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

1) Honoring the legacy of Sean DeMartino – We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sean DeMartino, who, alongside Robert Utsey, served as the inaugural chair of the Orlando Economic Partnership in 2017. Sean’s leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for a more collaborative and forward-looking approach to economic development in our region. His commitment to strengthening our business community and advancing opportunity left a lasting impact that will continue to shape Orlando’s growth for years to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy of service and dedication will not be forgotten.

2) Building economic connections in Belgium and the Netherlands – Last week, members of the OEP team traveled to Belgium and the Netherlands alongside partners from Osceola County, the Florida High Tech Corridor, and SelectFlorida to attend imec’s ITF World Conference. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our partnership with imec and connect with companies across the Benelux region in key industries such as semiconductors, optics and photonics, and aerospace that are exploring expansion into the U.S. market. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and building even stronger relationships throughout Belgium and the Netherlands over the coming years. Share the news.

3) Be among the first to register for the 2026 Executive Leadership Mission to Austin – This experience offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with business, civic, and academic leaders shaping Austin’s growth, while gaining insights that can inform our region’s strategy and competitiveness. Participants will explore best practices in talent development, entrepreneurship, regional branding, and build relationships that extend beyond the trip. Sign up here and be sure to join us from September 23-25, 2026.

4) Building Orlando through food, culture & community – Don’t miss the latest episode of The City Playbook with Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group. Our in-depth conversation gets into entrepreneurship, placemaking, restaurant culture, and why restaurants are critical to Orlando’s economic development and community identity. Jason shares his incredible journey from working in the dish pit at his family’s sushi restaurant to building some of Orlando’s most acclaimed restaurants. Tune in and subscribe today. 

5) Congratulations to the class of 2026 – Each spring across the Orlando region we celebrate a remarkable milestone as high school seniors walk across the stage, ready to shape their futures. As they take the next steps, whether into college, career training, the workforce, or service, I hope they are guided by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to continue learning. Our region’s economic vitality depends on the talent, innovation, and drive of our young people who form the foundation for a stronger workforce and a more competitive community. Orlando continues to grow and diversify, and their ideas, skills, and leadership will play a central role in building our global creative capital. 

6) Take the Q2 2026 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey – Powered by OUC – The Reliable One, the Q2 survey is now open, and we’re inviting you to share your perspective. This survey captures how businesses in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties are experiencing current economic conditions. This quarter, we’re taking a closer look at Downtown Orlando exploring its role as an economic driver in the Orlando region and how the urban core is shaping business activity, investment, and growth. Take the survey here.

Programs & Events

PLI Political Leaders Track // June 26 Application Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL

Leadership Orlando Class 111 // August 14 Enrollment Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL

LEADForward Roundtables Fall 2026 Cohort // August 14 Application Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL

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

2026 Executive Leadership Mission to Austin // SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN THE INTEREST LIST – September 23 – 25 // LEARN MORE

ICYMI

U.S. GDP Growth Revised Lower for First Quarter – Wall Street Journal

Centerwell Pharmacy opens Orlando distribution – Orlando Business Journal

FAA oks Blue Origin new Glenn rocket Launches amid Brevard expansion – Orlando Business Journal

Dubai company plans $50M investment at MCO – Orlando Business Journal

Vote for USA Today’s 10 Best – Mall at Millenia

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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