Dang and her siblings would help each day before homework. “It did teach me that life is not just about yourself,” she said. “The work I did then wasn’t about me, but about the wellbeing of the people around me. It taught me responsibility, the value of working hard, and how education can transform your circumstances.”

For more than 15 years, Addition Financial and Dang have been working both inside and outside the credit union to encourage financial literacy for all, including offering summer and ongoing internship programs geared toward its high school and college partners.

Dang oversaw the inception of high school programs that allow students to operate their own Addition Financial branches, conducting real transactions for other students, faculty and staff.

“As the students transition into the following school year, you start to see how it builds their confidence,” Dang said. “They progress to leadership roles or paid student internships.

This opportunity to give back to education in abundance is really heartwarming.”

WE CAN ALL BE LEADERS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, NO MATTER THE INDUSTRY.

To Dang, these programs open a door to so much more. “It’s so important that the next generation be confident in managing their own money,” she said. “Low financial literacy has a direct correlation to negative credit behaviors — that affects credit cards, loans, even the ability to obtain credit. The first step is knowledge so that as they move into different life stages, they can attain their American dream.”

When she entered the corporate world years later, she was happy to — Linh Dang not only put her analytical talents to In the past year, she has been use but to combine her two passions integ ral in CFE’s transition of education and finance. She was set on empowering to Addition Financial, a move that expands the education through her industry — and empowering institution’s regional opportunities and its client her industry through education. base. Dang had a hand in coordinating everything In 2003, she was drawn to Addition Financial, at the time called Central Florida Educators (CFE) Federal Credit Union, for exactly that reason. “I took a step back in title but a leap forward in opportunity,” she said. She chose the credit union for its reputation in the community and its strong support of learning. Dang now serves as chief development officer.

As the official financial institution for the University of Central Florida (UCF), Seminole State College and Valencia College, Addition had already done remarkable work in the education sector, including establishing its own Joseph A. Melbourne scholarship program.

from public relations communications to rebranding material across the state.

“For me, it’s about building an environment in which everyone is able to obtain their hopes, dreams, and aspirations,” Dang said of her work with both Addition and organizations including the Global Women’s Leadership Network and Junior Achievement.

“It’s a leader’s responsibility to constantly improve the human condition and create opportunities for a better society to live, learn, work and worship in. We can all be leaders in economic development, no matter the industry.” ■

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2019

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DANIEL ENTWISTLE [Curium Solutions]

By Meaghan Branham

W

hat do you want to be when you grow up? Daniel Entwistle, managing director and U.S. cofounder of U.K.-based change and performance leadership consulting firm Curium Solutions, has never really stopped asking this question. “A lot of us get this feeling of, ‘Is this as far as I can go?’ We think now that we reach adulthood, we are limited, but those are limits we place on ourselves.”

At Curium, those limits are merely starting points.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of work we’re assisting on. We are looking at how we can empower potential within the organization so that the capability remains long after we’ve moved on. How do we show up each day and empower others to achieve more? How do we challenge each other to disrupt our thinking, to disrupt our client’s thinking, to empower individuals and shift organizations?”

Those are big questions, but asking them is what has led Entwistle and his team through some of their most defining moves.

In October 2016, Entwistle and his family moved from the U.K. to Central Florida, where he opened the first U.S. branch of Curium Solutions.

“It’s one thing to have a good relationship, but then you’ve got to deliver value to people when you’re in there,” Entwistle said. “We live our core principles of: ‘People first. Make it simple and Keep it real.’ We see ourselves as an extension of the team, not just a consulting firm. We only win if we all win.”

Entwistle is well-versed in how exceptional customer experiences and careful listening can build valuable relationships. An assistant manager at a travel company in his early 20s, he moved to the world of finance after a bank manager was so impressed by his skills that she offered him a job. At age 23, he became the youngest regional vice president in the bank.

WE SEE OURSELVES AS AN EXTENSION OF THE TEAM, NOT JUST A CONSULTING FIRM. WE ONLY WIN IF WE ALL WIN. — Daniel Entwistle

After Entwistle visited the area several times in his business and vacation travels, Florida had captured his heart. For the prospect of expansion for Curium, it captured a whole lot more. “I’ve become a big advocate for Florida and what I believe we can achieve,” he said.

His advocacy has been vital in Curium’s rapid growth. Exceeding company goals and surpassing projections by 400% in the past 12 months alone, the firm has secured partnerships with high-profile organizations that include the CIA, NASA, Oxford University Press, PepsiCo, AstraZeneca, the University of Central Florida and Rollins College. Entwistle also credits his 150 associate facilitators across the U.S. and Canada who have trained in the firm’s core programs and values.

A decade in financial services gave him experience in leading large sales teams, creating customer experience strategies and developing company culture.

Throughout the year s, his interactions with consulting firms inspired a new drive in him. After working with other consulting firms, seeing what they were doing right and what he thought could be improved, Entwistle eventually joined Curium in 2014.

Today, his work making a difference in his new community goes beyond his role leading the firm’s U.S. growth. He has served as vice president of engagement for the Association for Talent Development and has worked with organizations like the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Give Kids the World. He serves as an advisor for the Small Business Development Council in Seminole County, and in June became an adjunct faculty member for the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.

Through each new relationship he builds, Entwistle continues to empower potential by challenging perceptions. “There is no next time,” he said. “This is it. Ask yourself, ‘What's the story or the narrative that's holding you back? And is that a reality?’ Take the risks you feel you need to take… the ones that will help you live the life you want to live.” ■

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

2019

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KATIA MEDINA [Prospera]

By Meaghan Branham

S

ometimes, just knowing where you’re going is enough to start your journey. When Katia Medina, senior business development consultant at Prospera, decided to make the move from Puerto Rico to Central Florida, she didn’t quite have every step mapped out.

“My relocation to Orlando was quite uncertain,” Medina said. “Leaving most of my family and my friends, and getting out of my comfort zone, was not an easy transition. But at that time, the financial situation my island was going through was very complicated.

So after evaluating the pros and cons, my husband and I decided to make the move and relocate our family to Central Florida, looking for opportunities. I knew my goals were well-established.”

In Puerto Rico, Medina worked as a human resouces specialist for 10 years at the Puerto Rico Office of Legislative Services, which serves the Legislative Assembly. Arriving in Central Florida in 2013 along with her husband and two children, Medina looked for a way to put her skills to use in a new environment.

Medina has played a key role in helping those displaced by Hurricane Maria after the deadly Category 5 hurricane devastated Puerto Rico, Dominica and the U.S. Virgin Islands in September 2017. Many fled Puerto Rico to start new lives.

“P rospera has suppor ted Puer to Rican entrepreneurs who, due to different situations facing the island, have been forced to relocate their businesses or expand them to Central Florida,” Medina said. “The way of doing business in Puerto Rico is different than in Florida, and Prospera provides them with guidance and resources to help them minimize their risk and start with a strong foundation. Thanks to the support we receive from the private and public sectors, we can offer services at no cost not only to Puerto Rican businesses but to the Hispanic community in general.”

AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER GIVES OTHERS THE TOOLS AND STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE THE SUCCESS OF NOT ONLY AN ORGANIZATION BUT ALSO THEIR LIVES.

Helping people adjust to a new life in Central Florida has become a personal mission for Medina, who wants to see them take the next steps of their own journeys for themselves and their businesses.

“Those Hispanic entrepreneurs who come to our offices every day, She quickly found Prospera, an who have left everything behind in economic development nonprofit — Katia Medina their countries, their families and organization that specializes in careers, they have had to reinvent providing bilingual assistance to themselves looking for a better Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to future in this country,” Medina said. “Over the years establish or expand their businesses. Formerly the in my career, I have seen them come such a long way.

Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, the organization They motivate me every day to continue serving.” has been working since 1991 to empower business owners from within the state as well as Puerto Rico Serving is at the core of Medina’s leadership and Spanish-speaking countries so their companies philosophy. With her family and her community, both can grow and prosper. Prospera’s clients are part here and in Puerto Rico, to keep her inspired, Medina of one of the fastest-growing segments of the small continues to shape the world around her for the better. business sector, according to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.

“For me, exceptional leadership is about much more than authority and recognition,” she said. “It’s Medina works closely with Prospera’s leadership about developing people and others to reach their full and the community to bring key resources to potential. An exceptional leader gives others the tools entrepreneurs to help them establish and expand their and strategies to maximize the success of not only an businesses. All told, Medina’s work affects nearly 2,000 organization but also their lives.” ■ entrepreneurs a year.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2019

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MARSHA ROBBINS [Dramatic Education]

By Meaghan Branham

A

ccept the circumstances and control how you react. Marsha Robbins, the owner and executive director at Dramatic Education Inc., has turned this rule of theater into one of the most inspiring stories of arts advocation in Central Florida.

By the time Robbins graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with her master’s degree in education, she found that opportunities for drama educators were virtually nonexistent, especially in elementary education. Having previously earned her bachelor’s in fine arts in stage management and with a lifetime of experience in theater, including her own time as a student, this was a discouraging landscape for a teacher who knew how transformative the arts could be for students.

“Children at the elementary level are very creative and they’re hungry to learn,” said Robbins, who got involved in theater in third grade. “These programs encourage empathy, connection, forward thinking and appreciation of the art form. I believe those involved in the arts are able to be creative in the workforce no matter the industry.”

With her research from years spent earning degrees, as well as practical education in the classroom and in previous roles with the Walt Disney Company and at local professional theaters, she began designing her own programs. She eventually established Dramatic Education Inc. “From the start, I saw this not as a one-person company but as a large business, where we had to create procedures from the very first program so that everybody could do this,” she said. “I wanted to design something where we were focused on giving the same quality of service and curriculum to 40 schools at the same time.” Robbins was able to build programs that could be reproduced effectively and efficiently, implementing them with a staff made up of local performers and artists.

I KNEW I HAD SOMETHING. I DIDN’T KNOW QUITE WHAT IT WAS, BUT I KNEW ARTS EDUCATION WAS THE KEY.

The community has echoed her enthusiasm as well, with partners that include ATHENAPowerLink, a program offered through the Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship at Rollins College that provided her with access to a panel of advisors for a year to assist her business in achieving tangible goals and profitability.

When Robbins found an opening “To me, it’s the circle of life,” — Marsha Robbins as a third-grade teacher, she ran a Robbins said. “My job now is to build different kind of class. “I put the the next generation of theatergoers arts in my classroom,” she said. “I for arts education. The same taught the curriculum, but everything I did had an elementary students we are training may study it acting component, a creating component, a visual in college, use theater applications in their career or arts component — and my kids thrived.” become theatergoers. We all work together to continue That first year, every one of her students passed the required state tests. “I knew I had something,” she said. “I didn’t know quite what it was, but I knew arts education was the key. It is still the key today for innovation in the 21st century workforce.”

It was clear her methods were effective — but formal performing arts programs weren’t available for elementary-age students. For the many students Robbins knew could benefit, those kinds of programs would have the potential to alter not only the students’ success, but the future of the arts in their community.

keeping the arts alive.”

Now in its 15th year, Dramatic Education offers more than 40 programs for private, public and charter schools. The company even recently expanded to provide before- and after-school care through a partnership with Orange County Public Schools, growing from a 15-person staff to a team of 150.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2019

While it hasn’t been easy, Robbins has not lost sight of what she learned so early on the stage. “Start and fail. Fail fast but keep going. You’re going to have loss, that is a given. You accept what you’re given. The key to it is your reaction.” ■ i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 31

JASON SIEGEL

[GREATER ORLANDO SPORTS COMMISSION]

By Diane Sears

T

he day after the Monster Jam World Finals XX brought an estimated 50,000 fans to Orlando in May, Jason Siegel was at SeaWorld with his wife, Sarah, and their four children. They were sharing a community table with a family wearing Monster Jam T-shirts. His wife smiled and teased him, “Don’t do it…” the way she always does when he talks to strangers, but Siegel couldn’t resist.

“Where are y’all from?” he asked. As the CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, it’s his job to lead a team of 12 people who attract sporting events to Central Florida and then measure their return on investment. GO Sports has counted the monster truck championship at Camping World Stadium as one of its signature events in recent years.

The father said his family was from a small city Siegel had probably never heard of in British Columbia.

As a former hockey professional, Siegel was definitely familiar with the Canadian city and its minor league hockey team. As the leader of GO Sports, he was delighted.

Orlando had worked hard to lure the event from Las Vegas, which had hosted it for 19 years.

“There are a lot of communities that say they collaborate and say they are inclusive, and we truly are,” he said. “We’re still in some ways a small Southern town, but in many ways we’re an exploding epicenter.”

He stepped into the top spot at GO Sports in 2016 and is proud there have been no personnel changes in the past three years except for new hires. He said he looks for three qualities in any employee.

The first is an unparalleled work ethic. “We’re not looking for individuals who are looking for a job,” he said. “We want them invested, and there has to be a high care factor.” The second trait is competency. “Nothing warms my heart more than when staff will read an article and send it to me or go to a trade show and send a picture of a slide and say, ‘Man, we should be thinking about this!’” The third is loyalty — not to him, but to themselves, the organization and each other.

WE’RE HELPING DRIVE VISITATION. WE’RE PLAYING OUR SMALL ROLE IN NOT ONLY DOING THAT BUT ALSO BRINGING AWARENESS AND MARKETING OUR DESTINATION.

Siegel likes to quote his mentor and former boss Lou Lamoriello, a Hockey Hall of Famer and the longest-tenured general manager in professional sports. “He “We go to this event no matter used to say all the time, ‘A band where it is,” the father said. “This with eight drummers? Not usually is our two-week vacation. Next great music.’ Somebody’s got to — Jason Siegel we’re going to Disney for two days play sax, somebody’s got to play and Universal for two days. If I bass, someone has to sing. … can convince my wife not to go to Miami for some How do the pieces fit together? How do everyone’s shopping, the kids want to stay at the theme parks responsibilities interact?” until we leave next Sunday.”

“That, of course, brought me a lot of joy,” Siegel said.

“That’s the validation and proof of what we’re doing as an organization. We’re helping drive visitation. We’re playing our small role in not only doing that but also bringing awareness and marketing our destination.”

Siegel fell in love with Central Florida when he moved to the area in 2011 as a co-owner of the Orlando Solar Bears minor league hockey team, which is now owned by the DeVos family that owns the Orlando Magic. He and his wife volunteer with numerous charities.

It works the same way in the community. Everyone has a job to do, and his is to promote sports and tourism as a package deal.

SPORTS TOURISM

2019

“What I love about our job is there are many times we’re stuck in an office cranking out projections and estimates to bid on opportunities, trying to figure out if we spend X what the return will be,” he said. “But at the same time, we’re able to go to the event we’re bringing to town and see the looks on children’s faces when they see athletes coming into the stadium.” Win-win. ■ i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 33

®

THAD JR SEYMOUR [UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA]

By Diane Sears

T

had Seymour Jr. has a countdown calendar app on his cell phone that reminds him how much time he has left to get things done before his term is up. When he agreed to become interim president of the University of Central Florida in February, he thought it would be for weeks or maybe months. He is now staying until a new president starts next summer.

Seymour, who is not pursuing the permanent position, has embraced the interim role as an opportunity to challenge UCF to think strategically about its future — something he was already helping with as chief innovation officer and vice president for partnerships.

this place that are unique and help define what a 21st century university should look like? For example, the university lives in a thriving metropolitan region and has a student population that reflects the growing diversity of our region — those are unique strengths that will continue to define us in the decades ahead.”

