Horizon Foundation Lee County

06/11/2026

We are thrilled to announce Edison National Bank as the official sponsor for the 2026 Small Business of the Year Award! 🤝

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. This Industry Appreciation Awards category recognizes Lee County companies (up to 50 employees) that have shown exceptional growth, unique strategy, and community resilience over the last three years.

Think your business has what it takes? Or know a local standout?
🚨 Deadline to apply: June 30
📍 Event date: Oct. 23 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center

Apply today: IndustryAppreciationAwards.com

06/09/2026

Please join us in congratulating Horizon Council Chair Ben Spence on his appointment as the next President & CEO of Lee Health!

A dedicated leader with more than three decades of service to Lee Health, Ben will step into this role on October 1. His deep understanding of Lee Health’s mission and his commitment to the community position him well to lead one of our region’s most impactful institutions into its next chapter.

Ben’s leadership continues to make a meaningful difference across Southwest Florida, and we are proud to have him as part of the Horizon Council as we work together to strengthen our region’s future.

Read more:

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)— Lee Health has selected its Chief Operating Officer to become the health system's next president and CEO following a nationwide search.

06/08/2026

➡️ Just a few weeks left to apply for one of the seven Industry Appreciation Awards categories including the Small Manufacturer of the Year. This category honors a manufacturing business with 50 or fewer employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years while maintaining high product quality, safety standards and environmental sustainability.

Impact isn’t defined by size — and we’re proud to celebrate smaller manufacturers making a difference at the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards on Oct. 23 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center. ✨

Don't delay! Apply by June 30: IndustryAppreciationAwards.com

06/05/2026

A huge thank you to Cushman & Wakefield l Commercial Property Southwest Florida for sponsoring our 2026 Large Business of the Year category! 👏

This award recognizes companies with 51+ employees that have achieved exceptional growth, outpaced the competition, and made a lasting impact on our community. Do you know a business that fits the bill?

🚨 Deadline to Apply: June 30
📍 Event: Friday, Oct. 23 | Caloosa Sound Convention Center

Let’s celebrate the companies driving our economy forward!
Submit a nomination today: IndustryAppreciationAwards.com

06/03/2026

Across Lee County, businesses are doing incredible work — and the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards on Oct. 23 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center is YOUR chance to celebrate them! 🏆

With less than one month until the deadline, now is the time to apply in one of our seven categories including Large Manufacturer of the Year.

This award recognizes a manufacturer with 51 or more employees that is scaling production, integrating advanced technologies and maintaining strong standards in quality, safety and sustainability.

Don't wait! Learn more and apply today: https://brnw.ch/21x34nV

05/29/2026

We are proud to spotlight Chris-Tel Construction for their support of the Horizon Foundation and their continued investment in our community! 🤝

Building, restoring and preserving since 1989, Chris-Tel Construction is one of Florida’s premier Construction Management and Design-Build firms, recognized for delivering some of the state’s most iconic projects. Their longevity, financial strength and longstanding community relationships have earned them a respected reputation throughout the industry.

Their commitment to building strong communities was on full display at the recent Clay Shoot benefiting the Horizon Foundation. Hosted alongside Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, KeyBank and Morris-Depew Associates, the event brought community leaders and partners together for a great day supporting the Horizon Council and Foundation’s work across Lee County.

Thanks to the support of Chris-Tel Construction and all who participated, the Clay Shoot kickoff event was a tremendous success and an exciting start to the impact we are building together.

05/27/2026

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards! ✨

Lee County is home to innovative, resilient and community-driven businesses, and our annual event recognizes their impact. Applications will be accepted through June 30, and self-nominations are allowed.

Join us on Friday, Oct. 23 at Caloosa Sound Convention Center as we recognize the companies and leaders helping drive our local economy forward!

‼️Apply today: https://brnw.ch/21x2Src

05/25/2026

Honoring the brave. Remembering the fallen. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

Know a small business that stands out, or part of one? 🏆

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a Lee County company with up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth over the past three years, implemented unique strategies, engaged meaningfully with the community and shown resilience in overcoming recent challenges.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, and self-nominations are allowed.

We’re looking forward to celebrating 34 years of business excellence at the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards on Oct. 23!

✨Check out all seven categories and apply today: https://brnw.ch/21x2K0O

05/19/2026

Strengthening Lee County's business climate. 📈

The Horizon Foundation's unwavering investment in economic development gives Lee County a competitive edge. During 2025, we fostered strong collaboration among Lee County Government, community partners, and business leaders to drive shared prosperity, attract new employees across diverse industries, support the long-term success of our region, and more.

➡️ Read more about the Horizon Foundation's impact in our Annual Review: https://brnw.ch/21x2Dkv