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MEET OUR NEW DIRECTOR

Introducing Jill Vaughan 
In December, DOP welcomed Jill Vaughan as our new Executive Director.

Jill joins the organization with a wealth of leadership experience, having served in a number of senior development and leadership roles with AdventHealth Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to have Jill at the helm of our organization as we celebrate our 60th anniversary and extend DOP’s impact on downtown’s business community in new ways,” said Stephanie Darden Bennett, the 2021 Board President and Chief Creative Officer of Prismatic. “This year is going to be the most influential year yet for the organization.

“I am excited to mobilize our vision for powering partnerships, uniting common interests and extending influence throughout the downtown Orlando business community,” said Jill Vaughan.

“2021 holds tremendous promise and opportunity for our members who are passionate about Downtown Orlando as a premier destination for business, community and culture."

Read our full press release here.  Get to know Jill better in her recent feature in
the Orlando Business Journal.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Panther Viewing
Join City District Thursday February 25, at 534 Scratch Kitchen & Night Shade Lounge to enjoy a free viewing of Black Panther, as they celebrate Black History Month. Feel free to dress up in your own Afro-Futuristic/Wakanda inspired look.

African American Read-In
Celebrate African American literature in poetry, story, and song, performed by local luminaries in conjunction with the 31st Annual National African American Read-In. This virtual event is free and open to the public.

Register for Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m. here.

What's Up Downtown: Empowerment of Black Entrepreneurs
On March 4, join the Downtown Development Board for a virtual panel regarding the state of empowerment and growth of African American entrepreneurs. Guest speakers include:

  • Lamont Jackson, Director of Management Consulting
  • Kimberly Stewart, President of KRS Wealth Management
  • Alvin Cowans, President/CEO of McCoy Federal Credit Union
  • Neal Crosier, Co-Owner of Popcorn Junkie

Learn more here.

CONSTRUCTION AHEAD 
The City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency is working on several improvements along Church St. between Orange Ave. and Garland Ave. These improvements will help to beautify this historical district, revitalizing and stimulating interest from businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Construction is expected to begin Monday, March 1, on the south side of Church Street and will progress to the north side of the street as the project continues. All work is estimated to be complete by April 2021.

DID YOU KNOW? 

New Executive Director at the History Center
Congratulations to Pamela Schwartz who was appointed this week as new Executive Director of the History Center and Historical Society of Central Florida! Pam previously served as Chief Curator since 2016.

U.S. Soccer Gives 600 Tickets to Orlando Health Workers
U.S. Soccer teamed up with Orlando Health to provide 600 tickets for frontline health workers to final doubleheader of the 2021 SheBelieves Cup. The gesture is part of a big thank you to Florida, and in particular Orlando, which has been the de facto home to U.S. Soccer for the better part of two months.

FAIRWINDS Foundation
FAIRWINDS Foundation granted a quarter of a million dollars to local and nation-wide nonprofits this week. THANK YOU for working with and supporting organizations in our community to improve lives through financial well-being.

MEMBERS ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP 
We launched a private Facebook Group for DOP Members! This group will be an exclusive place to get to know members and share information with the DOP community.
Join today!

DOP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE 
Receive two free months at e|spaces Orlando with a one-year e|spaces membership. Email orlando@espaces.com to schedule a tour.

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