As one of the nation’s largest universities, UCF has challenged itself to also be one of the best. “We were early at the table in leveraging technology in the science of learning,” he said. “We don’t talk about it a lot, but we’re way out ahead of most universities.

This region looks to UCF as the leading talent provider to today’s and the future’s economy and industries, and that demands that we drive innovation in the learning experience.”

THIS REGION LOOKS TO UCF AS THE LEADING TALENT PROVIDER TO TODAY’S AND THE FUTURE’S ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES, AND Before joining UCF in 2015, he had worked in the Central Florida THAT DEMANDS business community for almost 25 years — most recently as senior THAT WE DRIVE vice president at Tavistock Group, helping shape the vision for Lake INNOVATION IN Nona Medical City in east Orlando.

THE LEARNING As interim president, Seymour has been focused on three main themes EXPERIENCE. “There are things it’s better for an interim leader to get done — things that didn’t capture the attention of prior administrations,” Seymour said.

“My biggest fear from the beginning has been that this becomes a standstill year. I can’t work that way, and neither can our team. So our board and leadership are focused on how do we exit this academic year accelerating forward?”

One of Seymour’s role models was his father, Thad Seymour Sr., who died in October. The senior Seymour served as president of Rollins College from 1978 to 1990.

“I learned a lot from my dad and I’m not sure I even realized it,” Seymour said. “He was good at bringing clarity of vision to the colleges where he worked. At Rollins, he figured out quickly that its aspiration was within reach, which was to become the best small liberal arts college in the South.”

His mother, now 90, has been another role model for her intellectual curiosity and her dedication to the community. His at the university: strengthening the — Thad Seymour parents, who were married 71 years, university’s operations, expanding loved working together — a trait its resources and investing in excellence. Over the Seymour and his wife of 38 years, Katie, have found they last decades, UCF brought to life a set of goals former share. She is on campus almost daily, volunteering her President John Hitt had outlined. In this new era, time to help students with initiatives such as housing Seymour asked deans and vice presidents to answer and food insecurity and diversity programs. the question, “What should UCF be known for 20 years from now?” Some of their answers surprised him.

They plan to continue giving it their all until it’s time to step aside and let the new president shine. “I was “I had originally been thinking a bit more narrowly a competitive swimmer in high school and college, so around certain disciplines and industries we serve,” he I envision myself sprinting to the wall,” Seymour said. said. “That’s an important but traditional way of looking “You give it every ounce of energy you’ve got.” ■ at it. But the other is, what are the characteristics of

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

2019

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 35

®

DARYL TOL

[AdventHealth Central Florida Division]

By Diane Sears

2019

“She would always explain to me that it’s not a passive thing,” Tol said. “You don’t have a good day or not have a good day. You make it a good day. You have a responsibility for how this day goes.”

Tol has served in progressive leadership posts within what was the Adventist Health System and Florida Hospital group before it rebranded to AdventHealth earlier this year. When he was growing up, he brief ly thought he might like to be a physician. He thought about joining his dad, a former pastor, and becoming a financial planner. But something happened in college at Walla Walla University in Washington.

up in a place where you can build something that can make a forever impact on a family.”

Today, he’s excited about AdventHealth initiatives aimed at giving patients easier ways to connect with and navigate the system, controlling their own schedules and receiving care they need even outside a hospital environment. Locally, AdventHealth is focused on continued growth, building new properties in the region and acquiring medical facilities in neighboring markets including Polk County. “We believe people need healthcare services close to home, so a lot of that growth will be not big hospital buildings but health parks, consumer-friendly retail physician practices, virtual technolog y available in the home, and new services that come straight to people’s homes.”

WE ARE WITH PEOPLE AT SOME OF THE MOST TRANSFORMATIONAL MOMENTS OF LIFE.

He has loved living in Central Florida, where he can enjoy the outdoors year-round through r unning, walking, canoeing, kayaking and birdwatching. He also enjoys working as part of the community’s leadership. “It’s been an easy community to be an active part of,” Tol said. “I’ve always felt embraced here. … It’s remarkable how in Central Florida, we gather together to make a difference.”

He was dating Stacey, who is now his wife, and her father was an — Daryl Tol administrator for a group of small rural hospitals in Oregon. “I got to spend a lot of time with him walking around and watching him interact with staff,” Tol said. “He knew everyone and he could He jokingly defines his leadership style. “I really do everything because these places were really small like to communicate,” he said. “I enjoy speaking and and essential assets in the communities. I just loved writing, and people would say I’m very, very effective how meaningful it was.” at extremely long emails. I definitely think that is one of my gifts.”

Tol explained what makes healthcare such a gratifying profession, and what he respects the most To lead his team into the future, Tol works regularly about working within AdventHealth, where he leads with a business coach. In fact, he has required his a 21-campus division spread across seven counties: leadership team to do the same. “There are things you can process with a coach that you can’t process “We are with people at some of the most with your boss or with people who report to you in transformational moments of life. Both positively, like the company.” for the birth of a new child, and during some of the difficult moments, like when someone passes away.

Building a strong team is key to building a strong Our team can make even a difficult situation a little bit organization, Tol said. “I’ve had a lot of jobs, and I’ve more positive. In this work, you can create an oasis in noticed I can be the leader and struggle or I can be a crazy world. That’s something you really can’t do in the leader and succeed, and the difference is the team many careers, and I feel very fortunate to have ended around me.”

HEALTH CARE

D

aryl Tol learned early in life that every day is what you make it. When he left for school each morning, his mom would walk him out the door with, “Make it a good day.” She infused in him an optimism and positivity that have carried him all the way to his current position as president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division.

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 37

CONGRATULATIONS

NOMINEES

Candidates were nominated and recognized as individuals whose business success, community engagement and innovation have moved the region forward.

Dr. Michael Bowerman

Vickie Martin

Brandon Burket

Mark McHugh

Dr. James Michael Burkett

Rob Panepinto

Sarah Castor, Craig Castor and John Gay

Junior Achievement of Central Florida

Orlando Spine and Wellness Center Orlando Health

Florida Technical College

Cresa

Edgar Comellas Organize Florida

Shari Dingle Costantini

Avant Healthcare Professionals

Avani Desai

Schellman & Company

Leigh Elliott Team Elliott Education

Amber Folk

Clark Health of Orange, Lake, Marion, Pasco and Sumter Counties

Sarah Grafton

Grafton Wealth Management

Mark Griffiths

Newleaf Training and Development

Jessica Kendrick Kendrick Law Group

Mary Key Key Associates

Cliff Long

Orlando Regional REALTORÂŽ Association

Christian HELP Gatorland

Florentine Strategies

Kathy Panter

Michael Parks Hoar Construction

Joe Quinn Big Vision

Sal Rehmetullah Fattmerchant

Jose Ramon Riestra World of Homes

Lamar Roberts Fidelity Bank of Florida

Jose Rosario, CPCU State Farm

Maria Isabel Sanquirico

Eleven 11 Communications

Cyndi Shifrel

Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals

Lynda Weatherman Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast

Kristin Weissman Studio K

Nicole Wickens Validus Construction

38 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

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OF CONSTRUCTION TAVISTOCK DEVELOPMENT Keeps an Eye Toward the Future

WIELAND Builds Loyalty Along with Each Project

Faces of BRIDG

of BRIDG Faces

Visit Orlando: Tourism Projects

Tourism Projects Visit Orlando:

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Orange Technical College Since 1933

