FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- The application process to nominate an outstanding business or professional leader for the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards will be closing on Monday, June 30.

The Industry Appreciation Awards, in its 33^rd year, honors Lee County's top businesses and business leaders that drive the local economy, employ the workforce and shape their industries. Sponsored by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development, the award program recognizes nearly two dozen businesses in seven categories, including:

• Large Manufacturer of the Year
• Small Manufacturer of the Year
• Large Business of the Year
• Small Business of the Year
• Start Up of the Year
• Elevate Award
• Tech Catalyst Award

"I'm looking forward to recognizing all of the great work our businesses and business leaders do here in Lee County," said Helen Edenfield, chair of the Horizon Council and vice president of operations at City Mattress, which is based in Bonita Springs. "Their efforts to make our community a better place do not go unnoticed and I'm excited to honor them this fall."

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The Industry Appreciation Awards event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers. Application forms are available at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com (https://www.industryappreciationawards.com/). Self-nominations are allowed.

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 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. Visit LeeCountyBusiness.com/Horizon-Council (https://www.leecountybusiness.com/horizon-council) for more information.

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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 (https://www.leecountybusiness.com/) for more information.