Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 10, 2019) – Norman Love Confections is sweetening up the summer for Southwest Florida residents and visitors with BOGOs and discounts on its award-winning chocolates, gelato and pastries.
From now through Aug. 31, customers at Norman Love Confections’ four chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples can enjoy these summer specials:

• BOGO Gelato: Buy One Get One deals on cones or cups of its flavorful Italian gelato.
• Breakfast Happy Hour: Purchase a bakery item between 8 to 10 a.m. and receive a free small brewed coffee, or upgrade to a large coffee or latte for just $1.50.

 
“The only thing better than sharing a gelato in the middle of summer is having a cup or cone all to yourself,” said Norman Love, Founder, Owner and President of Norman Love Confections. “July is National Ice Cream Month, but we extended our gelato special to two months so our guests have more time to experience a truly authentic, handcrafted Italian gelato.”
Additionally, Norman Love Confections has announced a Christmas in July promotion. Chocolate salons will be offering guests 20% off their entire purchase on July 24-25, and the same discount also applies to purchases made online at NormanLoveConfections.com during that period.
Promotions are not valid at Norman Love Confections’ café and pastry shop at Whole Foods in Fort Myers.
About Norman Love Confections
Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.
Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.
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FORT MYERS, Fla., (July 3, 2019) – Bell Tower proudly welcomes Ice Spot to its growing list of trendy culinary attractions, offering shoppers and restaurant patrons another option to satisfy their sweet tooth.
The freestanding shop specializes in hand-rolled ice cream, which is made by pouring fresh cream onto a frozen metal surface before using a spatula to scrape the ice cream into rolls. The innovative concept originated in Asia and allows ice cream lovers to customize flavors and mix-ins, then watch as it’s made on the spot.
“There literally are hundreds of flavor combinations, fillers and toppings, so our ice cream selection is highly customizable,” said Ice Spot Owner Jason Dao. “It’s always exciting to watch children and first-time guests react to seeing their order transform from a liquid to a solid within a minute.”
Ice Spot also will serve boba tea, or bubble tea, a flavored Taiwanese beverage that can contain tea, milk and its signature balls of tapioca.
Bell Tower is home to a number of popular restaurants, including Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Burntwood Tavern (coming soon), Cantina Laredo, DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Dave & Buster’s, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Mimi’s Café, Society, TGI Friday’s and World of Beer.
“While our restaurants serve a variety of desserts and pastries, Ice Spot is both an ice cream parlor and an attraction,” said Shannon Palzer, marketing manager for Bell Tower. “It adds yet another element in Bell Tower’s evolution from an upscale shopping center into a community hub for shopping, dining and entertainment.”
Ice Spot will open in August 2019 between DaRuMa and The Walking Company.
Bell Tower recently completed a comprehensive redevelopment to modernize the 343,000-square-foot destination through updated architecture, redesigned storefronts, fresh paint and contemporary lighting.
About Bell Tower
Bell Tower is a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The open-air center offers fine retail shops including eclectic boutiques and shopping favorites Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Talbots, francesca’s and Ulta. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Café, T.G.I. Friday’s, Society and World of Beer. Bell Tower also is home to Dave & Buster’s, The Fresh Market, Bed Bath & Beyond and a 20-screen Regal Cinema complex. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower Shops hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more. Visit www.TheBellTowerShops.com for more information.
About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette is a leading private real estate investment manager, developer, operator and service provider headquartered in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1992, the company’s reputation is built on the successful development, repositioning and redevelopment of commercial mixed-use assets in major gateway and emerging high-growth markets throughout the United States. Madison Marquette partners with global institutional and private investors to achieve industry-leading investment performance across asset classes. In addition, the firm provides integrated management and leasing services to many of the most sophisticated institutional owners in the industry. On behalf of owners and investors, Madison Marquette provides insight, and often innovative incorporation of retail, that results in high-performing and unique real estate destinations that add long-term value to their communities. Current high-profile projects include The Wharf in Washington, D.C., the redevelopment of the Asbury Park waterfront in New Jersey and Pacific Place in Seattle, WA. The firm covers major U.S. markets through its primary offices in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Fort Lauderdale.  Madison Marquette is a member of the Capital Guidance global group of companies. For more information, visit www.MadisonMarquette.com.
 
