Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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150+ attend Final Allied Relations Council Breakfast of the Year at SeaWorld Orlando
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This week, the Allied Relations Council hosted its final ARC Breakfast of the year at SeaWorld Orlando. Special thanks to Steve Vinciguerra, Sarah Nemes, and the team at the Sharks Underwater Grill for another amazing interactive experience with the sharks!
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Lastly, CFHLA would like to thank the 2025 Allied Relations Council Breakfast Sponsor, CEC Entertainment, and our gracious breakfast host - SeaWorld Orlando - for their support of "Members Doing Business With Members."
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Vacation Ownership Council Hosts Osceola County High School Students for Site Visits
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Thanks to the generosity of our members supporting last week's Vacation Ownership Council Mini-Golf Fundraiser, four (4) Osceola County Public High Schools had the opportunity to participate in immersive site visits to four (4) different CFHLA Vacation Ownership properties.
During these hands-on experiences, students toured resorts, explored a variety of departments, and engaged with industry professionals who shared insights on careers in hospitality. These field trips offer students a firsthand look at the diverse number of career paths available at vacation ownership properties.
Thank you to our CFHLA Members, Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld, Hilton Grand Vacations Aqua Sol Orlando West, Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations, and Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort for hosting these informative and important student visits. We would also like to thank Lori Lo Duca and the team of Cypress Pointe Hilton Vacation Club for hosting Oak Ridge High School students this semester as well! Also, thank you to the following schools who participated including Celebration High School, Osceola High School, Poinciana High School, and Zenith High School.
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CFHLA Partners with Leadership West Orange to Showcase Tourism and Hospitality
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We truly appreciate the continued partnership with the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and thank you for showcasing many of our hospitality and tourism partners from across the region. Additionally, thanks for the opportunity to share more insights on the industry's economic and philanthropic impacts, as well as the future outlook of the industry in 2026 and beyond.
CFHLA looks forward to continuing to partner with organizations like the West Orange Chamber in 2025 and beyond, as we share the tremendous value that the hospitality and tourism industry offers for our local residents and broader community.
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Partners in Action - Allied Relations Council donates to Wekiva High School and Lockhart Middle School
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CFHLA extends a heartfelt thank you to the Allied Relations Council for their generosity and continued commitment to supporting our local schools in Northwest Orange County. Recently, the Council sponsored a breakfast event for 8th graders at Lockhart Middle School, helping students start their day energized and ready to learn.
In addition, the Council provided donations to the Wekiva High School Food Pantry, ensuring students and families in need have access to essential resources.
Thank you again to all members of the Allied Relations Council for demonstrating hospitality in action and making such a meaningful difference in our community!
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Osceola Schools Celebrate 91% Graduation Rate at
State of Education
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Last week, the Osceola County School District brought together business partners, community leaders, and district leadership for a State of Education event. This powerful event showcased the strong progress being made across our local schools.
From rising student achievement and expanding career/technical pathways to continued innovation that is pushing the district closer to an “A” rating, to celebrating a 91% graduation rate! With a strong emphasis on preparing students for the region’s key industries, district leaders highlighted workforce initiatives that directly support Central Florida’s hospitality sector, including career readiness programs that build essential skills for customer service, tourism, and guest experience roles.
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Support the Orlando Pride as they Advance to the NWSL Semifinals
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This Sunday, November 16th, the Orlando Pride will host No. 8 Gotham FC in the NWSL Semifinals at 3 p.m. at Inter&Co Stadium, marking the team’s second straight year hosting a semifinal as they pursue back-to-back championships. You can catch your own single-game tickets and find playoff details on the Pride’s Playoff Central page.
Let’s fill the stands, bring the energy and support the incredible athletes who represent our destination!
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CFHLA Board Chair Chris Muller recognized by the American Heart Association as 2025 Impact Leader
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Please join us in congratulating our 2025 CFHLA Chair of the Board, Chris Mueller, General Manager of the Hilton Orlando, on being recognized by the American Heart Association as the 2025 Greater Orlando Impact Leader.
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Over the past two months, Chris has participated in this signature fundraising competition which advocates for health and raises essential funds to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. At the end of the campaign, Chris was the top fundraiser for the region! Thank you Chris!
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International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce honors CFHLA Members with Distinguished Leader Awards
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This week, the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 Annual Meeting this week where they honored its distinguished leaders of the year, which included tourism champion Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, and Senior Manager of Tourism Sales at SeaWorld Orlando Steve Vinciguerra.
Steve also serves on the 2025 CFHLA Allied Relations Council Board and the CFHLA Foundation. Steve was also recognized as CFHLA Allied Member of the Year in 2024.
Congratulations Steve! We are so grateful for your continued leadership within the hospitality and tourism industry and your postive impacts within our local community!
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Orlando becomes a Lead Contender to host
2027 FIVB Women's World Championship
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This week, Orlando was selected as a host city for the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, marking the region’s first international Olympic qualifier and bringing the world’s top 32 teams to our destination.
This major global event, jointly hosted by the U.S. and Canada, reinforces volleyball’s growing popularity and represents a significant opportunity for Central Florida’s hospitality and tourism sectors as we welcome athletes, fans, and international media ahead of the LA28 Olympic Games.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is proud to recognize our November Lodging Member of the Month, Frank Dolley, General Manager at Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort - Orlando. Frank's outstanding partnership and leadership on the CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors, the CFHLA Board of Directors and on the Governmental Affairs Committee are truly invaluable to our association. We also appreciate his contributions for last weeks Halloween Golf Open which helped make this signature CFHLA event a tremendous success.
We are equally proud to recognize our November Allied Member of the Month, Nicole Ailes, Business Development for Yellowstone Landscape. Nicole’s outstanding involvement as a 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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To nominate a future CFHLA Allied and/or Lodging Member of the Month, please CLICK HERE.
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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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