This week, CFHLA was thrilled to host our third Allied Relations Council Meeting and Breakfast of the year at Margaritaville Resort Orlando (Thank you Matt Dalrymple, General Manager).

 

In addition to the outstanding breakfast, more than 130 members had the opportunity to hear from a panel of newly elected leaders on the CFHLA Board of Directors including Chris Akoury, General Manager, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek; Martin Bonventre, General Manager, Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando; Bill Fink, General Manager, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort; and John Lyon, General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando ICON Park. 

 

Each of the new Board Members shared stories about their career paths within the hospitality industry, provided updates on current and future projects at their respective properties and offered advice on how to do business with their properties.

 

Lastly, CFHLA would like to thank the May Allied Relations Council Breakfast Sponsor, AdventHealth Orlando, for their support of "Members Doing Business With Members."

This week, CFHLA leaders in partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, joined hospitality organizations and more than 300 professionals from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hotels on the Hill.

 

During our time on Capitol Hill, CFHLA participated in congressional briefings and met directly with more than dozen members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation to discuss our industry's priorities and voice our concerns for other key policy issues that are impacting Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry.

This important advocacy effort focused on policy changes that would ensure a healthy labor force, regulatory uncertainty around franchising, and boosting international travel. This includes expanding the H-2B visa program (whose cap has not been revised since the 1990s), supporting the Visit USA Act to restore funding to Brand USA, advancing critical transportation and infrastructure projects, passing the American Franchise Act, and urging solutions that increase inbound international travel and lower rising operating costs.

 

We also highlighted the tremendous impact tourism has on Florida’s economy, workforce, and residents - generating billions in economic activity each year while saving Central Florida residents thousands of dollars annually in taxes.

Together, these efforts help ensure Florida’s hospitality industry continues to thrive, create jobs, and support communities across the state.Thank you again to all of our Board leaders and partners who joined us for this important advocacy trip, as we championed for Florida’s hospitality industry on Capitol Hill.

As part of the CFHLA Adopt-A-School Program, Evermore Orlando Resort recently partnered with Millenia Gardens Elementary School to support local students through a meaningful clothing drive. Thanks to the generosity and teamwork of Evermore team members, numerous bags of gently used clothing and shoes were collected and donated to the school.

 

Teachers at Millenia Gardens Elementary School shared their gratitude for the contributions, which will help support many students and families within the school community. This thoughtful initiative reflects Evermore Orlando Resort’s ongoing commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in Central Florida.

 

Thank you to the entire Evermore Orlando Resort team for coming together to support Millenia Gardens Elementary School and for continuing to demonstrate the true spirit of hospitality and community partnership.

CFHLA is proud to recognize our May Lodging Member of the Month, Richard Hess, Hotel Manager at Hilton Orlando. This recognition reflects his exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for CFHLA and the broader Central Florida Hospitality Industry. Richard’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA signature events and recent selection into the inaugural NextGen Leadership Council. Furthermore, his continued engagement and willingness to contribute his time and expertise have played an integral role in helping move our organization and the industry forward.

 

We are equally proud to recognize our May Allied Member of the Month, Kim Dvorscak, VP of Client Relations for Xpodigital, for her outstanding involvement as a CFHLA VIP Member! Additionally, her ongoing support of our community-wide initiatives, as well as participation and sponsorship of so many annual CFHLA signature events, has been a tremendous help to the association. She’s truly helped CFHLA reach new heights! Not to mention, we are thankful for the in-kind donation of the new digital TV’s that look fantastic in our CFHLA office!

 

It is through these positive contributions and continued partnership that we are eager to recognize both of them this month!