Advocating at the State Capitol for Florida Tourism Day
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This week, our CFHLA leaders and industry partners joined many other organizations and hospitality professionals from across the state for Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol.
Throughout the trip, our CFHLA leaders, members and partners, not only advocated for our legislative priorities, but we educated and engaged with more than two dozen legislators on the issues that can directly impact our small businesses. Additionally, we shared the incredible value of tourism to Florida's economy, our team members and residents. This includes generating billions in economic impact and saving each of our Central Florida residents thousands in taxes annually.
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It was an extremely productive week advocating on behalf of the hospitality and tourism industry, along with educating our legislators on the significant economic impacts that the industry continues to have on our state. Thank you to each of the legislators and state leaders who met with us and for taking the time to hear from our industry leaders. Lastly, we appreciate all of our Board leaders, members, and partners who joined us for this important annual advocacy trip.
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CFHLA Supports & Volunteers at MLK Million Meal Pack
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This week, dozens of our Board Members and team members were proud to once again partner and volunteer with U.S. Hunger, as a Peace Sponsor for the annual MLK Million Meal Pack. U.S. Hunger led the effort to package more than ONE MILLION food relief meals and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dedication of service to others. By working together, more than 5,000 volunteers were striving to give local families in need a little extra “room” to breathe, serve our neighbors in need, and build a stronger and brighter community for tomorrow. CFHLA was grateful for the opportunity to join this meaningful community-wide day of service held at the Orange County Convention Center.
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Register for the Upcoming Golden Pineapple Awards
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Central Florida Hospitality and Tourism Management Competition hosts 80+ students
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Today, CFHLA was also proud to sponsor the 2026 Hospitality Competition for Central Florida Students. Over 80 students from eleven Central Florida Hospitality & Tourism Programs took part in this year’s competition! Students showed their skills and passion for hospitality by competing in Guest Service Case Studies, preparing Hospitality / B.E.O. event presentations, and went head-to-head in the Knowledge Bowl modeled after the state competition.
Congratulations to all the students who put their hearts into it, and thanks to all of the sponsors and CFHLA members for serving as judges for the competition! Lastly, thank you to our partners at Valencia College West Campus for hosting this amazing event!
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St. Patrick's Day Golf Open Sponsorships Now Available
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Sponsorships are now available for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Golf Open, including food hole sponsorships, corporate sponsor, lunch sponsors, and golf cart sponsor.
This year, the St. Patrick’s Day Golf Open will be held on Friday, March 13th at the ChampionsGate Golf Club.
Golfer registration will open at the beginning of February.
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TownePlace Suites Altamonte Springs Supports Deltona Lakes Elementary
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CFHLA is proud to recognize TownePlace Suites Altamonte Springs for their continued partnership with Deltona Lakes Elementary School through the CFHLA Adopt-A-School program. During the Fall Semester, the TownePlace Suites Altamonte Springs donated needed supplies and personal items for students while also providing breakfast to the teachers at drop off. Additionally, the team adopted 4 children during the holiday season and handed off their gifts at their local ice cream shoppe.
TownePlace Suites Altamonte Springs also plans to support the school’s golf tournament by rallying players, hole sponsors, and securing silent auction items. This golf tournament will raise funds for a new playground that all children can access, including those with wheelchair and sensory needs. Thank you to TownePlace Suites Altamonte Springs for your generosity and continued support of Deltona Lakes Elementary School!
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CFHLA Board Members Graduate from the OEP's Public Leadership Institute
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Congratulations again to CFHLA board members Ally Martin, General Manager of the Hyatt House Orlando Airport and Marie Cassamajor, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks, on graduating from the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Public Leadership Institute. This program equips Central Florida business leaders with the tools to better understand public policy and strengthen the region’s future. Through the program sessions, participants build connections, gain valuable insights, and contribute to efforts that support our long-term regional prosperity.
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Seminole County Appoints Local Hospitality Leaders to TDC and TID Boards
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Please join us in congratulating our CFHLA members who were recently appointed and/or re-elected to the Seminole County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and the Seminole County Tourism Improvement District (TID) advisory board!
First, Jon Simonelli, Assistant General Manager of Hilton Orlando / Altamonte Springs, was elected as the Seminole County TDC Vice Chair. The Seminole County TDC serves as the advisory board on all tourism-related matters, including furthering tourism within the County and the region.
Additionally, Jaclyn Lorigan, General Manager of the Hilton Orlando / Altamonte Springs and Kristen Oswald, General Manager of the TownePlace Suites Altamonte Springs, were re-elected as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Seminole County TID. Furthermore, congratulations to Duncan Wall, Regional Director of Sales for LBA Hospitality who was appointed as CFHLA’s representative on the Seminole County TID. The Seminole County TID advisory board will oversee the dedicated funding mechanism and ensure that the funds collected are invested strategically, as we strengthen Seminole County’s position as a premier sports tourism destination.
Each of these appointments are a strong testament to the leadership, partnership, and expertise that our membership brings to Seminole County's hospitality industry.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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Bruce McDonald, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, has gone above and beyond in service to CFHLA over the past several years. He has served on the CFHLA Board of Directors, helped launch the CFHLA Leadership Mentoring Program, and most recently joined the CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors. We also greatly appreciate his leadership as Chair of the Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast Committee for the past five years, helping make this signature CFHLA event a continued success.
We also proudly recognize Taine Dagostino, Project Development Manager, Carr Company, for her outstanding involvement as a 2025 VIP 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 contributions reflect her strong commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry and the work of our association.
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Meet the VIP: Clean Tec Services
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We support CFHLA because it brings together leaders who truly care about strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry through collaboration, education, and community involvement. The connections, initiatives, and shared vision within CFHLA create real impact beyond business, helping our industry grow stronger and more united.
Initiative that matters most to us:
One of the initiatives that matters most to us is CFHLA’s focus on workforce development and community engagement, including programs like Adopt-A-School. Supporting education and creating opportunities for future generations align closely with our values and long-term commitment to the community we serve.
Clean Tec Services is a hospitality-focused company providing interior and exterior building maintenance solutions for hotels, resorts, and commercial properties across Central Florida. With nearly three decades of experience, we deliver hospitality-grade standards through reliable service, trained teams, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
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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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