College Since 1933 Orange Technical nossitatatem everemp orisque volo ipsanditet offic tesequi Ut unt minctempor mos aut volectia nobitia ndition porectus

with Each Project Builds Loyalty Along

WIELAND

taqui incimin venducitam velest, cullorunt. apediti oribus volut alique re nosam ut omnis dicilique nectum fugitem is esequatatem aliquos peribus ciuntus magnis con et labore, nonsenim rest apit volendaessus dolesequadit eatia solut venihillab id mil illauta tusanda mustia sequi niscienditas rem et resti raeprov iducias exped moluptatis es ne voles rerum, cullati venimax imusae. Os expe explige lenec tatempor apiditatur aut int, commolo repudam uscitas rehendis doluptat molende lectatur ad quidelitiis eiciis et pequibusae sus, temolup itatur apid most eles parchit, ommolor tempe reperov iduciis est volut qui tempos pero magnatest culparum quis idicienimi, sitia dolorumquo odissinvent auexernatque videlec totatur as que porrores dolupti amendion explignam estia quatis dolore volorio et possit, abo. Nam es tem iumquae re sum es si invenda quasi si beatquo cupidebit eoste volupta sinim quam quidenditis et dolor res et laborro Ur as esed utat quatusdae quam estibus qui inctium nis enis

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2020 Special Sections

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Promoting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

As Central Florida’s premier business publication, i4 Business showcases professionals in our most dynamic and influential industries, connecting individuals working to better our world through business. With an audience that includes the area’s leading influencers and decision-makers, i4 Business partners with those looking to connect with that audience through the power of their story and the value of their service. These comprehensive profiles are included in the print and digital magazine, published online at i4Biz.com and promoted through i4 Business’ social media channels.

SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

CONSTRUCTION & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

[ SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION ]

SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONALS

MEET SOME OF CENTRAL FLORIDA'S BEST IN HEALTHCARE

MEET SOME OF THE WOMEN LEADING CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

JUNE

Few indicators signal the health of a region like construction. Learn about developers, contractors and architects leading the way.

Across all industries and disciplines, the ideas, innovation, and collaboration of women in business add indispensable value.

One of the largest employment sectors, it is also one of the highest-paying and is bringing national recognition to Central Florida.

[ SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION ]

[ SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION ]

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

LEGAL

PROFESSIONALS

MEET SOME OF CENTRAL FLORIDA'S LEADING LEGAL PROFESSIONALS

yp

JULY

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

The legal system is made up of dedicated law firms, lawyers and paralegals working to represent and defend our community.

Young professionals are leading the way in today’s market, ushering in the future with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

A robust entrepreneurial ecosystem requires the availability of capital and individuals who can serve as guides on the journey.

Faces of BRIDG

Brian Sapp

Scott Shive

Dr. Amit Kumar

Senior Director of Technical Performance and Partnerships

Senior Integration and Mask Engineer

Associate Director, Technology Development and Device Integration

A recent addition to the BRIDG executive team, Brian Sapp was previously the assistant vice president of The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, where he led high-value economic development and collaborative technology development. His past experiences also include leadership roles with SEMATECH and IBM. Now, as senior director of technical performance and partnerships at BRIDG, Sapp focuses on growing and executing advanced systems integration activities.

Scott Shive, who serves as a senior integration and mask engineer, started his career at AT&T Bell Labs in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He later relocated to Orlando, where he spent 23 years developing and transferring CMOS technologies to manufacturing for fabs based in the United States, Europe and Asia. As wafer fabs began migrating overseas, Shive moved to the ITT Defense Design Center in Palm Harbor. Before joining BRIDG, he was working on the development of waferlevel packaging for surface acoustic wave filters.

As associate director for technology development and device integration, Dr. Amit Kumar is responsible for identifying innovation on advanced semiconductor platforms and managing the technology programs driven by the next-generation intelligent and connected electronic devices.

Chuck Dalton has more than 40 years of experience working in the semiconductor device and materials industry. As the BRIDG senior facilities engineer, he is responsible for working with BRIDG equipment engineers on a multitude of projects and tool installations.

“I enjoy working with the entire semiconductor ecosystem through cooperation and collaboration to accelerate the adoption of emerging and innovative technologies,” he said. “The human impact of the work at BRIDG will be tremendous and will lead to solutions for a smarter, more connected world and revolutionary advances for industry, government and academia.”

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to contribute to the success of a start-up wafer fab like BRIDG,” Shive said. “I never thought I’d see a renewed commitment to U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturing in my lifetime.”

“Our mission to have the technological edge in the advanced device integration arena through innovation of materials and processing and bringing the supply chain together makes BRIDG a unique place to work,” Kumar said. “The collaborative effort to address the precompetitive manufacturing challenges raises the bar from a global perspective.”

“I wanted to be a part of a team working on the cutting edge of process and system development that will ultimately affect our community and nation in a positive way,” Dalton said. “As a small team, we all step up to lend our expertise or support when needed, even if the issue at hand isn’t our area of responsibility, to make sure there is a positive outcome.”

Sapp has authored and co-authored more than 20 publications and has more than 20 U.S. patents issued or pending.

42 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

Shive is co-author of seven technical publications and co-inventor of seven U.S. patents. He received his associate degree in electronics technology from Lincoln Technical Institute and his bachelor of science in technical management from DeVry University.

Before his work with BRIDG, Kumar was working as an adjunct faculty member at the Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center at the University of Central Florida. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in metallurgical and materials engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.

He received his doctorate in materials engineering from the University of Central Florida.

Chuck Dalton Facilities Engineer

Dalton's past experiences include 13 years with Harris, where he held a variety of positions in both manufacturing and R&D, as well as roles with Intel and Dow Corning. He received his bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.

gobridg.com

Adham Elattal

Equipment Engineer

Adham Elattal, an equipment engineer, has more than a decade of experience in the semiconductor industry.

Prior to BRIDG, Elattal worked as an equipment module engineer at Qorvo Inc., and he previously served as a production specialist for semiconductor manufacturers based on the West Coast of the United States.

“A semiconductor company startup in conjunction with one of the best schools in the United States was more than enough reason to make me feel proud every day to step a foot into work,” Elattal said, referring to the University of Central Florida. “I believe BRIDG has the most talented, innovative individuals I have ever worked with.”

He received his bachelor of science in electronics and communications engineering from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in 2004.

Dr. Peter Gelzinis

Neil Magana

Jenna Bainter

Senior Process Engineer

Facilities Technician

Marketing Coordinator

Senior process engineer Dr. Peter Gelzinis has more than 35 years of experience in the semiconductor industry.

Throughout this career at Harris Semiconductor — and later Intersil, which spun off from Harris in 1999 — Gelzinis focused on thin films, etching and diffusion. He came on board at BRIDG as a temporary worker to qualify the same etch tools he had used at Intersil, and after just a few days, felt he had found the right fit and accepted a permanent position.

Neil Magana brings to the team experience in both semiconductor manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry.

He began his career in 1996 at Harris Semiconductor in Palm Bay, where he worked in the production areas of diffusion and lithography as an equipment operator and technician. Since then, Magana has leveraged his skills in equipment installation and maintenance in a variety of positions at Ebara Technologies, BOC Edwards, Qorvo Inc. and now BRIDG.

Driven by a lifelong passion for writing and creativity, Jenna Bainter focuses on digital communications, content strategy and brand management in her role as BRIDG marketing coordinator. Her additional responsibilities range from community relations and event planning to graphic design and media analysis.

Gelzinis received his bachelor of science in biological oceanography and his doctorate in cell and molecular biology from Florida Institute of Technology. He also holds a master of science in statistics from the University of Florida. He previously served as an adjunct professor at Eastern Florida State College, where he taught biology and statistics.

“This allows me to apply my semiconductor experience and mechanical skillset to a new cutting-edge R&D facility,” Magana said of his role.

As a facilities maintenance technician, Magana is primarily responsible for maintaining facilities equipment, including BRIDG’s ultra-pure water system, AWN, and HVAC. He also plays a role in the maintenance and installation of sub-fab support equipment and building automation systems.

Bainter recently graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts in writing and rhetoric.

