Lee County businesses that contribute to the local economy, employ the workforce, and shape their industries are celebrated through various awards and recognition programs. The Horizon Foundation, the Horizon Council, and the Lee County Office of Economic Development coordinate the Big Business of the Year award, which is given to a Lee County company that has been in business for six or more years with the same corporate name and ownership. The Innovator of the Year award is also presented to recognize a local company that develops advanced and innovative technologies that have a positive economic impact on Lee County's growing economy and industry. The Lee County School District's Educational Excellence Award honors the student whose design best illustrates the power of education.
The Honorable Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector, and Marshall Bower, President and CEO of the Lee County Public Schools Foundation, hosted the event. My Undercover Agent is an excellent example of Lee County's fledgling ecosystem for tech startups, as they have developed technology to boost the real estate industry internationally. The Inclusion & Diversity Award is given to a local company that demonstrates solid vision and leadership when it comes to overcoming social and diversity obstacles, which translates into an improvement in the business environment and results. The Small Business of the Year award follows similar criteria as large company of the year, but companies cannot have more than 50 employees to be eligible. The Kids Tag Art program honored 78 5th grade students from the Lee County School District with awards of distinction for their designs. The industry appreciation awards will recognize the innovator, manufacturer, small business and large company of the year.
The Horizon Council, the Horizon Foundation, and the Lee County Office of Economic Development released a report on the state of the economy at their annual meeting, which shows positive progress. The Excellence in Design Award awarded by the Lee County Public Schools Foundation is awarded to a student whose design best represents their contribution to the community. The company must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, have a community mentality, actively support employee development, and show exemplary leadership within its industry and with its customers, contributing to economic growth and free enterprise in Lee County.
