Offer on Gaylord stays

Gaylord Hotels are known for offering distinct and unique backdrops for memorable celebrations that recognize life's most meaningful moments. And now, the group of four extraordinary properties is making celebrations more special by re-introducing its Buy One Night, Get One Free offers for birthdays and anniversaries, available now through the end of May 2012. The BOGO offer features distinctive anniversary and birthday celebrations starting at just $209* per night at Gaylord National and $199* per night at Gaylord Opryland, Gaylord Palms and Gaylord Texan respectively. There's a perfect Gaylord Hotels resort to fit every guests special moment with locations in popular destinations like just outside Washington, D.C. in Maryland's National Harbor; in Nashville, Tenn.; in Kissimmee; and in the land of the Big D in Grapevine, Texas.

Program Aims to boost export activity

    Osceola County businesses with an eye on international markets should take a look at a new Enterprise Florida program aimed at boosting export activity. Enterprise Florida's goals for the $780,786 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration include helping the state's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) diversify their target markets, and prompting infrequent and single-market exporters to expand their overseas trade activity.
    "There are very few grants that will be given and I would love to see Osceola County businesses get as many slots as possible," said Commission Chairman John Quiñones. "The International export market is a very good opportunity for the diverse businesses in our community to develop new revenue sources."
Information about Florida's initiatives can be accessed at http://www.eflorida.com/download/SBA_STEP_Grant_Summary.pdf. The Enterprise Florida program contact is Michael Schiffhauer, vice president, International Trade & Development, who can be reached at (407) 956-5634 or mschiffhauer@eflorida.com. The program forms are also available on the Osceola County Economic Development Web Site, www.chooseosceola.com.

Godin to Give Guest Keynote at Gaylord Palms

   "America's Greatest Marketer" is coming to Osceola County in March. At least that's what American Way magazine said of best-selling author Seth Godin. His blog is perhaps the most popular in the world written by a single individual.Godin writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything.
    He is scheduled to deliver a keynote during Gartner Inc.'s Customer 360 Summit at Gaylord Palms. The event runs March 14-16. Gartner is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. The company says the event "delivers complete coverage of the new strategies and technologies that are enabling organizations to better understand and engage their customers, build loyalty and grow the business."
    Read more about the event here.

PGA Pro John Cook joins forces with PlayGolfPlanet.com

     KISSIMMEE --- PlayGolfPlanet.com, the start up company that provides golfers with a social way to book tee times and deals with their favorite courses, has landed its second PGA golf pro endorsement from John Cook. Cameron Cress, founder and chief executive officer of PlayGolfPlanet.com, said Cook is going to place the PlayGolfPlanet.com logo to his golf bag for the duration of the PGA tour. 
     “John Cook is a friend and supporter and we are very excited about his endorsement and support,” Cress said.Cook is one of the top money winners on the senior golf circuit and is the winner of some 11 PGA tournaments.
     PlayGolfPlanet.com connects golfers directly with their favorite golf courses, brings them exclusive deals on tee times and local tournaments and allows them to organize rounds with friends.

     PlayGolfPlanet.com is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in Kissimmee at 111 E. Monument Avenue.