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) Green Ammo establishes first U.S. office in Orlando – Norway-based Green Ammo has selected Orlando for its first U.S. office, reinforcing the region’s position as the modeling, simulation and training capital of the world. The new operation will create 10 high-wage jobs with average salaries of $100,000, 42% higher than the average annual salary in Orange County, and serve as the company’s U.S. hub. Green Ammo develops advanced electronic blank-fire and weapon-effects training systems that help military and security forces train more safely, realistically, and cost-effectively. By locating in Orlando, the company gains access to one of the world’s largest clusters of defense, simulation, and training organizations. Learn more about Green Ammo’s expansion here. Read more.
 

2) Strengthening UK connections – This week, we were honored to recognize the service of outgoing His Majesty’s Consul General Rufus Drabble of the United Kingdom whose work supported Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and welcome incoming Consul General Keith Scott during a special ceremony. The United Kingdom remains Central Florida’s leading source of foreign direct investment, with 59 UK-owned companies employing more than 13,000 people in our region. These strong international partnerships continue to drive investment, innovation, and economic growth across Central Florida. Read more.

3) Investing in innovation – Congratulations to Orange County on the ribbon cutting of its new Innovation Center. This investment reflects our region’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, core to our 2045 Vision of becoming a top 10 innovation hub, creating new opportunities for startups, small businesses and emerging industries that will help shape the region’s future economy. Share the news.

4) Business leaders growing more cautious – Our Q2 2026 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey shows business confidence continuing to soften. Confidence in both company outlooks and the national economy fell to two-year lows, while future expectations weakened across major indicators. Businesses also reported that cost pressures have now surpassed political uncertainty as their top challenge. This quarter’s special focus examined business perceptions of Downtown Orlando. Respondents overwhelmingly view downtown as a safe and welcoming place to do business. At the same time, they identified improvements in public safety as the most important factor for further strengthening downtown’s role in regional economic growth. Download the full report.

5) Orlando’s Olympic momentum – Orlando’s growing reputation as a global sports and events destination reached another milestone with the announcement that our region has been selected as an Olympic qualifying city for flag football, beach volleyball, climbing and park skateboarding.  Orlando is the only location in the United States, and one of just four cities worldwide, chosen to host these prestigious qualifying events. This distinction will bring athletes, officials, media and spectators from around the globe to our region, generating significant economic impact while showcasing Orlando to an international audience. More importantly, it reinforces our emergence as a global creative capital, a place where innovation, technology, storytelling, sports and world-class experiences converge. As the road to the Olympic Games runs through Orlando, the world will have another opportunity to see firsthand why our region continues to attract talent, investment and opportunity on a global scale. Congratulations to Greater Orlando Sports Commission, City of Orlando, and Orange County for this tremendous accomplishment and regional win. Read the NBC Sports story.

6) Orlando’s growing global brand taps into FIFA World Cup fever – Orlando City SC’s signing of 2018 World Cup champion Antoine Griezmann further elevates Orlando’s international profile. Global visibility through sports, events and culture helps attract talent, visitors and investment, supporting the Orlando 2045 Vision’s goal of enhancing the region’s global competitiveness. Find out when you can see Griezmann on the pitch.

7) Leadership Orlando’s Listening to Leaders Series returns –  Please join us Friday, August 21, as Eddy Moratin, CEO of Lift Orlando, and Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, join moderator Bill Dymond, chairman of Lowndes, for a candid fireside chat exploring the groundbreaking public-private school model established in the 32805 zip code. The discussion will focus on what it takes to align civic leadership around a shared vision for student success. As a member of the Leadership Orlando community, we want you in the room. Email Nate.Edmund@orlando.org for more information.

8) Be sure to tune into WFTV for Central Florida Decides – The candidates for Orange County mayor will face off in a debate hosted by Channel 9 on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. Chris Messina, Stephanie Murphy, Tiffany Moore-Russell and Mayra Uribe will take part as voters hear from the candidates on the issues shaping Orange County’s future. Don’t miss this live, televised debate, moderated by veteran journalists Martha Sugalski and Greg Warmoth. Mark your calendars to watch.

9) Share your perspective on GOAA’s community impact – UCF’s College of Business and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is seeking your input and opinions about GOAA’s role in the Central Florida community. I encourage you to take their short survey that aims to understand public awareness of GOAA, perceptions of its regional role, and opportunities to strengthen community engagement. The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete, and you can find it by clicking here.

Programs & Events

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

Listening to Leaders: Leading Through Innovation // August 21 // Participation open to Leadership Orlando Graduates ONLY // Questions? Nate.Edmund@orlando.org

2026 Executive Leadership Mission to Austin, presented by Travel + Leisure – Sept. 23-25 // Early Bird ends Friday, July 31 or when capacity is reached // REGISTER TODAY // Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Katie.Thomason@orlando.org

ICYMI

Travel + Leisure Co. adds premier resort destinations and expands owner base by over 10% with the acquisitions of Yes& Vacations and Spinnaker Resorts 

Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, returns to the Orlando Region

New survey shows softening confidence in Orlando’s business community, with downtown safety as top concern – Orlando Shine

2026 Fast 50 revealed: These are Central Florida’s fastest-growing companies – Orlando Business Journal

Travel + Leisure Co. acquires 23 timeshare resorts in $343M deal – Orlando Business Journal

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy sports company given incentives to move to downtown Orlando – 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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