Via the Orlando Magic:

In the past year alone, Orlando Magic President Alex Martins not only oversaw the finishing touches on the construction and grand opening of the dazzling Amway Center, but he also served in a leadership role for a franchise that set new highs for season tickets sold and won at least 50 games for a fourth consecutive season.

So it’s easy to see why Martins’ impressive profile continues to rise among the most important and influential leaders in Orlando and Central Florida. Already named the Rotary Club of Orlando’s Outstanding Business Professional of the Year, Martins has climbed to third overall in Orlando Magazine’s eighth annual list of The Most Powerful People in Orlando. The July edition of the magazine will soon be released, revealing Martins ranking one spot ahead of close friend, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Martins, 47, is the highest ranking private citizen on the list. Newly elected Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs is first in Orlando Magazine’s “Most Powerful People’’ rankings, while Speaker of the Florida House, Dean Cannon, is second. Martins moved up to third on the list after being ranked seventh a year ago.

Earlier this year, Martins ranked at No. 7 on the Orlando Sentinel’s most powerful people list. Magic superstar center Dwight Howard climbed to No. 26 on the Orlando Magazine “Most Powerful People’’ list after coming in at No. 39 a year ago. Howard was an All-Star for a fifth consecutive season, while averaging a career-best in scoring (22.9 points per game) and becoming the first player in history to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award three straight years.

Fernando Medina/Orlando Magic

Via the Orlando Magic:

During its annual Business Professionals of the Year Awards, the Rotary Club of Orlando recognizes outstanding business professionals for their impact to the local community via their work, ethics and dedication to philanthropy. This year, the Club honored Orlando Magic President Alex Martins for his commitment to the Central Florida community.

Criteria to be considered for the award include excellence in the nominee’s vocation, leadership abilities, commitment to community outreach and philanthropic service throughout the Central Florida area.

“Martins’ vision, leadership, creativity and integrity took the Orlando Magic to new heights in 2010,” said Eric Schrek, committee chairman for the award selection process. “Not only has he taken that organization to the next level, but he’s continued to show his commitment to the Central Florida community through participation in many local organizations and worthy causes.”

The Rotary Club of Orlando is not the only organization to recognize Martins for his impact on the Central Florida community this year. Orlando Magazine ranked Martins #11 in it 2010 “50 Most Powerful People” list and the Orlando Sentinel ranked him seventh on its annual list of top power players.

Photo by Fernando Medina/Orlando Magic

Via the Orlando Magic:

Earlier today at a special announcement with the Orlando Magic, City of Orlando and OUC–The Reliable One, the Amway Center got its golden ticket when the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the arena LEED Gold certification for its sustainable design and construction methods. The announcement was commemorated with a monument dedication and garden planting in the Amway Center plaza.

“Amway Center is to be commended for their achievement of LEED Gold certification,” said U.S. Green Building Council President, CEO & Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi. “It’s a team that started with the City of Orlando as owners, the Orlando Magic as the developers, and the community of fans and Orlando residents who will look to Amway Center as a source of civic pride and great entertainment.”

The arena’s designer, Populous; along with program manager, Turner Construction Company; construction manager, Hunt Construction Group; developer, the Orlando Magic; and owner/operator, the City of Orlando worked together to implement 39 points toward the arena’s certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nationally-accepted benchmark for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of green buildings. LEED ratings are based on a point system that measures the impact on the environment and those who use the building.

“Amway Center is living up to its expectations,” said Orlando Magic President Alex Martins. “We promised to create an arena that was civic-oriented, pedestrian friendly and added to downtown development. We promised a sustainable arena, and are proud to say that with today’s announcement and with great teamwork, we have surpassed our goal for LEED certification.”

“Through our Green Works Orlando program we have encouraged our community to develop environmentally friendly business practices and lifestyles,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The Amway Center is one of our most visible examples of how the City and our partners are embracing sustainable practices and will allow us to further engage the community in the effort to “go green.”’

