CFHLA Thanks Our Back of the House Sponsors
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Remembering 9/11 and Our First Responders at the Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast
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On Thursday, September 11, we hosted our annual Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast, which was presented by Radio One, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (Thank you Mark Politte, Area General Manager).
This year, we were honored to welcome nearly 600 attendees, including 160 first responders from across the Central Florida region. Additionally, CFHLA recognized the heroism and bravery of our local law enforcement, EMS, and fire rescue, as well as hospitality personnel for their incredible service and actions above and beyond in the line of duty.
A special thank you to Danny Banks, Deputy County Administrator and Director of Public Safety at Orange County Government, for serving as our 2025 Honorary Chairman; New York State Attorney General Detective Supervisor Walter Lynch (a former NYPD Detective) for serving as our keynote speaker; and Anchor Nancy Alvarez of WESH 2 News for serving as our emcee.
A complete video from this week's Remembrance Breakfast is available by clicking HERE, courtesy of our partners at Orange TV.
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Please join us in congratulating the following Central Florida first responders including law enforcement, fire rescue, EMS, and hospitality personnel who were honored as winners in each of the designated seven categories:
Heroism Award - Fire Rescue/EMS
Firefighter Troy Parker, Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS
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Heroism Award - Law Enforcement
Deputy Ronald Kaliszewski, Lake County Sheriff’s Office
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Distinguished Service Award
Officer Adriel Rivera Aponte, UCF Police Department
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Life Saving Award - Fire Rescue / EMS
Seminole County Fire Department:
Battalion Chief Phil Persing
Lieutenant Grant Harris
Engineer Grady Scott
Firefighter Shane Degler
Firefighter Brandon Frosch
Firefighter Lee Johnston
Firefighter John Robinson
Firefighter Glenn Siracusa
Brittni Schmeiser, ECC Asst. Supervisor
Jonathan Flores, ECC Telecommunicator
Zach Kaiser, ECC Telecommunicator
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Life Saving Award - Law Enforcement
Officer Jonathan Cassin, Windermere Police Department
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Furthermore, CFHLA would like to thank our 2025 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast Presenting Sponsor, Radio One which has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of this annual breakfast for the past 22 years!
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And thank you to our in-kind sponsors:
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CFHLA Team Delivers a Special Thanks to our
Local First Responders
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In addition to the Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast, the CFHLA team was thrilled to join our members in supporting our local first responders through the annual “Adopt-A-Station” initiative.
This year, the CFHLA team adopted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sector V Substation (Tourism Corridor) located nearby our office on Westwood Boulevard. We were delighted to deliver Chipotle to about 25 deputies as a small token of gratitude for their continued service and deep appreciation for keeping our community safe.
More than 100 of our CFHLA members delivered meals to other fire and police stations across Central Florida this week - stay tuned for more photos to come next week!
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Introducing the CFHLA Talent & Learning Council
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CFHLA is excited to announce the formation of the Talent & Learning Council, a new initiative designed to strengthen the hospitality talent pipeline in Central Florida. After a thorough review from an Ad Hoc Subcommittee comprised of Allied and Lodging Board Members, this newly formed council will integrate initiatives from the previous Employee Relations Committee and Diversity Committee.
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The Talent & Learning Council will focus on attracting and developing diverse talent, supporting educational and workforce partnerships, and recognizing excellence across all levels of the hospitality industry. Council membership will include lodging and allied leaders, HR professionals, educational partners, and community workforce leaders, ensuring broad collaboration and impact.
Through strategic partnerships, professional development opportunities, and recognition programs, the Talent & Learning Council will help advance CFHLA’s five-year strategic organizational plan's workforce development, educational, and community initiatives.
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CFHLA Representation Continues on
VISIT FLORIDA Committee
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We are proud to share that CFHLA Board Member Wade Michael, General Manager of Staybridge Suites – Orlando Royale Parc Suites, has been appointed to serve on VISIT FLORIDA’s Industry Services Committee through June 30, 2026.
Please join us in congratulating Wade on this well-deserved achievement. We are confident he will represent CFHLA and Central Florida’s hospitality industry with excellence and dedication!
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CFHLA Members Host I-Drive Public Safety Conference
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Seminole Hospitality & Tourism Day Kicks Off a Successful School Year
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Congratulations to the high school students and teachers for organizing such an engaging and inspiring day. We thank you for your hard work and dedication to planning a day full of opportunities to ask questions, connect with leaders, and learn more about careers in hospitality.
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We would also like to thank all of the CFHLA member panelists who volunteered their time and shared their expertise including: Pete Woodruff (Southeastern Laundry Equipment), Sherry Joseph (Home2 Suites by Hilton Lake Mary Orlando), Esteban Saldarriaga (Seminole County Office of Economic Development & Tourism), Carrie Wakinekona (Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes), Tatsiana Khavanskaya (Hilton Grand Vacations), Keith Bourkney (employU), Rick Donohue (Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando North), Regina Fisher (Universal Orlando Resort), Nick Vaughn (Universal Orlando Resort), and Dr. Michael Petrillose (Seminole State College).
Your support continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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Meet our September Members of the Month
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CFHLA is proud to recognize our September Lodging Member of the Month, Firat Yuregir, Senior Director, Global Housekeeping Services at Hilton Grand Vacations. We are grateful for Firat's outstanding leadership as the inaugural Chair of the renewed CFHLA Housekeeping Council! We also truly appreciate his passion, energy, and willingness to help advance our housekeeping hospitality professionals! Plus, we thank Firat for his participation and support of CFHLA’s events and community-wide initiatives! It is because of these positive contributions, that we are excited to recognize Firat this month – the same month as International Housekeepers Week!
Moreover, we are also proud to recognize our September Allied Member of the Month, Gabriel Parra, CEO & Co-Founder, of Tiger Roofing. We are extremely grateful for Gabriel's outstanding involvement as a Silver Partner Member of CFHLA! We also appreciate his continued contributions and support of our annual signature events! Lastly, we are thankful for his support of CFHLA’s committees, Councils, and community-wide initiatives.
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To nominate a future CFHLA Allied and/or Lodging Member of the Month, please CLICK HERE.
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MEET THE SILVER PARTNER MEMBER
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Did you know that you could generate additional revenue and enhance your brand just by providing your guests and visitors with a phone charging amenity? GoGoPowerJuice Inc. partners with hotels, resorts, and retail stores to provide their guests with a 100% fully charged portable battery pack dispensed from our Smart Charging Displays and Kiosks. We have solutions to fit grab-and-go markets, restaurant / bar areas and hotel waiting lobbies with available customized battery pack logos.
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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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