FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026
Caloosa Sound Convention Center
1375 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL, 33901
10AM Networking | 11AM – 1PM Lunch & Program
Registration will open in September 2026. For questions, email Horizon@PriorityMarketing.com.
2026 Award Categories
Celebrating business excellence in Lee County, the Industry Appreciation Awards recognize Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries. All Lee County businesses are eligible to apply.
Large Business of the Year
This award recognizes a large business with 51 or more employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products, or services over the past three years. The recipient will have implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community, and adopted innovative practices. This award also acknowledges the business’s ability to overcome recent challenges effectively.
Sponsored By:
Finalists
- ADG Architecture
- South Seas
- Wright Construction Group
Small Business of the Year
This award recognizes a small business with up to 50 employees that has demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue, workforce, products, or services over the past three years. The recipient will have implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community, and adopted innovative practices. This award also acknowledges the business’s ability to overcome recent challenges effectively.
Sponsored by:
Finalists
- COLDEST
- Aviation Precision Technology
- Sun Harvest Citrus
Large Manufacturer of the Year
This award celebrates a large manufacturing business with 51 or more employees that has achieved remarkable growth in output and scale over the last three years. The recipient will have integrated new technologies into their production processes, maintained high product quality and safety standards, and demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Sponsored by:
Finalists
- VGM Holdings
- California Closets of Southwest Florida
- PRAVADA Private Label
Small Manufacturer of the Year
Finalists
- NORTHSTAR Technologies Group
- Botanical Brewing Company
- Wicked Dolphin Distillery
Lee Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes a business founded in Lee County that has demonstrated exceptional growth while embodying values that strengthen the broader business community, expand opportunities, cultivate local partnerships, and promote long-term, inclusive success. Eligible businesses must be founded and headquartered in Lee County, have been in continuous operation for more than three years, and demonstrate measurable growth in revenue, employment, services, and regional reach.
Sponsored by:
Finalists
- NORTHSTAR Technologies Group
- Moran Kennedy
- Bob Dean Supply, Inc.
Start Up of the Year
This award celebrates a business founded in Lee County that has launched within the past three years and is already demonstrating strong momentum and community impact. The recipient will have shown early growth in revenue, workforce, products, or services, implemented unique strategies that distinguish them from competitors, engaged meaningfully with the local community, adopted innovative practices and demonstrated resilience in navigating the challenges of launching a new venture.
Sponsored by:
Finalists
- Sugarshack Downtown
- Southwest Florida Proton
- UBYou
Tech Catalyst Award
This award recognizes a company with a strong and sustained presence in Lee County that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening the technology ecosystem in Southwest Florida. This award honors long-term regional impact, workforce investment, and community leadership, not just business success or rapid growth. The recipient is a driving force behind the development of local talent, meaningful innovation, and partnerships that help the tech sector thrive. Eligible companies must be headquartered in, or have a significant operating presence in, Lee County and have been in business for at least three years.
Sponsored by:
Finalists
- Optivate Health
- ADDMAN Group
- Eightpoint