The Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate Lee County businesses has opened nominations for the 2022 awards program.

The Industry Appreciation Awards will recognize an Innovator, Manufacturer, Small Business and Large Business of the Year. This year, the awards program also features an Inclusion and Diversity Award, as well as a Technology Award. The awards program is coordinated by the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office.

Nominations will be accepted online through June 30. There is no cost to nominate a business. Self-nominations are allowed.

Winners will be announced at the 2022 Industry Appreciation Awards in October at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.

The seven award categories include:

• Innovator of the Year: Awarded to a local business that develops advanced or innovative technologies that have positive impacts on Lee County’s growing economy and its industry.

• Manufacturer of the Year: Awarded to a local manufacturing business in Lee County that exhibits excellence and growth in leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations.

• Small Business of the Year: Awarded to a company with up to 50 employees that has been in business a minimum of six years in Lee County and has been successful in offering high-quality products and services along with superior customer service.

• Large Business of the Year: Awarded to a company with more than 50 employees that has been in business a minimum of six years in Lee County and has been successful in offering high-quality products and services along with superior customer service.

• Technology Award: Recognizes a local technology-focused company that is committed to growth and adding new technology-related products and/or services, customers and staff, and supports the technology community in Lee County.

• Small Business Inclusion & Diversity Award: Recognizes a local business with up to 50 employees that demonstrates strong vision and leadership in overcoming social and diversity obstacles that lead to an improved business environment and results.

• Large Business Inclusion & Diversity Award: Recognizes a local business with more than 50 employees that demonstrates strong vision and leadership in overcoming social and diversity obstacles that lead to an improved business environment and results.

For more information or to nominate a business, please visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.

About the Horizon Council

The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the Lee County Board of 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.