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2006 Industry Leaders Honored at Horizon Council Celebration
Sep 22, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Jennifer Dunn Lee County's 2006 Industry Leaders Honored at Horizon Council Celebration Awards presented at September 22 luncheon FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 22, 2006)-Five local companies and one individual were recognized during the 2006 Industry Appreciation Week Luncheon today at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. Four companies were selected to receive this prestigious Industry Appreciation Award based on their exceptional level of leadership, innovation, investment and community involvement in southwest Florida. An award was also given for an outstanding expansion. In addition, a new Lifetime Achievement Award was given. Sponsored by the Horizon Council, Lee County's economic advisory board, the event recognized the following 2006 Business Leadership Awards, Business Expansion Award and Lifetime achievement winners: Norman Love Confections (Manufacturing) Since founding Norman Love Confections, formerly Ganache Chocolates, Norman Love has received tremendous national and international acclaim - most recently having the company selected as one of the top 10 artisan chocolate companies in the country by USA Today. As a sculptor with his clay or a fine artist with his brush, Norman Love and his team create culinary art out of only the purest ingredients. There are no mass assembly lines - only artisans at work. There are no preservatives, no artificial ingredients - only the finest quality of chocolates, butter, spices, nuts, pures and flavors. Each of the individual pieces created each week is handmade. The company has increased profits by 150 percent each year since 2002 and has added 32 employees since 2001. The philanthropic generosity is also evident with this company. Believing it's important to give back to the community, the company provides tens of thousands of dollars worth of product to just about every nonprofit organization, school and church in Lee County.
The tourism industry is an important part of the economy in Lee County. 'Tween Waters Inn, Day Spa and Marina on Captiva Island is a prime example of the world-renowned accommodations available for visitors. In the mid-1930s, J. N. "Ding" Darling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and conservationist, discovered 'Tween Waters and made it his winter home for nearly a decade. In 2001, six of the cottages were renovated and named after some of the influential people who had called them home. Each is decorated to reflect the personality of its namesake. Teddy Roosevelt's cottage, for instance, is rustic with an outdoorsy theme because he came to the island to fish. Anne Morrow Lindbergh's cottage is decorated in feminine, creamy yellow and blue hues. The resort employs 135 team members and purchases 90 percent of its goods and services from Lee County. In addition, a large number of the staff are long-term employees. The resort provides a number of incentives for employees and is very involved in the community.
HSA Engineers and Scientists, formerly known as Anchor Engineering, is a consulting firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, civil and environment services. Established in 1980, the company has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. As the result of a merger in 2004, HSA tripled its local staff and office space. It now benefits from a state-wide network of expertise through its parent company to help sustain its growth in Lee County. A Project Quality Control Plan ensures excellence and accommodates the specific needs of each project. Technology and safety training are cornerstones at HSA, and educational opportunities are made abundant to employees. The company also cares for its employees with excellent benefits including a 401K program, monthly luncheons, flextime and more. The local office's social committee develops caring personal relationships among the staff as well. The company and its employees generously serve the community with financial and volunteer contributions, especially in the areas of education, housing and hurricane recovery.
Computer Rescue Squad, now CRS Technology (CRS), was established in 1986. The company began offering computer service, repair and sales, and quickly expanded to include Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) services. CRS Technology provides technical service and support to small businesses in South Florida. Clients contract the company for a variety of technical services on an outsourced basis. CRS provides exceptional customer service. The company continues to refine its offerings to match the needs of the Southwest Florida business community. Its focus is to assist clients in maximizing the return on their technology investment. CRS Technology's principals and staff give back to the community in many ways. It is a Pacesetter for the United Way of Lee County. The company's president is a member of United Way Board of Directors and takes an active role in the annual fundraising campaign. CRS also supports education through internship programs and speaking engagements at Florida Gulf Coast University, Edison Community College, and High Tech North.
When Raymond Building Supply Corporation first opened for business in North Fort Myers in 1957, it was the smallest independent lumber yard in the area. Today it is ranked by "Pro Sales" magazine as one of the top independent lumber companies in the nation and has grown to more than 650 employees locally. Raymond's recent expansions include three new facilities and an estimated investment of more than $11 million in the local community. Raymond is known as one of the technological leaders within the building industry, and it invests heavily in innovations to service customers. A monthly Safety Bonus program, which resulted in more than $3,000,000 in incentives paid out to employees last year, is just one example of a safety initiative that doubles as a generous employee rewards program. Employee safety, education and health are promoted extensively. Strong supporters of the community, Raymond employees at all levels are involved with dozens of local charities. Its managers contribute leadership to the Hillmyer/Tremont Foundation, Florida Gulf Coast University, Special Equestrian Inc., Augustana College and Bishop Verot High School. David Barton David Barton has been instrumental in furthering economic development efforts in Lee County. He was the first chairman of the Horizon Council and a founding member for 15 years. He also served as chairman for four years. He was crucial to building the foundation for this important public-private advisory board. David also served on the board of the Industrial Development Authority for 15 years. In addition he was the founding member and executive director of the SW FL Regional Manufacturers Association. David has also been instrumental to the growth of Cape Coral through serving on numerous councils and committees over the last decade. As a developer and business leader he has also increased opportunities for business development with the creation of the North Cape Industrial Park which is home to over 100 businesses that have created more than 1,000 jobs in the local community. David Barton has made a positive impact on Lee County both through his professional and volunteer endeavors. |