Welcome to the Regional Perspective, where I share stories that bring the Orlando 2045 Vision to life and highlight the progress shaping our region’s future.
1) Announcing the 2026 James B. Greene recipient – Leadership is a defining strength of the Orlando region, and this year, we’re proud to present the James B. Greene Award to Allan E. Keen, chairman and owner of The Keewin Real Property Company. Allan’s decades of influence across real estate, civic leadership, and regional visioning have helped propel Orlando’s growth and positioned our community for long term prosperity. His legacy embodies the spirit of collaboration central to Orlando 2045, aligning leaders, industries, and ideas to build a more resilient and globally competitive region. Read the announcement and share the news.
2) Registration now open for the 2026 Regional Leadership Conference featuring the James B. Greene Award – Presented by Universal Orlando Resort, the Regional Leadership Conference will take place March 27 at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. This conference is the most important event of the year, where we will convene business and civic leaders to assess our progress and accelerate the work required to deliver on Orlando 2045, positioning our region as a global creative capital with a strong talent pipeline, world-class connectivity, and broad-based prosperity. Your presence at this year’s conference matters as we will focus on where we are making progress, where leadership is still required, and how we collectively move from vision to action over the next 20 years. Secure your place now before the event reaches capacity.
3) CoStar report confirms Orlando’s economic momentum – The industry-leading commercial real estate information, analytics and news platform recently published an article highlighting Orlando as one of the strongest job markets in the U.S. throughout 2025, outperforming many large metros, even as national hiring trends cooled. The story, available online to subscribers only, pointed out how population growth remains a key stabilizer with an estimated 21,000 net new residents in 2025. CoStar demonstrated how “steady in-migration and broad-based industry hiring reflect a strengthening economy still shaped by the powerful influence of population expansion, even as mobility patterns shift across the U.S.”
4) Please join me in congratulating Josh D’Amaro – I am excited to see Josh named the next Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective March 18, 2026. As a 28 year Disney veteran and the leader behind the company’s global experiences division, Josh has demonstrated exceptional vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to storytelling and innovation, qualities that have shaped Disney’s worldwide success and enriched countless experiences for residents and visitors in our region. His appointment reflects his remarkable leadership and Disney’s enduring role as a cornerstone of Central Florida’s economy, talent ecosystem, and global identity. We look forward to his continued impact as he steps into this iconic role. Read the company press release here.
5) Strengthening global partnerships: OEP hosts Spanish business delegation – Expanding Orlando’s international connectivity is critical to building a globally competitive economy. Last week, our Economic Development team hosted a business delegation from Valladolid, Spain, a sister city to Orlando. The delegation included representatives from 14 companies across multiple industries who explored opportunities for investment, partnership, and market expansion. Their visit included business engagements with key regional partners, including City of Orlando, Central Florida International Trade Office, Florida High Tech Corridor, and the UCF Business Incubation Program. These connections strengthen Orlando’s global network and advance our goal of becoming an international hub for innovation, trade, and high-value industry.
6) Housing affordability is top of mind for many local businesses, and we want to hear from you – The Q1 2026 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey, powered by Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC – The Reliable One), takes a closer look at how housing impacts business operations, workforce decisions, and growth across the Orlando MSA. Share your experience.
Programs & Events
LEADForward Roundtables – Spring 2026 Cohort // Application Deadline Extended to Jan. 30 // APPLY TODAY
Leadership Orlando Class 110 // Feb. 20 Enrollment Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY
Barbecue in the Park presented by VyStar Credit Union // Feb. 25 // REGISTER AT EARLY BIRD PRICES TODAY
Regional Leadership Conference presented by Universal Orlando Resort // Mar. 27 // REGISTER TODAY
ICYMI
Novartis expanding in Winter Park with advanced manufacturing and healthcare operations – Area Development
Orlando eyes downtown redevelopment district expansion – Orlando Business Journal
SkyWater Technology outlines NeoCity growth strategy following new $1.8B acquisition – Orlando Business Journal
Orlando named one of the 10 Best Cities to Buy a Home in 2026 – Yahoo Finance
Siemens Energy’s Lake Nona investment and innovation hub – Orlando Business Journal
Florida Poly’s Data Science program ranks Top 10 in the U.S. – Florida Polytechnic University
Onward,
Tim Giuliani
ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
