Largest-ever partner joins Lee economic development nonprofit

The Horizon Foundation, a nonprofit in Lee County that supports economic development, has picked up the first $50,000-level investor in its 30-year history. 

The donor is the Lee County Industrial Development Authority, a seven-member board appointed by Lee County Commissioners. The IDA, according to a statement, is tasked with fostering industrial and business development, as well as encouraging change to local and relocating companies to explore the use of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds to finance their projects. The bonds provide a source of long-term, below-market-rate financing for new and expanding manufacturing facilities, the release states. The IDA has been named an Innovator Investor. 

“Partnering with the Horizon Foundation is a natural extension of the IDA’s mission to drive industrial growth and support business success in Lee County,” Lee County IDA Chair Robbie Roepstorff says in the release. “Together, we’re strengthening the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and ensuring that companies have the tools and resources to expand and innovate right here in our community.”

As an Innovator Investor, representatives of the Lee County IDA will have opportunities to speak at Horizon Foundation events, receive tickets to the Edison Awards gala, display a banner on the Foundation's website, host Foundation events and more.

The Horizon Foundation was established in 1995-96 to provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in Lee County’s long-term economic development and vitality. In 2000, the Horizon Foundation received its IRS ruling as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation, now with 100-plus investors, raises private-sector money to support efforts of the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council to improve the area’s business climate.