2004 Industry Appreciation Awards  Send in your nominations today!

As many of you may know, each September as part of Industry Appreciation Week, the Horizon Council recognizes several Lee County companies that have made substantial contributions to the local community.  This annual event is part of a week-long, state-wide celebration increasing public awareness about the impact of business on our local economies and communities. 

It's time to nominate businesses for the prestigious 2004 awards. The nomination process is quick and easy.  I have attached a copy of the nomination form.  Simply fill out the form with the information on the company you would like to nominate and fax it back to Jennifer Dunn at the Economic Development Office to (239) 338-3227.  All nomination forms are due to the EDO office by April 30, 2004.  Once we receive your nomination form an application will be mailed to the company you have nominated.  It only takes a few minutes to nominate a business.   Anyone who knows of an outstanding Lee County-based business is encouraged to nominate now.  Please note:  companies may also nominate themselves.

Businesses must be nominated within one of the four industry categories: general business, information technology, manufacturing or tourism. 

Basic criteria for all categories includes:

-Has the company significantly contributed to the local economy?

-Is the company a pace-setter in industry innovation and leadership?

-Does the company demonstrate leadership in business issues of the day such as child-care, employee benefits, internships and innovative quality-assurance programs?

-Is the company committed to improving the quality of life in Lee County through employee volunteerism and civic leadership?

A video profile of each winning company is shown to more than 800 business leaders during the awards luncheon scheduled for September 24 this year.   Industry Appreciation Award winners also receive media coverage and join a prestigious group of local businesses recognized in the past. 

These companies will join an elite group of 65 businesses that have received Industry Appreciation Awards, including last year's winners:  Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, Riverside Bank of the Gulf Coast and Suncoast Aluminum Furniture, Inc.

Nominate a business today.  Deadline is April 30.  For additional information contact:  Jennifer Dunn in the Lee County Economic Development office at (239) 338-3161.

As always, please call me at anytime should you have any questions, comments or feedback on our work at the EDO and through the Horizon Council.   

Best regards,

Regina