Orlando Economic Partnership

08/28/2026

What can Orlando learn from Austin?

In this week’s Regional Perspective, Tim Giuliani is in Austin ahead of next month’s leadership mission with 100 Orlando leaders focused on economic competitiveness.

Also this week: Hernon Manufacturing celebrates its expansion in Sanford, and we take a closer look at Amendment 3 and what it could mean for local governments, services and quality of life across Central Florida.

Watch the latest update and learn more at Orlando.org

08/28/2026

There’s still time to apply for the 2026 Orlando Tech Grant!

The City of Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership are investing $65,000 to support programs strengthening Orlando’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Organizations can apply for:
🔥 Ignite Grants: $1,500–$3,000
🚀 Capability Catalyst Grants: $8,000–$15,000

From meetups and mentorship to talent development and larger technology initiatives, these grants are designed to help Orlando’s innovation community grow.

⏰ NEW DEADLINE: September 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Learn more and apply: https://orlando.org/l/orlando-tech-community/orlando-tech-community-grant-program/?_gl=1*1pcmwvy*_gcl_au*MTExMTU3MTkxOS4xNzg0NjQ5MDk4*_ga*NjI2NDY0NDIxLjE3NzY4NzAxNzI.*_ga_K4HVQZ9CVF*czE3ODc5MjMzMjckbzE0OSRnMSR0MTc4NzkyMzMzMyRqNTQkbDAkaDA.

08/28/2026

What does Orlando have that other major U.S. cities don’t?

KPMG had options when deciding where to make one of its most significant investments. Orlando won.

On the latest The City Playbook, Isaac Juarez, Managing Partner of KPMG Orlando, joins OEP President & CEO Tim Giuliani to reveal what drove that decision—and how KPMG’s presence has grown to nearly 1,000 employees serving clients nationwide.

From KPMG Lakehouse and Orlando’s talent pipeline to AI, workforce development, and the future of professional services, there’s a lot packed into this conversation.
Hear directly from KPMG about why Orlando stood out.

Watch the full episode here:

Why did one of the world's largest professional services firms choo...

08/26/2026

Before we head to Austin, we’re bringing a piece of Austin to Orlando.

On September 1, Thom Singer of the Austin Technology Council will join our delegation to share the story behind Austin’s rise as one of the world’s leading technology hubs.

From its roots as a college and government town to decades of growth and innovation, Thom will give our delegation valuable context ahead of our upcoming trip to Central Texas.

It’s the perfect way to get ready for Austin.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Leadership Orlando Alumni on the successful return of Listening to Leaders!

Nearly 100 leaders from across Central Florida joined Eddy Moratin of LIFT Orlando and Dr. Maria Vazquez of Orange County Public Schools for a powerful conversation moderated by Bill Dymond of Lowndes.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the relaunch a success. This is only the beginning, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Hernon® Manufacturing Inc. on the grand opening of its expanded Sanford facility!

Hernon invested $2.8 million in the new 13,000-square-foot facility, expanding its manufacturing footprint in Seminole County to meet rising product demand and increase operational efficiency.

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Hernon, the City of Sanford, and Seminole County and look forward to the company’s continued growth in the Orlando region.

Learn more: https://news.orlando.org/blog/hernon-manufacturing-inc-expands-operations-in-sanford-with-new-facility/

08/24/2026

More growth for advanced manufacturing in the Orlando region.

Hernon Manufacturing Inc. is investing $2.8 million to expand its Sanford operations with a new 13,000-square-foot facility dedicated to growing production of dispensing systems and UV curing equipment.

The expansion builds on Hernon’s decades-long presence in Seminole County and strengthens the Orlando region’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.

Read more: https://news.orlando.org/blog/hernon-manufacturing-inc-expands-operations-in-sanford-with-new-facility/

The Seminole County-based company is investing $2.8 million in its new facility, adding 13,000 square. ft. to grow dispensing systems and UV curing equipment production.

08/24/2026

A big thank you to Isaac Juarez, Managing Partner of KPMG Orlando, for joining OEP President & CEO Tim Giuliani and sharing his perspective on KPMG’s investment in Orlando, KPMG Lakehouse and the region’s continued growth.

The conversation also explores AI, workforce development, talent and what makes Orlando an increasingly competitive destination for business.

We appreciate Isaac taking the time to join us for this conversation.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCwlbdsHXpE

08/23/2026

This week’s Regional Perspective highlights major wins across the Orlando region.

From celebrating local election victories and Public Leadership Institute graduates advancing through the primaries, to Magics Technologies establishing its U.S.
headquarters in Osceola County and new support for Orlando’s growing tech ecosystem, there’s plenty of momentum across Central Florida.

Learn more at Orlando.org.

08/21/2026

From PLI graduate to elected office — and now back to share his experience with the next generation of public leaders.

We were honored to welcome Florida State Representative Leonard Spencer as a guest speaker for the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Public Leadership Institute's Civic Leaders Class.

Thank you, Rep. Spencer, for investing your time and perspective in our current PLI class today!