ONYX Magazine, Founding Partner Orlando Health and Presenting Sponsor McCoy Federal Credit Union are excited to announce the sixth annual ONYX Magazine Men of Honor (MOH), a black-tie celebration of 22 leaders noted for their contributions throughout Florida and beyond. The event will highlight these stalwarts for their achievements in myriad professions and community service. Since 2019, ONYX Magazine has applauded more than 100 such men, dubbing them “The Tallest Trees in the Forest.” This year, Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Deputy Director Eric Blanc, Sr., CEM, CMP, will be recognized among the Men of Honor.

With more than 33 years of experience in event management and convention center sales, Eric oversees strategic planning, sales initiatives, and event operations for one of the largest convention centers in the United States. Prior to joining the OCCC, he held several key positions at the Tampa Convention Center, including Director of Sales, Marketing, and Convention Services, where he served for 15 years. His industry expertise also includes roles with The Freeman Companies and GES Expositions as a National Sales Manager. A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Business Marketing, Eric holds CEM and CMP certifications and is recognized for his commitment to excellence in hospitality and event management.

"It is important to highlight ordinary men doing extraordinary work in their respective disciplines and their communities, and we could not make such a bold presentation without the support of six-year Founding Partner, Orlando Health, and five-year Presenting Sponsor, McCoy Federal Credit Union," shared ONYX Magazine Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Rich Black. "Further, as a trusted media outlet, we have a responsibility to pay it forward. I believe we do so by affording young people an opportunity to meet trailblazers as they all share stories of their struggle and triumph."

With that, ONYX Magazine has designed a unique private event to connect current and aspiring leaders. Through generous donations from Orlando Health, The Jason Dion Giving Fund, and JW Marriott, the ONYX Foundation, LLC, will present scholarships to eight deserving young men destined to attend college, obtain a trade certification, or earn professional licensing. The scholars and leaders will network before the dinner to discover common interests and explore mentorship and other engagement opportunities.

The sixth annual Men of Honor, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Rosen Centre Hotel, located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Fla., will begin with a Kickoff Reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by the formal dinner and awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. The night will open with a stunning performance by Afrobeat entertainer, Oba Ogunlano, the "King of Orisa Beat Music"; and will feature music by Smooth Jazz artist NapoSax; and Darrell Moody Ocean Breeze Smooth Jazz throughout the evening.

Hosts of this awesome event and networking opportunity will include award-winning news and television personalities: Emcee Curtis McCloud, anchor and investigative reporter at Spectrum 13; Honoree Presenter Daralene Jones, a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist at Orlando’s WFTV, 9; and Red-Carpet Host Julie Gargotta, anchor and reporter at Spectrum 13.

Serving in MOH leadership are Honorary Chair Jerry Demings, the mayor of Orange County; Honorary Chairs Alvin Cowans, the president of McCoy Federal Credit Union, Michael Laderman, the chief marketing officer at Akylade, and Tony Jenkins, the Central Florida market president at Florida Blue; Event Chair Monica Riley, the president of C&M Riley, Inc.; and Event Co-Chair Nancy Schwalb, the president and CEO of Schwalb Public Relations.

Learn more about ONYX Magazine Men of Honor at www.onyxmoh.com. For sponsorship opportunities, please call 407.451.2891 or email connect@onyxmagazine.com.

All Media: Please help share this initiative in support of local efforts by ordinary citizens. We encourage news coverage and interviews. Please call the media contacts to schedule any interviews. When using Honoree Images, please credit Courtesy of ONYX Magazine.

ONYX Magazine at a Glance: ONYX Magazine, based in Orlando, is a premier publication that Celebrates Black achievement Throughout Florida and Beyond. It provides entertaining, inspiring, and informative stories and editorials with Black consumers in mind, while promoting seamless, diverse cultural connections. ONYX Magazine also hosts the annual ONYX Magazine Women on the Move to celebrate outstanding women, and the statewide ONYX Business Connect, which brings corporations and grassroots organizations together for shared enterprise opportunities.

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