FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- The Lee County Industrial Development Authority has joined the Horizon Foundation as an Innovator Investor, becoming the first supporter at the $50,000 giving level in the Foundation's 30-year history.

Investors in the Horizon Foundation, Lee County's leading nonprofit business entity, come together for a common goal: to support the future of Lee County's economic welfare. Its 100-plus investors are committed to keeping Lee County's economy diverse and competitive, ensuring the companies that contribute to the county's success stay rooted here.

The Lee County Industrial Development Authority is a seven-member board appointed by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. It's tasked with fostering industrial and business development, as well as encouraging change to local and relocating companies to explore the use of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds to finance their projects. The bonds provide a source of long-term, below-market-rate financing for new and expanding manufacturing facilities.

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"Partnering with the Horizon Foundation is a natural extension of the IDA's mission to drive industrial growth and support business success in Lee County," said Robbie Roepstorff, chair of the Lee County Industrial Development Authority. "Together, we're strengthening the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and ensuring that companies have the tools and resources to expand and innovate right here in our community."

"We are proud to announce the IDA as our very first Innovator Investor at the $50,000 level," added Bill Johnson, Jr., IOM, Horizon Foundation executive director and community liaison. "The IDA has been a remarkable partner with the Foundation, and we are very thankful to have the organization as investors. This funding will continue to support our mission and allow the Foundation to invest more resources into the businesses and individuals that strengthen our economy."

As an Innovator Investor, representatives of the Lee County Industrial Development Authority will have opportunities to speak at Horizon Foundation events, receive tickets to the Edison Awards gala, display a banner on the Foundation's website, host Foundation events and more.

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For additional information about the Horizon Foundation, including steps to becoming an investor, please visit HorizonCouncilFoundation.com or call 239-533-6800.

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, (https://horizoncouncilfoundation.com/) or call 239-533-6800.