With the arrival of September’s issue, the Gulfshore Business staff officially celebrates the 2016 40-under-40 honorees. As you will see, these rising stars represent an array of professions in the private and public sectors, and each one contributes to our region’s vibrant business climate and exceptional quality of life.

The process began on Feb. 1, when we officially opened nominations on our website. By the May 15 deadline we had collected nearly 170. Each of the five judges examined the entries and narrowed down the field, which was difficult given the talent of the candidates.

Beginning on page 16, you can learn who has been chosen for this year’s group; their complete bios can be read at gulfshorebusiness.com.

The group includes legal, medical, real estate, finance, creative, military and nonprofit professionals, as well as entrepreneurs. When you read about the people selected, I’m confident that you will share our admiration of their accomplishments. These are individuals we will look to as the region’s economy and population continues to grow, providing fresh ideas and leadership.

The story is enhanced by art director Jesse Adams’s design and Erik Kellar’s photography. They used several of Southwest Florida’s notable locations, such as the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and Naples Zoo, for scenic backdrops.

To cap things off, we will hold an awards party at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Miromar Design Center in Estero. And you’re invited. Visit gulfshorebusiness. com to find out about tickets and other information. We hope to see you there to help us congratulate 40 outstanding individuals under 40 years old who have distinguished themselves in their professions and the community.