CFHLA Members Rally for a Cause at the Inaugural Foundation Pickleball Fundraiser
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This week, the CFHLA Foundation kicked off the new year by hosting an exciting new Pickleball Challenge Fundraiser at Crush Yard, presented by Florida Blue! This inaugural fundraising event in partnership with the Orlando Squeeze, brought nearly 100 hospitality professionals together for an energetic evening of friendly competition, networking, and community connection.
All proceeds from the fundraiser went to support the CFHLA Foundation’s mission, which helps to advance educational and community-wide impact initiatives across the Central Florida Region.
Attendees enjoyed a lively mix of pickleball play, delicious appetizers, refreshing drinks, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow members. Whether seasoned players or first-time participants, everyone was invited to grab a paddle and join the fun. Thank you to everyone who participated and for supporting the CFHLA Foundation!
Congratulations to our inaugural Pickleball Challenge Champions including:
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CFHLA would like to once again thank our Foundation Pickleball Challenge presenting and court sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor:
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CFHLA Announces Newly Elected Executive Committee and 2026 CFHLA Board of Directors
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This week, CFHLA announced its newly elected 2026 CFHLA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, which includes Central Florida hospitality executives from across the Central Florida region. They include brand and independent hotels, hotel owners, vacation ownership resorts, management companies, and allied members who do business with the hospitality industry.
Jon McGavin, Area General Manager of Grande Lakes Orlando, was elected to serve as the 2026 Chair of the CFHLA Board of Directors. Jon succeeds Chris Mueller, General Manager of the Hilton Orlando, who served as Chair for the past year and is now the Immediate Past Chair. Additionally, Stacey Herndon, Regional Director of Resort Operations at Westgate Resorts was elected to serve as the newest member of the Executive Committee as the Assistant Treasurer.
Please join us in congratulating the eighteen members who were recently elected/appointed and/or re-elected members who will serve on the 2026 CFHLA Board of Directors. We look forward to working with each of these hospitality leaders throughout 2026 and beyond to advance CFHLA’s initiatives and our entire Central Florida Hospitality Industry.
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CFHLA Foundation Announces Newly Elected 2026 Board of Directors
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Please join us in also congratulating our fourteen newly elected/appointed members who will serve on the 2026 Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation Board of Directors. Additionally, we appreciate the following Board members were elected to serve on the 2026 CFHLA Foundation Executive Committee, beginning January 1, 2026:
Did you know, the CFHLA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was created in 2009 to serve as the philanthropic arm of CFHLA that donates to causes which advance hospitality and tourism initiatives, youth related causes and community advocacy?
Since 2000, the CFHLA Foundation has awarded more than $1,500,000 in Hospitality Student and Family Member Scholarships. In 2025, the CFHLA Foundation impacted dozens of local organizations and 62 local students by distributing over $257,000 in scholarships, educational and community grants.
We look forward to working with our CFHLA Foundation Board throughout 2026 and beyond to positively impact our community and advance the future of the Central Florida Hospitality Industry!
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SAVE THE DATE! St. Patrick's Day Golf Open Sponsorships Available Soon!
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2026 CFHLA Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
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As a valued CFHLA member, we invite you to elevate your visibility and impact by becoming a 2026 CFHLA Events and Programs Sponsor. With opportunities to sponsor individual events or multiple programs, you can strategically align your brand with high-profile initiatives that drive meaningful connections, strengthen industry relationships, and support your marketing and engagement goals throughout the year.
Click on the flyer below to get started today!
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National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is this Sunday, January 11th
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This Sunday, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about a global issue that can affect any community with high visitor activity. As a premier tourism destination, Central Florida’s hospitality and lodging industry is uniquely positioned to support awareness, education, and prevention efforts alongside law enforcement and community partners.
Awareness within our industry can help ensure safe environments for guests, employees, and residents alike. By staying informed and engaged, hospitality professionals can be part of broader efforts to recognize warning signs and support those working on the front lines.
Join CFHLA in showing support by wearing blue on January 11th to raise awareness and stand with partners across our community working to combat human trafficking.
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Clean Tec Outsourcing Spreads Holiday Cheer at Lancaster Elementary
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In the spirit of the holidays, the Clean Tec Outsourcing team delivered a variety of snacks to students, helping brighten their day and spread a little extra cheer. Thank you to Diana and Genibel for representing Clean Tec Outsourcing and making this thoughtful visit possible.
We appreciate Clean Tec Outsourcing’s generosity and commitment to supporting students and schools in our community.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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Meet our January Members of the Month
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Bruce McDonald
General Manager
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Over the past few years, Bruce has gone above and beyond by serving on the CFHLA Board of Directors, helped launch of the CFHLA Leadership Mentoring Program, and most recently joined the CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors. Additionally, we appreciate his contributions as Chair of the Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast Committee over the past five years, which has helped make this signature CFHLA event a tremendous success.
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Taine Dagostino
Project Development Manager
Carr Company
We are proud to recognize Taine for her outstanding involvement as a 2025 Silver Partner Member. Throughout the year, Taine has been an active participant in numerous CFHLA signature events, dedicated her time and talents on several CFHLA committees, and supported many of CFHLA's community-wide initiatives. These are just a few examples of her positive contributions to our organization and commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry.
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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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