In the News - October 2024

October Member Spotlight

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Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast

On Wednesday, September 11, CFHLA hosted our annual Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Orlando (Thank you Paul Joseph, General Manager).

The breakfast, which was sponsored by Radio One, honored the memories of those who were lost or affected due to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In addition, CFHLA recognized the heroism and bravery of our local law enforcement, EMS, and fire rescue, as well as hospitality personnel for their incredible service and actions above and beyond in the line of duty.

This year, we were honored to welcome nearly 600 attendees, including 160 first responders from across the Central Florida region. A special thank you to Ocoee Fire Department Chief Thomas Smothers for serving as our 2024 Honorary Chair, retired FAA Air Trafic Control Manager Rick Kettell for serving as our key note speaker and Nancy Alvarez of WESH-2 News for serving as our emcee.

A complete video from this week's Remembrance Breakfast will be available by clicking HERE, courtesy of our partners at Orange TV. Be sure too check out next week's Back of House and our social media channels, for a photo album from the event.

CFHLA Board Retreat & After Hours Networking

On Wednesday, September 25, our CFHLA Board of Directors held its September Board Meeting followed by our Business After Hours Networking Reception at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando. CFHLA wants to thank General Manager Robert Bray and his team for hosting both events. The Board Meeting was sponsored by Minuteman Press Sand Lake.

Barb Bowden, Area Managing Director of Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, is the CFHLA Board Chair. Ms. Bowden and the Board of Directors reviewed the progress the CFHLA team has made during 2024 to achieve a wide range of goals identified in our 5 Year Strategic Plan. The board also

prepared for an upcoming Board Retreat to be held in October.

The Visit Orlando team, led by President and CEO Casandra Matej, Chief Sales Officer Lisa Messina and Chief Marketing Officer Danielle Hollander, gave CFHLA Board members an update on the status of tourism in Central Florida. Visit Orlando says tourists continue to visit Central Florida at a healthy pace, and there is a lot of excitement for the tourism and hospitality industries as we look ahead to 2025.

The Business After Hours Networking event Wednesday evening was sponsored by Earl Roach and his team at A&E Hospitality Solutions. CFHLA President and CEO Robert Agrusa welcomed nearly 150 members to the After Hours event.

CFHLA honored and recognized Lodging Members of the Month for July, August and September, 2024. The July Lodging Member of the Month is Benjamin McCarney, General Manager of the Grand Bohemian Orlando. The August Lodging Member of the Month is Lonnie Williams, DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. The September Lodging Member of the Month is Graham Parker, Hilton Vacation Club Aqua Sol Orlando West.

CFHLA also recognized Allied Members of the Month for July, August and September, 2024. The July recipient is David Grimes, ABC Home and Commercial Services. The August recipient is Stefanie Mizrahi with Addition Financial. Melanie Becker with Universal Orlando Resort is the September Allied Member of the Month.

CFHLA wants to thank the Business After Hours vendors CoAqua, Barista Cup, Liv's Gourmet Pickles, and Kombucha 221 BC for making delicious food and drinks available to the After Hours attendees.