While she was at UCF, she served as the managing editor for Imprint magazine and as editor-in-chief for The Scribe, a digital magazine that explores writing techniques and strategies. Her published works include features in the Central Florida Focus, NSM Today and Odyssey.

“As a native Floridian with family throughout the state, it’s important to me that my work makes a difference for my community and my state,” she said. “I believe BRIDG is at the heart of an economic transformation that will change the lives of all Floridians for the better.”

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 43

TAKE

with Official tourism association for America’s most-visited destination.

TOURISM YEAR IN REVIEW GEORGE AGUEL President & CEO, Visit Orlando

N

ew attractions, significant expansions and strong global marketing propelled our destination to new heights in 2019, keeping Orlando No. 1 for leisure and business travel.

And what a year it was!

75 Million Visitors!

At our annual luncheon in May, we announced that Orlando achieved a record number of visitors in 2018, keeping us the most visited destination in America. Our publicity team capitalized on the momentum by generating 1.3 billion global media impressions about the big news.

“Enhancing Amazing”

To promote the Orange County Convention Center’s $605 million expansion (completion in 2023), Visit Orlando rolled out our largest-ever advertising campaign aimed at the meetings and conventions industry. We call it “Enhancing Amazing,” and it’s building momentum around Orlando as a world-class business destination.

Our industry saw major progress on several fronts, including new experiences at our theme parks, 50 million passengers at Orlando International Airport, a rapidly growing lodging base and record collections of Tourist Development Tax. At Visit Orlando, we helped drive this success through efforts spanning sales and marketing, publicity, convention services, member relations and other core functions. By supporting Orlando’s No. 1 economic engine, we proudly enhanced the value tourism brings to our community.

As we close out 2019, here’s a fun look back at some of the year’s biggest news from Visit Orlando and our tourism industry. Happy holidays, everyone. We’ll see you in 2020!

360º Virtual Tours

Visit Orlando reimagined our consumer and meetings websites to be highly visual, mobile-first platforms that better showcase Orlando’s many offerings. One of the coolest new features: 360-degree virtual tours that spotlight over 100 attractions and locations.

ICON Orlando™ ICON Orlando 360™

Marketing & PR Campaigns Booming Hotel Growth

Between 2019 and 2020, our destination is on pace to add nearly 9,000 hotel rooms, the largest growth spurt in the past two decades. Two of this year’s biggest additions include Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn and Suites (pictured) and the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

44 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

Strong year-round campaigns elevated Orlando’s visibility with consumers in key markets — such as the Northeast U.S., Canada, Brazil and the United Kingdom — setting the stage for what would become another record year in collections of tourist development tax.

50 Million Passengers

Patina Restaurant Group

Our 14th annual foodie event was a resounding success, with a record 125 restaurants. One dollar from every meal benefited the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Walt Disney World® Resort opened its highly anticipated new land, beckoning fans to fly the Millennium Falcon and live out their own Star Wars stories. With the franchise’s staying power, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge promises to be a force for years to come.

Orlando International Airport hit 50 million passengers on a rolling 12-month basis, and visitors made up 70% of that total. The airport’s multi-year, $4.2 billion Capital Improvement Program continued making major strides to keep up with demand.

Promoting Orlando in London Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined Visit Orlando to promote our destination at World Travel Market in London, appearing on BBC and CNN and taking part in a standing-room-only presentation for international trade media.

$75.2 Billion Economic Impact

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™

Universal Orlando Resort launched its most immersive rollercoaster ever, taking riders deep into the Forbidden Forest surrounding Hogwarts™ castle. The company also revealed plans to build a highly immersive and innovative theme park, Epic Universe, on property south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard.

Visit Orlando released new data revealing that tourists infused $75 billion into our local economy in 2018, a 6.4% increase over the previous year. Tourist spending also generated $5.8 billion in local and state taxes.

MORlando Challenge

Ten years ago, it took 67 days to experience all of Orlando’s attractions, but how much longer would it take today? Our MORlando Challenge team went on a mission to find out. This month, we’ll reveal the final number.

Sesame Street Land™

Sesame Street has enchanted and educated young children for decades. In March, the world-famous street came to life at SeaWorld® Orlando.

Families can now take a stroll through the iconic neighborhood, reconnecting with friends like Big Bird, Elmo and Cookie Monster. i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 45

Spotlight | CEO Leadership Forums

Chris Cucci

Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager

CenterState Bank

Mike Sleaford

Regional President of Central Florida

CenterState Bank

Chris Cucci

Mike Sleaford

Secrets to Success

Helping guide the region to be the best it can be while making a difference in the communities we call home, and serving and supporting our customers to achieve their goals, pushes each of us here at CenterState to be our very best each and every day.

— Mike Sleaford

C

engage advisors for second-stage companies in Central Florida.

“They were a local bank but growing rapidly, and I could tell they were maintaining their values as a community bank,” Cucci said.

“I could tell they were very focused on values.”

Cucci recalls the beginnings with Geoffrey Gallo of accounting and CPA firm Grennan Fender Hess & Poparad LLP, who brought the idea for the CEO Leadership Forums to Central Florida from Texas, where he had organized a similar program. Today CEO Leadership Forums operates two groups in Orlando that connect entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and students and faculty from Valencia College.

hris Cucci didn’t expect his career to take him into the financial world. Drawn to the arts, he has worked on several creative endeavors, even establishing his own not-forprofit music publisher, Post-Records Publishing, in 2004. But he started exploring possibilities in the world of banking, where he was surprised to find that creativity, collaboration and variety were highly prioritized. In 2015, he joined CenterState Bank, where he now serves as senior vice president and commercial relationship manager.

Those values also drew Mike Sleaford, who was recently appointed regional president of CenterState in the East Central Florida region, including Orlando. He began his career in banking 36 years ago. “My very first job was in banking, and it piqued my interest that I was able to be exposed in part to such a variety of different businesses,” he said. “It’s a really wonderful vantage point for seeing how successful individuals achieve their goals.”

With partners like the CEO Leadership Forums, the team at CenterState works toward success for employees, clients and the entire community. The forums have worked with CenterState and other organizations for the past three years to provide guidance and

46 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

“Helping guide the region to be the best it can be while making a difference in the communities we call home, and serving and supporting our customers to achieve their goals, pushes each of us here at CenterState to be our very best each and every day,” Sleaford said.

“The connections we’ve been able to build between the business community and Valencia College, in particular, have been so rewarding,” Cucci said. Those connections include a scholarship program CenterState helps fund, as well as internships, as part of the bank’s workforce development program.

In the office and in the community, Sleaford and Cucci are constantly reminded of what they are working toward. “Everyone is doing what they can to give back,” Cucci said. “Everyone is doing their part to make Orlando a great place to live, and that’s inspiring.” ■

ATHENA

POWERLINK PROGRAM

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ATHENAPowerLink is an advisory program which guides women business owners, whose companies are poised for growth, in defining and achieving tangible goals by providing them with access to a panel of business advisors.

Visit athenaorlando.com/how-to-apply.

Learn more at athenaorlando.com

Best Practice

Leadership Helping Your Team Through the Holidays Well it is upon us, another holiday season.

Do you ever think back to when you were a child and how the days would go so slowly from November to December, and how they just fly by you in a split-second now?

Romaine Seguin is president of UPS Global Freight Forwarding, based in Atlanta. She can be reached at rseguin@ups.com.

It’s a busy time of the year, but it’s vital for you to take time to recognize each individual on your team during the holiday season in a way that is important to that person. The holidays mean different things to different people, whether it’s enjoying meals and the best leftovers, attending midnight Mass or making a long journey to be with family. I have a couple of helpful hints for moving into the holidays with your team.

1.

The holidays mean different things to different people.

