Eola Eyes, a Mills 50 Corporate Business Member, was recognized this week as an innovative optical retailer by a national vision care publication, Vision Monday, in the first annual Design and Retail Excellence (D.A.R.E.) awards! They also received the “Seeing Green” award for “most daring eco-achievement” and were the only retailer in the nation to be nominated for two awards.  Eola Eyes, recipient of a City of Orlando 2010 facade grant, is located at 519 N. Mills –  www.eolaeyes.com.  Congratulations to Dr. Kerry Giedd and Dr. Brighid Williams, owners of Eola Eyes, on this awesome achievement.

Dear Friend,

This Monday is Labor Day, a holiday that, for many, celebrates the end of summer. While we may enjoy the weekend with trips to the beach, barbeques or watching sports, we should remember that the day recognizes American workers and the contributions they make to our nation. In our present economy, our labor force is vital to our country’s well being as well as the future of Orlando.

The City Council and I have worked hard to increase the number of jobs in our City. We have leveraged public projects, such as the Amway Center, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and SunRail, to create jobs and generate contracts for local workers and businesses. We have suspended local impact fees, and leveraged state or Federal incentives to attract new companies or help existing ones. One of these businesses, Connextions, will be adding 1,200 jobs to Orlando. We still have much work to do as our community works together to sustain our economic recovery, but our City is committed to helping connect our residents with high quality jobs.

This Labor Day weekend is also special as the Orlando City soccer team plays in the USL Pro championship game on Saturday night at the Citrus Bowl. I wish them the best of luck and encourage you to go out and support our newest sports team.

However you celebrate, be safe and happy Labor Day.

Sincerely, Buddy Dyer Mayor

Eola Eyes, a Mills 50 member, has been nominated for a national D.A.R.E Award for Dispensing and Retail Excellence! They were recognized by the judges as one of only five entries in the U.S. for using “daring approaches across different aspects of optical retailing” and have been nominated for a “We the People” reader’s vote award. This award is decided by reader votes, so let’s help Eola Eyes WIN!  Voting is open until Thursday,September 2 and the winner will be announced on September 16. Please visit visionmonday.com/dare to cast your vote for Eola Eyes and spread the word to your family, friends, and co-workers!

You will begin seeing dozens of multi colored banners along Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive.  These “branding” banners, designed by Say It Loud and fabricated by Triangle Reprographics, are a beautification project of the Mills 50 Design Committee.   The installation is the culmination of months of hard work by a lot of dedicated people.  Many thanks to the Mills 50 Design Committee, the City of Orlando, Orlando Utilities Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation for making this happen!

The Orange County Regional History Center will offer free museum admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from now through Labor Day, Monday, September 5.  The free admission program is available to active duty military (I.D. required) and five members of their immediate family. The Orange County Regional History Center, located at 65 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information call 407.836.8500 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org.

May 16-20 is National Small Business Week.  This is an opportunity to recognize Orlando’s small business owners for the tremendous contribution they make to our local economy and our community.

Ninety-three percent of the businesses in Orlando have less than 50 employees.  These entrepreneurs drive our local economy by creating new jobs and opportunities for residents, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Orlando.

Please celebrate National Small Business Week by making a conscious decision to support the small businesses in Mills 50!

CELEBRATE the official GRAND OPENING of The Funky Monkey Vault, 942 N. Mills, on Friday, May 6.  The Funky Monkey Vault, a fabulous wine & retail store, will be featuring wine specials ALL DAY LONG; wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres from 5pm -7pm; live music; giveaways and more!  Don’t miss it! The Funky Monkey Vault – a proud member of Mills 50!