North Chamber honors businesses, volunteers
The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards luncheon last Thursday, recognizing businesses and people that go above and beyond to help the community and support the organization.
The chamber also announced the community’s honorary mayor at the event held at Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral.
Among the winners was LCEC, which was named Community Partner of the Year.
Holiday for Heroes which sends thousands of care packages to troops throughout the world each year, was named Nonprofit of the Year.
Jean Sinko was named Volunteer of the Year, catching her by surprise.
“I had no idea about this. I try to help out like most people. I try to help the community. I look forward to doing more volunteer work,” Sinko said. “I’ve helped with the Chamber in their meetings and tried to keep communications open.”
The North Fort Myers Arts Association received the Arts & Culture Award for its role “in the enrichment of community life and support and encourage the talent and effort of all Southwest Florida artists of race and diversity,” said Chamber Executive Director Toni Rae Hurley.
The Leadership & Service Award went to The Breeze Church.
The Overcoming Adversity Awards was given to Matthew Gould, who overcame stage 4 oral cancer, to not only learn to eat and talk again, but also becoming the North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor in 2024-25.
The Community Beautification Award went to the Winslow Residences and Culver’s restaurant was named the Chamber’s Most Engaged Member.
“They’ve been here a short time, but they’ve become a valuable member of the Chamber. From the moment they joined they have demonstrated commitment through their generosity and desire to make a positive impact,” Hurley said of Culver’s, which was unable to attend.
The Law Enforcement Partner of the Year was Lee County Sheriff’s Office Commander David Lebid, and Business of the Year was Abby Carpet & Floors.
“There are a longtime member of the Chamber and our community. Abby has characterized what it means to be a true community partner, always prepared, willing and generous of their support to our initiatives and efforts to serve North Fort Myers,” Chamber president John Gardner said.
Abby also was not present to accept the award.
Lastly, Angie Cloutier was announced as the new Honorary Mayor of North Fort Myers, replacing Gould, who did not run for “re-election.”
Cloutier said she is going to do the work most honorary mayors do while being the face of the Chamber for the next year.
“I’m going to be doing ribbon cuttings and it will be a good way to get my business name out there,” Cloutier said. “I will definitely be much more involved in the community.”
Hurley, who assumed the chamber’s directorship in November, said the whole event went well and that the Chamber is in great hands with its membership.
“The people receiving the awards were so worthy of the recognition and grateful to be recognized. They make our community strong,” Hurley said. “Businesses in North Fort Myers are a strong network. This is a community that looks out for one another. The members exemplify that.”