LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 4, 2014 - Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France, accepted the Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) James B. Greene Award for hercontributions to Central Florida's economic prosperity.

Crofton received the honor at the organization's annual awards dinner last evening at Amway Center. First presented in 1990, the award recognizes a leader whose work has had a significant impact on the region's business community and quality of life.

"With her enduring enthusiasm and hard work in support of our area's economic vitality, Meg is truly deserving of this highest honor bestowed by the EDC," said Scott Faris, CEO of MicroVapor Devices and current chair of the EDC Board of Directors. "Through initiatives such as the EDC Leadership Charter, she built a legacy of collaboration and engagement that propelled the organization to new heights in economic development for the region."

As EDC board chair from 2009-2010, Crofton helped guide the organization through the recession, developing innovative ways to engage the group's board members. During those challenging economic times, she championed a variety of regional initiatives, such as the development of SunRail, Amway Center and Orlando's Medical City.

During her time as president of Walt Disney World Resort, Crofton took on a variety of community leadership roles. She was appointed to the University of Central Florida's Board of Trustees and served on the Florida Council of 100, a group that promotes statewide economic growth. She also served on the Rollins College Board of Trustees, the boards of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness and Orlando Health, and the Executive Committee of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

"I'm honored and humbled to be recognized by the EDC with this prestigious award," said Crofton. "Central Florida will always be special to me and I'm so proud of all the EDC has accomplished on behalf of this outstanding community."

Crofton, who grew up in Central Florida and lived in the region until 2013, is responsible for operations at many of Disney's theme parks and resorts, including Walt Disney World Resort - Central Florida's largest employer - Disneyland Resort in California and Disneyland Paris.

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