Orlando Economic Partnership

📈 Florida on the rise! 🌴 The Sunshine State's population topped 23.3 million this year, growing faster than almost any other state! According to new U.S. Census Bureau data, Florida gained 467,347 new residents over the past year—second only to Texas. Here in the Orlando region, we see an incredible influx of 1,000 people each week, highlighting the need for thoughtful planning and collaboration. That’s why the Orlando Economic Partnership works with regional partners to ensure our community is prepared to grow sustainably—creating a region where everyone can live, work, play, learn, and thrive. Together, we're advancing Broad-based Prosperity! 🌟 Read more 🔗https://bit.ly/4iKA6gm

Last week, our team had the privilege of visiting the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami, alongside the Consulates General of the United Kingdom and Canada, to share insights into Orlando’s dynamic and fast-growing economy. While Orlando is globally known for its iconic theme parks, the city is also thriving in industries like semiconductors, defense, life sciences, modeling and simulation, and e-sports, which together drive over 80% of the local economy. During the meetings, Derek Ephrem, Director of Economic Development, and Neil Hamilton, Vice President of Research & Strategy, highlighted Orlando’s critical role in Florida’s economy and its immense potential for continued growth. These visits are vital in strengthening global connections and exploring new avenues for collaboration. A sincere thank you to Mr. Rufus Drabble, HM Consul General at the British Consulate General in Miami; Ms. Sylvia Cesaratto, Consul General of Canada in Miami; Ms. Lisette den Breems, Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami; and Mr. Bo-Joe Brans, Deputy Consul-General and Head of Economic Affairs at the Netherlands Consulate. We appreciate the engaging discussions and the opportunity to showcase Orlando’s diverse and innovative economy!

Maitland-based cybersecurity firm ThreatLocker announced plans to add hundreds of new workers to its payroll in 2025, a move that would help the company continue growth that saw it double in size this year. The OEP is thrilled to see this continued expansion and we are proud of the work we did to help with their expansion into the Maitland office. ThreatLocker is proof that the world’s most innovative companies can find the talent and opportunities to build the next generation of technology right here in our region. Read more about the job fair in Orlando Tech News: https://bit.ly/4iGbyoI

Congratulations to ORRA on Outstanding Achievements! The Orlando Economic Partnership congratulates the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) on being named Florida’s Best Real Estate Trade Association for the third consecutive year by the 2024 BUILD Magazine Real Estate and Property Awards! We are also proud to celebrate ORRA CEO Cliff Long, who is serving as the Class Chair of Leadership Orlando Class 107 and leading the charge as a sponsors of Leadership Orlando’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Thank you, ORRA, for your continued leadership and dedication to excellence in our region. Your commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the real estate industry is an inspiration to us all! #UnbelievablyReal✨

👏We are amongst the World's 100 Best Cities 🎊👏 Orlando has been named the #37 city globally in the 2024 World’s 100 Best Cities ranking, solidifying our position as a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and economic growth. Renowned for our world-class attractions (#6 globally) and top-tier convention center (#4 globally), Orlando continues to shine as a destination for visitors but also for those choosing to call the region home. The publication highlighted spots like Universal Studios’ upcoming Epic Universe theme park and Downtown’s cultural expansions, including Judson’s Live and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, underscore Orlando’s growing dynamism. With the new Brightline high-speed rail and the South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport improving connectivity, the city is primed for even greater global impact. This recognition reflects Orlando's transformation into a thriving metropolis, making it a top choice for businesses, talent, and visitors alike. This milestone reinforces the Orlando region’s potential as a powerhouse for economic development, creativity, and opportunity on the global stage. 🌟 #WorldsBestCities #UnbelievablyReal✨ Read more here: https://bit.ly/3ZER3jG

We’re thrilled to announce Ed Timberlake as the 2025 James B. Greene Award honoree! 🎉 Timberlake’s impact on our community is truly inspiring. As Chair of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a founding donor, and a dedicated leader in organizations like the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness and Heart of Florida United Way, he has shaped the Orlando region for the better. The James B. Greene Award celebrates leaders driving economic growth and prosperity, and Timberlake’s lifelong commitment to service and leadership embodies this honor. Congratulations, Ed Timberlake! 🎉👏

🎄✨What a wonderful evening at the 2024 OEP Chairs Holiday Reception! We celebrated another year of collaboration, achievements, and community impact with the incredible leaders who help make Orlando Unbelievably Real. Thank you to our chairs, partners, and everyone who joined us for this festive occasion. Here's to a prosperous 2025! 🥂📸#OEPHolidayReception #UnbelievablyReal ✨

🏗️✨ UCF celebrated the groundbreaking of Roth Tower at FBC Mortgage Stadium! 🎉 This milestone represents a bold step forward for UCF Athletics and our community. With support from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and a $90M investment from Tourist Development Tax revenues, Roth Tower is set to transform the game day experience and strengthen Orlando's reputation as a sports tourism powerhouse. 🏟️🌟 Opening for the 2026 football season, this state-of-the-art facility will feature luxury suites, Sky Suites, expanded club spaces, and more, setting a new standard for excellence in sports and entertainment. 🎶🏈 Congratulations to UCF and everyone involved in making this vision a reality! 👏 #ChargeOn #UnbelievablyReal✨ https://bit.ly/4iCkQCf

Join the ranks of over 7,000 graduates of Leadership Orlando, the largest community leadership program in America, as we welcome Leadership Orlando Class 108. Under the dynamic leadership of Mike Kilbride, Executive Chief of Staff at the University of Central Florida, this class promises a transformative experience. Kilbride brings a wealth of expertise in strategic solutions, community partnerships, and leadership, having played a pivotal role in projects like the launch of UCF Downtown and the $1 billion Creative Village. Don’t miss the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, expand your network, and make an impact in our region. The enrollment deadline is Friday, February 14, 2025. Secure your spot today! Learn More & Register Now: https://bit.ly/45BzrGN

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to encourage you to share your expectations for 2025 by participating in the Q4 2024 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey, powered by OUC- The Reliable One. If you represent a business in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Lake County, let us know how you expect the regional economy to perform and what factors you feel are likely to impact that performance. Take just three minutes to contribute to the only comprehensive dataset on business performance and sentiment in the Orlando region. The survey will close on December 31. Take the survey today 🔗https://lnkd.in/eVEus_xw