With elections coming up, Black and minority-owned business leaders packed the Florida Technical College Orlando campus auditorium last week to meet with local candidates at the 2022 Political Expo hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF). In addition, guests also had the opportunity to learn how Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ transportation initiative could contribute to the economic welfare of Black businesses across the county.
The event, held for the first time in the Chamber’s history, was hosted by Ronald Nesbitt, McCoy Credit Union Vice President, Risk Management and AACCCF Board Chair.
“The Political Expo is an opportunity for our Black leaders to hear where local policymakers and candidates stand on critical issues, such as the economic development of our region” stated Tanisha Nunn-Gary, President, and CEO of the Chamber. “Central Florida’s voters will face important decisions in the up-coming mid-term election, that is why it is our goal that everyone attending the Political Expo leave feeling empowered and better informed ahead of casting their ballots.”
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida ranks second in the nation for Black-owned, Hispanic-owned and women-owned businesses. However, a significant percentage of these businesses still face challenging times after the pandemic. Attendees had the chance to meet and talk with candidates for Circuit Judge, County Commissioner, State Representative, Congressional District and State Senate.
Attendees also heard from Mayor Demings how the new sales tax from his transportation initiative can support Orange County’s upward trajectory for economic growth and progress. The proposal is designed to create a robust mass transport system, including expanding SunRail and adding more buses to the more than 300-bus LYNX fleet, he said.
“Transportation plays a large role in business expansion and recruit, as well as talent attraction,” Mayor Demings said. “We need a mass transit system to remain competitive.”
If the transportation initiative passes, it would collect nearly $600 million annually for the next 20 years.
African American Chamber of Commerce 2022 Political Expo preliminary list of attendees included:
- Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
- Lawanna Gelzer, Candidate for Orange County Commissioner, District 6
- Hedder Pierre-Joseph, Candidate for Orange County Commissioner, District 6
- Natalie Jackson, Candidate for Florida’s 10th Congressional District
- Jennifer ” Rita” Harris, Candidate for State Representative House District 44
- Aldo Bartolone, Candidate for 9th Judicial Circuit Court Judge
- Judge Andrew Bain, Candidate for 9th Judicial Circuit Court (Incumbent)
- Mercedes Fonseca, Candidate for Orange County Commissioner, District 4
- Fay Olga Pappas, Candidate for Circuit Court Judge, Group 9
- Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Candidate for Florida’s 10th Congressional District
- Representative Kamia Brown, Candidate for Florida State Senate, District 15
- Reverend Terence Gray, Candidate for Florida’s 10th Congressional District
- Judge Vincent Chiu, Candidate for Circuit Judge, Group 44
- Monique Worrell, State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
- Mayra Uribe, Orange County District 3 Commissioner
The conversation with Mayor Demings was moderated by Derek E. Bruce Esq., General Counsel at Florida law firm, Gunster Law. The Florida Technical College (FTC) culinary team prepared hors d’oeuvres for the event.
