Southwest Florida’s Ultimate Holiday Events Guide 2025
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The founder of a Naples international company has received a prestigious award.
Arthrex President Reinhold Schmieding was recently honored with the Margie Davidson Leading Light Award by the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association.
The award was presented Dec. 4 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay during the 80th Joint Conference of the Florida School Boards Association and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
The award recognizes those who have shown commitment to public education.
“Mr. Schmieding and Arthrex exemplify what it means to be a true partner in education,” said CCPS Superintendent Leslie C. Ricciardelli, Ph. D., in a news release.
“Their sustained support of career pathways, scholarships, early learning, and community programs strengthens not only our schools but the entire Collier County community. While we appreciate them every day, we are so glad to see them receive this state recognition.”
Schmieding founded Arthrex in 1981 and relocated its global headquarters to Naples in 1991. Today, Arthrex is recognized worldwide for pioneering advancements in minimally invasive surgery while maintaining a deep commitment to local education and workforce development.
The company’s contributions include providing state-of-the-art equipment to local technical colleges, creating dual enrollment opportunities for Collier County public high school students through Florida Gulf Coast University, and funding scholarships to remove financial barriers for technical school students.
Arthrex has also sponsored district-wide events such as the CCPS 5K and supported various initiatives, including entrepreneurship, arts and athletics.
The company has invested in programs that boost kindergarten readiness and supported more than 100 nonprofits focused on education.
Meg Hardt, Arthrex’s manager for corporate engagement, accepted the award on Schmieding’s behalf.
CCPS is a member district of SUNSPRA, which aims to build support for Florida public education by involving all key stakeholders in student success and public-school improvement.
This recognition marks the second consecutive year that the Margie Davidson Leading Light Award has been awarded to a Collier County organization. In 2024, Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president and CEO of the Collier Community Foundation, received the award.
This story was created by reporter Dave Osborn,dosborn@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.Learn more.