Last call for 2022 Industry Appreciation Awards nominations

06/09/2022

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries, will close nominations for the 2022 awards program on June 30.

The awards program is coordinated by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office. There is no cost to nominate a business. Self-nominations are allowed.

The seven award categories include:

  • Innovator of the Year: Awarded to a local business that develops advanced or innovative technologies that have positive impacts on Lee County’s growing economy and its industry.
  • Manufacturer of the Year: Awarded to a local manufacturing business in Lee County that shows excellence and growth in leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations.
  • Small Business of the Year: Awarded to a company with up to 50 employees that has been in business a minimum of six years in Lee County and has been successful in offering high-quality products and services along with superior customer service.
  • Large Business of the Year: Awarded to a company with more than 50 employees that has been in business a minimum of six years in Lee County and has been successful in offering high-quality products and services along with superior customer service.
  • Technology Award: Recognizes a local technology-focused company that is committed to growth and adding new technology-related products and/or services, customers and staff, and supports the technology community in Lee County.
  • Small Business Inclusion & Diversity Award: Recognizes a local business with up to 50 employees that demonstrates strong vision and leadership in overcoming social and diversity obstacles that lead to an improved business environment and results.
  • Large Business Inclusion & Diversity Award: Recognizes a local business with more than 50 employees that demonstrates strong vision and leadership in overcoming social and diversity obstacles that lead to an improved business environment and results.

Winners will be announced at the 2022 Industry Appreciation Awards in October at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.

For more information or to nominate a business, please visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.

About the Horizon Foundation

The Horizon Foundation was established in 2000 as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization to provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in Lee County’s long-term economic development and vitality. 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 LeeCountyBusiness.com/Horizon-Foundation or HorizonCouncilFoundation.com or call 239-533-6800.

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.