Lee County celebrates business success
The Horizon Council, the voice of business in Lee County, celebrated 25 years of business excellence Thursday as it bestowed four coveted Industry Appreciation Awards.
“Everyone in this room is part of that success,” Mike Jackson, master of ceremonies, told the near-capacity crowd at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs.
Longtime Fort Myers businessman Gary Trippe won the most prestigious award, the Bruce T. Gora Legacy Award, named in honor of the businessman who dedicated himself to improving the region through his passion for education and the arts.
Trippe started Oswald Trippe and Company out of his Fort Myers garage in 1981, growing it to be the largest independent insurance agency in Southwest Florida at the time of its sale to BB&T in 2009.
That success and his tireless community involvement over the years earned him the award, which recognizes a person who over the last 25 years has established a history of distinguished service and contributions to the betterment and growth of Lee County’s business community.
Denis Noah, president of the Horizon Foundation, called him “a pillar of the community,” while banker Robbie Roepstorff said “he makes a positive impact in the community in everything he touches.”
Trippe’s work during his retirement continues with the nonprofit Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers, which the Vietnam veteran co-founded and chairs.
Other finalists: David Barton, Marshall Bower, Scott Fischer, L. Gail Markham
Business Citizenship Award
IBERIABANK was honored with this tribune, which is given to a company whose financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs have helped create a better quality of life in Lee County.
Since entering Lee’s market in 2009, the bank has been a strong supporter of the community, offering employee volunteer hours, branch fundraising activities and direct financial contributions. In 2015, it gave to a variety of causes, from health care to education, donating more than $50,000 to local charitable organizations.
“We have a lot of associates who volunteer their time and energies,” said David Gordley, market president.
Other finalists: Priority Marketing and Pushing the Envelope
Emerging Business Leader Award
Wicked Dolphin Distillery of Cape Coral took home this award, which is given to a relative newcomer to Lee County that is experiencing marked growth while introducing inventive products, services or business practices.
Since the doors opened in July 2012, Wicked Dolphin Distillery has grown from two employees to 15 full-time and 16 part-time employees.
Revenues grew more than 73 percent from 2014 to 2015, and sales for 2016 are projected to be up by 60 percent. The company attributes its huge success to earning big industry awards for its authentic handcrafted rum.
“It takes a lot of us to produce a really good rum,” said owner JoAnn Elardo. “I’d like to thank our team.”
Other finalists: iPartnerMedia and The Rocket Lounge
LocalLEE Grown Business Award
Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel won this honor, which is awarded to a company that was founded in Lee County and is distinguished by its operational excellence and commitment to the vibrancy of the region’s business climate.
Bailey’s is the second oldest business in Lee County, behind The News-Press.
It has provided groceries, hardware and gift items since 1899 and is still operated by Bailey family members. Today, it has 100 full-time employees and has added a second location at Sundial Resort on Sanibel. It also created Sanibel Captiva Catering Company, which employs another 10 people.
“We love the fact that people gather in our store,” said Richard Johnson, co-owner.
Other finalists: Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects and Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
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