Annual awards program recognizes Lee County’s top businesses
The Industry Appreciation Awards, Southwest Florida’s premiere business awards event, has begun accepting applications for its 2025 recognition program.
Now in its 33rd year, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County’s top businesses and business 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. Applications will be accepted through Monday, June 30.
The Industry Appreciation Awards will recognize winners and finalists in the following seven categories:
- Large Manufacturer of the Year
- Small Manufacturer of the Year
- Large Business of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
- Start Up of the Year
- Elevate Award
- Tech Catalyst Award
“I’m excited for another great year of celebrating Lee County’s top businesses and leaders,” said Helen Edenfield, chair of the Horizon Council and vice president of operations at City Mattress. “Their daily hard work drives success not just for their organizations, but for our entire community. They truly deserve recognition.”
The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 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.
