Today, World Duty Free, Inc., a global leader in airport duty free retail, announced Orlando as its U.S. headquarters. World Duty Free is part of the Italian-based Autogrill Group, the world's foremost provider of food and beverage and retail services for travelers, with over 350 national and international brands in its portfolio, spanning 37 countries and operating on major motorways, airports and railway stations worldwide.

The decision to locate its U.S. headquarters in Orlando was decided after an extensive national search of major U.S. duty free markets, including Atlanta. Major factors that drove World Duty Free to choose Orlando included the region's status as a world-class destination, its convenient location for international business and its collaborative business environment.

EDC President and CEO Rick L. Weddle said, "We are happy that World Duty Free has decided to locate its headquarters in Orlando. We look forward to supporting them in any way we can and are pleased they have chosen to expand their involvement in the community by becoming investors in the EDC."

World Duty Free currently employs more than 100 corporate and retail employees in the region, expects to hire approximately 5 to 10 new jobs at their Orlando headquarters as well as dozens of retail positions for each retail store opened, spurring economic growth and new jobs for the region.

Over 600 small business leaders gathered at Rosen Shingle Creek on Monday for the Small Business Defense Procurement Summit. This Department of Defense event, hosted in partnership with the City of Orlando and the Office of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, was designed to help small businesses learn how to do engage with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal contracting agencies.

The Federal government procures over $530 billion in goods and services on an annual basis. This event, which was only the second held nationwide, stemmed from a White House initiative directing federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, to communicate contract procurement opportunities to small businesspeople throughout the U.S. In addition to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Senator Bill Nelson, other speakers included: Cecilia Muñoz, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs; and Dr. Ashton B. Carter, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics.

The afternoon agenda featured business matchmaking sessions between small businesses and major government contractors and officials.