Orlando Economic Partnership

The PoweringFlorida at FPL Illumination Conference was a great opportunity for our team to dive into utility industry trends, industrial projects, and site development. 💡🌱 Abigail Wagner and Jack Bojinov from OEP’s economic development team participated in key sessions to help advance the D.I.R.T. (Development Initiative for Regional Transformation) committee. 🚜 We also built stronger relationships with top partners like Florida Power & Light, Space Florida, and the Florida Department of Commerce. 🙌 Thanks to FPL for the invite—excited for future collaborations! 💼

🚨 Our Q4 Market Update is here! 📊 Check out the key highlights: 🔹 Universal Orlando Resort announces May opening for Epic Universe 🎢 🔹 Both business and consumer sentiment on the rise at year-end 📈 🔹 Unemployment closes out 2024 at a low 3.0% 👏 🔹 Regional employment hits a milestone—1.5M+ jobs 💼 🔹 SunRail ridership sees its third consecutive year of growth 🚉 🔹 Home price growth levels off to a more sustainable pace 🏡 And, as we wrapped up a great year, we’re proud to feature a special front cover to celebrate Orlando Pride's historic win as the first professional sports team in Orlando to take home a major league trophy! 🏆 #UnbelievablyReal✨ Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eaUx529e

🎉 BIG NEWS! 🎉A huge congratulations to Ed Timberlake, the recipient of the 2025 James B. Greene Award from the Orlando Economic Partnership 🏆👏 Ed, Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and a long-time champion of the Orlando region, has been recognized for his unwavering leadership, community service, and incredible dedication to shaping our region's growth and success. ✨ From being a driving force behind the Dr. Phillips Center’s development to his impactful work across multiple sectors, Ed’s vision has truly made our region a better place. We are so lucky to have leaders like Ed who inspire others to keep pushing forward, collaborate, and build a brighter future for everyone in our community. 💪 Join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor and Ed’s incredible contributions! And a huge thank you to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for hosting us, to Katherine Ramsberger and her team and Rena Langley, OEP's Board Chair and so many others that made last night a magical one. 🙌🎉 #UnbelievablyReal✨ Read more: https://bit.ly/3CEN6nx

✨ #UnbelievablyReal ✨

Early bird registration is open for the 2025 Barbecue in the Park – Get ready for Orlando’s top networking event of the year—Barbecue in the Park presented by VyStar Credit Union! Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Luminary Green Park for an evening of BBQ, drinks, and live music. Enjoy delicious food, beer, wine, and spirits while connecting with community and business leaders. New this year, we invite you to experience live music from Hayfire Band, a Florida-based country band with a rich history of performing alongside some of the biggest names in the industry! It’s an unforgettable evening of great tunes and great company. Early bird pricing ends Feb. 11, so take advantage now and secure your spot https://lnkd.in/ebMdcFRi #UnbelievablyReal✨ Lysa M. Barbano Dawn Ofodile

Few spots left to join the LEADForwardSM Roundtables – Are you ready to unlock your full leadership potential? The LEADForwardSM Roundtables program, in partnership with Accendo Leadership Advisory Group, is designed to support high-potential women leaders who are eager to take their careers to the next level. Starting on March 3, this cohort will provide a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded professionals. With just a few spots left, now is the perfect time to apply and take the next step in your leadership journey. Don’t wait—enrollment closes February 3! Learn more and enroll at Orlando.org/LEADForward.

🌞 Big news from Duke Energy Florida! All 10 of our Clean Energy Connection solar sites are now fully operational, marking a major milestone in our commitment to clean energy. From our 2020 filing with the Florida Public Service Commission, we’ve delivered nearly 750 MW of solar power to Florida – from 2022 to 2024 – and we couldn’t be more proud of what this means for the future of energy in the Sunshine State. 🌱 Beyond powering homes and businesses, these solar sites have also sparked economic growth, creating over 1,500 temporary jobs and providing significant tax revenue to local communities. Here's to a brighter, cleaner future for Florida! 🌞💡 #UbelievablyReal✨ Read more: https://bit.ly/3WDUbvb

We are so grateful for our incredible partnership with Orange County and feel lucky to be a part of this vibrant community! 🎉 Congratulations on 200 years of progress, innovation, and making Orange County a place where everyone belongs. From the world-renowned theme parks to the rich cultural landscape, it's an honor to be here and celebrate this historic milestone. Here's to many more years of growth and unity! 🌟 Join in the celebration and share your favorite memories by submitting photos of iconic landmarks or special moments to help tell the story of Orange County: ocfl.net/200 📸

✨ Charles Schwab, one of the nation’s leading financial services firms, is expanding in Maitland, a significant step forward for both the company and the Orlando region. With the purchase of Maitland Summit Park, Schwab is securing space to support future growth and foster a vibrant workplace. This expansion also marks the 200th economic development project announced by the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), a huge milestone for the region! With $3.6 billion in capital investment and nearly 30,000 new jobs, OEP’s efforts are shaping a bright future. #UnbelievablyReal✨ Read more: 🔗https://bit.ly/40NtQ0n

🚆 Brightline’s Orlando-Miami route ended 2024 on a high note with a record-breaking 162,445 riders in December, bringing the total for its first full year to over 1.63 million! 🎉 OEP's SVP of Government Affairs, Bob O'Malley, said that "As the Orlando region’s tourism and residential population continues to grow, so too does the need for diverse and sustainable transportation options, including trains and transit. This achievement by Brightline Trains highlights the critical importance of reimagining and integrating transportation systems that connect residents, visitors, and businesses across the region. This ensures the Orlando region remains competitive on a global scale, fostering long-term economic prosperity and a higher quality of life for generations to come." We’re excited to keep growing with the region and moving people forward! #Brightline #UnbelivablyReal✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/eqrB2ueh