Welcome to this week’s regional perspective, where we highlight key developments in Orlando, including Falcon’s Creative Group’s 25th anniversary, 302 Interactive’s expansion, SunRail’s progress, the LATAM Trade Show, Orange County’s Vision 2050 planning, and other news you will want to share with your networks.
1) Orlando’s unicorn Falcon’s Creative Group celebrates 25 years – Falcon’s Creative Group, one of Orlando’s unicorns, is celebrating an incredible 25 years of creativity and innovation. I was able to share in the celebration when Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings proclaimed February 1st Falcon’s Beyond Day in Orange County to honor this milestone. As a proud partner of Falcon’s, OEP is excited to continue supporting their expansion and success, recognizing their significant impact on Orlando’s economy and global creativity. Here’s to 25 years of remarkable achievements—and many more to come! Stay tuned as Falcon’s celebrates all year long. See more here.
2) Celebrating 302 Interactive continuous success – For over 10 years, 302 Interactive has been a leader in creating innovative, interactive media by blending game design and emerging technologies to craft engaging, playful experiences. OEP’s economic development team recently assisted the company in relocating its headquarters to downtown Orlando. A big thank you to the City of Orlando and CBRE for their support on this project. We’re excited about the upcoming initiatives and the opportunity to help strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem.
3) City of Orlando and Seminole County commit funding to advance SunRail expansion – The Orlando region is taking a significant step toward improving its transportation infrastructure. The City of Orlando’s recent approval of $6 million will fund a critical study for the Sunshine Corridor project, which aims to extend SunRail to Orlando International Airport (MCO), International Drive, and Disney Springs. This ambitious plan will explore the feasibility of a seamless rail connection, offering travelers a fast, convenient route between the airport and the theme parks. Seminole County has also pledged $500,000 to support the initiative, which promises to ease traffic congestion, enhance the region’s tourism appeal, and provide a sustainable travel option for both locals and visitors. This project could significantly improve the travel experience for millions in the Orlando region. Read more about Seminole’s vote here and the City of Orlando here.
4) D.I.R.T. initiative enhances regional growth and competitiveness – Site readiness and development are key to the OEP’s economic strategy, especially as available sites in the Orlando region continue to dwindle. To address this, we launched the Development Initiative for Regional Transformation (D.I.R.T.), focused on expanding the region’s inventory of ready commercial and industrial sites. Through D.I.R.T., we’re working with partners to identify, enhance, and market properties at all stages of readiness. Recently, we held our first meeting and began collaborating with Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program to strengthen our infrastructure. With over 375 sites assessed and more than 156 companies established through Duke’s Readiness Program, we’re excited to work with them and continue expanding our site inventory and ensuring the Orlando region’s future competitiveness. Thanks to everyone who participated and to Duke Energy for their support. Stay tuned for more updates in 2025! See more here.
5) LATAM Trade Show in Orlando highlights growing international trade ties – For the second year in a row, the 2025 LATAM Trade Show, held this week in Orlando, hosted nearly 150 companies, including companies from Mexico, Colombia, and Dominican Republic. The event underscored our region’s growing connections to Latin America and the importance of international trade to our economy. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings highlighted the county’s economic progress, reporting that in 2023, Orange County reached over $3.9 billion in export trade—surpassing pre-pandemic export levels by $400 million. International trade is critical to local industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, life sciences, optics and photonics. Our economic development team worked closely with the National Entrepreneur Center and and Central Florida International Trade Office to welcome these companies. Mayor Demings also expressed confidence that the event would foster valuable business relationships, helping to drive future growth and investment in the Orlando region. See more here.
6) Help shape Orange County’s future with Vision 2050 – This week, Orange County kicked off the Vision 2050 process, a long-term plan to guide the county’s growth over the next 25 years. The initiative focuses on preserving neighborhoods, protecting natural spaces, promoting walkability, and prioritizing affordable housing to create a more sustainable, inclusive community. As part of this effort, the county is updating zoning rules with the new Orange Code, encouraging mixed-use, walkable areas for people to live, work, and play. Growth will be strategically directed to key areas in unincorporated Orange County, including the I-Drive corridor and near the University of Central Florida. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of our county. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and watch Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s video explaining the vision behind this important initiative. Read more about Vision 2050.
7) Hispanic Business Advocacy Committee event discusses our region’s legislative priorities – This week, OEP’s Bob O’Malley, SVP of Government Affairs, participated in the Legislative Outlook Event hosted by the Hispanic Business Advocacy Committee. O’Malley shared key insights on legislative priorities, including the expansion of SunRail and Brightline, as well as initiatives aimed at driving the Orlando region’s economic growth and improving connectivity. The event also highlighted critical issues such as affordable housing, economic development strategies, and the Tourist Development Tax. Panelists, including O’Malley and experts from Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), GrayRobinson, and Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA), discussed proposed job creation measures, infrastructure investments, and zoning laws affecting housing. Attendees left with valuable updates on tax incentives for small businesses and transportation projects like the Sunshine Corridor. It was an informative and engaging session that provided important updates for businesses and professionals across the region. See more here.
8) AdventHealth plans new cancer care center in Winter Garden – AdventHealth announced plans for a new medical office building in Winter Garden focused on cancer care. This new development complements AdventHealth’s ongoing $145 million expansion of its Winter Garden hospital, which will add 105,000 square feet to the facility, set to be completed by 2026. The expansion aims to enhance cancer care services and further strengthen the health system’s presence in the region. As a one of OEP’s Champions of Broad-based Prosperity®, we are happy to see AdventHealth’s continuous growth. Read more here.
9) Eagles celebrate at Disney World, putting the Orlando region in the global spotlight – This week, I had the opportunity to witness the excitement firsthand as Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts celebrated the team’s victory leading a parade down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s iconic partnership with the NFL, which began in 1987, has made the phrase “I’m going to Disney World!” synonymous with post-Super Bowl celebrations. This tradition brings unmatched exposure to Disney, with millions of viewers watching the joyful parade each year, reinforcing the park’s image as the ultimate destination for celebration. The event drew thousands to the Orlando area, benefiting local hospitality and retail sectors, and reinforcing the Orlando region’s status as a premier destination for major events and tourism. Congratulations to Disney, one of OEP’s Champions of Broad-based Prosperity®, and thanks to Rena Langley, SVP of Communications and Public Affairs at Walt Disney World and OEP’s board chair, for the invitation. See more here.
Programs & Events
Leadership Orlando Class 108 – Deadline to Enroll Extended // February 21 // ENROLL TODAY
2025 Barbecue in the Park presented by VyStar Credit Union // February 25 // Luminary Green Park // REGISTER TODAY
2025 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip // May 12-14 // SAVE THE DATE
ICYMI
Economic Outlook Why experts expect 2025 to be a better year for Orlando – Orlando Business Journal
Super Bowl boosts local economy with millions in revenue – Wesh 2 News
Full Sail grads get Grammys for work on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter,’ more – OrlandoInno
New German flight leads Orlando company to add jobs here – Orlando Business Journal
Orlando’s first immersive theme park to open in a decade is going to be a foodie paradise – Business Insider
OUC plugs into Orlando energy startup – OrlandoInno
Creative Village mixed-use building moves forward in downtown Orlando – Orlando Business Journal
NASA payload among 8 Space Coast launches in February – OrlandoInno
Orlando airport adds 9 flights despite passenger dip – Orlando Business Journal
Lockheed Martin lands major U.S. Navy contract, hundreds of jobs for Space Coast – OrlandoInno
Onward,
