The following companies were honored:

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Sponsored by Manatee Community College

Bruce Coffey of L-3 Communications and Lou Orbendorf of METI

L-3 Communications, manufacturer of more than 70 percent of the world’s flight recorders, was recognized with the Award of Excellence. In addition to making flight and marine data recorders, the company’s additional division, Medical Education Technologies, Inc., creates simulation mannequins used in training healthcare providers in more than 400 medical schools. The company has achieved outstanding growth in the last decade, tripling sales and increasing its workforce from 160 to 400 employees. Even with recent workforce growth, L-3 Communications’ average employee has been with the company for more than 17 years.

SERVICE COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Lee Wetherington Cos.

John LaCivita and David Sessions of Willis A. Smith Construction

Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.  was named the Service Company of the Year. The company’s commitment to service and quality were among the attributes that earned them recognition.

Oswald Trippe & Company, Inc. , a local insurance company, was the runner-up. 

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by  Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

Colin Leonard and Don Borden of Crane Environmental

Crane Environmental, a Venice-based company that engineers and produces water purification solutions for clients around the world, was recognized as Manufacturer of the Year for their increased productivity, sales and empowerment of employees.

Gulf Coast Signs of Sarasota was the runner-up

TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Kerkering Barberio & Co. P.A. CPAs

Dattoli Cancer Center and Brachytherapy Institute

Don Kaltenbach and Ginya Carnahan of Dattoli Cancer Center

was recognized as Technology Company of the Year for their use of cutting-edge technology in treating more than 500 prostate cancer patients per year. The business’ commitment to providing an excellent patient experience was also lauded.

LeaderChip, a Venice-based IT solutions provider, was the runner-up.
 

The EDC also announced the creation of the Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Award. 

Joan and Scott Nixon

The award will be presented annually to a leader that exemplifies outstanding values and business leadership. The first award was given posthumously to the man after whom it is named. Mr. Nixon’s widow Joan, and son Scott, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

Additional sponsors of the Hall of Fame Award include: The Community Foundation of Venice, The Herald Tribune Media Group, Bank of Commerce, Signs Now, and Baskerville Advertising. WilsonMiller hosted a pre-event reception honoring the nominees and Insignia Bank sponsored the industry tour during Hall of Fame week.

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