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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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ORLANDO, FL
(November 16, 2010): On Saturday, December 11th, at the largest black-tie
holiday gala for the hospitality industry, the Central Florida Hotel &
Lodging Association (CFHLA) will present Marty Belz, President and Chairman of
the Peabody Hotel Group, with the 2010 CFHLA “Charles Andrews Memorial
Hospitality Award for Community Leadership.” Each year, this prestigious award
is given to a local leader for their contribution to tourism through community
service.
This award is the “highest honor” bestowed upon an individual by CFHLA, in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry, as well as the community at large. The award is named after the founding father of CFHLA, Charles Andrews, and exemplifies perseverance and dedication to a cause. In 1981, Marty Belz and the Belz family built the Belz Factory Outlet, providing International Drive with a different kind of attraction that appealed to both tourists and residents. In 1984, the Belz family was the only hotel company to design and build a four star hotel directly across from the newly built Orange County Convention Center. When the Peabody Orlando opened in November 1986, it was the only hotel in what is now the second largest convention district in the country. In addition to serving as a visionary, Belz encouraged The Peabody Orlando to give generously to charitable organizations throughout Central Florida, including sponsorship of the Give Kids The World Black & White Gala for over twenty years. Mr. Belz was instrumental during the expansion and renovation of The Peabody Orlando, which during the construction phase was considered the largest privately funded construction project in Florida and maintained employment for over twelve hundred construction workers and with its opening, added over 500 new jobs. Belz will be honored during the 2010 CFHLA Hospitality Gala, which will be held in conjunction with the Grand Re-Opening / Expansion of The Peabody Orlando on Saturday, December 11th, from 6 P.M. to Midnight. Over 1,200 Hospitality Executives are expected to attend along with many elected officials from all over Central Florida. For more information about CFHLA, please visit our website: www.cfhla.org The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association is the world’s largest regional hotel association, representing approximately 80% of the hotels in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties and over 117,000 of their employees. |
| Contact:
Erin K. Hellkamp
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