Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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David Siegel announced as 2025 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award Winner
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CFHLA is proud to announce that one of the most influential hospitality and tourism leaders in Central Florida’s history - Mr. David Siegel, founder, president, and CEO of Westgate Resorts – will be recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award.
This award This award is named after the first CFHLA Board of Directors Chairperson, Charles Andrews, and it will be presented at the CFHLA Hospitality Gala next Saturday, December 13th at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. Mr. Siegel will be the 26th exceptional hospitality leader to receive this recognition from CFHLA, after leaving a remarkable legacy following his passing on April 5, 2025.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Siegel embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that helped transform Central Florida into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. Mr. Siegel’s vision and determination built one of the largest privately held resort companies in the world, while his philanthropy and advocacy left an enduring mark on families and organizations throughout the region.
Mr. Siegel established Westgate Resorts in 1982 with its first property on an orange grove he owned in Kissimmee, Florida, and the company he built includes more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts across the United States. Over 40 years, Siegel built Westgate Resorts into the largest private employer in Central Florida.
While he will be remembered for his successful business ventures, after the passing of his beloved daughter Victoria in 2015, Mr. Siegel’s life mission radically changed toward solving the nation’s drug epidemic. His philanthropy and advocacy left an enduring mark as he founded Victoria’s Voice Foundation to honor Victoria and advocated zealously for the widespread availability of Naloxone, lobbying Congress and raising awareness on this important issue.
As a military veteran, Mr. Siegel donated more than 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of our armed services as a thank you for their service to our country. This year, the Westgate Foundation distributed grants of $1.5 million to community-focused organizations across the United States.
On behalf of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, we are honored to present Mr. David Siegel with the 2025 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award. Mr. Siegel will be remembered and celebrated during the upcoming CFHLA Hospitality Gala, where his family will accept the award on his behalf.
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CFHLA Hosts VIP Thank You Reception
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As we near the conclusion of 2025, we'd like to extend a special thank you to the 40 CFHLA VIP Members for their unwavering support and incredible commitment throughout the year! These VIP's are not only our top investors, but they also dedicate a tremendous amount of time, talent, and resources to advancing our organization's mission.
Your partnership fuels the work we do each day - from educational programming and workforce development to community engagement, government affairs, and industry advancement. Because of your continued support, CFHLA was able to deliver meaningful impact to our members and the broader hospitality community throughout the year.
CLICK HERE to view the full list of our 2025 VIP Members.
Thank you to every VIP partner who made this year exceptional and to our Board Chair Chris Mueller and his team at the Hilton Orlando, for hosting this thank you reception! It was truly a wonderful evening of appreciation, connection, and celebration with our valued partners.
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Holiday Auction Opens on Monday!
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Get ready to bid in the final online auction of the year! The CFHLA Holiday Online Auction will open next Monday, December 8th!
It's a great way to pick up some holiday gifts for your family and friends. Bid on more than 70 auction items, including relaxing stays in Presidential Suites, attraction tickets, electronics, sports tickets, premium golf packages, unforgettable experiences and so much more! Bids will be accepted until Monday, December 15th at 9:00 p.m.
Thanks again to our Holiday Online Auction Sponsor, Greater Florida Electrical Contractors.
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Welcoming The Vietta Hotel to Kissimmee
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Congratulations to our CFHLA member, The Vietta Hotel, General Manager Roberto Concepcion and his entire team on their Grand Opening Celebration last night!
After completing a $3 million renovation project from a motel to hotel, this reimagined Osceola County property offers some impressive updates including 80 rooms that have a significant modern design, all the comforts of home, and a variety of inviting spaces to relax or gather. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast, a large grassy lawn, and a scenic boardwalk gazebo overlooking Lake Cecile.
On behalf of CFHLA, we warmly welcome The Vietta Hotel to our Central Florida hospitality community! Thank you for inviting our hospitality leaders, community partners, and members to join in this momentous occasion.
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Help Support Our December CFHLA Cares
Shoe Collection Drive
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UCF Rosen College Ranks #1 in the U.S. for the 6th Year in a Row
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Congratulations to UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management on once again receiving the #1 ranking in the United States for the sixth consecutive year and rising to #2 in the world for its hospitality programs and research, according to the Shanghai Global Rankings! In a message to industry partners, Dean Cynthia Mejia noted that this achievement reflects the powerful collaboration between Rosen College and the hospitality community.
CFHLA congratulates UCF Rosen College on this outstanding recognition and celebrates the continued role our members play in shaping the future of hospitality talent. You can read more in UCF Today.
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Excellence: The 2025 State of Downtown Address
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This week, CFHLA was proud to attend the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s State of Downtown Address. During this address, Mayor Buddy Dyer and local business leaders highlighted the achievements of 2025 and shared an inspiring outlook for the years ahead.
One of the most anticipated updates centered on the redevelopment of the former Orlando Sentinel building. While designs are still in progress, excitement is building around the transformation of this long-neglected concrete structure into a revitalized landmark poised to elevate Downtown Orlando’s profile.
With ongoing investment in hospitality, sports, arts and culture, new dining options, and vibrant community living spaces, the hospitality and tourism industry is well positioned to flourish in Downtown Orlando in 2026 and beyond.
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GSI Donates 900 Water Bottles to Palmetto Elementary School
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CFHLA extends a heartfelt thank-you to Global Sourcing International (GSI) for their incredible generosity in supporting Palmetto Elementary School through our Adopt-A-School program.
GSI recently delivered more than 900 water bottles, enough for every single student on campus. This thoughtful donation ensures students have a reliable, reusable bottle to keep them hydrated throughout the school day.
Thank you, GSI, for your continued partnership and for making such a meaningful impact on the students and staff at Palmetto Elementary. Your support truly makes a difference!
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The Celeste Hotel Supports Riverdale Elementary’s Thanksgiving Food Drive
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We would also like to recognize The Celeste Hotel for their generous support of Riverdale Elementary School through our Adopt-A-School program.
The Celeste team recently donated items to the school’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping ensure that families in need have access to essential ingredients for a warm holiday meal.
Thank you to The Celeste Hotel for your continued partnership and for making a meaningful difference in the Riverdale Elementary community. Your generosity embodies the spirit of hospitality and support during this special season.
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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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