Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Board of Directors Sets Vision
for 2026 and Beyond
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This week, the CFHLA Board of Directors gathered for its Annual Board Retreat to discuss our strategic plan and map out the association’s plans for 2026 and beyond.
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We extend our gratitude to Board Member and General Manager George Stanfield and his entire team at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area for graciously hosting our annual retreat this year.
As part of the day, board members had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Kathleen Plinske, President of Valencia College. We are so grateful for Dr. Plinske's outstanding leadership and continued partnership with CFHLA!
Did you know that Valencia College has a unique agreement with the University of Central Florida (UCF) known as DirectConnect? This has provided students with increased access to Bachelor's degrees including many students who are currently enrolled at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. In fact, nearly 75% of Rosen College students began their education at Valencia College and transititioned to UCF to finish their degree. This is in addition to the many Accelerated Skills Training programs that our critical for the future of our industry and workforce.
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Additionally, the Board engaged in thoughtful discussions on a variety of topics that will shape CFHLA’s future initiatives, including:
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Growing and strengthening our CFHLA Councils
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Enhancing our signature networking events, including the Hospitality Tradeshow
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Elevating industry recognition programs and expanding our reach
We also received key updates from our tourism partners at Experience Kissimmee, presented by Chief Operating Officer Misty Johantgen.
A special thank you goes to our Board of Directors Retreat sponsor, employU, for their generous support in making this critical retreat possible.
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Lastly, following the retreat, CFHLA hosted more than 220 CFHLA members for our final After-Hours Reception of the year.
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We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors:
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Second Annual Safety & Security Summit Inspires
Future Hospitality Leaders
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This year, more than 100 students took part in the hands-on program, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at hotel and resort safety operations, including surveillance technology, emergency response, risk management, and customer service de-escalation.
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Special thanks to Mark Cartotto and Amaury Piedra of Caribe Royale Orlando for graciously hosting, and to our CFHLA Security & Safety Council Members for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals. This includes:
Dan Debord,
Director of Security, The Grove Resort & Waterpark Orlando
John Lombardo,
Senior Security Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Keith McRae,
Director of Security & Guest Transportation, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
Candace Raines,
Loss Prevention Manager, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area
Marisabel Rodriguez,
Security Manager, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
Clint Sode,
Security Director, Hilton Vacation Club Aqua Sol Orlando West
Laura Taylor,
Security Investigations Manager, Walt Disney World
This growing program continues to showcase exciting career paths in hospitality security, and CFHLA looks forward to expanding this annual program even more!
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Building Bright Futures with
Cristo Rey Orlando High School
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CFHLA recently had the pleasure of visiting Cristo Rey Orlando High School and was honored to be welcomed by two students from the school’s inaugural freshman class. Both of these students who provided the tour also shared what they enjoy about their school. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and pride in representing their school made a lasting impression on several of our CFHLA leaders in attendance.
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We are inspired by these remarkable students and look forward to building a new partnership with Cristo Rey as they begin their journey in education and preparing students for future careers in Central Florida!
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Partnering with Oak Ridge
to Grow Tomorrow’s Workforce
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This week we met with Principal Dennis Gonzalez, Assistant Principal Travis Brown, and Hospitality Teacher Erin Mantor of Oak Ridge High School, along with Senior Administrators Shannon Latimer and Danny Gardner. The meeting focused on CFHLA’s long-term partnership with Oak Ridge and explored new ways to expand our support for the students.
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These conversations underscored our shared commitment to helping local students succeed while preparing them for future careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
CFHLA thanks the Oak Ridge High School leadership team for their time and partnership—we look forward to continuing this important collaboration.
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Resurfacing Hope: CFHLA Members Create a
Brighter Space for Dream Village Families
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CFHLA extends a heartfelt thank you to our Engineers Council and VIP Member Circle of Success for their incredible work at the Sunshine Foundation’s Dream Village. The Sunshine Foundation's Dream Village answers the dreams and wishes of children, ages three through eighteen, who have severe or profound physical / developmental / intellectual challenges or trauma, and whose families have limited income.
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Recently, they partnered together using their time, expertise, and craftsmanship to resurface the pool and spa area and transform the space into a bright, welcoming space.
Thanks to their generosity, the children and families will now have a safe and beautiful place to relax and play. CFHLA is proud to have such dedicated partners making a real difference in our community.
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PIA – Marriott Village Orlando Helps Hunter’s Creek Eagles Soar into the New School Year
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The Marriott Village team went above and beyond to support the Eagles, making a real difference as students prepared for the new school year.
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15 Years of the Kia Center: A CFHLA Member Milestone
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On Wednesday, October 1, the Kia Center celebrated its 15th anniversary since first opening its doors.
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Over the past decade and a half, the Kia Center — part of Orlando Venues, a CFHLA member, has welcomed nearly 20 million guests, hosted more than 3,250 events, and generated billions in positive economic impact for our local community.
CFHLA congratulates the Kia Center team on reaching this incredible milestone and thanks them for their continued partnership in helping make Orlando a world-class destination for entertainment, sports, and hospitality.
Here’s to the next 15 years of memories, magic, and momentum!
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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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CFHLA is proud to recognize our October Lodging Member of the Month, Marc Reicher, Executive Vice President at RIDA Development Corporation. Marc's outstanding partnership and leadership as Treasurer of the CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors and on the Governmental Affairs Committee are invaluable to our association. We also appreciate his continued support in hosting the successful Tee-It-Up for Tourism PAC Fundraiser once again.
We are equally proud to recognize our October Allied Member of the Month, Holly Fox, Design & Sales for Natura. Holly’s outstanding involvement as a Silver Partner Member, active participation in CFHLA signature events, dedicated service on numerous committees, and support of community-wide initiatives exemplify her commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry.
It is through these positive contributions and continued partnership that we are eager to recognize both of them this 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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GLE Associates, Inc. is a 35yr old small business provides environmental consulting in the form of mold surveys, addressing indoor air quality concerns, pre-renovation asbestos surveys, and much more across the southeast. Daved McLouth our Orlando Operations Manager can assist with those concerns that effect both employees and guests. Call today for guidance.
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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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