For general inquiries, questions or feedback, email EconomicRecovery@ocfl.net.
For any media inquiries on the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, contact PIO@ocfl.net.

Mayor Demings Forms Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force

Mayor Jerry L. Demings Seal

George Aguel and Tim Giuliani Named as Co-Chairs

Orange County, Fla. – In an effort to work on a measured approach to restarting the local economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings announced the creation of the “Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force,” which will be co-chaired by George Aguel, president & CEO of Visit Orlando and Tim Giuliani,  president & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

“These are some of the best and brightest minds in our community, and the public-private Task Force will come up with recommendations to reopen Orange County using the safest and most sensible avenues possible,” said Mayor Demings. “I am confident we’ll be able to get Orange County and Orlando on the road to economic recovery while we save both lives and livelihoods.”

The group will consist of nearly 50 individuals representing local hospitals, theme parks, financial institutions, hotels, small businesses and non-profit economic development agencies. The Task Force will also include representatives from Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties.

“One of the most significant strengths we have as a destination is our history of working together as a community, especially in times of crisis,” said Aguel. “On behalf of the thousands of tourism businesses we represent, we’re grateful for Mayor Demings’ leadership in establishing this Task Force as a united effort to achieve a successful recovery.”

The group will focus on recommendations for reopening Orange County, including a phased approach to easing restrictions, while also ensuring the safety of employees and the public.

“The Partnership continues to hear from our local businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. While many are hoping to reopen soon, we must ensure a safe and thoughtful environment so our economy can thrive once again,” said Preside Giuliani. “I am eager to serve our business community as the co-chair of the Task Force, and I applaud Mayor Demings for his leadership throughout this difficult time. We stand ready to work together.”

The first meeting will be Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and will be conducted virtually.

Orange TV will carry the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting live.  Viewing options include Channel 488 on Spectrum, Channel 9 on Comcast, 1081 CenturyLink Prism TV,  WSWF Channel 10.2 (over the air), and stream live at www.ocfl.net/orangetv and you can view via the Orange TV app on ROKU in the Education category.

For more information and upcoming meetings, visit www.ocfl.net/EconomicRecovery. For questions or additional information regarding the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force contact EconomicRecovery@ocfl.net.

Co-Chairs:

  • Orlando Economic Partnership, Tim Giuliani, President and CEO
  • Visit Orlando, George Aguel, President and CEO

Members:

  • AdventHealth, Scott Brady, MD, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services
  • Alfond Inn, Jesse Martinez, General Manager
  • Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), Inez Long, President and CEO
  • CareerSource Central Florida Pamela Nabors, President and CEO
  • Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Evelyn Cardenas, CEO
  • Church Street Entertainment, Doug Taylor, Managing Partner
  • City of Orlando & Orlando Venues, Allen Johnson, Chief Venues Officer
  • Curley & Pynn Public Relations, Dan Ward, President
  • Darden Restaurants, Dave George, EVP and Chief Operating Officer
  • Don Julio’s Mexican Kitchen, Florencio “Larry” Rodriguez, Owner
  • Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO
  • Florida Department of Health in Orange County, Raul Pino, MD, Director
  • Highwoods Properties, Steve Garrity, Vice President
  • Hyatt, Brian Combs
  • J Henry’s Barber Shop, John Henry, Owner
  • John Michael Exquisite Weddings & Catering, Michael Thomas, Owner
  • Johnny Rivers Grill & Market, Johnny Rivers, Owner
  • Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, John Newstreet, President/CEO
  • Lake County Agency for Economic Prosperity, Brandon Matulka, Executive Director
  • C. Spa & Nail Spa, Mary Chau, Founder and CEO
  • Merlin Entertainment, Adrian Jones
  • Mosaic Hair Studio, Mike Van den Abbeel, Salon Owner
  • National Entrepreneur Center, Jerry Ross, Executive Director
  • Nelson, Mullins/Broad and Cassel, Wayne Rich, Of Council
  • Orange County Public Schools, Barbara Jenkins, Ed.D, Superintendent
  • Orlando City Soccer Club, Alex Leitao, CEO
  • Orlando Health, George Ralls, MD, Medical Chief Quality Officer
  • Orlando International Airport, Phil Brown, CEO
  • Orlando Magic, Alex Martins, CEO
  • Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Douglas Love-Ramos, President
  • Prospera, Augusto Sanabria, President and CEO
  • Rejoice in the Lord Ministries & President, African American Council of Christian Clergy, Pastor Roderick Zak, CEO
  • Rosen Shingle Creek, Dan Giordano, General Manager
  • SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Brad Gilmour, Vice President of Operations
  • Seminole County Government, Tricia Johnson, Deputy County Manager/Chief Administrator for Community Relations and Economic Development
  • The Mall at Millennia, Steve Jamieson, General Manager
  • The Trentham Santiago Group, Conrad Santiago, CFP®, MSFS, Private Wealth Advisor
  • The Vineyard Wine Bar & Healthy Bistro, Deborah Linden, Owner
  • Truist, Sandy Hostetter, Central Florida Regional President
  • UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Youcheng Wang, Ph.D., Dean
  • Unicorp National Development, Chuck Whittall, President
  • United Safety Council, Chris Earl
  • Universal Orlando, Rich Costales, Executive Vice President of Resort Operations
  • VMD Ventures, LLC, Harold Mills, CEO
  • Walmart, Inc., Monesia Brown, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations
  • Walt Disney World Resort, Thomas Mazloum, Senior Vice President, Resort & Transportation Operations
  • WaWa, Inc., Todd Souders, Senior Director Florida Operations and New Market Development
  • Wyndham Destinations, Frank Goeckel
  • YMCA of Central Florida, Dan Wilcox, President & CEO

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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