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Photo by Gary Bassing

Via the Orlando Magic:

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan has always believed in providing countless opportunities for underprivileged youth in her district, recently the Orlando Magic helped turn her beliefs into a reality. On Wednesday, March 2 the Magic unveiled a new state-of-the-art Reading and Learning Center for youth at the Colonialtown Neighborhood Center. The newly renovated Orlando Magic Reading and Learning Center presented by Kia Motors features a computer lab with new desks, reading books and book shelves, along with arts and crafts materials for after-school projects. Children from the center were also surprised with a game room equipped with two flat screen TVs, Wii console, a pool table, and much more.

Orlando Magic leadership including Magic President Alex Martins, representatives from Kia Motors and Turner Construction as well as Mayor Dyer and Commissioner Sheehan eyes grew large in excitement as they watched the kids play in their new home.

“Our goal is to create a friendly and safe environment where our community’s youth can take advantage of every opportunity to excel academically and socially. Our corporate partners, Kia Motors and Turner Construction, helped us reach that goal, ” said Linda Landman Gonzalez, vice president of community and government affairs.

The renovation reflects the Magic’s commitment to the advancement of literacy in Orlando, one of the organization’s three charitable focus areas, along with health/wellness and the arts.

The Magic previously renovated the Nap Ford Community School computer lab; Northwest Community Center Reading and Learning Center; Jackson Community Center computer lab presented by Hunt; Hi-Tech Tutoring Reading and Learning Center, Pine Hills Reading and Learning Center, Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center and the New Image Youth Center in Parramore.

Via the Orlando Magic:

Orlando Magic and Full Sail University are proud to announce their new partnership, which includes opportunities for Full Sail student and staff collaborations inside the new Amway Center. Content from Full Sail University will appear on Magic TV during Orlando Magic home games and special events, as well as on OrlandoMagic.com, the team’s official website.

The partnership includes content created by Full Sail students, graduates and staff, including motion graphics, graphic design and custom video content featuring Full Sail branding located throughout several areas in the new Amway Center.

“We are proud to announce that Full Sail University has joined our Magic family of corporate partners,” Orlando Magic President Alex Martins said. “The Magic’s partnership with Full Sail University will help enhance the in-game experience for our fans while also utilizing and displaying all of the Amway Center’s technologically-advanced features.”

“Introducing this new partnership is a natural extension of both Full Sail University and the Orlando Magic’s commitment to community building in Central Florida,” said Josh Mora, program director of Full Sail’s Sports Marketing & Media degree. “It is a tremendous honor to be a part of this new relationship, as we look forward to providing our students with unique educational opportunities centered around the Magic’s phenomenal organization.”

Prior to select games, Full Sail University will have a presence at Fan Fest, located outside the Disney Atrium at Amway Center. Full Sail University students, staff and graduates will also be given the opportunity to audition to sing the National Anthem prior to an Orlando Magic home game this season.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Via the Orlando Magic:

If you’ve ever wanted to dribble down court dodging NBA greats along the way, now is your chance. Today, the NBA’s Orlando Magic launched a new user-generated, interactive program called “Get in the Game,” to virtually put Orlando Magic fans on the NBA basketball court. Located in the Amway Center’s Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience area, “Get in the Game” puts fans into the game like never before by using 3D VideoStar technology from Oddcast, the leader in participation marketing.

Fans interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit the Amway Center – home of the Orlando Magic – and have a photo taken at the Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience VideoStar kiosks. Next, fans can add their last names for the back of their virtual basketball jerseys and choose a 30-second clip that will feature them as either Orlando Magic player J.J. Redick or Dwight Howard. The video experience can then be shared through kiosks at Amway Center during the game.

Oddcast’s 3D VideoStar technology is an advanced technology that lets users upload a 2D picture of their face that is automatically mapped onto any video scene. The picture is rendered in full 3D, providing lifelike tracking movement within the videoand also automatically lip-synchs with any dialogue in the scene.

