ORLANDO, FLA.—On Saturday, December 11, at a black-tie holiday gala, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) presented Marty Belz, president and chairman of the Peabody Hotel Group, with the 2010 CFHLA “Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership.” Each year, this prestigious award is given to a local leader for their contribution to tourism through community service.
This award is the “highest honor” bestowed upon an individual by CFHLA, in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry, as well as the community at large. The award is named after the founding father of CFHLA, Charles Andrews, and exemplifies perseverance and dedication to a cause.
In 1981, Marty Belz and the Belz family built the Belz Factory Outlet, providing International Drive with a different kind of attraction that appealed to both tourists and residents. In 1984, the Belz family was the only hotel company to design and build a four star hotel directly across from the newly built Orange County Convention Center. When the Peabody Orlando opened in November 1986, it was the only hotel in what is now the second largest convention district in the country. In addition to serving as a visionary, Belz encouraged The Peabody Orlando to give generously to charitable organizations throughout central Florida, including sponsorship of the Give Kids The World Black & White Gala for more than 20 years. Belz was instrumental during the expansion and renovation of The Peabody Orlando, which during the construction phase was considered the largest privately funded construction project in Florida and maintained employment for more than 1,200 construction workers and with its opening, added more than 500 new jobs.
Belz was honored during the 2010 CFHLA Hospitality Gala, which was held in conjunction with the grand reopening/expansion of The Peabody Orlando. More than 1,200 hospitality executives attended along with many elected officials from all over central Florida.
For more information about CFHLA, visit www.cfhla.org.