— Romaine Seguin

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Embrace other cultures. I’ve learned from being part of a global company that not everyone

celebrates the same holidays or recognizes holidays the same way as most Americans. Traditions will vary because of country of origin, religion and individual value systems. One of my fondest holiday memories is when I was living in London and my British friends wanted to know what Thanksgiving was like in the United States. I decided to celebrate with 12 of them. The toughest part was finding a big enough turkey, but mission accomplished. The food was a traditional meal and enjoyed by all.

The only thing missing was American football, so we watched British football instead.

2. Share traditions. Are there special things your team members do to celebrate, or are there special dates

they observe during the holiday season? Two men on my team have wives who were born on Christmas Day, so they always look forward to extra celebrations. One of my favorite traditions is receiving family photos on people’s Christmas cards. I have seen families dressed up as Santa’s elves on a real work bench, as the Rockettes, and in other fun scenes.

3. Keep track of who is where. Who is traveling and who is staying in town? I have always had a mixture on my team. Some employees have young children and they choose to stay home to see what Santa has brought them.

One of my team members drives 10 hours straight through with three teenage children to visit family, and the best part for me is to hear about the story of their journey, which gives me a belly laugh each year. Knowing where everyone is located during the holidays is important in case you need to make arrangements because of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

4. Be sensitive. The holidays are not necessarily a happy time for everyone on your team, and some people would just as soon see them pass by quickly. This is a tough one for me because I want holidays to be joyous and filled with cherished memories for all. Keep in mind there are those who are not as fortunate. One event still haunts me. I was living in New Orleans and decided to stay in town for the holidays because it is such a festive place. I received a call from my vice president of human resources, who told me my executive assistant’s son had died in a car crash at the age of 17. He had a twin sister. He had been in the car with four of his buddies on the high school marching band.

They were going to get movies to watch on the bus as they travelled to play at a football game. He was the only one to leave this Earth. It was a freak accident, and the others all survived with minor injuries. Before we got to the one-year anniversary, his mother ended her life by jumping off the Huey Long Bridge right outside our office. The only thing that brings us comfort is that her other two children are very successful and have children of their own now.

5. Make it personal. Send a personal message to each member of your team to enjoy their down time and let them know they should feel free to call you if they need anything. There is so much to be thankful for even when the days seem so rushed and harried leading into the holiday season.

Oh, how I think back to when I was a kid watching the calendar finally change to December and feeling it had taken forever. Now, as an adult, it’s that one time of the year that’s “timeless” as we all celebrate in different ways, if only for a few days. ■

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 49

Best Practice

Marketing Matching Your Messaging to Your Goals

W Cherise Czaban

is the publisher and CEO of i4 Business. She can be reached at cherise@i4biz.com.

ords carry weight. The right ones can build bridges — and the wrong ones can burn them. If you want to be sure your organization’s marketing plan is forging the right connections for you, crafting the right message is vital. You will need to carefully consider your audience, your voice and, most importantly, your intent to be sure you are getting your message across effectively.

Below you’ll see some of the most common marketing goals and how your organization’s message can achieve them.

Position as an Industry Leader

A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer's decision to choose one product or service over another.

— Seth Godin

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Communicating to your audience that you and your organization are capable, established and informed means they will turn to you not only for your particular service or product but also for advice in your field in general. It builds trust, adds value and makes an impression. That doesn’t mean you have to include paragraphs of copy in every advertisement. You can give interesting and important information succinctly, and

audiences will thank you for it. They may even come back for more.

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Strategy: Try partnering with other leaders in your industry to offer deals, create content or sponsor marketing events.

In advertisements, whether print or digital, offer how-to information, helpful tips, advice and infographics.

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Language: When creating marketing and advertising copy, try a more serious and informative voice. Words like “secure,” “proven,” “experienced” and “research,” along with industry-specific phrases that can demonstrate your knowledge of your field without being too complicated or exclusionary, are good for setting this tone.

Brand Awareness and Recognition

Successful branding leads to benefits that include increased customer loyalty,

Aerospace

Medical

Defense

Facilities

Marine

Government

Commercial

an improved image and a relatable identity. When you have brand awareness, people recognize your brand when they see it and are able to recall your brand from memory even without prompting. This means you must be reliable and consistent in both developing a brand identity and putting it out there. You can do this through carefully crafted messaging.

•

•

Strategy: Make it clear why you are necessary. Be intentional in communicating what your organization does and what problem you can help your audience solve. Similarly, be clear in establishing your brand voice.

This means being consistent in tone, imagery, style and schedule of advertising so your audience can easily understand and remember who you are. To increase awareness of your brand locally, consider getting involved in local events.

Language: Consistency is key here as well. What does your organization stand for? What is your mission statement? Pick a couple of key words from that, or some that summarize it, and begin to use those regularly in your campaign. Consider adding imagery or video content to your brand awareness strategy as well, because images are more likely to capture people’s attention right away and stay longer in their memory.

Engage the Audience

Audience engagement has quickly become one of the most important facets of any strategy as social media and the internet allow for more immediate interactions between organizations and consumers. The results are apparent: Sprout Social reported that 67% of consumers say they are more likely to increase their spending with a brand when they follow that brand on social media. Use this trend not only to increase sales, but to better understand who your clients are, what they want, and how they perceive you.

(321) 267-8100 www.rushinc.com

Building with

Integrity

Since 1984

A positive increase in audience engagement is powerful because it often creates an increase in brand awareness and leads. It’s all about creating and maintaining an active relationship with your audience instead of a passive one.

•

Strategy: Creating audience engagement in print might include promoting a giveaway, an invitation to register for an event or webinar, or even a message that includes a link to your website. Online, engagement can mean surveys, quizzes, prompts or questions for followers to answer, or hashtags for them to use.

•

Language: Informal language creates a more casual and engaging environment for your audience. Action words like “visit,” “click here,” “post,” “comment” and “submit” all encourage your audience to interact. ■

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 51

Best Practice

Business Strategy 3 Elements That Are Often Overlooked in Strategic Projects

Wendy Romeu is president and CEO of Alluvionic, which she founded in 2013 to help businesses achieve their process and system implementation goals. Romeu is the 2019 U.S. Small Business Association Woman-Owned Small Business Person of the Year for the state of Florida and the South Florida District. She can be reached at wromeu@alluvionic.com.

Now is the season when leaders of organizations are planning for the upcoming year’s tactical and strategic plans. These plans usually have specific projects that need to be completed for the strategic vision to be realized. Each of these projects needs careful consideration and has specific baselined sub-plans that need to be considered before they are rolled out.

When executives think about project plans, they are familiar with scope, schedule and cost. Those three elements are extremely important, but here are three additional elements and plans that should be considered that are often overlooked for most projects.

Organizational Change Management Plan

The most-often-forgotten plan in a project is the organizational change

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

— Tim Notke

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management plan. There are several standards that provide structure to organizational change management including, ADKAR®, CMMI® and PMBOK®.

This important project element will identify all of the stakeholders, their roles in the project and the impact the project will have on that stakeholder group. Culture, number of people, internal and external stakeholders, location, organizational structure and regulations are only a few items that need to be considered when preparing the organizational change management plan.

Each organization will have a different set of circumstances and standards.

Communication Management Plan

Once the organizational change management plan has been established, the detailed communication plan can be built. Several questions will need to be answered:

The West Orange Chamber s

•

What are all the means of communication for each stakeholder group? For example, is the messaging pushed out or put somewhere for the stakeholders to retrieve when they want it? What is the appropriate method, such as email, SharePoint, social media, screens in breakrooms, posters or other communication channels?

•

Are there specific groups or people that need more or less communication?

•

When will each group be communicated to and how?

•

Who will send out communications? Who will manage the messages? Who needs to approve the messages?

•

What are the right messages at each point of the project?

The communication management plan needs to consider the culture of each stakeholder group and how those groups get their information. Too much information too often will not work.

Conversely, too little information will not work. This is why the communication management plan needs to be thought out and deliberate.

