Tampa Bay and Central Florida could emerge as a single economic region — and Florida’s dominant economic driver.

In the past, the area stretching from Tampa Bay through Orlando and Central Florida has been called such interesting names as Orlampa or Tamplando. Yet, regardless of the moniker, the potential for economic firepower across the entire area is just beginning to be addressed. Read more

The Central Florida Partnership is proud to present its 2010 Volunteer Leadership Team.

The Central Florida Partnership — America’s Newest Regional Partnership — is an essential place for leaders to convene, set priorities, address our region’s toughest challenges and identify our greatest opportunities. It provides a platform where positive ideas are advanced on behalf of our region — ideas that matter most to the millions of people who live, work, learn and play in Central Florida. The Central Florida Partnership is moving “Ideas to Results.” Read more

What would I like to read about this year? Let’s start, of course, with world peace … plus SunRail and more.

Other than the obvious like world peace, security and good health, I’ve been blue-skying about what might be possible in the new year. Here are some sample headlines, along with my commentary, on goals that we should set for ourselves at the global, national, state, regional and local levels, if not in the next few years than certainly in our lifetime.

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SunRail and High Speed Rail Under Construction in Sunshine State

The third time was the charm during the Florida Legislature’s “special session” last month. The history-making passage of Statewide Rail Transit legislation means jobs, jobs and more jobs for hard-working families all across our state. Before we know it, travel delays that will come with these massive construction projects will be only a memory as our region and state join the ranks of great regions around the globe in providing modern, dependable and efficient transportation for residents and visitors. Just think of London, Paris, New York, Washington … and Orlando!

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Voters Elect Orange County School Board Chairman

It’s time for a change, and voters turning out in record numbers to elect the first countywide direct-elected chairman of Orange County Public Schools will signal that change. The position was established by an overwhelming margin in 2008 and has sustained ongoing opposition by members of the school board and special-interest groups. At press time, at least two people had declared candidacy, and others are likely to follow.

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Central Florida Ranked No. 1 Entrepreneurial System in Nation

With its new focus on entrepreneurship, Orlando Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) is creating a significant amount of buzz in the business community. Its recent offering, The B.I.G. Summit (Business Innovation & Growth), focused on creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem to provide resources and make connections, enabling entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. From the “rock star” setting of the Summit to an outstanding lineup of programs and activities during 2010, Central Florida is on its way to national recognition.

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Groundbreaking Regional Water Policies Enacted

Water is our most precious resource, and working to ensure that this vital commodity will be available to future generations in Central Florida is crucial. Regional thinking and long-term policies are necessary to ensure that limited resources and growing demand align in new and innovative ways.  All things considered — three water management districts, seven counties, 86 cities — this is not an easy task. Cooperation and collaboration must guide these discussions.

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Pro-Business Candidates Elected in Record-breaking Numbers

Building a cadre of informed and effective business leaders who are considering public service at local, regional, state and national levels makes our region stronger. Political candidates need not only the knowledge base of the critical issues facing our families of communities, but the courage to make the right decisions for all and withstand the criticism of the few. They also need our support. While we hold our elected officials to a higher standard, we must also stand behind them and lift them up lest they fall or fail. For the most part, their intentions are pure, their rewards are few, and the future of our region and our state is at stake.

Editor’s note: Jacob V. Stuart is president and CEO of the Central Florida Partnership.

Expect the new, different and, well, unexpected at the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce’s B.I.G. Summit.

This is big … really BIG!

The B.I.G. Summit (Business Innovation & Growth) is breaking all the rules. What comes to mind when you think of today’s creative workforce?  Blue jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops and tattoos? Facebook, Twitter, texting and YouTube? Read more

Events throughout October, in town and on the road, kick off a fall schedule filled with regional initiatives.

The Central Florida Partnership continues to lead the region on issues and opportunities that are important to future success, staying true to its tagline, “Ideas to Results.” This fall, “Regional Transportation,” “Statewide Transformation” and “Community Thanks” are on the agenda. Read more

Much progress is being made as the region implements the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision.

It has been a busy two years since 20,000 residents shared their thoughts on what matters most to Central Floridians by answering the question “How Shall We Grow?”

The unveiling of the Central Florida Regional Growth Vision in August 2007 was just the beginning of the story. Since that time, leaders from cities, counties, regional organizations and private businesses from across the seven-county region (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia) have been working to turn the vision into reality.

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