NFM Chamber hands out business awards

Story & Photography by Chuck Ballaro

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

Last month, on May 31, 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: