ORLANDO, Fla. – The effort to bring a Major League Baseball team to Orlando took a significant step forward this week with the announcement of the project’s main investor, Dr. Rick Workman, a successful dentist and entrepreneur.

Workman, who operates a chain of dental offices in Illinois, has been named the anchor investor behind the Orlando Dreamers, the group working to acquire a team and build a state-of-the-art stadium near International Drive.

“This was a very purposeful selection,” said Jim Schnorf, co-founder of the Orlando Dreamers. “We think Rick exemplifies the exact type of owner that Major League Baseball is looking for.”

The proposed stadium, estimated at $1 billion, would be built near Aquatica water park. Renderings released by the group show a massive development designed to bring professional baseball to the heart of Central Florida.

Schnorf said the group has already raised $1.5 billion to fund the acquisition of a team and continues to seek additional high-profile investors.

“Anyone with credentials like John Morgan, we would be enthused to talk to,” Schnorf said. “Anybody that’s lived here for any period of time knows the successful background of John Morgan and his marketing prowess.”

While the Dreamers have not named a specific franchise, many speculate the Tampa Bay Rays could be a candidate for relocation if stadium negotiations in Tampa fall through.

“We don’t have direct control on what happens with the Rays,” Schnorf said. “But if there’s an opportunity for that team, or any other team to be acquired and relocated to Orlando, we are ready.”

The economic impact of the proposed stadium is projected to reach $30 billion over 40 years and create approximately 25,000 permanent jobs, according to the group.

“This could be the biggest thing to hit Central Florida since Disney,” Schnorf said. “It’s an incredibly significant opportunity that is probably once in a generation.”

An official timeline for construction has not been announced.