NFM Chamber presents business awards
Last year, the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce brought its annual Business Awards Luncheon back to recognize local businesses, business people and entrepreneurs for excellence.
Wednesday, local business leaders packed the Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral to recognize what North Fort Myers has to offer and what the future lies for the community in regards to commercial and residential.
“There are so many businesses doing so many amazing things all year long that we thought this would be a great way to reward them,” said Wendy Murray, Chamber executive director.
LCEC served as the title sponsor, while John Talmage, of the Lee County Economic Development Office, was the guest speaker, who talked about the state of the local and county business community.
There were 11 awards presented, which Murray said exemplifies what the area has to offer.
‘We have some amazing business leaders in North Fort Myers and we’re blessed to have the diversity we have,” Murray said. “It’s exciting to see the growth in business we’re having. It’s amazing where we’re at.”
Insurance companies were the big winners Wednesday. McDaniel’s Insurance Solutions took home three awards, including Business of the Year, despite the adversity he and his family faced.
“It’s a great accomplishment and we’re thankful that the community helped us get there. Last year was tumultuous from losing our office to my wife going into premature labor with twins and living in the hospital for two months,” said Reid McDaniel. “We’re growing, we purchased a financial planning firm so now we can marry insurance and investing.”
Paige Ashton, who won the young professional award, was surprised she was a winner, but honored.
“I’m here to help and do what I can for the Chamber and the community,” Ashton said. “I do what I can to keep the ship afloat and make sure everyone is taken care of. We try to be the best and the most helpful and educate people.”
Another insurance company, Lee County Insurance, won two, including John Gardner, Chamber president, who took home the Overcoming Adversity Award, who lost his office and his home during Hurricane Ian.
The award winners were:
• Young Professionals of the Year: Ryan Sushsland and Paige Ashton.
• Beautification Award: Three Fishermen’s Restaurant.
• Rising Star of the Year: Michael Conticelli.
• Most Engaged New Member: Matt Gould.
• IT Professional of the Year: Joe Serano.
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Eagle Roofing & Restoration.
• Community Partner: Regions Bank.
• Non-Profit of the Year: North Fort Myers Rotary.
• Overcoming Adversity Award: John Gardner, Lee County Insurance.
• Business of the year: McDaniel’s Insurance Solutions.