ORLANDO, FL - December 20, 2012: On Saturday, December 15, 2012 the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) hosted its annual Hospitality Gala at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. During the evening, CFHLA honored its Lodging Member of the Year, Allied Member of the Year, and Engineer of the Year, and presented the prestigious Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership.

This year’s Lodging Member of the Year Award was presented to Paul Tang, of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, for his continued dedication and devotion to CFHLA programs and events. Tang has served on the CFHLA Board of Directors for nine years, serving as Chairman for 2009 – 2011. For several years, Tang has participated as a member of the CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee and CFHLA Political Action Committee. As the 2012 Chairman of Visit Orlando, Tang guided the organization following the sudden loss of the organization’s President and CEO Gary Sain. This year, Tang was awarded the 2012 Most Influential Businessman of the Year Award by the Orlando Business Journal.

The Allied Member of the Year Award was presented to Martha Reece, of Harvill’s Produce Company. An active member for seven years, Reece is known throughout the association for her leadership, generosity and volunteerism. Her CFHLA service includes participation on planning committees for the Hospitality Gala, Bacchus Bash, Hospitality Expo And Tradeshow (HEAT) and St. Patrick’s Day Golf. Reece is instrumental in securing silent auction items for various events as well as the popular gala “mystery bags” which sell-out each year.

The Engineer of the Year Award was presented to Oscar Osorio, of the Sheraton Vistana Resort, for his dedication to the CFHLA Engineers’ Council, demonstrating high work ethic, and a straightforward approach to business. Responsible for nearly $9 million dollars annually, Osorio’s fiduciary responsibilities include budgeting, guiding and completing all resort budgets and ensuring completion of annual special projects for all of the homeowner’s associations. Under his leadership, the Sheraton Vistana Resort has received several awards for environmental sustainability efforts.


The Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership honors one leader for their personal contributions to the Central Florida community and the regional hospitality industry. This year’s award posthumously honored Gary Sain, Former President and CEO of Visit Orlando (Click Here To Read More).

The 2012 CFHLA Hospitality Gala was held on the evening of Saturday, December 15th at the Hilton Orlando. Over 1,000 Hospitality Executives were in attendance, including several local elected officials representing Central Florida.

For more information about CFHLA, please visit our website: www.cfhla.org

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) is the world’s largest regional hotel association, representing approximately 80% of the hotels in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.