Greater Fort Myers Chamber announces APEX Awards finalists, sets date for annual Chamber Awards

FORT MYERS, Fla. - June 16, 2023 - PRLog -- The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce names the finalists for its 2023 APEX Awards and announces the date for its 2023 Chamber Awards, to be held July 27 in Fort Myers.

Organized by the Chamber's Women in Business Committee, the APEX Awards recognize local women with outstanding reputations for professionalism, philanthropy and leadership. The five finalists for the 2023 awards are Darla Bonk, Alicia Miller, Marilyn Santiago, Anjali Van Drie, and Jen Whyte. All finalists will be recognized and the APEX Award recipient will be named at the Chamber Awards.

Bonk is the founder and CEO of a successful business consulting company, Darla Bonk Consulting, LLC and partners with her husband in Architectural Metal Flashings, serves on the Fort Myers City Council as the representative for Ward 6, and is the founder and host of the podcast, "On Your Way."

Miller is the Executive Director of Our Mother's Home of SWFL, Inc., whose mission is to empower young mothers in the foster care and human trafficking systems to break the generational cycle for themselves and their children.

Santiago currently owns two companies, Sunshine Integrated Solutions, where she leverages her expertise in branded content, promotional campaigns and talent management, and Creative Architectural Resin Products, serving the construction industry by providing beautiful resin-based faux architectural trims and accents.

Van Drie is co-founder and vice president of Family Initiative, a master's level social worker and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She has worked for more than a decade with families involved in the child welfare system and children with disabilities.

Whyte is founder and owner of Fort Myers Brewing Company, Lee County's first microbrewery. Fort Myers Brewing opened in 2013, and 10 years later is one of the busiest taprooms in the state with beers and seltzers at more than 1,600 restaurant and retail outlets across the state.

Recognizing Chamber members for their outstanding contributions to the greater Fort Myers community, the 2023 Chamber Awards will be held on Wednesday, July 27 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, located at 1375 Monroe St. in downtown Fort Myers. In addition to naming the APEX Awards winner, the program will also include an installation ceremony for the Chamber's 2023-24 board of directors and will recognize winners in a variety of categories.

The Chamber Awards are presented by title sponsors Convergint and Verizon. Additional event sponsors include Fort Myers Brewing Company, M&M Multimedia, Norman Love Confections, Priority Marketing, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and Spada Salon & Day Spa. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $1,250 to $5,000.

Registration for the Chamber Awards celebration and board installation is $125. To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.