Orlando Business Blog

British Airways Announces Additional Orlando Flight Options

Sabah — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:26:22 +0000

British Airways has announced another Orlando-London flight opportunity available through Gatwick Airport this year, the second nonstop flight available from the airline. The new service offers additional convenience for Orlando’s growing British population, as well as an opportunity for international travelers who need more flexibility in scheduling their flight. The flight runs from Orlando International Airport on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:45 p.m. to arrive in London the following morning at 8:50 a.m.

Orlando’s Real Estate Channel Offers Video Profiles Online

Sabah — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:22:01 +0000

The Real Estate Channel of Orlando has recently launched a video profile segment for realtors and builders to create 30-second ad campaigns to accompany their listings. The channel is already a popular on-demand television station that allows viewers to watch local listings in Orlando and the surrounding area. With today’s advancing technologies and higher user interactivity, adding a video component to listings is becoming a premium service for many networks. Making these available online allows realtors and builders with smaller budgets to provide quality listings on a regular basis, and each video also links directly to the advertiser’s Web site. All video content will also be available on handheld wireless devices and some mobile phones.

Pepperidge Farm Prepares for Expansion in Lakeland, Florida

Sabah — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:18:47 +0000

Pepperidge Farm, Inc. has recently announced plans for expansion of its bread production facilities in Lakeland, Florida. The move will open up employment in Lakeland and Orlando with production increases in its famous bread lines and baked goods. The company will be building an extension of its current building scheduled for completion by Summer 2008; the increase is expected to provide 45 new jobs for residents.

2007 Orlando Housing Summit Announced for November 1

Sabah — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:12:24 +0000

The 2007 Orlando Housing Summit will take place on November 1 at the Portofino Bay Hotel. The event brings together professionals in real estate and construction to present on industry news such as work force housing, condo conversions, urban development, local trends, and custom home construcition.

The event is sponsored by the Orlando Business Journal and the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando. The annual housing update offers essential information on the state of the housing and construction industry in Orlando, and tickets to the event can be purchased here.

Orlando International Airport Ranks Tenth Busiest for Period

Sabah — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:26:03 +0000

Orlando International Airport has reached the ranking of tenth busiest airport in the nation acording to the most recent Bureau of Transportation Statistics report, amassing 8.5 million boardings, with AirTran Airways scheduling over 11.3 milion flights for domestic travel.

These are both steady increases from the same time last year, and September 11, 2007 proved to be safe and smooth in operations at all airport centers and hubs.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Scheduled for October

Sabah — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:00:50 +0000

The March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction is scheduled for October 10 at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Local chefs throughout Orlando will have a chance to cook and showcase their best dishes, offering tasty samples to the crowds along with silent and live auction packages.

All proceeds will be donated to the March of Dimes, and the event begins at 6 p.m. This is a valuable networking opportunity for business professionals; tickets are available by contacting 407-599-5077.

Osceola Tourism Bureau in Kissimmee Experiencing Layoffs

Sabah — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:50:11 +0000

The Osceola Tourism bureau is undergoing significant internal changes, eliminating almost 20 of 59 positions and tightening up budgets for operations through 2008. The cut is largely due to increased expenses for projects that were not budgeted appropriately, and the Tourist Development Council announced that its advertising budget would undergo the most serious changes.

A few strategies to overcome ongoing expenses are to complete most of the advertising, marketing, and strategic planning initiatives in-house and cut clerical positions as needed. A total of $4 million will be cut when the budgeting process is finished.

Metro Orlando Economic Development Center Hosts New Investor Reception

Sabah — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:58:44 +0000

The Metro Orlando Economic Development Center will host the EDC New Investor Reception on September 26, 2007. The reception is an opportunity for local businesses and prospective investors to learn about the organization and ask questions from noteworthy professionals in the area.

The EDC is designed to assist businesses with growth and counseling, helping create a competitive business climate and offering support and services for a variety of industries. The investor reception is held on a bi-monthly basis, serving as a powerful networking opportunity for business professionals in almost any industry.

Habitat for Humanity Orlando Announces Condo Project

Sabah — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:00:44 +0000

Due to the scarcity of affordable land in Central Florida, Habitat for Humanity of Orlando has announced a new project to develop a 3.9 acre multifamily community on Staghorn Drive and Silver Star Road.

The villas and condos will include ten buildings of 4 to 8-unit townhouses, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for February 2008. This will be one of Orlando’s larger condo development projects, estimated at $6 million. The new set of Staghorn villas will allow almost 170 children and parents to find a place to call home in Orlando.

Orlando Apartment Market Showing Signs of Slow Growth

Sabah — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:27:31 +0000

Orlando’s apartment market is showing signs of slow growth as the real estate market shifts toward condo and home sales, encouraging both local and international investors to concentrate on new developments throughout the city. The short-term slowdown means that apartment rental rates may lead to reduced rents and other incentives as landlords try to attract more renters. Orlando’s vacancy rate is expected to reach almost 6% by the end of 2007, and the influx of new apartment units may lead to rising trend in vacant units and complexes. Condo conversions are also growing steadily, offering renters a chance to own a home with attractive amenities and services.