{"id":162833,"date":"2026-02-20T18:05:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/162833\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T18:05:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:05:07","slug":"this-weeks-regional-perspective-february-20-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/162833\/","title":{"rendered":"This Week’s Regional Perspective | February 20, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the\u00a0Regional Perspective,\u00a0where I share stories that bring the\u00a0Orlando 2045 Vision<\/a>\u00a0to life and highlight the progress shaping our region\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

1) Advancing a skills first future for the Orlando region\u00a0\u2013 This week, the Orlando Economic Partnership was selected as one of only 12 organizations nationwide to join the\u00a0Jobs for the Future\u2019s Inquiry into Building Regional Skills First Ecosystems initiative<\/a>, an effort made possible through the generous support of Walmart. This opportunity positions our region to accelerate the transition toward a skills based economy by engaging community partners, sharing insights, and developing actionable steps rooted in local research and lived experience. Our work will build directly on findings from our\u00a0Closing the Gap: 2025 Orlando Talent Report<\/a>, which highlights the persistent disconnect between the skills employers need and how talent is currently prepared and connected to opportunity. By advancing skills first practices, Central Florida employers can expand access to qualified talent, strengthen hiring outcomes, and align workforce strategies with real business needs. This is another important step in building a more competitive and inclusive regional economy. \u00a0<\/p>\n

2) Columbus Chamber visits Orlando to learn from our innovation\u00a0\u2013 We were pleased to welcome representatives from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce this week as they explored how Orlando is advancing regional collaboration and next generation planning tools. Their visit included a deep dive into our award-winning Orlando Regional Digital Twin, a national model for using data and visualization to guide growth and infrastructure decisions. It\u2019s encouraging to see peer regions looking to Orlando for inspiration as we continue shaping a more innovative and future ready economy. \u00a0<\/p>\n

3) Immerse energizes Downtown Orlando\u00a0\u2013 Downtown Orlando will be alive this week as Immerse once again transforms our city center into a hub of creativity, innovation, and community engagement. The event continues to demonstrate the power of arts and culture to activate public spaces, attract regional audiences, and showcase the vibrancy that sets Orlando apart. These kinds of experiences are essential to strengthening our downtown identity and supporting the businesses and cultural institutions that make Orlando a global creative capital.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

4) Strong governance and smart investment in Seminole County\u00a0\u2013 Last week\u2019s State of Seminole County highlighted the strength and consistency of the county\u2019s government services, proof that responsible stewardship and long term planning continue to deliver real value for residents. Seminole\u2019s commitment to putting taxpayer dollars to work efficiently and effectively was evident throughout the presentation, demonstrating how thoughtful investments enhance quality of life while supporting regional growth. Thank you to Seminole County Chair Andrea Herr for a thorough and insightful update on the county\u2019s progress and priorities.<\/p>\n

5)\u00a0Orlando rallies behind the Lions\u00a0\u2013 Orlando City SC kicks off its 2026 season at home this Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. against Red Bull New York, continuing the club\u2019s 12-year tradition of opening in Downtown Orlando. These matches bring our region together, strengthening community pride and cultural connection. With 17 home games on the schedule, each one boosts local businesses and fuels broader economic activity across Central Florida.\u00a0Get your tickets<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

6) Barbecue in the Park is just days away, get your tickets\u00a0\u2013 Our annual Barbecue in the Park presented by VyStar Credit Union, is right around the corner, and you won\u2019t want to miss one of the most enjoyable community building event of the year. This gathering brings together partners, leaders, and friends from across the region for great food and conversations, all in the heart of our city. Tickets are going fast, so now is the time to secure your spot and join us for an evening that celebrates everything that makes Orlando such a connected, collaborative region.\u00a0Register now<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

7) Leadership Orlando Class 110 now enrolling\u00a0\u2013 Leadership Orlando, our nation\u2019s largest community leadership program, will launch Class 110 in March, continuing a legacy of developing leaders who help shape the future of Central Florida. With more than 7,500 graduates, the program brings together rising and established leaders from across our region to deepen their understanding, broaden their networks, and build skills for community impact. Class 110 will be led by Annie Roberts, Senior Vice President of Club & Owner Services at Travel + Leisure Co., whose people first leadership and operational excellence make her an exceptional guide for this journey. Enrollment is open through February 27. I encourage leaders across our business community to be part of this transformational experience.\u00a0Enroll today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Programs & Events<\/p>\n

Leadership Orlando Class 110\u00a0\/\/ Feb. 20 Enrollment Deadline \/\/\u00a0LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY<\/a><\/p>\n

Barbecue in the Park\u00a0presented by VyStar Credit Union\u00a0\/\/ Feb. 25 \/\/\u00a0REGISTER TODAY \u2013 SELLING OUT SOON<\/a><\/p>\n

Regional Leadership Conference\u00a0presented by Universal Orlando Resort\u00a0\/\/ Mar. 27 \/\/\u00a0REGISTER TODAY<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip\u00a0presented by BakerHostetler\u00a0\/\/ May 19-21 \/\/ SAVE THE DATE (Open to OEP Investors at the Ambassador, Director, and Governors Council levels ONLY)<\/p>\n

ICYMI<\/p>\n

Spanish airline reveals flight schedule for inaugural summer season in Orlando<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Business Journal<\/p>\n

U.S. housing starts rose in November, December<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Wall Street Journal<\/p>\n

Meet the women who mean business 2026<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Business Journal<\/p>\n

Lake Nona Art Festival returns this weekend<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Sentinel<\/p>\n

City-owned lakefront land could draw bidders as downtown Kissimmee development heats up<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Business Journal<\/p>\n

Florida\u2019s Turnpike opens expanded segment in Lake County as part of $10B project<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Business Journal<\/p>\n

Dignitas Technologies sold as region\u2019s $7B defense training sector grows<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Business Journal<\/p>\n

Onward,<\/p>\n

\"Tim-ONLY-sig_100px.png\"
Tim Giuliani
ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to the\u00a0Regional Perspective,\u00a0where I share stories that bring the\u00a0Orlando 2045 Vision\u00a0to life and highlight the progress shaping…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":129656,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[139,141,140],"class_list":["post-162833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/162833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=162833"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/162833\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/129656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=162833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=162833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=162833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}