The Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development Office will explore another year of business growth and opportunities at the 2026 Annual Meeting on Feb. 5.
The 2026 Annual Meeting will feature a State of the Economy presentation, ‘Innovation Evolved: Fueling Business Expansion and Community Prosperity,’ recapping the tremendous growth in Lee County. Highlights include:
- Blackstone Corporate Park along State Road 82.
- Cameratta Companies’ Kingston community.
- Lee Health’s central Lee County hospital.
Expanding on the event’s theme, the meeting will highlight the role of innovation as a key driver of economic development by fostering new connections between cutting-edge ideas and real-world opportunities. This approach encourages collaboration among local businesses, investors and innovators, which can lead to sustainable growth and ensure that Lee County remains competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Additionally, the meeting will offer a preview of the groups’ vision for business and development in 2026, which will emphasize the link between creativity, talent and economic growth.
The 2026 Annual Meeting will be 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. The event includes networking, a buffet lunch, the annual review, recognition of the Horizon Council’s 35th anniversary and a “passing of the gavel” celebration to formally recognize outgoing and incoming leadership.
Registration for the event is now open at https://www.eventzilla.net/e/2026-horizon-foundation-annual-meeting-2138678419. Tickets are $50 and include lunch.
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.
