Press Release

Orlando Economic Partnership Receives National 2023 Chamber of the Year Award

The Orlando region’s economic and community development organization was named the top organization of its kind in the nation at the annual ACCE Conference.

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Orlando, Fla. – The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) names the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) as the 2023 Chamber of the Year. The announcement came at the ACCE conference in Salt Lake City, Utah this week.

Chamber of the Year is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry. It honors exceptional chambers that have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, economic prosperity, and quality of life.

“The Orlando Economic Partnership is honored to receive this national distinction.”

OEP President and CEO Tim Giuliani

“It recognizes the importance of our work to advance the benefits of our region’s growth to everyone who lives, works, learns, and plays in Central Florida,” said OEP President and CEO Tim Giuliani.

Noted for its innovation, adaptability, and community leadership, the OEP was chosen over finalists Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Portland Business Alliance.

“This award is a testament to the Partnership’s commitment to seizing the moment, to grow and diversify an economy that works for everyone,” said Market President for Florida Blue’s Central Florida region and OEP Board Chair Tony Jenkins.

“The OEP is now nationally recognized for its critical role as a convener and catalyst for broad-based, positive, and inclusive growth.”

Market President for Florida Blue’s Central Florida region and OEP Board Chair Tony Jenkins

“Our business model aligns with being very mission-driven, which allows us to take on the big priorities of the region,” Giuliani said. “We adopted strategic foresight as a competency and as a process. As a result, we were able to develop many innovative and impact-driving programs and initiatives, including our digital twin of Orlando that we’re already using today for marketing purposes to help generate investment in the region. We are now talking to companies about how we use it as a critical resource for making decisions about the future of our region.”

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The Chamber of the Year award involves a multi-stage process, which includes dynamic benchmarking, application, and interview. During the first two stages, chambers compete against the numbers. As finalists, they compete against other chambers within their category.

“Chambers of commerce play an increasingly vital role in promoting regional prosperity,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Earning this pinnacle achievement reflects their commitment and drive to ensure the vibrancy of their communities and organizational success.”

“Congratulations to the Orlando Economic Partnership for its outstanding leadership, dedication to its community and serving as a role model for the chamber profession.”

ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly

ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Jennifer Marcial Ocasio at 407-902-0221 or jennifer.marcial@orlando.org.

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About the Orlando Economic Partnership

The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is seizing the moment to advance Broad-based Prosperity®. Through the power of partnerships, we grow the economy, drive investment, improve competitiveness and fuel regional leadership. Learn why Orlando is Unbelievably Real™ at InvestOrlando.org.

About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the women and men who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security, and access to a network of peers.