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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 year is no different, as we honored 13 local businesses at our 2024 Awards program on October 3 - congratulations to all!  Click here for a quick list of our award recipients, or scroll through a run-down of the honorees below.   You can also enjoy photos from our event by clicking on this link.

The Chamber’s Large Company of the Year was presented to Vero Orthopaedics.  The company was established in Indian River County in 1976 and offers a broad range of orthopaedic and neurologic injuries for children and adults.  The doctors and staff are very active with the "Communities Connected for Kids" program, which provides services to children in foster care.  

Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver was recognized as the Chamber’s Mid-sized Company of the Year. The company has a phenomenal impact on our local economy, not only its work environment and annual revenues, but the firm is very philanthropic in its support of local non-profit organizations.

The Chamber’s Small Company of the Year was presented to the law firm of Block & Scarpa. The firm has expanded its market share by 90% this past year, plus the partners and staff are very active in dozens of local non-profits.

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year award was presented to Francois “Frenchie” Pelletier, President of Highland Homes Roofing in Sebastian. With nearly all of his purchases made locally, the company has a major impact on our local economy.

The Chamber’s Minority Business of the Year was presented to April Willis, owner of The Venue, located on US-1 in Vero Beach. Opening in 2020, The Venue has seen a 50% increase in revenue this past year, and is the county’s first and only venue owned and operated by an African American woman.

The Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Ray and Mandy Hooker, owners of Indian River Distillery. The company promotes itself through community outreach and involvement, with a 33% increase in revenues in just the past year.  Indian River Distillery uses their brands to teach and inform their customers about the local history and culture.

The Manufacturer of the Year award went to Dragonfly Boatworks, which specializes in custom-made skiffs, yacht tenders and stand-up paddleboards. Half of his products are sold outside of FL, and a small percent are sold overseas. Customers have included the late/great Jimmy Buffet, and golfers Davis Love Jr. and Jack Nichlaus.  The company has hosted student participants of the Chamber's Manufacturing Bootcamp program since its inception.

NOMINATIONS
Though the nomination period is now closed, this is an annual event.  Perhaps you might consider a nomination for one of these coveted awards in 2025?  Maybe even your own business?? 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 2024 Nomination Packet, which further explains the who/what/where/why and when of the program.

We have a terrific team of volunteers who seek out nominations, and who ultimately vote as to who will be recognized for each criteria or sub-criteria.  Check out the latest edition of "Treasure Coast Insider", hosted by Anna Valencia-Tillery from White Glove Moving & Storage (and Committee Volunteer), to hear more about the program.

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 8/1/2023 and 7/1/2024.  New buildings constructed for non-profits 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 8/1/2023 and 7/1/2024; you'll also need to include before/after photos with your nomination.

Architectural Recognition/Adaptive Re-Use - This award recognizes a business that 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 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 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.