OCCC employees in training to support Orange County Government's Orange CARES initiative. 

As our community navigates its path to recovery, a team of 35 full-time Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) employees has stepped forward to support Orange County Government’s Orange CARES initiative, to assist in providing Coronavirus relief, aid and economic security to the local community during these challenging times.

Designed to support the region in recovering from the effects of COVID-19, the Orange CARES initiative involves the distribution of funds received from the Federal CARES Act. By directly investing money back into the local community, Orange County Government aims to support local residents, families and small businesses with the impact of COVID-19.

The initiative consists of $72.9 million allocated for small businesses, which will allow Orange County to grant approximately 6,500 qualifying small businesses a one-time $10,000 payment for recovery efforts. Additionally, by investing $36.5 million in aid to individuals and families, the CARES funding will support local families and residents by providing $1,000 grants to assist in settling rent, mortgage, utility and/or medical expenses.

With a commitment to supporting the community during these challenging times, a team of designated OCCC employees will be responsible for assisting the Orange County 311 team in providing guidance and support on the information and documentation necessary to apply for both the Small Business Grant and Individual and Family Assistance programs.

This diverse team of employees from across multiple OCCC sections continues to demonstrate flexibility and community care. Recently trained to support residents in completing their Reemployment Assistance Claims, the team continues to adapt, grow and learn to help the community overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the past five weeks, our team supported CareerSource Central Florida in providing Reemployment Assistance guidance and advice. Handling more than 9,000 calls, we saw the pandemic through so many different perspectives,” said Kenneth Gaudinez, Team Manager and OCCC Exhibitor Services Supervisor. “We recognize the need in our community. By retraining to support Orange CARES, our team is offering an important resource to those requiring support and guidance in applying for these newly established grants.”

The OCCC has continued to support various initiatives during these challenging times. From serving as a regional COVID-19 testing site, to regularly donating fresh center-grown produce for local students and their families, and distributing essential PPE to local healthcare workers on the frontline, the OCCC remains committed to being a community partner and resource for those in need.