Industry Appreciation Awards announces 2025 winners

The Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office have announced winners of the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards.

The 33rd annual awards program was held Oct. 24 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 23 finalists across seven categories before honoring the following winners:
NeoGenomics Laboratories received the Elevate Award. This award recognizes a business founded in Lee County that has demonstrated exceptional growth while embodying values that strengthen the broader business community, expand opportunities, cultivate local partnerships and promote long-term, inclusive success.

Founded in 2001, NeoGenomics Laboratories offers health care providers a comprehensive and advanced portfolio of over 500 ready-to-order disease state testing solutions encompassing all major testing methodologies. NeoGenomics Laboratories is committed to advancing cancer research and sharing insights with the broader cancer community of providers, researchers and advocacy organizations.

Bay Street Yard and McGregor’s Public House were both awarded Start Up of the Year. This award celebrates a business founded in Lee County that has launched within the past three years and is already demonstrating strong momentum and community impact.

Bay Street Yard, opened in 2024, is a casual, yet upscale, outdoor entertainment venue with seating for over 300 people, two full-service bars and three unique food truck concepts serving up tailored menu options. With an emphasis on entertainment, the 12,000-square-foot venue offers a covered stage for live performances and popular DJs, an impressive 8-foot by 13-foot LED TV screen to view sporting events and other performances, and a variety of outdoor games such as cornhole, ping pong, bocce and more.

McGregor’s Public House, opened in 2023, is an Irish-influenced gastropub-styled restaurant offering a unique and innovative dining, drinking and socializing experience. McGregor’s Public House offers a full bar, stocked with an array of imported and local brews on tap, classic handcrafted cocktails and a menu that melds traditional pub classics with modern artisanal flair.

e2Companies won the Tech Catalyst Award. This award recognizes a company with a strong and sustained presence in Lee County that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening the technology ecosystem in Southwest Florida.

e2Companies was founded in 2009 to help companies comply with new EPA emissions regulations for diesel generators. Today, the company uses its talents, resources and management abilities to provide integrated energy solutions for critical infrastructure through its VirtualUtility®, which combines on-site power generation, energy storage and grid optimization software.

Recycled Firefighter was awarded Small Manufacturer of the Year. This award celebrates a small manufacturing business with 50 or less employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years.

Founded in 2005, Recycled Firefighter was built on a passion for durability, craftsmanship and reusing materials with a purpose. Each product is meticulously handcrafted from authentic, battle-tested fire hose that once served on the front lines, helping firefighters save lives and protect communities. Now retired from service, this rugged material is given new life as a proud symbol of the red, white and blue.

Storm Smart was awarded Large Manufacturer of the Year. This award celebrates a large manufacturing business with 51 or more employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years.

Storm Smart was founded in 1996 to provide the best hurricane protection to Florida communities. It is the largest manufacturer and installer of hurricane protection products in America. Storm Smart offers a variety of products such as screens, shutters and impact-resistant windows and doors.

Gulf Coast Business Bank was recognized as Small Business of the Year. This award recognizes a small business with up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years.

Founded in 2022, Gulf Coast Business Bank offers highly competitive and tailored products and services for local businesses, professionals, associations, and residents in Lee and Collier counties. Its leadership team is deeply invested in the economic vitality of Southwest Florida, supporting business owners through personalized service and innovative financial tools.

Liberty Aluminum Company was awarded Large Business of the Year. This award recognizes a large business with 51 or more employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years.

Liberty Aluminum Company was founded in 1993 and produces screen enclosures, carports, entry gates and grilles, trellises, ornamental railings and aluminum fencing. Liberty Aluminum Company has grown to be one of the largest aluminum specialty contractors in Southwest Florida with over 80 full-time employees.

“This is an amazing group of businesses that have an incredible impact on our community,” said Helen Edenfield, chair of the Horizon Council and vice president of operations at City Mattress/pranasleep. “Their efforts and dedication to making Southwest Florida one of the country’s best places to live, work and play make them absolutely deserving of the awards they’ve received today. These exceptional businesses and leaders truly embody what makes our community thrive.”

Additionally, Maylene Kiang Wu was awarded the Lee County Distinguished Achievement Award for her immense contribution to Lee County’s present and future success. Wu helps lead Pacific Peak LLC, a Southwest Florida real estate investment group focused on ground-up development, sales, acquisitions and joint ventures. She also is board president for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and helped direct a $1 million gift to the nonprofit’s Park Meadows Capital Campaign through The Maylene and Wen Wu Family Foundation.

To learn more about the Industry Appreciation Awards, visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.