Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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Runway to Success:
Airport Area Hoteliers Gather for Industry Insights
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CFHLA would like to thank our 2025 Airport Area Hoteliers Meeting sponsors for their continued support throughout the year including:
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We’re HR-dly Done Learning —
But That’s a Wrap for 2025!
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This week, our third and final Human Resources Seminar for 2025 took place. This educational seminar provided updates on important HR Compliance topics, which included information on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), employee accommodations, ADA, Title VII, and many others.
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Thank you to Tasos Paindiris and Deirdre Mullane from Jackson Lewis, for presenting and for your continued partnership with our annual CFHLA HR Seminar Series!
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CFHLA would like to thank our 2025 Human Resources Seminar Series Presenting Sponsor:
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CFHLA would also like to thank our 2025 Human Resources Seminar Series Corporate Partners:
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Trick or Treat Yourself: The Halloween Golf Online Auction Starts Next Week!
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Get ready to bid! The 2025 Halloween Golf Online Auction is just around the corner — opening next Tuesday, October 21 at 9:00 AM and closing Tuesday, October 28 at 9:00 PM.
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This year’s online auction features an exciting lineup of items you won’t want to miss, including:
🛻 Chauffeured Night Out – Enjoy 4 hours of private luxury SUV or van service with a personal chauffeur, courtesy of Destination MCO
🏌️ 3 Golf Lessons – Improve your game with this lesson package from Golf Galaxy
🏞️ 4-Night Stay in Gatlinburg, TN – Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bent Creek Golf Village, Hilton Grand Vacations
Mark your calendar and get ready to place your bids here starting next Tuesday at 9:00 AM!
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Thanks to our 2025 Online Auction Sponsor:
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CFHLA Celebrates The Celeste Hotel, Orlando, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, on 5 Years
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Congratulations to General Manager Matthew McAlister, Director of Sales Sarah Ehmke, and the entire Celeste team on five years of excellence!
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since this boutique, premium 4-Diamond AAA hotel opened its doors as the first and only on-campus upscale hotel at the University of Central Florida.
Today, The Celeste continues to shine as one of the region’s top hotels — and as a proud CFHLA member and valued community partner. Here’s to many more years of success, innovation, and hospitality excellence!
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Industry Recognition: Cheers to Phil Klinkenberg on His New Role as GM!
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A proud first-time General Manager, Phil previously served as Hotel Manager at Caribe Royale Orlando — both CFHLA member properties. In his new role, Phil will lead the 300-suite Embassy Suites property with a focus on team development, enhancing the guest experience, and strengthening both leisure and group business.
Congratulations again, Phil — and best wishes in this exciting new chapter of leadership! We look forward to working with you and your team!
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Experience Kissimmee Hosts 2025 Annual Meeting
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Several CFHLA members had the pleasure of attending Experience Kissimmee’s 2025 Annual Meeting this week.
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As a CFHLA member and partner, Experience Kissimmee brought together tourism and hospitality partners from across Osceola County and the region to share its exciting vision for the future.
The program began with the installation of the new Experience Kissimmee Board of Directors including CFHLA Board Member Marie Cassamajor, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks, and the ceremonial Gavel Exchange, symbolizing a new chapter of leadership.
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In addition, several tourism partners were recognized with the 2025 Rosie Awards including our CFHLA President/CEO Robert Agrusa. Nick Falcone of NDM Hospitality and Rentyl Resorts, Linda Goodwin of Goodwin Realty & Associates, and Barbara Kenney of Kenney Communications were also presented with this outstanding recognition.
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Lastly, Experience Kissimmee launched its new 3-year Strategic Plan for FY26–28, setting the stage for dynamic and thought-provoking discussions. Thank you again, Experience Kissimmee for invite and we look forward to continuing to see progress of our key priorities that will move our community and the industry forward.
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CFHLA Members Earn Spots on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Top 10 Florida Hotels List
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Condé Nast Traveler has announced its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, showcasing the Top 10 Hotels in Florida (outside of Miami) — and several CFHLA member properties made the list!
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Among this year’s honorees are:
Congratulations to our outstanding CFHLA member properties for earning recognition among Florida’s top hotels and continuing to represent the very best in hospitality excellence.
View the full article here!
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Partners In Action – Mission Resort + Club Partners with GSI to Support Lake Hills School
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Lake Hills serves as a dedicated Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center for students with significant cognitive, physical, and developmental disabilities in Lake County.
The donation drive focused on back-to-school essentials for CFHLA’s Cares Collection drive. Donations were generously contributed by:
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Mission Resort + Club
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Global Sourcing International, LLC – Lou Rocco and Steve Kliamenakis
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Mission Resort + Club Members and Guests
The donations were personally delivered by Kevin Findley, HR team member at Mission Resort + Club. This meaningful collaboration highlights how CFHLA members continue to make a difference in our local community!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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Meet Our October Members of the 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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MEET THE SILVER PARTNER MEMBER
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The First Impression Valet leadership team has developed and managed valet parking programs for top luxury resorts, including Hilton Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, as well as the Trump Doral Golf Resort. First Impression Valet Parking leadership takes a hands-on approach, coaching our teams in the field to ensure every guest experience meets the highest standards to deliver exceptional service tailored to high-end hospitality. We’d love the opportunity to enhance your property's parking, arrival, and departure experience to create a seamless and memorable first impression.
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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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