Finalists announced for 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards
Finalists for the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards have been announced by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office.
The Industry Appreciation Awards celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries. Winners will be announced at an awards luncheon Friday, Oct. 24, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. Registration is set to open for the event in mid-September.
One winner will be recognized from among the finalists in the following categories:
Large Business of the Year: All U Need Pest Control, Liberty Aluminum Co. and Suncoast Credit Union
Small Business of the Year: Gulf Coast Business Bank, Lee Marine Construction and Sunshine Psychiatry LLC
Elevate Award: AIM Engineering & Surveying, Architectural Metal Flashings and NeoGenomics Laboratories
Startup of the Year Award: Bay Street Yard, Crevalle Consulting, McGregor’s Public House and Tropic Paws
Tech Catalyst of the Year Award: e2 Companies, MashGrape Technologies and UBYou
Large Manufacturer of the Year: Advanced Hurricane Technology, D3 Glass and Storm Smart
Small Manufacturer of the Year: Botanical Brewing Co., Recycled Firefighter and Upanddown Industries LLC
“This is an incredible group of companies operating in a variety of industries right here in Lee County,” said Helen Edenfield, chairwoman of the Horizon Council and vice president of operations at City Mattress/pranasleep. “Each finalist demonstrates innovative business practices that are making a transformational difference and are truly deserving of the award for which they have been nominated.”
The 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. with a luncheon and awards ceremony to follow at 11 a.m. Event tickets for the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards are $50 each and will be available online in mid-September at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com. Tables of eight and 10 are also available.
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.
