The Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office have announced winners of the 2024 Industry Appreciation Awards.
The 32nd annual awards program was held Oct. 25 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers, where local dignitaries joined business and community leaders in honoring Lee County businesses and individuals that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries.
The program recognized 27 finalists across nine categories before honoring the following winners:
- B&I Contractors received the Large Business of the Year Award. Founded in 1960, B&I Contractors is a full-service, commercial, HVAC, electrical and plumbing contractor that has grown to over 1,400 employees with multiple offices around the state of Florida. B&I is employee owned, a fact that contributes to a positive employee-focused company culture.
- LSI Companies was awarded the Small Business of the Year Award. LSI Companies, founded in 1999, is a full-service commercial real estate company specializing in the development, acquisition, and disposition of land and improved properties, with a strong focus on vacant land, developed homesites, and communities. It was founded on the core principle of providing comprehensive market insights to empower clients. Over the past three years, LSI Companies’ revenue surged by an impressive 150%.
- Pirozzi Organizational Development Solutions won the Diverse Business of the Year Award. Founded in 2019 as a woman-owned solopreneur business, Pirozzi Organizational Development Solutions works to assist companies, leaders and teams to navigate their communication and productivity challenges. The company also does team training on communication, productivity and collaboration, as well as soft-skill training.
- Chris-Tel Construction received the Supplier Diversity Award. Chris-Tel Construction, founded in 1989, promotes diversity within its supply chain. It utilizes the Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) database as well as local Section 3 trade partner lists to identify and engage with DBE/MBE and woman-owned businesses in our region and state.
- MY Shower Door received the Innovative Technology Award.Founded in 2003 by Bill Daubmann and his family, MY Shower Door developed the MY Pivot Hinge system, which redefines how glass weight is distributed on a frameless glass shower door. The MY Pivot Hinges protect customers from the risk of their glass shower doors slipping and extend the lifespan of their shower doors in their homes. This proprietary hardware has been implemented into all of MY Shower Door’s swinging frameless glass shower doors.
- Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems was recognized as Small Manufacturer of the Year. In 1981, Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems was founded as a manufacturer of life-preserving crew and passenger oxygen systems for the aviation industry. Aerox serves aircraft manufacturers, military users, aircraft modification facilities and general aviation pilots.
- Drake Ready Mix won the Large Manufacturer of the Year Award. Drake Ready Mix was founded in 2006 to manufacture and deliver ready-mix concrete to residential, commercial and municipal projects of all sizes. Drake works with contractors locally, across the state and nationally. From humble beginnings with less than 10 employees, the company has expanded to over 100 employees, nearly doubling its staff in the last four years alone.
- Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel was honored with the Partnership Award.Founded in 2010, Tunaskin Aquatic Apparelformed a transformative partnership with Keep Lee County Beautiful, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation and community beautification. The partnership’s centerpiece is the organization and execution of a large-scale beach cleanup on Fort Myers Beach. Tunaskin played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative by providing financial and logistical support. Tunaskin was the first retail business to re-open on Fort Myers Beach following Hurricane Ian.
- Chapman Insurance Group was honored with the Community Spotlight Award. Chapman Insurance Group (CIG), founded in 2009, has long been an active presence in the community, consistently participating in local events and supporting numerous meaningful initiatives. CIG, and its 100 employees, is committed to deepening its engagement in the community and is expanding its outreach with new partnerships and initiatives that align with its values.
“We are proud to honor the remarkable winners of this year’s Industry Appreciation Awards, as well as the finalists,” said Guido Minaya, chair of the Horizon Council. “Their dedication to excellence, innovation, diversity and community impact has not only strengthened our local economy but also inspired others to strive for success. These businesses and business leaders have set a powerful example, driving growth, creating opportunities and enhancing our region’s quality of life.”
To learn more about the Industry Appreciation Awards, visit 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 Board of County 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.
