Nominations are open for annual event celebrating Lee County’s top businesses and innovators
Nominations are open for the 2024 Industry Appreciation Awards, which will recognize Lee County’s top businesses and business leaders on Friday, Oct. 25, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.
This year, awards will be given in eight categories:
- Large Business of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
- Large Manufacturer of the Year
- Small Manufacturer of the Year
- Partnership Award
- Supplier Diversity Award
- Innovative Technology Award
- Community Spotlight Award
Now in its 31st year, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County businesses and their leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries. The awards program is sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development.
“As a business leader myself, I’m well aware of the challenges that entrepreneurs face in our community, but also the tremendous opportunities, collaboration and support system that help all businesses – large and small – continue to thrive,” said Mark Stevens, president of the Horizon Foundation and president of Stevens Construction.
The nomination deadline is June 30. Self-nominations are allowed.
“The Industry Appreciation Awards celebrate and honor business excellence, and we encourage business leaders, customers and community members to highlight the businesses they feel are leading the way by nominating them for an award,” said Guido Minaya, chair of the Horizon Council.
The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers. Nomination forms are available at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.
About the Horizon Foundation
The Horizon Foundation was established in 1995-96 to provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in Lee County’s long-term economic development and vitality. In 2000, the Horizon Foundation received its IRS ruling as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation raises private-sector money to support efforts of the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council to improve the area’s business climate. For more information, please visit HorizonCouncilFoundation.com, or call 239-533-6806.
About the Horizon Council
The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council has up to 80 members representing cities; chambers of commerce; economic development and trade organizations; community, business, and education organizations; along with various officers and at-large members. The Horizon Council is the voice of business in Lee County. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage the expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders. Visit LeeCountyBusiness.com/Horizon-Council for more information.
About the Lee County Economic Development Office
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and attract new business to provide a strong economy and thriving communities. The office also works to improve opportunities for the workforce to advance skills and have access to career ladders. Lee EDO has published a Development Activity Story Map that allows the public to explore new private development projects and investment activity in the county. Visit LeeCountyBusiness.com for more information.
