Welcome to the Orlando Regional Perspective, where I share stories that bring the Orlando 2045 Vision to life and highlight the progress shaping our region’s future.

This week, I’m writing from this year’s Regional Leadership Conference featuring the James B. Greene Award and presented by Universal Orlando Resort. More on that next week.

1) NSF awards major semiconductor funding – The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Florida Semiconductor Engine, the only NSF Engine with a focus on semiconductors in the entire country, has advanced to Phase 2, unlocking up to $45 million over three years to accelerate semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and industry growth. This momentum directly supports the Orlando 2045 vision of becoming a nationally recognized innovation hub, strengthening the region’s competitiveness and long-term economic resilience. Congratulations to the coalition, it’s an honor partnering with you. Read more. 

2) Celebrating local founders: Worth AI secures significant funding – Congratulations to Sal Rehmetullah and Suneera Madhani, two entrepreneurs who’ve already build an Orlando unicorn company, on their major fundraising milestone for Worth AI. The co-founders of Stax continue to elevate Orlando’s entrepreneurial profile, reinforcing the region’s rise as a place where high-growth companies start, scale, and thrive. Their success echoes our commitment to nurturing a world-class innovation economy and proves why Florida is the third-largest cluster of insurance and banking companies in the U.S. Read more from the Orlando Business Journal.

3) Orlando’s green advantage highlighted by Travel + Leisure – New analysis highlights one of the region’s greatest, and sometimes most overlooked strengths: abundant green space. According to BookRetreats, Orlando has more green space per resident than any other major U.S. city, offering an impressive 2,777 square feet of greenery per person. With more than 148 parks and natural areas, from Lake Eola Park in the heart of downtown to the UCF Arboretum and the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, Orlando’s commitment to accessible outdoor spaces enhances wellness, supports vibrant urban living. Read more.

4) Showcasing Orlando on the global stage – Last night’s Colombia vs. Croatia international soccer match at Camping World Stadium put Orlando in the global spotlight once again, demonstrating the region’s growing influence as a premier destination for major sporting events. Beyond the excitement on the field, matches like this highlight why Camping World Stadium is a crucial regional asset, driving international tourism, generating significant economic activity, and showcasing the vibrant energy of our city to audiences around the world. Congratulations to the winners! 

5) Last Chance: Q1 2026 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey – There’s still time to complete the Q1 2026 Business Conditions Survey, powered by OUC – The Reliable One. This quarterly snapshot provides early insights into the region’s economic climate, with this edition placing special focus on housing affordability and its impact on business performance. Take the survey now. 

6) Celebrating Orlando’s creative legacy – As Orlando advances toward its vision of becoming a global creative capital, the centennial celebration of Orlando Family Stage showcases the region’s rich creative roots. During a one-night-only alumni concert, held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Art on April 2, and presented by one of our Champions for Broad-based Prosperity, the University of Central Florida, performers who launched their careers in Orlando and now shine on Broadway, television, and film will be featured. It’s a reminder that Orlando has been cultivating world class talent for a century, with an even brighter creative future ahead. Learn more.

Programs & Events

2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip presented by BakerHostetler & supported by TECO // May 19-21 // REGISTER TODAY (Open to OEP Investors at the Ambassador, Director, and Governors Council levels ONLY)

ICYMI

AdventHealth announces 2026 Community Impact Grant application window will open on March 30, 2026 – AdventHealth

UCF’s College of Medicine Exceeds Nation’s Match Placement Rate – UCF

What young workers are doing to AI-proof themselves – Wall Street Journal

Young graduates face the grimmest job market in years – New York Times

Lynx moves to buy 20+ acres in Osceola County – Orlando Business Journal

About the Author

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By Tim Giuliani President & CEO

Tim Giuliani is a national leader in growing cities that deliver economic growth. His approach is centered on the powerful concept that making investments to build a place where people want to live and visit will attract the companies where people want to work.  As President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, his leadership has helped attract over 30,000 new jobs, $3.6 billion in capital investment, and $3.3 billion in annual payroll. Tim’s collaborative work with elected, higher education, and private sector leaders led to the investment of $500 million in investment into the Florida semiconductor cluster. Giuliani's work to advance broad-based prosperity is focused on cultivating civic leadership and bringing those leaders together to align around the long-term opportunities and challenges that face metro communities.

More articles by Tim Giuliani