The 2025 Economic and Workforce Development Applied Research Awards recognize outstanding research initiatives that serve as catalysts for economic, workforce, and community transformation.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) accepted the national 2025 Data Analytics Award from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and the Labor Market Information Institute (LMI) during this month’s Economic and Workforce Development Applied Research Awards ceremony.
The OEP was recognized for its outstanding work on the Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey — powered by OUC The Reliable One— an ongoing initiative open to businesses across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties.
The survey plays a vital role in shaping programs and strategies that respond to the region’s evolving economic and workforce needs.
Neil Hamilton, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the OEP received the award at the 65th Annual C2ER + LMI Institute Conference, a premier national gathering of economic and workforce development research professionals.
The Data Analytics Award honors innovative projects that leverage data collection, analysis, or visualization in a way that generates meaningful impact for communities or organizations. The OEP was recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing a data-driven strategy that strengthens the Orlando region’s approach to community, economic, and workforce development.
This marks a significant milestone for the OEP and the Research and Strategy team, as it represents national recognition from one of the most respected organizations in the economic and workforce research field. C2ER is a trusted authority known for advancing data-driven research that supports regional strategies aligned with each area’s unique industry and workforce strengths.
“This national award is a wonderful endorsement of the research capability we’re building in Orlando. I’m particularly appreciative it recognizes our commitment to primary research and to hearing directly from the local business base, which is critical to understanding what is really happening in the Orlando economy,” said Hamilton.
Neil Hamilton,
OEP’s Vice President of Research and Strategy
The Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey stood out for its collaborative execution, innovative use of applied research, and measurable impact on regional strategy. Judges evaluated projects based on their contribution to development research, innovation, scalability, and overall benefit to communities. Hamilton’s work delivered actionable insights that not only addressed a clear regional need but also created an adaptable model that can be replicated by other economic development organizations across the country.
This national recognition affirms the importance of the work we do at the OEP to collect and apply data that drives informed decision-making.
Tim Giuliani,
OEP’s
President and CEO
“The Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey is a prime example of how we turn local business insights into strategic action that benefits the entire region. Congratulations to Neil for his leadership and to our entire team for their continued commitment to delivering data with purpose.”
The OEP’s recognition positions the Orlando region at the forefront of data innovation in economic development. To learn more about the OEP’s research initiatives, visit Orlando.org/research.
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