FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Beverly Fox, Lee County Economic Development Office
                 (941) 338-3161

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 29, 2001) – The Horizon Council is now accepting nominations for this year’s Industry Appreciation award, and anyone who knows of an outstanding business in Lee County is encouraged to nominate the company. It takes only a few minutes, and this year, the nomination process is quicker and easier than ever.

To nominate a business for the award, go to www.leecountybusiness.com and fill out a form on line. The new economic development web site has made it possible to nominate a company in less than a minute. If you prefer, you can obtain a traditional paper nomination form by calling the Economic Development Office of Lee County at 338-3161.

Each September, the Horizon Council recognizes local companies with Industry Appreciation Awards. Industry Appreciation is a week-long, statewide celebration designed to increase public awareness about the contributions businesses make to the economy and local communities. This is the tenth year the Horizon Council has sponsored the awards.

Another change for 2001 is the addition of categories. The Industry Appreciation Award has become very competitive over the years. What started with a handful of nominees has grown to nearly 90 last year. Separating businesses into categories assures that similar types of businesses compete against one another. The six categories are information technology, manufacturing, tourism, FIRE (finance, insurance and real estate), business services and general business.

Judging also takes the company's size into account, which further levels the playing field and creates an equal opportunity for both large and small businesses to be recognized. The judges look at three basic criteria.

• Has the company made a significant contribution to the local economy either through an expansion or investment in a plant or equipment?
• Does the company show leadership in current business issues such as recycling, drug-free workplace, hiring welfare recipients, implementing innovative programs for quality assurance, or creating a better work environment (through child care, health/fitness, education, etc.)?
• Has the company displayed superior corporate citizenship through employee volunteering, involvement in boards and organizations, or making charitable contributions?

Benefits of winning an award include:

• A custom video profile of each winning company is filmed and shown at the awards luncheon, which is attended by more than 800 business leaders.
• The awards are well covered by the media. Winners are mentioned and profiled in local newspapers and business publications.
• The company receives a plaque and joins an elite group of businesses that have won the award over the years. Out of 10,000 businesses in Lee County, only 50 companies have received the award.

The deadline for nominations is April 30. The nominated business will receive an application form, which is due near the end of May.