{"id":236025,"date":"2026-04-17T19:43:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T19:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/236025\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T19:43:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T19:43:08","slug":"the-orlando-regional-perspective-april-17-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/236025\/","title":{"rendered":"The Orlando Regional Perspective | April 17, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the\u00a0Orlando Regional 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) SunDance expands local manufacturing footprint\u00a0\u2013 SunDance, the Orlando-based leader in commercial printing, packaging, and mailing solutions, is expanding its local manufacturing footprint with a new 15,000-square-foot production facility in unincorporated Orange County. The OEP\u2019s Economic Development team supported the firm with introductions to regional partners, assistance with Orange County development services and requirements, information talent development and local incentives, and public relations amplification. The expansion is part of SunDance\u2019s continued investment in the region and has helped drive the hiring of 31 new jobs over the past 12 months. It\u2019s a project that reflects the strength of the region\u2019s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and advances the Orlando 2045 vision.\u00a0Learn more here<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n

2) New\u00a0City Playbook\u00a0episode features Dr. Phillips Center\u2019s Kathy Ramsberger\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The City Playbook\u00a0podcast\u2019s latest episode spotlights how cultural infrastructure is critical to building a global creative capital. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts CEO Kathy Ramsberger shares how Orlando\u2019s investment in world-class arts and entertainment venues is strengthening downtown vibrancy, enhancing our quality of life, and boosting our appeal to talent and business. It\u2019s a timely conversation about strategic regional planning and how bold ideas like focusing on mobility and infrastructure keep our region competitive and connected.\u00a0Tune in and subscribe here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3) Orlando businesses signal cautious optimism in Q1\u00a0\u2013 The latest Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey suggests businesses across the region began the year with increased confidence at the company level, even as they navigate ongoing economic uncertainty. Performance was mixed across sectors, but future expectations are rebounding \u2013 a sign many area employers still plan to grow. Notably, this quarter\u2019s special survey topic highlighted how declining housing affordability is emerging as a key constraint on talent and growth.\u00a0Read the full report here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4) Florida Film Festival shines spotlight on Central Florida\u2019s creative economy\u00a0\u2013 This week the 2026 Florida Film Festival celebrated its 35th year of showcasing both the creativity and economic impact of our region\u2019s film industry. This year a total of 10 films at the Oscar\u00ae-qualifying festival\u2019s lineup have strong Central Florida ties \u2013 from local filming locations to homegrown talent \u2013 that you can\u00a0read more about on our blog<\/a>. Orlando Film Commissioner Brooke Hill was also featured on a panel at the festival along with Orange County Film Incentive Administrator Jennifer Pennypacker to explore how the county\u2019s new film incentives can attract productions, create jobs, and strengthen Florida\u2019s creative ecosystem. The OEP\u2019s Orlando Film Commission is a proud sponsor of the festival, which runs through Sunday.\u00a0Get tickets and learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5) Public-private charter school a win for education and economic opportunity\u00a0\u2013 Last week, the Orange County School Board approved a first-of-its-kind partnership with nonprofit Lift Orlando to transform Orange Center Elementary School into a public-private charter, a milestone for education and workforce development in our region. The new model aims to unite the district\u2019s resources and community investors to provide enhanced curriculum, teacher support, and wraparound services for students and families and will include guidance and technical assistance from national partners at Purpose Built Communities and Harlem Children\u2019s Zone. It\u2019s an innovative approach aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty by aligning education with broader community revitalization. In the long run, this \u201cOpportunity Charter\u201d could become a blueprint for how public and private sectors join forces to ensure every child \u2013 regardless of ZIP code \u2013 has access to quality education and a pathway to future success in the workforce.\u00a0Learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6) UCF receives landmark investment in business education\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Congratulations\u00a0to our Champion of Broad-based Prosperity\u00ae, the University of Central Florida (UCF), on receiving a transformative $50 million gift to establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business, the largest philanthropic investment in the university\u2019s history. This milestone strengthens UCF\u2019s role as a national leader in education innovation by expanding access to world class business and technology education, accelerating talent development, and enhancing the region\u2019s competitiveness. The investment in our region\u2019s talent ecosystem will help prepare future leaders for high growth industries and reinforce Central Florida\u2019s ability to attract and support innovative companies across the region.\u00a0Learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7) Final day for early bird registration: 2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip\u00a0\u2013 Today, is the final day for Early Bird Registration for the 2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip, taking place May 19 to May 21. Each year, this trip ensures the Orlando region\u2019s priorities are heard directly by Congress and federal agencies. The 2026 program will focus on advancing Central Florida\u2019s interests in Modeling, Simulation and Training, semiconductors, transportation, and aerospace and defense. Participation is limited to OEP Investors at the Ambassador, Director, and Governors Council levels. Interested investors should contact\u00a0Grace Thompson<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8) A Leadership Orlando graduation that was out of this world\u00a0\u2013 Leadership Orlando Class 109 wrapped up its journey at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, just after a milestone in space exploration. Thanks to class chair Michelle Maikisch (LO81), Executive Director, Central Florida Expressway Authority, for her outstanding leadership. Trey Carlson (LO79, LO82) delivered a powerful presentation on how courage and teamwork define leadership. The final session featured a tour and insights from industry leaders, providing a fitting conclusion.\u00a0Browse the Class 109 Directory<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Programs & Events<\/p>\n

2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip\u00a0presented by BakerHostetler & supported by TECO\u00a0\/\/ May 19-21 \/\/\u00a0REGISTER TODAY<\/a>\u00a0(Open to OEP Investors at the Ambassador, Director, and Governors Council levels ONLY)<\/p>\n

ICYMI<\/p>\n

Making It in Florida<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Site Selection<\/p>\n

Mamdani Jobs Economy Interview<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The New York Times<\/p>\n

40th Annual Corporate and 22nd Annual Consultant Site Selection Survey Results<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Area Development<\/p>\n

Site Readiness Is Broken: What Manufacturers Should Demand From Their Locations<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Area Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to the\u00a0Orlando Regional Perspective,\u00a0where I share stories that bring the\u00a0Orlando 2045 Vision\u00a0to life and highlight the progress…\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-236025","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\/236025","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=236025"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/236025\/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=236025"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=236025"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=236025"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}