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Photo taken by Gary Bassing

Via the Orlando Magic:

The Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund (OMYF-MFF), in a surprise ceremony presented checks totaling $1 million to 19 grantee organizations from three counties in Central Florida (Orange, Seminole and Osceola). The presentation of the OMYF All-Star Team was held on Wednesday, January 19 at the Amway Center. The presentation was done in the spirit of the NBA Draft as each non-profit organization was announced and came up on stage to be presented with an OMYF jersey or specialty basketball. Representatives were greeted by Orlando Magic CEO/Vice Chair Bob Vander Weide, Magic President Alex Martins, Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw, Magic Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs Linda Landman-Gonzalez and the OMYF team.

With funds raised through OMYF, and the match provided by the McCormick Foundation, a total of $1 million in grants was distributed to these charities. In addition to the OMYF All-Star team announcement, the organizations were recognized at halftime of the Wednesday, January 19 Magic versus Sixers matchup.

After an extensive five-phase process, which began in July of 2010, the beneficiaries were recommended by the OMYF “VIP” Committee and the Advisory Council and then approved by the McCormick Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“We are proud to be able to assist organizations who are in need during these tough economic times,” said Orlando Magic President Alex Martins. “It is only possible through a collaborative effort of the DeVos family, this community, our players, coaches, staff, corporate partners and season ticket holders that we are capable of distributing $1 million this year. Most importantly we want to recognize and thank those who work every day with the youth of our community…they are the true heroes.”

Photo by Gary Bassing

Via the Orlando Magic:

On Monday, December 13, at the Mildred Dixon Community Park, Orange County and the Orlando Magic unveil their fifth and final gym in the Central Florida community. The community gyms were donated and built by the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic. Champions of the Community partners Disney Parks, GEICO, PepsiCo, AirTran Airways, Florida Hospital and Harris Corporation supported the project. Orange County operates and maintains the centers.

Orlando Magic President Alex Martins, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd, Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw along with area youth joined together on December 13 for the ribbon cutting of the fifth and final gym dedication in the Central Florida community. The gyms were donated and built by the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic. Orange County operates and maintains the centers.

Via the Orlando Magic:

Minority-owned companies in Central Florida were awarded $5 million in contracts for work on the five new Orange County Orlando Magic Recreation Centers. All five centers are now complete.

“The Orlando Magic recognizes the importance and long-term benefits of utilizing local minority and women business enterprises,” said Orlando Magic President Alex Martins. “From the outset of the community venues process we, along with our construction partners, have worked diligently to provide opportunities for local citizens and businesses.”

Nearly 30 percent of the work on the community gyms went to local minority and women business enterprises. This includes 48 subcontracts awarded to minority and women-owned businesses. A total of 12 African-American, 12 Hispanic-American, 10 Asian-American and 14 women-owned companies earned contracts. The Orange County Orlando Magic Recreation Centers include a 25,300 square foot building at each of the five locations.

The community gyms were donated and built by the DeVos family and Orlando Magic. Champions of the Community partners Disney Parks, GEICO, PepsiCo, AirTran Airways, Florida Hospital and Harris Corporation supported the project. Orange County operates and maintains the centers.

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Via the Orlando Magic:

Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, children at Diamond Community School have a great place to play.

Representatives from Harris Corporation, the Orlando Magic, Diamond Community School and residents of the Palm Bay community will join children in celebrating the opening of the first KaBOOM! playground in Brevard County on Monday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. Orlando Magic players, the Orlando Magic Dancers and Magic mascot STUFF will join children from the area for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the playground.

The playground was built on November 19 by hundreds of volunteers from Harris Corporation, the Orlando Magic and Diamond Community School under the guidance of non-profit KaBOOM! and is based on drawings created by children who participated in a Design Day event in September.

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