Steps for SUCCESS Become a West Orange Chamber Member Seize the Opportunities Get Results

Training Plan

Like the communication management plan, the training plan will often support the organizational change management plan.

The training plan, during the planning phase, will often include the high-level groups of people who need to be trained, the timing for this training and the overall approach. This should be communicated to the organization as soon as possible to ensure stakeholders know they will be trained at the appropriate time.

Repeat Daily

As the project progresses, the detailed training plan with actual dates, locations, names and other details will be defined.

Once this detailed plan is established, share it with those who will be trained. This reduces anxiety as the project progresses for those who are not on the project team but will be impacted by the implementation, helping with the acceptance of the change that is being deployed.

These three plans are critical to the success of any significant project, especially one that has strategic importance. If they are not considered, the likelihood of success is diminished significantly. All of these plans should be reviewed and part of the overall project plan, which is baselined at the beginning of the project.

As with all of the plans, there will be adjustments made as the project progresses. These changes need to be reviewed and accepted by the sponsors and the steering committee that originally approved the plan. Communication and transparency will be key for these and all other project plans. ■

Facilitating Opportunity for Over 45 Years

(407) 656-1304 wochamber.com Dr. Phillips | Gotha | Horizon West | Lake Avalon MetroWest | Oakland | Ocoee | Orlo Vista Pine Hills | Windermere | Winter Garden i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 53

Social Entrepreneur

STEM SKILLS

Tech Sassy Girlz Aims to Help Bridge the Gender Gap

I

nspiring young girls to become the innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers of the future is the mission of Dr. Laine Powell, founder and executive director of Tech Sassy Girlz (TSG), a nonprofit organization that encourages middle and high school girls to explore and pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

54 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

By Christa Santos

“More and more careers will require digital and technical skills, and getting girls curious about math and science at a young age gives them a base layer to build upon,” Powell said.

“We are focused on helping these girls become the makers of our future.”

Women are vastly underrepresented in STEM, and bridging the gender gap has become a national priority. Studies reinforce that girls’ interest in STEM peaks in middle school but drops off in high school. Microsoft recently conducted a survey in Europe that found girls gain interest in STEM at age 11 but then lose that interest at age 15. Researchers say one reason is because of societal norms that steer them away from male-dominated fields.

Social Entrepreneur Founded in 2012 under the original name of Collegiate Pathways, Tech Sassy Girlz was created to encourage young women to explore and pursue interests in STEM fields through college preparation, career readiness, mentoring and entrepreneurship. TSG provides free year-round programming for girls through its after-school programs TSG Code and Pearls in Tech as well as internships and mentoring opportunities that are helping prepare girls for highpaying STEM-focused jobs.

By encouraging girls in middle and high school to become interested in STEM, TSG has impacted the lives of more than 800 middle and high school girls and awarded more than $25,000 in STEM scholarships. TSG has successfully placed its Pearls in Tech students in six-week paid internships in the City of Orlando’s information technology department and Central Florida software company AceApplications LLC. Over the years, TSG has conducted hackathons and summer camps in computer science, graphic design, gaming and entrepreneurship. The organization has also organized visits to companies to introduce students to STEM.

8th Annual TSG STEM Day Conference

Defining the Problem

STEM jobs are among the most in demand and highest paid. In the United States, engineering and computing careers earn almost twice as much as the national average. However, there is a significant shortage of women in STEM fields.

By 2026, it is expected that 3.5 million U.S. job openings will be in computingrelated fields. However, the percentage

of female graduates with core STEM degrees is still just 26%.

This figure carries into the STEM workforce, with women making up only 22%. In 2018, the computing workforce was only 3% African American women and 2% Hispanic women. This shows some work needs to be done to encourage young women to both study these subjects and transition into the workforce. Computer science, engineering and technology fields show the largest gender imbalances.

Local Enthusiasm

Gathering November 8 on National STEM Day at the Orlando Science Center, TSG hosted its annual signature

i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 55

Social Entrepreneur

"

We are focused on helping these girls become the makers of our future.

— Dr. Laine Powell

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joins Dr. Laine Powell, at left, and Sara Sidner, CNN national and international correspondent, at right, with the girls

fundraising event, Tea and Bytes, to build corporate support and awareness of its mission. The program is generating national attention.

TSG announced a grant for more than $22,000 from the Nielsen Foundation, as well as a private matching gift of $10,000 from the CEO of a local womanowned technology business.

Funds raised enable TSG to expand its footprint and encourage more girls throughout the region to get involved in STEM. Additional major corporate supporters include Ford, Best Buy, Oracle Academy and Wells Fargo.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer attended the event, praising TSG for its accomplishments and success since its inception.

He offered his continued support of TSG’s career readiness program, Pearls in Tech, tailored for high school girls at select Central Florida high schools, with a curriculum focused on entrepreneurship, graphic design, software development and web design.

TSG is a recipient of the mayor’s Matching Grants Program, which is awarded to schools and nonprofit organizations for projects that offer educational enhancement, academic enrichment, crime 56 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

prevention and anti-violence for the city’s youth.

Transcendence

Capturing the symbolism of the butterfly as its mascot, TSG represents the embodiment of growth and transcendence.

Equally elegant and beautiful, the butterfly symbolizes hope and a new way of ascending to a higher self. Tapping into her higher education and technology background of more than 20 years, Powell is passionate about empowering girls by leveraging technology to address the gender and

diversity gap in STEM. TSG’s humble beginnings started with 40 girls in 2012 at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando. The organization recently reached more than 800 girls with its mobile STEM lab, bringing technology across Orlando. Additionally, the annual Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference in October at the University of Central Florida attracted the interest of more than 500 girls and a waitlist of more than 100.

With the efforts of committed organizations like Tech Sassy Girlz, the faces of STEM are steadily changing.

Working in partnership with parents and teachers to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers, TSG offers a path for women to become more equally represented in STEM fields. The support from grants and corporations make it possible to provide no-cost programming and outreach. ■

Shakera Quince, Amazon; Dr. Laine Powell, Tech Sassy Girlz; Kirc Savage, Amazon; and Courtney Powell, AceApplications

Downtime

Unique experiences for your day off ORLANDO Bronze Museum Collector, philanthropist and entrepreneur Rawlvan Bennett has acquired the largest collection of rare African bronze sculptures in the world over the course of 35 years in his work with African leaders to build schools, hospitals and bridges for West African communities. The result is Bronze Kingdom, an 8,000-square-foot gallery and museum containing more than 2,000 pieces from all over the continent, some dating as far back as the early 1600s. Located in the Fashion Square Mall, Bronze Kingdom’s collection gives unique insight into African culture and art both now and in the past.

www.bronzekingdom.com

EUSTIS The Clifford House – Eustis Historical Museum A graceful, antebellum-style house with a deep porch that extends around two sides, The Clifford House is an 18-room, 4,500-square-foot mansion that dates from 1911, although its history goes back even further. Guilford Davis Clifford, a native of Rome, New York, had planned the home on the eve of the devastating freeze of December 1894 and even worse back-to-back freezes in February 1895.

He started construction in January 1910, and it was built over two years with the finest materials of the time. The home was occupied by three generations of the Clifford family before descendants made it the home of the Eustis Historical Museum. Today, weddings and celebrations are held at the Unity Bell Pavilion, which was dedicated in May 1997.

