Last call for 2024 Industry Appreciation Awards nominations

The deadline to submit applications for the Industry Appreciation Awards is fast approaching. Friday, July 5 is the final day applications will be accepted for the awards program.

This is the 32^nd year of the Industry Appreciation Awards, which recognize Lee County’s top 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.

Awards will be given in the following nine categories on Friday, Oct. 25 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers:

• 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
• Minority Owned Business Award

“I’m looking forward to another great year of honoring Lee County’s top businesses and business leaders,” said Guido Minaya, chair of the Horizon Council and CEO of Minaya Learning Global Solutions. “I understand and appreciate all the hard work they put into their organizations each and every day in order to succeed and to help our community succeed. It’s exciting to recognize them for what they do.”

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. Application forms are available at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com. Self-nominations are allowed.

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.