Frank Bonifillion, CEO of the Edison Awards, updated council on the event's growth and economic impact and asked the city to consider larger PR funding to secure more national and international media coverage.

Bonifillion said the Edison Awards has drawn global attendees and reported a recent economic impact estimate of about $7.2 million in its most recent year. He described associated educational and fellowship programs and said the event brings executives and international delegates to Fort Myers.

Council discussion centered on whether the city should increase PR dollars beyond a $30,000 placeholder already placed in the communications budget this fiscal year. Councilmember Buck asked what the event needed monetarily; Bonifillion said goals and target audiences should drive the spend and that the event could use more funds to secure front‑end national exposure. Several council members including Barker and Buck urged a larger investment if clear KPIs and a strategy are presented.

No formal funding decision was made at the meeting; council directed staff to work with the Edison Awards and regional partners to develop a strategy and return with recommendations.