Business Resources

The Chamber's Economic Development Office can help you with a variety of resources and services:

• National Cost-of-Living Calculator

• Business Licenses

• Local Resources

• State Resources

• Federal Resources

• SCORE   

INDUSTRY APPRECIATION AWARDS PROGRAM
Each year, we celebrate the success of local businesses at our annual Industry Appreciation Awards event at the Indian River State College Richardson Center.  And, this past year was is no different, as we honored 13 local businesses at our 2024 Awards program in October  - congratulations to all!  Click here for a quick list of our award recipients.  You can also enjoy photos from our event by clicking on this link.

We are gearing up for the 2025 Awards Event, scheduled for Thursday, September 25, at the IRSC Richardson Center in Vero Beach.  It is a served breakfast, catered by Wild Thyme Catering.  Check out the Treasure Coast Insider radio show, hosted by Anna Valencia-Tillery from White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery (Chamber Board Member and Committee Volunteer), to hear more about the program.

NOMINATIONS
We have a terrific team of Chamber volunteers who may soon be getting in touch with you about submitting a nomination.  

We invite you to take a look at the nomination categories below and decide which one might best fit your type of business.  You can also download a copy of our Nomination Packet, which further explains the who/what/where/why and when of the program.  Click on the nomination title to download a fillable pdf nomination form. 

The completed forms are submitted to the Chamber's Economic Development office (contact info is on each form).  The nomination deadline is Friday, July 18 - sounds like a long way off, but it will be here before you know it! 

Our ARCHITECTURAL RECOGNITION AWARDS recognize projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also improve the area in which they are located.  It may be a single building or multiple buildings - retail, commercial, or industrial.

Architectural Recognition/New Construction - Primarily consider the exterior of the  building(s), with recognition given to extraordinary interior design work and structural design that goes above and beyond what is required by local government; the Certificate of Occupancy must be issued between 8/1/2024 and 7/1/2025.  New buildings constructed for non-profit organizations are also eligible.

Architectural Recognition/Renovation or Restoration - Similar considerations as new construction, but focusing on renovation or historical restoration - giving an existing or older facility a much-needed "face lift"; Certificate of Completion must be issued between 8/1/2024 and 7/1/2025; you'll also need to include before/after photos with your nomination.

Architectural Recognition/Adaptive Re-Use - This award recognizes a business or individual who has purchased or moved into a long-vacant building and made it their own, completely changing the original use and/or character of the structure, breathing new life into a once-vacant building.  

Our ". . . OF THE YEAR" AWARDS recognize local for-profit companies that are successful within their industry, provide a positive work environment, and give back to our community:

Manufacturer of the Year - Excel within your industry, export products out of the region/state/country, and provide a positive work environment.

Entrepreneur of the Year - Must be in business 5 years or less, demonstrate the ability to overcome obstacles in starting your venture, and relay your level of community involvement.

Minority Business of the Year - At least 51% owned by a person (or persons) who is (are) members of a particular racial, ethnic, or gender makeup or national origin, as defined by Florida Statute.  Work environment, success within your industry, and community involvement are all considered.

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year - Honoring a local Veteran who is also a successful business owner in Indian River County.  Additional criteria is similar as our Company of the Year award, below.

Company of the Year - Small, mid-size and large for-profit business within any industry; a positive work environment, success within your industry, and community involvement are all considered.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors:

                                         

If you see a construction or renovation project in Indian River County, or know of a company deserving recognition - maybe your own! - please call or email us at the Indian River Chamber.:  772-567-3491 or helenec@indianrivered.com.  

The Industry Appreciation Awards program is one of the Chamber's signature events. It is held annually to recognize local businesses - Chamber members or not - for what they contribute to our community, either through stunning architectural achievements, success within their industry, providing a positive work environment, and/or giving back to our community. This program is one of the many activities within our Business Retention/Expansion initiatives.