CIAL REAL ESTATE look at commercial real estate trends & topics in

The Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office announced the winners of the 2022 Industry Appreciation Awards.

Held Feb. 10 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers, the awards program celebrates Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, 17 companies were selected as finalists across six awards categories.

Winners were announced in the following categories:

Torgerson, an industry veteran, began his tenure with TPI Hospitality in 1979 and has risen through the ranks over the past several decades. Under Torgerson’s leadership, TPI Hospitality grew its portfolio to over thirty-eight properties. In 2015, while Torgerson transitioned out of an ownership role, he continues as Chairman of the Board and President.

Dammermann shared an update on the resort’s construction. “This project has been going on a really long time. We actually put the first parcels under contract eight years ago this month. It certainly has tested our perseverance

FUTURE See page 13 landfall in October 2022.

The Fort Myers area, one of the most impacted areas by Hurricane Ian, saw an increase in its unemployment rate, up 0.2 percentage point over the year to 2.9% in December 2022. The Naples area, also heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian, saw a 0.1 percentage point decrease in its unemployment rate over the year to 2.2% in December 2022.

JOBS See page 5

Southwest

• Minaya Learning Global Solutions was awarded the Inclusion & Diversity Award. The company’s strategic learning architects are committed to developing its clients’ number one resource – people. Diversity and inclusion has always been at the heart of this minorityowned and woman-owned business. In addition to a diverse team of six employees in Fort Myers, Minaya has more than 100 diverse contractors working globally, all of whom assist clients with their diversity initiatives.

• Vectra Digital received the Technology Award. The company, AWARDS See page 15

Important Business Notes

 Moore About Business

Kick off your business week with “Moore About Business”! Tune in to SWFL PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, WGCU radio at 90.1 FM, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to hear SWFBT founder, owner and publisher Karen P. Moore share information and insights for and about our local business community. Listen to past segments at https://news.wgcu.org/tags/ moore-about-business

 Hurricane Ian SBA Loans Available to SWFL Businesses

Business owners have until June 29, to submit a SBA application for an economic injury disaster loan to help with financial recovery from Hurricane Ian. Call (800) 659-2955 or go to sba.gov/disaster.

 SWFBT News Updates

To get current business news throughout the business day, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com.