Horizon Council honors Lee businesses
FLORIDA WEEKLY STAFF REPORT

PHOTO AMANDA HARTMAN FLORIDA WEEKLY Marc Farron, president of Kent Technologies, accepts the Industry Appreciation Award at last week's Horizon Council Industry Appreciation Luncheon. Congratulating Trefethen are, from the left; Cole Peacock of Chico's and Lee County Commission Chairman Bob Janes.

E.L. Fox Jr. and Fox Electronics were among five industry leaders recognized last week for their contributions to Southwest Florida by the Horizon Council at the Industry Appreciation Luncheon.

Fox Electronics was established in Fort Myers in 1979 by E.L. Fox's father.

The company employs 65 people in Fort Myers and an additional 10 internationally.

"We are a very family-oriented atmosphere. It is a very exciting and challenging atmosphere, but we try to keep it family oriented," said Fox.

Also recognized by Horizon Council were South Seas Island Resort for tourism, Kent Technologies for information technology and Congress Jewelers for general business.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp honored the winners at the luncheon.

Roughly 800 government, business and community leaders attend the event held annually to recognize those who have made significant contributions to Lee County.

The Lee County Horizon Council is a 62- member public-private board that advises Lee County Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council works to improve Lee County's business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses and attract new and diversified employment.

This year's winners were:

• Storm Smart, for business expansion - Founded in 1996, Storm Smart is the largest manufacturer and installer of hurricane protection products in Florida. With a commitment to quality and more than 150 dedicated employees, this Fort Myers-based company has served the hurricane protection needs of homeowners and businesses in several states, in Mexico and across the Caribbean.

• South Seas Island Resort, for tourism - For nearly 50 years, South Seas Island resort has offered visitors to Southwest Florida a quiet refuge with secluded luxury, exclusive amenities, and abundant opportunities to interact with nature. Following a severe battering by Hurricane Charley, South Seas has undergone a $140 million revitalization, including $14 million in beach re-nourishment, 465 guest rooms, a new lagoon pool and cabana complex, a redesigned nine-hole golf course and a new Yacht Harbour.

• Kent Technologies, for information technology - Kent Technologies, an information delivery company, helps organizations ensure the right people get the right information anywhere, anytime. The firm's professional expertise spans a broad range of business and technical disciplines and experiences, enabling its team to provide a complete array of services that support organizations' business and financial goals.

• Congress Jewelers, for general business - Originally from Indiana, the Congress family launched Congress jewelers on Sanibel Island nearly a quarter-century ago, selling $25 gold sand dollars from a bike-rental shack on the beach. Through the years, the business known for its luxury time pieces and Sealife jewelry lines, has been passed down from one generation to the next and has grown to five full-service locations in Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Key West, Downtown Naples and Coastland Center. ¦