 

Save the Date for July 9 FPRA Meeting
Campaigns by the Numbers
FORT MYERS, FL, July 2, 2019 – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913.
What makes a strategic public relations campaign successful is often times a mix of increased brand awareness, media impressions, website traffic, social media engagement and more. Understanding the impact of each campaign and determining the measure of data behind the results is the key to any success effort. Learn more as we dive into measuring and interpreting PR data – from research and numbers, to post-event evaluation.
Cost is $30 for FPRA members, $40 for future members and $25 for students. Register for the luncheon at www.fpraswfl.org.
Angela Bell, associate partner with Gravina, Smith, Matte and Arnold Marketing and Public Relations will be the featured speaker at the luncheon. Bell will discuss examples of quantitative strategies and give need-to-know take-aways from her own experiences.
Also joining us is Mike Haley, Founder and President of M&M Multimedia who will provide some tips and tools on how to measure and report the success of your campaign.
More about Angela:
Angela graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in communication. A Fort Myers native, she has moved up through the ranks at GSMA from when she first joined in 2008 as public relations coordinator. With 12 years of experience in public relations and marketing, she has developed and implemented successful programs and public outreach campaigns for leading corporations and nonprofit organizations, and coordinated numerous high-profile events for regional and national organizations.
 
Angela serves on the board of directors for Tiger Bay Club of Southwest Florida and served as a board member for the FGCU Alumni Association for seven years. In 2016, Angela was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by Gulfshore Business magazine in recognition of her professional accomplishments and community volunteerism.
 
More about Mike:
 
Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Mike made sure he was chosen as one of the inaugural members of Americorp where he dedicated a year to serving the local community in exchange for a stipend to be used for college tuition. He went on to earn his MSCE and landed a position with Sony, followed by a successful career at Field Edge, a national software developer. In 2009, while taking classes at Florida State and advancing his career at Field Edge, Mike formed his own business: M&M Multimedia. Originally founded as a video production company, M&M Multimedia has grown and evolved over the years into a fully integrated digital media production and marketing company. Although the Sony job didn’t last long it came full circle in 2012 when M&M Multimedia landed their first contract with Sony to produce content for the Sony Listens Youtube Channel.
 
Over the past decade, M&M Multimedia has helped businesses in the region build awareness, drive new leads, and achieve long-term growth. “Our strength is digital media production with a focus on lead generation and interactive media. We know this area and we know how to reach customers. We specialize in creating visually effective media with marketing and training in mind.  It all starts with understanding each company’s objectives—and then producing the most effective visual media to engage and solve problems.
For a downloadable image please click here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EkNnYU4rLnTHNGhkpjEHbXTEWWNxeftp

FGCU grad puts focus on clients, collaboration
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 2, 2019) – Teamwork is at the heart of everything CONRIC PR & Marketing does. The company works collaboratively with its clients to develop and implement comprehensive marketing campaigns that provide tangible results. In its latest move, CONRIC has brought on marketing coordinator Katie Kupser, bolstering its award-winning service with a true believer in the power of positive communication.
“Hiring the right people to join our team is important to our clients’ and company’s continued success,” said CONRIC PR & Marketing President and Chief Marketing Officer Connie Ramos-Williams. “Kupser’s experience, skills and positive attitude, combined with the fact that she is an FGCU alumna with a love for the community and passion for helping businesses succeed, made her a perfect fit for our CONRIC culture.”
Kupser will play a multifaceted role, handling project and account management, business development, and strategic marketing. She’ll communicate regularly with clients to ensure CONRIC’s service continues to meet and exceed their expectations.
“The work we do is based on collaboration,” Kupser said. “It’s about relationships, being genuine, and caring for people as individuals. I look forward to having face-to-face conversations with our clients about their goals and working together to accomplish them.”
The longtime Southwest Florida resident graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication, with a concentration in public relations and minors in advertising and marketing. Kupser previously worked at Pearl Brands in Fort Myers and was a marketing intern at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa. She also interned at CONRIC during her time in college, developing an affection for the company’s clients and way of doing business.
“There’s a level of support and familiarity with the people at CONRIC that lifts me up and encourages me to put my best foot forward each and every day,” Kupser said. “There’s a strong focus on growth, and that applies to both staff and clients.”
Kupser also previously served as public relations and media director for the Jesse M. Woodyard Committee, which honors the life of a late former FGCU student. She worked to organize and execute the Fallen Eagle Redfish Classic, the largest annual fishing tournament in Southwest Florida, which raises funds for a scholarship in Woodyard’s name.
See the positive messages of success CONRIC creates every day for businesses and community organizations at conricpr.com.
CONRIC PR & Marketing
Recognized as one of the leading public relations, marketing and advertising agencies in Southwest Florida, CONRIC PR & Marketing was founded by Connie Ramos-Williams in 2007. The award-winning, full-service agency provides strategic brand awareness campaigns, integrated public relations programs, marketing development and consulting services, advertising campaigns, media buys, custom and niche publishing, creative writing and design, digital marketing strategies, website development, and crisis communications strategy and implementation. The firm serves clients in many industry sectors including banking, legal, medical, government, nonprofit, hospitality, beauty, manufacturing, construction, building and development, real estate, and professional development. CONRIC is a recipient of multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, as well as Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association. It’s a 2019 finalist in Florida’s Companies to Watch. For more information, call 239-690-9840 or visit ConricPR.com.

