Businesses invited to apply for 2009 Blue Chip awards

The 15th annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award coordinated and sponsored by Oswald Trippe and Company recognizes small businesses that have overcome adversity to achieve success.

Collier, Lee and Charlotte county forprofit businesses that have been in operation for at least three years and employ five to 400 people are eligible for the award. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, Sept. 14.

The 2009 luncheon ceremony will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers. The keynote speaker will be Todd Huston, amputee, mountain climber and world recordholding disabled athlete.

"We are honored to have sponsored the Blue Chip Award program for 15 years," says Gary Trippe, chairman and CEO of Oswald Trippe and Company. "We believe it is vital to recognize small businesses in our communities who have overcome adversity and are willing to share their successes as lessons for all of us."

To request an application or for more information, call Stacey Mercado at 433- 7189.