On Monday, business and community leaders convened at Osceola Heritage Park for the St. Cloud Economic Forecast Breakfast 2025, organised by the City of St. Cloud alongside the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce. This annual gathering served as a platform to delve into workforce development, business growth, and regional economic insights, with contributions from distinguished industry figures.
The event commenced with warm welcome remarks and the Pledge of Allegiance from St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson, establishing a tone of enthusiasm for the day ahead. Emcee Ybeth Bruzual expertly introduced the speakers and moderated important discussions throughout the morning’s event.
The first session, titled “St. Cloud 2025: Navigating Economic Currents,” featured Neil Hamilton, Vice President of Research & Strategy at the Orlando Economic Partnership. He outlined current economic trends influencing St. Cloud and Central Florida, focusing on the elements propelling business expansion and infrastructure development.
Next, Nilda Blanco, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at CareerSource Central Florida, addressed “Workforce Trends & Economic Growth: Opportunities & Challenges.” She stressed the vital role of job training programmes and workforce initiatives in nurturing St. Cloud’s burgeoning economy.
After a brief networking interlude, the panel on the “Evolving Landscape of Tourism,” moderated by Ybeth Bruzual, unfolded with expert contributions from:
✅ Frida Bahja, PhD, Director of Research, Experience Kissimmee
✅ Sam Haught, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Wild Florida
✅ Robb Larson, General Manager, Osceola Heritage Park
Bahja provided an insightful overview of how tourism shapes Osceola County’s economy, emphasising visitor trends and the significance of strategic marketing. “Our region’s success is deeply tied to tourism,” she noted, underscoring the financial uplift tourism offers to local businesses.
The concluding panel, “Employer Perspectives: Navigating Economic Shifts,” also led by Bruzual, featured leaders like John Fremstad, Director of Sales & Sustainability at OUC, and Brian Wetzel, President of Orlando Health St. Cloud. They highlighted key issues such as workforce retention, healthcare’s contribution to economic development, and the increasing importance of small businesses.
As the event wrapped up, Annmarie Forbes, Economic Development Director for the City of St. Cloud, alongside Dirk Webb, President/CEO of the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the City’s dedication to promoting economic progress and robust public-private partnerships.
Dirk Webb advised attendees, saying, “If you would like to learn more, the St. Cloud Chamber is here to help. Just visit StCloudChamberfl.com.” The Economic Forecast Breakfast 2025 successfully linked business leaders, economic strategists, and policymakers in their shared goal of boosting St. Cloud’s economic landscape, ultimately paving the way for sustained growth and prosperity in Osceola County.
The St. Cloud Economic Forecast Breakfast 2025 gathered business leaders to discuss economic trends, workforce development, and tourism impact. Highlighted discussions included insights from Neil Hamilton, Nilda Blanco, and various tourism and employer panels. Key takeaways stressed the importance of training programs and strategic marketing to ensure economic growth in Osceola County.
The St. Cloud Economic Forecast Breakfast 2025 successfully facilitated critical discussions on regional economic trends, workforce development, and the thriving tourism industry. Leaders from various sectors underscored the importance of collaboration and strategic initiatives to secure ongoing growth and stability for local businesses. Events like this are crucial for shaping St. Cloud’s economic future and ensuring the community’s thriving prosperity.
Original Source: www.positivelyosceola.com
