Orlando Economic Partnership

05/30/2026

Building a stronger Orlando region requires learning, collaboration, and leadership.

That’s why we’re inviting regional leaders to join our Executive Leadership Mission to Austin this September. These missions help us learn from other markets, explore new ideas, and bring back strategies that support economic growth and opportunity across Central Florida.

We’re also grateful to our partners from Osceola County, the Florida High Tech Corridor, and SelectFlorida for joining our team in Belgium and the Netherlands. Together, we connected with companies exploring U.S. expansion and highlighted the strengths that make the Orlando region a global destination for innovation.

We also pause to honor the legacy of Sean DeMartino, the Orlando Economic Partnership’s first Board Chair. His vision and leadership helped establish the foundation for the work we continue today. Our condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

05/29/2026

🎥 We would like to send a special thank you to Full Sail University for its continued investment in Central Florida's film industry.

From helping shape the Orange County Film Incentive Program through the film incentive working group to supporting the Florida Film Festival for more than 20 years, Full Sail has helped create opportunities for filmmakers, students, and creative professionals throughout our region.

Recently, our own Brooke Hill, Orlando Film Commissioner, joined Full Sail University's Taking Flight podcast to discuss the story behind the Orange County Film Incentive Program and what it means for the future of film production in Central Florida.

Watch the full conversation and learn more about the partnerships helping Orlando's creative economy thrive.

🎬 Watch now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C15PyagZtb0

05/27/2026

"Attending PLI should be at the very top of every potential candidate’s ‘to do’ list. It was for me." - Representative David Smith, Florida House of Representatives, District 38

If you have ever considered running for office, this is where that journey should start. The Political Leaders Track of the Public Leadership Institute (PLI) helps aspiring leaders explore candidacy, build knowledge, and prepare for what comes next.

Applications are now open. Deadline is June 26.
Apply today: https://orlando.org/l/public-leadership-institute/

05/26/2026

We’re excited to share the 2026 Global Orlando Report, OEP’s latest Research & Strategy publication highlighting Orlando’s rise as a globally connected economy.

Key insights:
• 23% of residents were born overseas, the fastest-growing foreign-born population of any large U.S. region
• 340+ foreign-owned companies from 30+ countries support ~40,000 jobs
• $27.4B in global trade (2024), up 39% from pre-pandemic levels
• $2.7B in foreign direct investment over the past decade

These data points reinforce what we see every day: Orlando’s global connectivity is not just a future opportunity — it is a competitive advantage driving growth right now.

The report also outlines a clear roadmap to convert this momentum into sustained investment and long-term prosperity.

Explore the full report:

This OEP Research & Strategy publication reinforces Orlando’s continued emergence as an internationally connected economy and outlines a clear strategy to accelerate foreign direct investment.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Downtown Orlando business owners—we want to hear from you.

What’s business looking like right now? Are you seeing more foot traffic? Facing hiring challenges? Finding new opportunities?

Our quarterly Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey helps us hear directly from local businesses so we can better understand what’s happening across our economy—not just what the numbers say later.

If you’re in Downtown Orlando or anywhere in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Lake County, take a few minutes and share your perspective.

business.orlando.org/l/research/obcs/

05/25/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

This Memorial Day, the Orlando Economic Partnership remembers their courage, honors their service, and reflects with gratitude on the freedoms their sacrifice helped preserve.

05/21/2026

This week, the Orlando Economic Partnership was in Washington, D.C. advocating for the priorities that will shape the future of our region’s economy and competitiveness.

Our delegation met with members of Florida’s congressional delegation and Senate leadership to discuss issues critical to Central Florida’s continued growth and success including support for our world-leading Modeling, Simulation & Training industry, federal funding for the Florida Semiconductor Engine, and key transportation initiatives like the Sunshine Corridor.

We appreciate the opportunity to meet with Senator Ashley Moody, Senator Rick Scott, Congressman Aaron Bean, Congressman John Rutherford, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congressman Jared Moskowitz, Congressman Darren Soto, Congressman Maxwell Frost, Congressman Randy Fine, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Congressman Scott Franklin, Congressman Cory Mills, Congressman Mike Haridopolos, and Congressman Daniel Webster to share the importance of continued investment in the Orlando region and the industries driving America’s future.

Strong partnerships and consistent advocacy are essential as we work to advance innovation, infrastructure, talent, and economic opportunity across our region.

05/20/2026

Ready to grow as a leader and make a bigger impact in Central Florida?
Leadership Orlando Class 111 is now open for enrollment.

This immersive leadership experience gives you direct access to the people, conversations, and issues shaping our region—helping you grow both professionally and personally while building meaningful connections along the way.

Don’t just watch the future take shape. Help lead it.

Apply now:

Join Leadership Orlando to connect with regional leaders, enhance your leadership skills, and contribute to Central Florida's future.