The 33rd annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon, one of Lee County’s most prominent business recognition events, is set for Friday, October 24, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. Organized by the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation, and the Lee County Economic Development Office, the event will honor 22 finalist companies across seven distinct categories: Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Elevate Award, Startup of the Year, Tech Catalyst of the Year, Large Manufacturer of the Year, and Small Manufacturer of the Year.
The venue, located at 1375 Monroe Street, will open its doors at 10 a.m. for networking, followed by the awards luncheon at 11 a.m. Tickets are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased online. Registration will close on October 10, so attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early.
The Horizon Foundation, established between 1995 and 1996, functions as a funding mechanism to support long-term economic growth in Lee County. It operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, raising private-sector funds to assist the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council in enhancing the region’s business environment. For more information, call 239-533-6806.
The Horizon Council, formed in 1991, serves as a public-private advisory board to the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development matters. Comprising up to 80 members from cities, chambers of commerce, trade organizations, educational institutions, and business leaders, it acts as the unified voice of the local business community. Its mission includes improving the regional economy, supporting existing enterprises, and attracting diverse employers. This partnership remains the only formal collaboration between Lee County’s government and private sector leadership.
Further details about the awards and participating organizations are available through official channels.
— news from Cape Coral Breeze
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Registration opens for 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards
Registration is now open for Lee County’s premier business awards celebration. The 33rd Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon is set for Friday, Oct. 24, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. n nHosted by the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office, the awards program will recognize 22 companies as finalists across seven categories, including Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Elevate Award, Startup of the Year Award, Tech Catalyst of the Year Award, Large Manufacturer of the Year and Small Manufacturer of the Year. n nThe Oct. 24 event will be held at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St., Fort Myers. The event starts with networking opportunities at 10 a.m. before transitioning to the awards luncheon at 11 a.m. Event tickets for the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards are $50 each and available online. Registration closes on Oct. 10. n nAbout the Horizon Foundation n nThe 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. More information, or call 239-533-6806. n nAbout the Horizon Council n nThe 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. More information. n nAbout the Lee County Economic Development Office