Nominations open for 2023 Industry Appreciation Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries.
The 30th annual awards program is coordinated by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office. Nominations will be accepted online through June 30. There is no cost to nominate a business, and self-nominations are allowed.
Winners will be announced at the 2023 Industry Appreciation Awards on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.
The six award categories include:
• Diversity in Business Award: Recognizes a local business that demonstrates a strong vision and leadership in overcoming social and diversity obstacles, leading to an improved business environment and results.
• Innovative Technology Award: Recognizes a local company that is committed to growth and innovation through new products and/or services, showcasing forward-thinking technology that broadens the economic landscape in Lee County.
• Manufacturer of the Year Award: Recognizes a Lee County manufacturing business that exhibits excellence in leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations.
• Nonprofit Partnership Award: Recognizes an outstanding partnership between a business and a nonprofit organization on an initiative or project that has made a significant positive impact in Lee County.
• Small Business of the Year Award: Recognizes a Lee County company that has up to 50 employees and has been in business at least six years under the same corporate name and ownership. The company must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community-minded, actively support employee development and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County.
• Large Business of the Year Award: Recognizes a Lee County company with 51 or more employees that has been in business at least six years under the same corporate name and ownership. The companies must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community-minded, actively support employee development and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County.
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.
