View this email in your browser

Thank you for joining us at the Cancer Awareness After-Hours event with Orlando Health!

Hosted on July 24 at the Orlando Regional Medical Center, this special evening brought together our AACC community for an informative and empowering discussion on cancer prevention, early detection, and the resources available in Central Florida.

Chamber leaders and community partners came together for a meaningful roundtable luncheon focused on collaboration, unity, and shared impact. Together, we explored ways to align our efforts through cross-marketing, resource sharing, and strategic partnerships—all to better serve and uplift our diverse business and community members!

Come See Us at the AAPI Hob Nob & Community Resource Fair!

AACC is proud to be a booth sponsor at the upcoming AAPI Hob Nob & Community Resource Fair at Pine Hills Elementary School’s cafeteria in Orlando!

This free, nonpartisan event will bring together over 200 members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, civic leaders, and local candidates to promote civic engagement, voter education, and community connection. Attendees can enjoy cultural celebrations, meet-and-greets with candidates, voter registration opportunities, and visit resource booths hosted by local organizations—including ours!

WHEN & WHERE

• 📅 Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
• 📍 Where: Pine Hills Elementary School Cafeteria
• 🗺️ Address: 1006 Ferndell Rd, Orlando, FL 32808

AACC is proud to present our inaugural 2025 Supplier Development Expo!

In collaboration with the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, this first-of-its-kind event for AACC will connect businesses with key representatives from major corporations, government agencies, and local organizations across the public and private sectors. Learn about certification processes and opportunities for your business growth while engaging with organizations and experts who can guide you through the steps to certification and success.

WHEN & WHERE

• 📅 Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
• 📍 Where: National Entrepreneur Center
• 🗺️ Address: 3201 E Colonial Drive, Suite A-20 Orlando FL 32803

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Key Insights on recent legislative updates and what they mean for your business
• Workforce Data Trends from ADP’s unmatched national scope
• Smart Strategies for compliance, attracting top talent, and stronger business outcomes
• Dynamic Networking opportunity with industry and community leaders

WHEN & WHERE

• 📅 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2205
• ⏰ Time: 11 am - 2 pm
• 🗺️ Address: 2599 Lucien Way Maitland, FL 32751

✨ Mark Your Calendar — AACC’s Signature Gala Returns! ✨

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of elegance, recognition, and connection at AACC’s 14th Annual Awards Gala – The Golden Horizon. Join us as we honor visionary leaders, thriving businesses, and impactful changemakers shaping Central Florida’s future, across six distinguished award categories.

New this year, AACC will proudly donate $1,000 to a nominated nonprofit organization creating meaningful impact across our community.

The evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, meaningful networking, and cultural highlights—bringing our vibrant community together to celebrate excellence.

WHEN & WHERE

• 📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 4:30 - 9:00 pm
• 📍 Where: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
• 🗺️ Address: 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

🥂 Enjoy two alcoholic drink vouchers with every ticket! Food, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, parking, and a cash bar are all included.

🔔 Now Accepting Nominations, Sponsorships & Silent Auction Donations! 🔔

Be part of this year’s Gala by nominating a deserving individual or business, becoming a sponsor, or donating an item to our silent auction. Help us celebrate excellence and uplift our community!

🎖️ Click the links below to get involved:

• Nomination Submission Form
• Sponsorship Submission Form
• Silent Auction Submission Form

Deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025.

First Day of School in Orange County

August 11

Make sure your student is set up for success! Visit Orange County Public Schools for important enrollment information and resources.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

August 1-31

Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Aug. 31. During this time, consumers can purchase qualifying items — such as clothing, footwear, backpacks and classroom supplies — without paying sales tax. The monthlong holiday supports families preparing for the school year and encourages spending at retail businesses throughout our destination.

Tariff Extension

Earlier this week President Trump signed an Executive Order extending the deadline for reciprocal tariffs to August 1st. During the extension period, the Administration will notify several trading partners of the new tariff rates which will be applied to their exports into the United States. The US will also continue trade negotiations with other partners.

Executive Order: Extending the Modification of the Reciprocal Tariff Rates – The White House

Japan & Korea Receive Notice

On July 7, President Trump sent official letters to Japan and South Korea, announcing that goods exported from their countries to the United States will be subject to a 25% tariff. Unless a major trade agreement is reached, these tariffs are set to take effect on August 1.

The letters specify that the 25% tariff will apply not only to goods directly exported from Japan and Korea, but also to goods transshipped through third countries, where the United States is the final destination. Additionally, the letters caution both nations against imposing retaliatory tariffs, as such actions will result in added duties applied above the imposed 25%.

Letter to Japan’s Prime Minister: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114812854233087572

Letter to Korea’s President:

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114812856757774700

Brazilian Tariffs

On July 9th, President Trump announced new tariffs that target goods from Brazil. Goods exported from Brazil to the United States will face a 50% tariff starting August 1. The announcement also warned against transshipping goods through other countries to avoid tariffs, stating such actions will still incur the 50% rate. Additionally, the US cautioned against the implementation of any retaliatory tariffs by Brazil, as such actions would result in further duties over the existing rate.

