Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Leaders Share Advocacy Insights at
March Allied Relations Council Breakfast
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This week, CFHLA was proud to host our second Allied Relations Council Breakfast of the year at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort (Thank You, Martin Bonventre, General Manager). With more than 150 attendees, our members had a chance to network and hear from several hospitality leaders who shared insights about the importance of the CFHLA PAC, our advocacy efforts, and why the political process matters to the hospitality profession and our local economy.
The panel was moderated by 2026 Allied Relations Council Chair and CFHLA PAC Member Jackie Bozzuto of Lowndes and featured the following panelists: 2026 CFHLA PAC Board Chair and First Vice Chair of the CFHLA Board, Jay Leonard of Wyndham/Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area, CFHLA PAC Board Member and CFHLA Board Member, Frank Dolley of Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort Orlando, CFHLA PAC Board Member and CFHLA Board Treasurer, Jason Lopez of DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort, CFHLA PAC Board Member, Greg Burnes of the Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Airport, and 2026 CFHLA PAC Board Vice Chair, Marc Reicher of RIDA Associates, LP.
CFHLA would also like to thank our March Allied Relations Council Breakfast Sponsor, Valcourt Waterproofing and Restoration.
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Thanks again to all of our members for supporting "Members Doing Business with Members" and for supporting CFHLA's advocacy efforts in 2026!
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Airport Area Leaders Learn More about Travel Trends
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This week, CFHLA also hosted our first Airport Area Lodging Leadership Meeting of 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Thanks again to our CFHLA Board Member and General Manager Bruce McDonald, for graciously hosting the meeting!
The meeting featured an in-depth guest presentation from Eduardo Machado and Maira Manley from Expedia Group, who discussed travel trends and future outlook. Furthermore, our lodging leaders also heard valuable updates from Joe Wilkerson of the USTA National Campus and learned ways to partner with the USTA moving forward.
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CFHLA would like to thank our 2026 Airport Area Lodging Leadership meeting sponsors including:
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Congratulations to the 2026
Allied Relations Council Leadership Team
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Please join us in congratulating the newly elected leadership team of the CFHLA Allied Relations Council (ARC) for 2026. These outstanding industry professionals will help guide the Council’s mission of strengthening partnerships between hospitality suppliers and lodging leaders while advancing the success of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Leading the Council in 2026 as Chair is Jackie Bozzuto of Lowndes, who previously served as Vice Chair and has long been a dedicated advocate for collaboration within the hospitality industry. In this role, Bozzuto will help lead the Council’s initiatives, events, and strategic efforts that support the Allied membership and foster meaningful connections across the industry.
Together, these dedicated leaders will work with ARC board members to advance the Council’s mission of serving as ambassadors for the hospitality industry, strengthening relationships with partners, and enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of the Central Florida community throughout 2026.
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St. Patrick’s Day Online Auction Begins Next Week
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Get ready! CFHLA’s St. Patrick’s Day Online Auction returns next week, from March 17 - 24 and will feature a variety of exciting experiences and specialty items available for members to bid on throughout the week.
From sports tickets and golf experiences to unique entertainment packages, this year’s auction will offer something for everyone in our hospitality community.
The auction is proudly sponsored by Greater Florida Electrical Contractors (GFEC).
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The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Celebrates Prestigious Five-Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide
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This week, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes celebrated its coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2026, marking the first time a hotel in the Central Florida market has received the organization’s highest honor.
Located on a breathtaking 500-acre property, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes has long been known as one of Central Florida’s premier luxury destinations.
But this distinction will now place the resort among the most elite hotels in the world, recognizing an extraordinary commitment to luxury, service, and guest experience. This also validates years of investment, innovation, and dedication from the resort’s leadership and Ladies and Gentlemen who deliver the brand’s legendary service every day.
Congratulations again to our CFHLA Board Chair and Area General Manager, Jon McGavin and his entire team on this prestigious Five-Star designation from the Forbes Travel Guide! This recognition will help continue to elevate our industry on the global stage and benefit our local community and residents.
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Summit Broadband Shows Appreciation for Educators at Leesburg Elementary
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CFHLA is proud to recognize Summit Broadband for their partnership with Leesburg Elementary School through our Adopt-A-School program. In celebration of Valentine's Day, the Summit Broadband team shared their appreciation for the school’s dedicated educators by bringing a local coffee truck to campus to treat the entire staff to their coffee drink of choice. This thoughtful gesture was a special way to recognize the hard work and commitment of the teachers and staff who support students each day. Thank you to Summit Broadband for spreading kindness and showing appreciation for the incredible team at Leesburg Elementary School!
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The Orlando Pride Are Back
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The Pride are back!
You won’t want to miss the Orlando Pride Home Opener this Sunday, March 15 at 4 PM. Come see some of the best players in the world compete right here in Orlando and support world-class women’s soccer in our community.
🎟️ Get your tickets HERE
We can’t wait to see you at Inter&Co Stadium on March 15! Vamos Pride!
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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: Associated Planners Group
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Associated Planners Group has been delivering financial planning and investment management for over 40 years.
Rick Patterson, ChFC, AIF, supports CFHLA because of our advocacy efforts - with an emphasis on the legislative initiatives - that protect tourism in Central Florida.
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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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