Nominations now open for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards

Applications are now open for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards, Southwest Florida’s premier business recognition program.

Now in its 34th year, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County’s top businesses and business leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries. The awards program is sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, June 30.

The Industry Appreciation Awards will recognize winners and finalists in seven categories:

· Large Manufacturer of the Year 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. The recipient will have integrated new technologies into their production processes, maintained high product quality and safety standards, and demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability.

· Small Manufacturer of the Year Award – Celebrates a small manufacturing business with 50 or fewer employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years. The recipient will have integrated new technologies into their production processes, maintained high product quality and safety standards, and demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability.

· Large Business of the Year Award – Recognizes a Lee County company with 51 or more employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years. The recipient will have implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community and adopted innovative practices. This award also acknowledges the business’s ability to overcome recent challenges effectively.

· Small Business of the Year – Recognizes a Lee County company that has up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products or services over the past three years. The recipient will have implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community and adopted innovative practices. This award also acknowledges the business’s ability to overcome recent challenges effectively.

· Start Up of the Year – Celebrates a business founded in Lee County that has launched within the past three years and is already demonstrating strong momentum and community impact. The recipient will have shown early growth in revenue, workforce, products or services, implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community, adopted innovative practices and demonstrated resilience in navigating the challenges of launching a new venture.

· Tech Catalyst 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. This award honors long-term regional impact, workforce investment and community leadership, not just business success or rapid growth. The recipient is a driving force behind the development of local talent, meaningful innovation and partnerships that help the tech sector thrive. Eligible companies must be headquartered, or have a significant operating presence, in Lee County and have been in business for at least three years.

· Lee Trailblazer 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. Eligible businesses must be founded and headquartered in Lee County, have been in continuous operation for more than three years, and demonstrate measurable growth in revenue, employment, services and regional reach.

“I’m looking forward to honoring the amazing Lee County businesses and leaders at this year’s event,” said Ben Spence, chair of the Horizon Council and chief operating officer of Lee Health. “Their dedication and leadership are great examples of the work it takes to strengthen our economy and community, and they deserve to be recognized.”

The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers. Application forms are available at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com. Self-nominations are allowed.

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 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 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.