Letter to Brazil’s President:

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114825119138468153

Possible New Round of Tariffs

Copper:

Earlier this week President Trump announced his Administration’s plan to impose new tariffs on imported copper. He stated that the proposed tariff rate will be 50% on the industrial metal.

In a separate statement, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick indicated that implementation of the copper tariffs could take effect as early as the coming weeks.

If enacted, these tariffs would fall under Section 232 and be applied similarly to the existing tariffs on aluminum and steel. Clarification on whether the tariffs would apply to copper derivatives, to follow.

More information on the President’s statement on copper tariff’s may be found: https://www.ft.com/content/1611e24e-f429-49c6-8c8f-5be12e35e257

BRICS

On July 6th, President Trump announced the US would impose an additional 10% tariff on any country that aligned itself with BRICS countries, who the White House has identified as having “anti-American policies”.

The BRICS group—originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—now includes South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.

The "BRICS tariff" would be imposed on top of any existing tariffs, whether they be under Sections 232, Section 301, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), or the reciprocal tariff program.

Further guidance on the timeline and scope of the tariffs to follow.

The President’s statement on Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114809574296066307

Item E:6: Small Business Enterprise Program Ordinance

This ordinance seeks to formalize the suspension of the Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program, which was initially enacted by Resolution on July 1, 2025. In its place, the ordinance seeks to establish a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program intended to support and promote participation of small businesses in County procurement. Action requested: Approval of the proposed ordinance regarding the procurement of goods, services, and supplies in Orange County, including the suspension of the MWBE program and creation of the Small Business Enterprise Program. (Business Development)

The next steps involve defining the gross receipts threshold and the “maximum number of employees” for the certification criteria. The County is hosting more than 21 listening sessions and is actively seeking input from as many business owners as possible.

• SBE – Virtual information Webinar Dates & Times
• Orange County Government Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Questions & Feedback Form

Orlando Health hospitals earn national, regional, high performing recognition from U.S. News & World Report

Orlando Health hospitals and service lines were recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent hospital rankings as some of the best in the nation. The healthcare system earned Best Hospitals, Best Regional Hospitals and High Performing Hospitals, while multiple service lines were honored as “high performing” at the national and regional levels.

Hilton Grand Vacations Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

“I’m pleased with our performance in the second quarter, highlighted by double-digit contract sales growth driven by improved execution,” said Mark Wang, CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “Our team’s dedicated efforts to advance our initiatives produced solid operating results, and our Financing Business Optimization helped drive another quarter of strong adjusted free cash flow generation. We built momentum through the quarter, as the value proposition of HGV Max membership has continued to resonate with our members and guests. Looking forward, we are reiterating our guidance for the year, which reflects our ongoing confidence in the business and the significant value creation opportunities we see ahead.”

Opera Orlando kicks off its 10th Anniversary Season with Puccini’s beloved masterpiece La Bohème in a brand new production conceived and directed by the Company’s artistic director Grant Preisser. This passionate, timeless, and indelible story of love among young artists, stands as the world’s most popular opera with soaring melodies and passion that will leave you searching for a kleenex.

A truly star-studded cast takes the stage as Puccini’s lovesick young bohemians in this original production that transports the action from Paris, France to the “Paris of the east,” Shanghai during the 1930s with soprano Bizhou Chang as Mimi, tenor Yi Li as Rodolfo, baritone Seunghyeon Baek as Marcello, and mezzo soprano Ruoxi Bian as Musetta. Conductor Allan R. Scott makes his company debut leading the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit for this production which will also feature the Opera Orlando Chorus and Youth Company, original sets, and original costumes.

Enjoy Puccini’s glorious music at the world-renowned Steinmetz Hall and see the opera that has inspired multiple generations over its 130 year existence while also serving as the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Rent. La Bohème is the definitive depiction of the joys and sorrows of love and loss while also revealing the deep emotional significance hidden in the trivial things—a bonnet, an old overcoat, a chance meeting with a neighbor—that make up our everyday lives.

PERFORMANCE NOTES:

• Show date: Friday October 3 & Sunday October 5, 2025
• Show time: 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
• Run time: 2 hour 15 minutes + intermission
• Recommended age: PG

Get Involved with AACC

Board of Directors

Christine M. Berk, AACC President, The Collier Companies

Thomas Lin, AACC Vice President, Orange County Sheriff's Office

Gary Mata, AACC Treasurer, Orlando Magic

Vi Ma, AACC Former President & Finance Reviewer, Global Diversity Marketing Network

Natasha Jaipaul, Board of Directors & Event Co-Chair, ADP

Lisa Gong Guerrero, AACC Board of Directors & Sergeant of Arms, Gong Guerrero Law

Jay Shah, AACC Board of Directors, New York Life/Eagle Strategies

Mila Zeng, AACC Board of Directors, USANA Health Sciences

Ying Zhang, AACC Board of Directors, Orlando Health



Board Advisors

Richard Ly, Advisor to the Board, Maaco

Simon Choy, Advisor to the Board, ADP

Gregory C. Maaswinkel, Legal Advisor to the Board, Maaswinkel Law P.A.

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors!