Momentum

It is hard to believe that the holidays are upon us again. And while there is much to be thankful for this year, I think I speak for all of you when I say that I am looking forward to the new year bringing a bit more normalcy as we put the pandemic behind us.

Next month, Florida Trend employees will be returning to our office after a nearly two-year hiatus. Many have told me that they missed the social aspect of work and are looking forward to working face to face with co-workers. It will be fun to feel the energy, excitement and camaraderie in the office again.

This Floridian of the Year issue is one of my favorites every year. I’m always excited to see whom our editorial team picks and am especially interested to read about the great deeds of my fellow Floridians.

This year, Amy Keller shares the story of how the non-profit Lift Orlando is working to break the cycle of poverty in a neighborhood near downtown Orlando.

Lift — founded by a group of high-powered regional leaders — is working with neighborhood residents in the 32805 ZIP code. So far the effort has made about $100 million in investments in the area.

The group completed $18 million in new projects this year alone, including building Central Florida’s largest Boys & Girls Club and renovating a neighborhood park to the tune of $9 million.

But the effort is more than just about sinking money into an area. Find out what is giving it staying power.

You’ll want to read Amy’s story.

This issue also includes a new feature that spotlights some of the state’s rising executives.

Writers Amy Martinez and Mike Vogel identify a host of rising leaders across the state in a variety of sectors.

The feature leads off with profiles of Alix Miller, who might at first glance appear to be an unlikely person to lead the Florida Trucking Association, and Gian Carlo Alonso, who runs a walk-in refrigerator and freezer manufacturer in South Florida. In addition, there are spotlights on more than 30 others.

I’m looking forward to hearing more about his group in the future.

This month’s Economic Backbone focuses on advancements and developments at Florida’s hospitals. The section includes a region-by-region look at changes, updates and progress at hospitals, big and small, around the state.

As thankful as I am about the progress we’ve made this year as a company and as a state, I am looking forward to building on that momentum in the year ahead.

All of us here at Florida Trend greatly appreciate your commitment, readership and loyalty to our brand. As always, we are looking forward to continuing to provide you with fair, reliable and useful information that you’ve come to depend on from us.

Happy holidays and best wishes to you, your family and business associates as you begin the new year.

— David Denor, Publisher
[ddenor@floridatrend.com]

Read more in Florida Trend's December issue.
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Tags: Publisher's column