The Orlando Economic Partnership continues to advance the region’s long-term vision through strategic collaboration across education, business, and policy. This week, 35 regional business leaders traveled to Tallahassee to advocate for increased state funding for key educational institutions including the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, and Seminole State College. Their mission: to reinforce the vital role these schools play in developing a skilled workforce aligned with the economic demands of the coming decades. Meetings were held with 12 Central Florida legislators, emphasizing how sustained investment in higher education strengthens innovation, supports talent development, and enhances Orlando’s global competitiveness. The effort reflects a broader strategy under the Orlando 2045 Vision to align industry needs with academic programs, ensuring that future growth is both inclusive and sustainable. Special recognition goes to Greenberg Traurig, LLP, as presenting sponsor, and TECO Peoples Gas as supporting sponsor.
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This Week’s Regional Perspective
Welcome to the Regional Perspective, where I share stories that bring the Orlando 2045 Vision to life and highlight the progress shaping our region’s future. n n1) Growing Orlando’s Talent Pipeline in Tallahassee – Building the workforce our future economy demands starts with sustained investment in higher education, one of the cornerstones of the Orlando 2045 Vision. That’s why 35 regional business leaders joined the Orlando Economic Partnership in Tallahassee to advocate for increased funding for UCF, Valencia College, and Seminole State College this week. Together, we met with 12 Central Florida legislators to reinforce the critical role these institutions play in powering our talent pipeline, fueling innovation, and positioning Orlando as a global creative capital. By partnering closely with higher education leaders, including the UCF Board of Trustees, UCF Alumni Association, and Valencia College, we are aligning policy, business, and education to ensure Orlando’s growth over the next 20 years is talent-driven and globally competitive. Thank you to all who attended and special thanks to Greenberg Traurig, LLP, presenting sponsor and TECO Peoples Gas, supporting sponsor. Share the news on LinkedIn. n n2) Showcasing Orlando’s Leadership in Photonics and Advanced Technology – The Orlando Economic Partnership’s Economic Development team attended Photonics West in San Francisco last week ensuring Orlando is visible and competitive on a global stage as we continue to grow our optics and photonics signature industry. With deep roots in simulation, modeling, and advanced manufacturing, Central Florida is uniquely positioned to lead in photonics-enabled technologies that are shaping the future of defense, healthcare, aerospace, and emerging tech. By representing the region at one of the world’s premier industry convenings, our team is advancing the Orlando 2045 Vision, building international awareness, strengthening industry partnerships, and attracting high-wage companies that will anchor Orlando’s next generation of innovation and economic growth. n n3) Momentum and Resilience: Orlando’s Economy Closes 2025 on Strong Footing – The Q4 2025 Orlando MSA Market Update highlights tangible progress toward the long-term goals outlined in Orlando 2045. The landmark Pegasus Partnership between UCF and BNY exemplifies how industry and higher education collaboration can accelerate innovation and workforce development, while Orange County’s $25 million, five-year film incentive program strengthens our creative economy. Rebounding business and consumer sentiment, surging demand for AI skills, and continued growth in SunRail ridership all signal a region investing in talent, connectivity, and economic diversification—key pillars of a resilient, future-ready Orlando. Read the full Orlando MSA Market Update. n n4) Add Your Voice to the Q1 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey – Achieving the Orlando 2045 vision requires listening to the businesses that power our economy today. The Q1 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey gives employers across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties a direct voice in shaping policies and programs that support long-term growth. This quarter’s focus on housing affordability speaks directly to our shared goal of creating a region where talent can live, work, and thrive. Your insights help ensure Orlando’s growth over the next two decades is both competitive and inclusive. Take the Q1 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey now. n n5) Early bird pricing ending soon, get your Barbecue in the Park tickets –Strong regions are built on strong relationships—and Barbecue in the Park is where those connections happen. As the Orlando region’s premier business networking event, this gathering brings together leaders across business, civic, and nonprofit sectors to strengthen the collaboration needed to deliver the Orlando 2045 vision. From shared ideas to shared action, events like this help align our community around a common purpose: building one of America’s best places to live, work, and innovate. Get your tickets now before they sell out. n nPrograms & Events n nLEADForward Roundtables – Spring 2026 Cohort // Application Deadline Extended to Jan. 30 // APPLY TODAY n nLeadership Orlando Class 110 // Feb. 20 Enrollment Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY n nBarbecue in the Park presented by VyStar Credit Union // Feb. 25 // REGISTER AT EARLY BIRD PRICES TODAY n nRegional Leadership Conference presented by Universal Orlando Resort // Mar. 27 // SAVE THE DATE n nICYMI n nIonQ to Acquire SkyWater Technology, Creating the Only Vertically Integrated Full-Stack Quantum Platform Company – Skywater Technology n nCBRE snags JLL managing director to replace Jim Gray as top local exec – Orlando Business Journal n nU.S. companies are still slashing jobs to reverse pandemic hiring boom – Wall Street Journal n nOrlando International Airport defers $2B rental car facility for garage expansions – Orlando Business Journal n nDuke Energy Florida deploying 500 workers to the Carolinas ahead of massive winter storm – Duke Energy n nOrlando eyes downtown redevelopment district expansion – Orlando Business Journal n nGoogle grant drive AI integration across Florida Poly curriculum – Florida Polytech n nOnward,