THE FACES OF
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Seated L to R: Crystal Sircy, COO & Sr. VP, Economic Development ◾ Nicholas Abrahams, Sr., VP, Partnerships & Regional Investment ◾ Neil Hamilton, VP, Market Intelligence
Laureen Martinez, VP, Communications, Marketing & Branding ◾ Destin Wells, VP, Economic Development
Standing L to R: Scott Fagan, CFO ◾ Tim Giuliani, President & CEO ◾ Shannon McAleavey, VP, Government Affairs ◾ Danielle Permenter, VP, Talent & Community Development
Few other regions in the U.S. can say that they’re home to the No. 1 Chamber of Commerce in the Nation. Orlando can. This year the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) was named the top chamber in the country by the Association for Chamber of Commerce Executives. This national distinction, made possible by the support of our investors, partners and community, recognizes the OEP’s critical role as a convener and catalyst to advance the benefits of our region’s growth to everyone who lives, works, learns, and plays in Central Florida.
The OEP is an economic and community development organization that is seizing the moment to advance Broadbased Prosperity® and create a more prosperous economy for all. Through the power of partnerships, we grow the economy, attract growing companies, boost job creation, drive investment, improve competitiveness and fuel regional leadership.
The OEP’s initiatives include economic development, advocacy and public affairs, advancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and amplifying Orlando’s status as one of the world’s top destinations for businesses and talent.
The OEP is also one of the cofounders of the regional brand identity, “Orlando Unbelievably Real,” launched in partnership with Visit Orlando. “Unbelievably Real” combines its reputation as the top leisure, hospitality, and convention destination in the world with its status as a top business destination into a transformational message that resonates with all audiences ranging from business leaders to meeting planners to families on vacation.
The OEP is home to the first-of-its-kind Orlando Regional Digital Twin. Already used in more than 200 presentations, this transformational technology maps 800-squaremiles of the Orlando region and layers on more than 200 data points to showcase the breadth and depth of Orlando’s assets and quality of life. The OEP also operates the Orlando Film Commission and manages top regional leadership programs including Leadership Orlando, the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, All Women Empowered, and the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute.
A recent independent economic analysis found that, since its inception 6 years ago, the OEP supported a total of 160 business projects that are expected to create 21,500 new direct jobs with average annual wages of $73,600, significantly higher than even the current regional average of $57,400, as well as $2.5 billion in annual payroll and involve $2.5 billion in capital investment.
Thanks to the OEP and the work it accomplishes with its partners, the world is realizing Orlando is Unbelievably Real.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
200 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200 | Orlando, FL 32801 | 407-422-7159 | InvestOrlando.org