During the annual Hospitality Gala, held on Dec. 10, 2016 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, CFHLA recognized Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as the association’s 2016 Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award recipient. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by CFHLA in recognition of achievements and contributions to Central Florida’s hospitality industry, as well as the community at large.
Mayor Dyer was selected as this year’s Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award Honoree for his role in the following hospitality and community accomplishments in Central Florida:
• The 2007 City of Orlando / Orange County Interlocal Agreement – paving the way for the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center, as well as providing for critical improvements to the Orlando Citrus Bowl
• Securing both a Major League Soccer franchise (Orlando City Soccer Club) and National Women’s Soccer League franchise (Orlando Pride)
• Revitalization of Downtown Orlando – to the benefit of both residents and visitors to our region
• Efforts in revising the 2007 Interlocal Agreement in 2012 to expedite Citrus Bowl renovations for sports tourism opportunities, including additional college football bowl games, Camping World Kickoff series and Copa America Centenario matches
• Commitment in 2016 to review and improvise the Interlocal Agreement to provide additional support to Visit Orlando, a dedicated sports bid fund, enhancements to the Orange County Convention Center and the completion of Phase II of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
• Leadership in the aftermath of the June 12 Pulse nightclub attack – establishing the OneOrlando Fund, which has collected approximately $30 million for Pulse victims’ families and survivors
The award is named after the first CFHLA Board of Directors Chairperson, Charles Andrews, and exemplifies perseverance and dedication to a cause. Mayor Dyer has long been a committed champion of Central Florida’s hospitality industry and has become one of the nation’s preeminent mayors, as Orlando has been recognized nationally as a leading city for job growth, diversity and equality.