During May, 725,754 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 8.5 percent compared to May 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 9.6 percent compared to last year. The traffic leader in May was Delta Air Lines with 187,907 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (141,576), American (122,639), JetBlue (85,852) and United (83,586). Southwest Florida International Airport had 6,018 aircraft operations, an increase of 3.7 percent compared to May 2018. Page Field saw 9,294 operations, a 29.8 percent increase from May 2018. In addition, slightly more than 3 million pounds of air freight moved through Southwest Florida International Airport in May 2019. Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

Entrepreneurship is the freedom to live a life of independence. America’s entrepreneurs represent our very own independent risk takers. It takes grit and determination start and run a small business. And it takes risk to produce profit. I have learned first-hand as an entrepreneur that taking risk often leads to mistakes, and mistakes always have a cost associated with them. This is where the U.S. Small Business Administration comes in. We want to help celebrate your Independence Day this year by helping you understand how the SBA can reduce your risk as an American entrepreneur.
America’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence 243 years ago, but it took more than a decade for that dream to become reality. Small business owners earn that same independence through starting and running their own companies, and the SBA and its partners can help make that dream a reality on a much faster track.
Owning a business can mean personal and financial independence for you and your family. If you are thinking of starting a business, you may start the process by placing your ideas into a business plan. A toolkit is available here: https://www.sba.gov/tools/business-plan/1.  The next step would be to contact your local SBA district office. An SBA team member may help guide you to the next steps, which will vary depending on the type of business you are starting.
If you are an existing entrepreneur looking to gain further independence by taking your business to the next level, then the SBA stands by ready to assist.  Whether you are looking for capital or access to government contracting, the SBA has a resource for you. A major component of the SBA that many are not aware of is its counseling arm. No matter where you fall in the business lifecycle, the SBA has a resource to help steer you confidently to the next level. And the best part: it is all available at no cost.
Entrepreneurship is as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. We are excited to celebrate your independence with you as you lead your small business journey. We wish you a very Happy Independence Day. For the latest information, please follow us on Twitter @SBASoutheast.
 
South Florida District Office
Victoria Guerrero, District Director
Last month, we hosted a free event in the City of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida to aid entrepreneurs in securing federal contracts. More than 250 local small business owners attended the “Drive 8(a) Recruitment Summit,” sponsored by Urban Pulse Direct (UPD) Smart Solutions. Our goal at the South Florida District is to help Florida small businesses grow and expand our portfolio of 8(a) firms. While the federal contracting process can be daunting, we’re here to help small businesses navigate the landscape. We were also joined by experts from the Small Business Development Center, SCORE and Women’s Business Center who also shared information on the advantages of federal contracting programs, what it takes to qualify, and how entrepreneurs can receive free small business assistance from their respective organizations.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 20, 2019) – Cypress Pharmacy will host its monthly Seminar Saturday on Saturday, July 13 with a discussion on “What is CBD Oil” led by Natural Health Consultant Dr. Stan Headley.
The free public seminar will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at Cypress Pharmacy, 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. Headley’s program will help consumers understand what CBD is and what it isn’t, the benefits of quality CBD and how it can help with common health issues like anxiety, depression, chronic pain and insomnia.
“CBD products are cropping up everywhere, but not all CBD products are created equal,” said Dr. Headley, who specializes in functional and natural wellness, and leads the independent pharmacy’s dynamic wellness program. “We’ll share the facts – and dispel the fiction – about the benefits of taking a quality CBD product and how it can work with the body’s own system.”
As Cypress Pharmacy’s natural health consultant, Headley offers nutritional and lifestyle counseling, supplement recommendations, micronutrient testing and educational seminars, emphasizing options for those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cypress Pharmacy’s wellness program offers one-on-one consultations with Headley on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or with a pharmacist on Mondays through Saturdays. Recommendations can include pharmaceutical-grade supplements in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes. Pharmacists may also examine current medications to assure the most effective therapy for the patient’s needs and to prevent duplicate therapies.
Headley is recognized as a leading authority in functional and natural wellness, which seeks to determine how and why diseases, illnesses and pain are occurring. He attempts to identify the root cause of a health concern rather than just treating symptoms. Headley does not diagnose or treat disease but educates customers about lifestyle and behavioral changes that can promote optimal health.
Cypress Pharmacy’s monthly Seminar Saturday sessions take place on the second Saturday of every month, providing education on a variety of wellness topics. To RSVP for the July 13 Seminar Saturday, or to learn more about Cypress Pharmacy’s wellness program, please visit CypressPharmacy.com/events or call 239-481-7322.
About Cypress Pharmacy
Cypress Pharmacy has been providing pharmaceutical and health care services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years and offers free local delivery, immunizations, medication synchronization and therapy management, customized compounding for patients and pets, personalized patient consultations, flu and strep throat testing, cholesterol and glucose screening, lab testing, Medicare Part D plan reviews, a broad selection of over-the-counter products, a full line of vitamins and supplements, and free vitamins for children and adults 50 and up. Cypress Pharmacy also offers Dispill, a medication packaging option that makes it easier to manage and take multiple medications on a precise schedule. Medication refills can be requested in person, over the phone, online and using the Cypress Pharmacy App. Cypress Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and Medicare Part D. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. Cypress Pharmacy is located at 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers, Florida and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.

