I4 BUSINESS MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES 2019 BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE YEAR

Orlando, Fla. (November 12, 2019) — i4 Business magazine will recognize some of the most admired and influential individuals in Central Florida on December 10 at the 2019 Business Leaders of the Year Awards dinner at the Country Club of Orlando.

Nominations opened in September of this year for individuals whose business success, community engagement and innovation have moved the region forward. Nine business leaders have been selected from this year’s nominations.

The key honoree for 2019 is Charlie Gray, an influential presence in the development of Central Florida’s economy for more than four decades. Through his work as a founding partner of GrayRobinson law firm, he helped establish the Orange County Convention Center, creating opportunity for economic growth that continues to thrive. His in-depth work with the Orlando Economic Partnership has had a widespread impact on the region, including the development of BRIDG at NeoCIty.

The other 2019 Business Leaders of the Year honorees are:

PRIVATE INDUSTRY – Harry Arnon, president and CEO of Hernon Manufacturing. The company’s brands and technologies include those impacting government services, industrial companies and chemical suppliers. Hernon has recorded 104% growth over the last three years and has been named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. In more than 40 years in the business, Arnon has created a worldwide company that works in virtually every industry.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Linh Dang, chief development officer for Addition Financial. Dang’s work includes overseeing the community engagement and partnerships as well as leadership and talent development for the credit union. Her projects have included implementing a new leadership program for employees, an internal service survey and the WeConnect weekly training podcast for the organization. She was also instrumental in guiding the rebrand of Addition Financial from CFE Federal Credit Union.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – Daniel Entwistle, managing director and U.S. co-founder of Curium Solutions. Entwistle and his family moved to Central Florida in October 2016 so he could establish the first U.S. office of the UK-based consulting firm. Entwistle has established partnerships with several high-profile U.S. clients and has developed a strong connection to the Central Florida community, ultimately surpassing projections by 400%.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR – Katia Medina, senior business consultant at Prospera. Medina’s work advising Hispanic entrepreneurs from within the state, Puerto Rico and a variety of Spanish-speaking countries includes overseeing all client programs for Prospera in Central Florida, serving 2,000 entrepreneurs per year. Recently, Medina has focused her work on helping people displaced by Hurricane Maria start, expand or relocate their businesses in Central Florida.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP – Marsha Robbins, CEO of Dramatic Education. Robbins’ work as a teacher and
leader inspired her to found the company in 2003 to help fill the growing gap in arts education in
elementary schools. Now serving more than 6,000 youths annually, the company oversees 40 programs
focused on using the arts to develop students’ cognitive, social and physical skills. Robbins recently
added after- and before-school, expanded her staff.

SPORTS TOURISM – Jason Siegel, CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. Under his leadership,
GO Sports has helped secure millions of dollars in funding and landed marquee events that include the
2022 Special Olympics USA Games and are projected to drive more than $500 million in economic
impact from 2016 to 2019. Siegel served on the transition team of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
in 2018 and has been recognized by several organizations for his leadership and innovation.

HEALTHCARE – Daryl Tol, president and CEO of the Central Florida Division of AdventHealth. Since 2000,
he has served as a leader in several of the system’s hospitals and now oversees the 16-campus division
across six counties. Tol has played a key role in projects such as the rebranding of Florida Hospital to
AdventHealth and the launch of WholeMe, and has served the community in organizations that include
the Orlando Economic Partnership Governors Council.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT– Thad Seymour Jr., interim president at the University of Central Florida.
Seymour’s work with UCF has included his previous role as vice president for partnerships and chief
innovation officer, and as vice provost for UCF downtown. Expanding the university’s work in the
community and leading the completion of a new campus, Seymour has been an advocate for
educational and economic development in the region through innovative projects with diverse partners.

VISIT ORLANDO TOURISM LEADERSHIP AWARD – Brian Comes, area vice president at Hyatt Regency
Orlando, covering eight properties in Florida and Georgia. Comes has been with Hyatt Regency for over
30 years, having been recognized several times for his exceptional leadership. Through his work with his
employees, his community, and as a member of boards like Visit Orlando and the Orange County ARC
committee, Comes works intentionally to improve the lives and experiences of those around him.

The awards event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 2019, at the Country Club of Orlando,
1601 Country Club Drive, Orlando, FL 32804. Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. For
information, contact Publisher Cherise Czaban, cherise@i4biz.com or 321-848-3530. For additional
information or to purchase tickets or corporate tables, click here or contact Meaghan Branham,
meaghan@i4biz.com or 321-759-8977.

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ABOUT i4 BUSINESS MAGAZINE
i4 Business was launched in 2013 as a voice for the business and entrepreneurial community in Central
Florida. The print and digital magazine share inspiring and informative stories through the words of area
business and community leaders in order to support the region’s multifaceted and vibrant
entrepreneurial ecosystem.