Investing in Southwest Florida’s Future
As Southwest Florida continues to see rapid growth, partnerships between local businesses and economic development organizations are more important than ever.
Lee County is currently home to an estimated 860,959 people and 40,354 businesses. With each day that goes by, we see new businesses opening their doors, new families establishing roots and new opportunities emerging across our region. By working together with local businesses, nonprofits and organizations, we continue to build our community as a great place to live and work.
For nearly three decades, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands has invested in our community through volunteerism, board service and philanthropy. Among the local organizations we’ve proudly supported since our inception 29 years ago is the Horizon Foundation.
Founded alongside the Horizon Council in 1991, the Horizon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps create opportunities for public-private partnerships and business investment that strengthen our local economy. The Horizon Council works closely with the Lee County Economic Development Office to retain existing businesses, encourage expansion and attract diversified employers to Southwest Florida, while the Horizon Foundation financially supports these efforts.
Our bank believes that strategic partnerships have the power to shape a stronger tomorrow. That’s why we are proud to continue our commitment to the Horizon Foundation through our annual Cornerstone-level investment, helping provide the resources needed to advance economic development initiatives across Southwest Florida
My personal involvement also extends beyond the bank’s financial support. In 2005, I had the privilege of serving as chair of the Horizon Council, later as the Horizon Foundation president from 2006 to 2008 and I continue to serve on the Horizon Executive Committee. Having called Lee County home for over 40 years, the opportunity to serve has been especially meaningful to me.
Through this experience, I’ve seen firsthand the value of organizations that bring together business leaders, public officials and community stakeholders around a shared vision for the future. The impact of this work can be seen throughout our region in the businesses that choose to invest here, the jobs that are created and the strategic growth that enhances our quality of life.
As our region continues to evolve, working collaboratively helps preserve what attracts tourists, residents, entrepreneurs and employers alike. By supporting local businesses, attracting new opportunities and fostering collaboration across sectors, we help create a foundation for long-term success.
Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands long-standing involvement reflects something I truly believe in: supporting organizations like the Horizon Foundation is not only an investment in our current economy, but in the future of Southwest Florida and the opportunities we hope to create for generations to come.