There is also a citrus museum on the property that contains historical photographs and artifacts from the citrus industry.

www.eustishistoricalmuseum.org/History.asp

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Downtime

ORLANDO The Escape Game Prison breaks. Art heists. Treasure hunts. Pick your adventure, and then spend an hour collaborating with your teammates, finding clues and solving puzzles that will lead you to freedom and victory. The Escape Game Orlando on International Drive offers an immersive experience, with each adventure full of twists and surprises so that it’s never the same game twice. With availability for groups of four to 12 and accommodations for larger groups when needed, bring your friends for a fun night out or your office for an out-ofthe-box team-building exercise.

www.theescapegame.com/orlando

ORLANDO The Orlando Ballet “The nutcracker sits under the holiday tree, a guardian of childhood stories. Feed him walnuts and he will crack open a tale. …” Those were the words of author Vera Nazarian. Every December, The Orlando Ballet presents The Nutcracker at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from December 13 through 23. With live music from the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, this holiday classic has enchanted attendees for years, transporting them into the world of Clara’s dreams, where snowflakes, flowers and sweets dance and the Nutcracker faces the Mouse King. The company will also present two one-hour family versions of the show on December 14 and 21 at 11 am.

www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2019/ nutcracker

ORLANDO The Russian Ballet Orlando Since its debut in Russia in 1892, The Nutcracker has been performed countless times across the world. Central Florida is home to a few world-class productions of this two-act ballet, famous for Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music.

The Russian Ballet Orlando will produce two performances this year: first at the Trinity Prep Theater on December 14 and then at the Lake Eola Amphitheater on December 21. The Lake Eola Amphitheater show will be free for the community to attend, in the hopes that more families will fall in love with this holiday tradition.

www.russianballetorlando.org/shows i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 59

Business Seen

MACF ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S DINNER The Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) held its 28th Annual President’s Dinner and Awards of Excellence on October 24, 2019, at the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. More than 300 attendees filled the space to network and celebrate another year of growth in the manufacturing industry. MACF supports manufacturing companies in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. In addition to recognizing outstanding achievements in manufacturing, the MACF awarded 13 scholarships to students pursuing careers in manufacturing through the Henry Graeber MACF Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Pam Heilmann and Ruth Westrick of Michter’s Distillery and Andrew Lockhart and Kevin Lagos of Insurance Office of America

Don Buckner, CEO and founder of MadeinAmerica.com; Dan Sutter, Central Florida business advisor, FloridaMakes

Marc Brown of Tarps, Etc.

Mike Martucci, Parker Antoine, Dr. Michael Armbruster and Alan Lynch of Orange Technical College; and Keith Hesse of Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson, P.A.

The ladies of Custom Metal Designs celebrate Women in Manufacturing

Bob Ghamandi, owner of HighVac Co.

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Business Seen

Keynote speaker Pam Heilmann, former master distiller at Michter's Distillery

The team from Mercury EPM

The 2019 Henry Graeber MACF Memorial Scholarship Fund honorees

Sherry Reeves, executive director of MACF; Connie Rollberg, PNC Bank and MACF Associate Member of the Year recipient; Shane Hunt, president of MACF and president of HESCO/RLS

Sherry Reeves, executive director of MACF; Deborah and Ned Bowers, Skybolt Aerospace Fasteners, the Small Manufacturer of the Year; and Shane Hunt, president of MACF and president of HESCO/RLS

JBT Aerotech, MACF Large Manufacturer of the Year

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT to Shane Hunt, president of MACF and president of HESCO/RLS; Christian Davidson, MACF director of marketing and communications, and recipient of the 2019 President’s Award of Excellence; and Sherry Reeves, executive director of MACF

press@ i4Biz.com i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 61

Business Seen

GRAND OPENING OF ‘THE OC’ AT NEOCITY To celebrate the completion of their new office spaces, BRIDG and imec joined Osceola County for the grand opening of “The OC” at NeoCity. The daylong event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, technical presentations and a traditional Japanese daruma ceremony.

The four-story structure has space available for lease to innovative companies interested in co-locating at NeoCity.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF OSCEOLA COUNTY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Owned by Osceola County, “The OC” is a new 100,000-square-foot Class A office building, the first of its kind in the East U.S. 192 area.

The event brought together government, industry and community representatives to celebrate this new milestone.

Osceola County Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb addresses the crowd.

BRIDG CEO Chester Kennedy addresses the audience and gives thanks to the event sponsors.

Bert Gyselinckx, imec USA vice president and general manager, shares how the new office space represents expanded opportunities.

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Business Seen

Katrien Marent, vice president of corporate marketing and outreach communication, imec; Tim Giuliani, CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership; Don Fisher, Osceola County manager; Bert Gyselinckx, vice president and general manager, imec USA; Luc Van den hove, president and CEO, imec; Peggy Choudhry, Osceola County commissioner; Viviana Janer, vice chair, Osceola County Commission; Cheryl Grieb, chair, Osceola County Commission; Brandon Arrington, Osceola County commissioner; Fred Hawkins Jr., Osceola County commissioner; Jose Alvarez, City of Kissimmee mayor; Thad Seymour, University of Central Florida interim president; and Chester Kennedy, BRIDG CEO.

Emcees Dr. Jo De Boeck, imec chief strategy officer, and Dr. John J. Callahan, BRIDG vice president of technology, kick off two hours of tech talks focused on technology advancements occurring at NeoCity.

Luc Van den hove, imec president and CEO, discusses how nanoelectronics and digital technologies will shape the world of tomorrow.

Photo credit: Courtesy of BRIDG BRIDG CEO Chester Kennedy addresses the organization’s purpose as a not-for-profit to serve as the catalyst for economic diversification, transforming the region and state with industry impact extending globally.

Elected officials and NeoCity tenants gather for a traditional Japanese daruma ceremony.

As a symbol of perseverance and good luck, the daruma dolls were gifts of encouragement from Tokyo Electron (TEL). Pictured: Alex Oscilowski, president, TEL Technology Center of America; Luc Van den hove, president and CEO, imec; Cheryl Grieb, chair, Osceola County Commission; Chester Kennedy, CEO, BRIDG; Congressman Darren Soto, U.S. House of Representatives; Don Fisher, Osceola County manager. i4Biz.com | DECEMBER 2019 | 63

Watercooler

Stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know

68,000 Enrollment at the University of Central Florida. Other local enrollment figures: Valencia College, 62,000; Seminole State College, 29,900; Full Sail University, 15,000; and Rollins College, 3,100.

1 million

120,000

Number of riders on Disney’s gondola system as of October 29, after its first month in operation.

Number of Starlink satellites the federal government has approved for SpaceX to put into orbit. As of mid-November, there were 117 in space.

ORANGE IS IN THE ROOTS OF OUR ENTIRE Asking price for AREA, WHETHER Winter Park Village, IT’S THE CITRUS which is up for sale by INDUSTRY owners Winter Park OR ORANGE Town Center Ltd. COUNTY OR ORANGE AVENUE, AND The Winter Park WE REALLY Village has become a source and catalyst for WANTED TO growth along the 17/92 BE REFLECTIVE corridor. Due to its centralized location, OF THAT.

$150 million

16,000 Number of degrees UCF awards annually, more than any other university in the state.

200 Number of NBA-size basketball courts that would fit inside the 22-acre exhibit hall in the Orange County Convention Center’s North/South Building.

— Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins, on the team’s new “City Edition” uniforms, which are gray with orange lettering and ORL across the chest.

diverse tenancy, large land footprint and multi-point access, it is in the classification of a trophy asset.

— Lee Zerivitz, managing partner of Winter Park-based City Commercial Source: Orlando Business Journal

64 | DECEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com

WOMEN’S INSPIRED LEADERSHIP

AwardsLuncheon HONORING WOMEN WHO ARE LEADING THE WAY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

MARCH 2020

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION bit.ly/2020Nominations

© 2015 Southwest Airlines Co.

Without a Heart, it’s just a machine.

So in 1971, a little Heart built a different kind of airline—one that made sure everyone could fly.

Everyone has important places to go. So we invented low-fares to help them get there.

To us, you’re not 1A or 17B. You’re a person with a name, like Steve.

Here, we think everyone deserves to feel special, no matter where you sit or how much you fly.

And with all the places we’re going next, we’ll always put you first, because our love of People is still our most powerful fuel.

Some say we do things differently.

We say, why would we do things any other way?

Without a Heart, it’s just a machine.