John Agnew, Suzanne Boy named co-chairs of signature fundraising event, Fort Myers Police Department announced as title sponsor

FORT MYERS, Fla., (July 1, 2019) – Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has announced its fundraising event Tides of Change, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at MarineMax, 14030 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Pace Center for Girls invites the community to help chart a smoother course for at-promise young women in Lee County through its Tides of Change event, which supports vital academic and social services for middle and high school girls, serving as a lifesaving compass that points them toward a brighter future.

Guests at the event will have a “yacht” of fun with shoreside evening cocktails, dinner and dancing dockside at MarineMax Fort Myers, and will have the opportunity to raise their paddles to bid on an array of wave-making live auction lots in support of Pace Center for Girls.

The signature event is led by co-chairs John Agnew and Suzanne Boy with Boy Agnew Potanovic Law Firm. The Fort Myers Police Department has been named the North Star (title) sponsor of the event.

A range of additional course-charting sponsorship opportunities are now available for the nautical-themed event, including Anchorage sponsorships at $10,000, Helmsman sponsorships at $7,500, Compass sponsorships at $5,000, Beacon table sponsors for $1,500, and in-kind sponsorships for décor, media, printing and program and live auction package donations.

“Seas” the day when ticket sales begin Monday, Sept. 2, with admission $200 per person. Proceeds will benefit Pace Center for Girls, Lee County and its strength-based, gender-specific programs that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential.

To purchase tickets, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.

About Pace Center for Girls, Lee County

Since 2007, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 22 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. Pace is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.

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(Fort Myers, FL June 28, 2019) – The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center received a $10,000 grant from Capital Bank Foundation for School Success programs.  The grant will provide educational support and enrichment to more than 100 at-risk students in the organization’s summer camp and after school programs.
 
“The Heights Foundation developed school Success Programs to address the challenges that may result from poverty, limited English proficiency and limited educational involvement,” said Kathryn Kelly, CEO and founder of The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center. “Our programs provide a safe and engaging place for kids to be when school is out. Capital Bank Foundation’s grant helps build successful students and a stronger community. We are grateful for their support.”
 
“Since its inception, Capital Bank Foundation has invested to promote progress and prosperity across our communities,” said Bryan Simmering, Capital Bank Southwest Florida Market President. “Our grant to The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is targeting the education and development of our next generation of leaders.”
 
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood. The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center were created with the goal of building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.
 
For more information about The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
 
About the Heights Foundation and The Heights Center
 
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
 
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 27, 2019) – The Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office seek nominations for the 2019 Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate the Lee County business community and recognize outstanding local businesses that have positively influenced Southwest Florida. The honorees and finalists will be recognized during the annual Industry Appreciation Award luncheon on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. Applications must be received no later than July 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Businesses will be honored in five categories:
Community Steward of the Year – Awarded to a company that partners with nonprofits, community organizations and programs to improve the quality of business and civic life in Lee County through its financial or volunteer support.
Innovator of the Year – Recognizes a local business that develops innovative advanced technologies in its own business or in its industry and has had a positive economic impact in Lee County.
Manufacturer of the Year – Awarded to a Lee County manufacturing business that exhibits excellence in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations.
Start Up of the Year – Awarded to a company founded in Lee County in the last 3-5 years that has overcome challenges and demonstrated continued growth in revenue and staffing to emerge as a business leader.
Business of the Year – Awarded to a small and large Lee County company that has been in business 6 or more years under the same corporate name and ownership. The companies must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community minded, actively support employee development, and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County. Awards will be granted in the small business (1-50 employees) and large business (51 or more employees) categories.
To access applications or for additional information please visit www.leecountybusiness.com/iaw.
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship to ensure Lee County has a strong economy, thriving communities and broadly shared prosperity.
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders.
The Horizon Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established as a fundraising vehicle enabling individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office. For more information, visit http://www.leecountybusiness.com or call 239-533-6800.