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.

1) Remembering Charlie Gray – The entire Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) organization expresses our sadness at the loss of Charlie Gray, a respected leader whose vision and dedication greatly influenced Orlando’s growth and community development. As a longtime chairman of our organization, Charlie led countless projects and recruitment efforts that brought jobs, prosperity, and opportunity to Central Florida. His leadership was instrumental in building the economic foundation that supports our vibrant community today. He was a recipient of the James B. Greene Award and even helped develop that award in honor of his friend. Just this past Fall, Charlie came to the OEP to speak to our Public Leadership Institute participants sharing his wisdom and insights into how we build a strong community. His fingerprints can be found throughout the history of our region, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of the OEP, I offer heartfelt condolences to the GrayRobinson firm and Charlie’s entire family. Read more about Charlie’s contributions to the region.

2) Gearing up for Economic Development Week – Next week, we spotlight economic development in action, celebrating the tangible results driving our region forward. Throughout the week, we’ll highlight the projects, partnerships, and strategies that have delivered jobs, investment, and long-term competitiveness over the past nine years. From site readiness and infrastructure to workforce alignment and global outreach, the focus is on how intentional regional collaboration turns vision into outcomes. Project wins, announcements, and regional storytelling connect today’s momentum to the Orlando 2045 vision. Let’s celebrate progress, thank our partners, and reinforce how economic development delivers real value to the Orlando region’s communities and future. Learn more.

3) OEP hosts UAE Consul General to advance global investment ties – The OEP welcomed H.E. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, the new Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Miami, along with members of the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council as part of a statewide visit aimed at strengthening economic and commercial partnerships. OEP COO Danielle Permenter, VP of Research & Strategy Neil Hamilton, and Director of Economic Development Derek Ephrem joined regional business and civic leaders in discussions centered on expanding bilateral investment opportunities in high growth sectors including artificial intelligence, healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and more. With the UAE committing $1.4 trillion in U.S. investment over the next decade, the FDI opportunity is clear. This is how regions become global creative capitals. View photos here.  

4) Attracting high-impact productions to strengthen our production economy – Eligible film, television, and commercial productions seeking to film in Orange County can now apply for performance-based incentives designed to support projects that generate local economic impact through job creation, vendor utilization, and in-region spending. The incentive program is structured to prioritize projects that demonstrate measurable economic return, with awards tied to qualified expenditures within the county. Production companies can apply through the online portal and access program guidelines here. 

5) Orlando MSA Market Update now available – This quarter’s update highlights new data showing Orlando again led the state in job growth in 2025, even as growth now slows and consumer spending softens. Meanwhile, U.S. economic growth in 2026 is forecast to moderately surpass the 2.1% recorded in 2025 as increased business investment offsets a projected slowdown in consumer spending. Read the full update.  

6) MRO Americas showcases Orlando’s strength in aviation maintenance – MRO Americas, one of the world’s leading aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul events, brought together the top aerospace companies, suppliers, and industry decision-makers at the Orange County Convention Center last week. The conference gave members of our team, including Senior Director of Economic Development Tracy Garcia and Associate Director of Economic Development Pedro de Melo Rodrigues, the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and reinforce Orlando’s position as a competitive hub for aviation and advanced manufacturing. With a strong talent pipeline, robust infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation, Orlando continues to stand out as companies consider where to grow and invest. Share the news.

7) Strengthening Florida’s manufacturing recruitment at IAMC – Last week, the Orlando Economic Partnership participated in the IAMC Spring 2026 Forum in Little Rock, Arkansas, where corporate real estate and site selection leaders gathered to discuss the forces shaping industrial growth and global investment decisions. Our economic development team attended in support of statewide efforts to recruit advanced manufacturing companies to the Orlando region and across Florida. Engagement at IAMC helps elevate the region with site selectors and decision-makers driving major manufacturing projects and long-term job creation. 

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) In addition to meetings with members of Florida’s Congressional delegation, the trip will include an opening night reception at Lockheed Martin’s Fighter Demonstration Center (FDC) where attendees will have an opportunity to experience a flight simulator for the F 35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) and the F 22 Raptor.

Leadership Orlando Alumni Association – Stay connected, continue leading, and help shape what’s next for our region // LEARN MORE & JOIN TODAY

ICYMI

Gen Z fled San Francisco for Texas and Florida – Fortune 

South Korea’s Smart Radar Systems eyes Florida HQ in NeoCity – Orlando Business Journal

Aerospace firm invests up to $20M in Central Florida facility – Orlando Business Journal

Public firm quadruples its office space with downtown Orlando move – Orlando Business Journal

Florida Governor launches state funding for vertiports for aerial commutes – NBC Miami

SunRail ridership hits five-year high as demand climbs – Orlando Business Journal

Lake Nona West lifestyle center adds 4 new retailers ahead of summer opening – 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.

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