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One of the premier business events in Southwest Florida, the Blue Chip Community Business Awards, is going through a pair of pandemic-led changes.
On timing, much like other big-ticket events in the region, the date for the event, known as Blue Chip, has been postponed to May 2021, according to a statement. The event, coordinated and sponsored by McGriff, a subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, for 26 years, is also getting some new partners. It will now be co-produced with the Lee County Economic Development Office, the Horizon Council and the Horizon Foundation, the release states. The council is a public-private group that advises Lee County commissioners on economic development issues, while the foundation raises money to support economic development.
“Blue Chip has been a red-letter day in our community for many years,” says Scott Gregory, Blue Chip program coordinator, in the statement. “However, just as we began discussions with the Lee County EDO, Horizon Council and Horizon Foundation about making this an even bigger event by co-branding and combining resources, COVID-19 hit. We’ll continue our plans to expand the event but we also recognize the need for community safety right now. After we surveyed our endorsers, we believed it was the best course of action to postpone the event until the second quarter of 2021.”
In keeping with its founding principles, the Blue Chip program will recognize small business owners who have overcome adversity to achieve success. For-profit companies with a primary office in Charlotte, Collier or Lee County may apply. Eligible businesses must have been in continuous operation for at least three years under the same ownership and have five to 400 payroll employees. Registration for the event is free.
Past winners include Siesta Pebble, Billy’s Rentals and NGALA Wildlife Preserve. Naples-based manufacturer Pelican Wire, a $37 million business, won last year. Additional details about the event, including the new location and time, as well as information about applications, are forthcoming.
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