Finalists announced for 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards
The Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office have announced 21 finalists for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards.
The Industry Appreciation Awards celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries. Winners will be celebrated at an Oct. 23 awards luncheon at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. The event will also celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Horizon Council. Registration for the event is now open.
The Industry Appreciation Awards will honor one winner in each of this year’s seven categories. Finalists include:
• Lee Trailblazer Award: Bob Dean Supply, Inc., Moran Kennedy, NORTHSTAR Technologies Group
• Start Up of the Year: Southwest Florida Proton, Sugarshack Downtown, UBYou
• Tech Catalyst Award: ADDMAN Group, Eightpoint, Optivate Health
• Small Manufacturer of the Year: Botanical Brewing Company, NORTHSTAR Technologies Group, Wicked Dolphin Distillery
• Large Manufacturer of the Year: California Closets of Southwest Florida, PRAVADA Private Label, VGM Holdings
• Small Business of the Year: Aviation Precision Technology, COLDEST, Sun Harvest Citrus
• Large Business of the Year: ADG Architecture, South Seas, Wright Construction Group
“Lee County is home to an outstanding group of businesses that are making a significant impact across a wide range of industries,” said Horizon Council Chair Ben Spence, who is chief operating officer of Lee Health and will become its president and CEO this fall. “Each finalist has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, growth and excellence, and the contributions they are making to our community make them incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
The Oct. 23 event will be held at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in 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 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards are $100 each and available online at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com. Tables of 10 are also available.
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.
