Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsor!
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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring the Leaders Who Shaped Our Industry
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This March, CFHLA proudly celebrates Women’s History Month, recognizing the many women who have contributed to the strength and success of Central Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry. From front-line team members to executive leaders, several women have played an essential role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and shaping the future of our industry.
Throughout the month, CFHLA will spotlight several of these inspiring women from our industry. Be sure to follow our social channels as we highlight their stories and celebrate their contributions to hospitality!
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Celebrating and thanking CFHLA's 2026 VIP Members
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Thank you to the following 40 respected companies who have made a commitment to support the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association as our highest investors within the organization in 2026!
Each one is committed to excellence, collaboration, and strengthening the Central Florida regional hospitality profession. Through their engagement, we are excited for their support this year, as we continue to advance our mission to serve our members and elevate the industry across the region.
We are also proud to welcome our newest 2026 VIP Members, JR Hobbs Company and PCPI Services, Inc.
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Central Florida Hospitality & Culinary Students
Compete at FRLA State Competitions
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Congratulations to all the talented Central Florida hospitality & culinary students who recently competed at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) State Hospitality Competition and Florida ProStart Competition! Your dedication, professionalism, and passion for our industry were evident throughout the event.
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We are especially proud to recognize the following schools for their outstanding achievements:
Hospitality Competition
Colonial High School: 1st Place – Overall, 1st Place – Hospitality Project, & 1st Place – Hotel Operations
Olympia High School: 3rd Place – Overall, 3rd Place – Hospitality Project, & 3rd Place – Hotel Operations
Cypress Creek High School: 2nd Place – Hotel Operations
Osceola High School: 2nd Place (Tie) – Hospitality Project
Windermere High School: 3rd Place – Knowledge Bowl
ProStart Competition
Lyman High School: 3rd Place – Overall, 2nd Place – Universal Orlando Edible Centerpiece, & 4th Place – Waiter’s Relay
Wekiva High School: 4th Place – Overall, 2nd Place – UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Competition
Winter Park High School: 3rd Place – Waiter’s Relay
Horizon High School: 5th Place – Universal Orlando Edible Centerpiece:
These accomplishments reflect not only the incredible talent of local high school students, but also the dedication of the educators and industry professionals who guide and mentor them.
Congratulations to all who competed, the future of our hospitality & culinary industry is in very good hands!
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CFHLA Speaks at Leadership Orlando Class 109
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This week, CFHLA was honored to take part in the recent Tourism & Hospitality session for Leadership Orlando’s Class 109, where our President/CEO, Robert Agrusa, had the opportunity to share insights on the vital role the hospitality industry plays in leading our regional economy and enhancing our quality of life across the Central Florida region.
Leadership Orlando, a program of the Orlando Economic Partnership, brings together a dynamic group of business and community leaders who represent a diverse cross-section of the Central Florida community. Class 109 is no exception, and it was inspiring to engage with participants who are committed to strengthening and leading our region into the future.
The session was led by Michelle Maikisch, Executive Director of the Central Florida Expressway Authority, who serves as Chair of Leadership Orlando’s Class 109. The panel featured several of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry leaders, including Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Charles Harris, Chief Operating Officer of Visit Orlando, and Robert Agrusa, a proud graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 91.
Together, the panel shared perspectives on the continued growth of Orlando as one of the world’s premier travel destinations, the importance of collaboration among industry partners, and how the hospitality community works every day to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors while supporting hundreds of thousands of local jobs.
CFHLA is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important conversation about how tourism and hospitality drives economic impact, job creation, and our quality of life in Central Florida.
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Engineers Council Scholarship Applications Open
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The CFHLA Engineers Council is accepting applications for Valencia College Accelerated Skills Training Scholarships, designed to help hospitality professionals advance their careers in engineering and facilities operations.
Two scholarship opportunities are available:
Facilities Maintenance Technician Program – $5,300 scholarship (April 20 – June 25, 2026)
Residential/Commercial HVAC/R Technician Program – $7,000 scholarship (June 1 – August 20, 2026)
Both programs are held at Valencia College and scholarships are paid directly to the College.
Applicants must be employed by a CFHLA Member Property for at least six months, be 18 years or older, provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, and submit a letter of recommendation from a supervisor.
The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026.
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Applications should be submitted via email to Melanie Anesh, Director of Industry Relations and Community Impact, at melanie.anesh@cfhla.org.
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Marriott's Cypress Harbour Continues Meaningful Partnership with Prairie Lake Elementary
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CFHLA is proud to recognize Marriott's Cypress Harbour for their continued partnership with Prairie Lake Elementary School through our Adopt-A-School Program. As part of a recent Team Building “Spirit to Serve” initiative, their team assembled food kits for students and families who may need a little extra support, providing reusable cooler bags filled with nonperishable, microwave-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. In addition, Cypress Harbour donated breakfast items for a Welcome Back teacher breakfast and later hosted Prairie Lake’s staff and teachers for a strategy planning session, further strengthening their collaborative relationship. During the holiday season, the team generously donated Barbies, games, puzzles, and books to help fulfill families’ wish lists.
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Looking ahead, Cypress Harbour is partnering with Prairie Lake’s art teacher to invite students to create drawings and notes of gratitude for members of the military, which will be sent to sailors aboard a Naval Destroyer currently on a nine-month deployment. Thank you to Marriott’s Cypress Harbour for identifying meaningful and impactful ways to support students, families, and educators!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is proud to recognize our March Lodging Member of the Month, John Power, Managing Director at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. This recognition reflects John's exceptional leadership, dedication, passion, and ongoing support for CFHLA and the Central Florida Hospitality Industry. John’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA’s signature events and shown outstanding leadership through service on both the CFHLA Board of Directors and the CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors. Additionally, his engagement, insight, and willingness to contribute his time and expertise over the past few years has played an important role in helping move our organization and industry forward.
We are equally proud to recognize our March Allied Member of the Month, Angela Roach, CEO for A&E Hospitality Solutions LLC. Angela’s outstanding involvement as a CFHLA Silver Partner Member, active participation in CFHLA signature events, dedicated service on numerous committees, and support of community-wide initiatives exemplify her commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry.
It is through these positive contributions and continued partnership that we are eager to recognize both of them this month!
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Meet the VIP: Munyan Painting, Roofing and Restoration
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We proudly support CFHLA because of its dedication to strengthening Florida’s communities through education, collaboration, and service. Giving back and helping create safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environments is at the heart of what we do.
For over 70 years, we’ve served communities across Florida with high-quality interior and exterior painting for residential associations, high-rises, and commercial properties. Our work goes beyond appearance - we help protect buildings, enhance curb appeal, and support the long-term care of the communities’ people call home.
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.
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About CFHLA
6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821
The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.
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