Local Manufacturers

The Chamber's economic development office works closely with our local manufacturers and other key employers, providing information and offering programs that encourage them to grow their production capabilities and increase job creation opportunities for local residents.  

Florida manufacturers are eligible for a number of state sales tax exemptions, including:

• on the purchase of new equipment/machinery
• electricity used in production
• equipment used in research and development
• repair and labor charges
• pollution control equipment

Manufacturing Bootcamp

Manufacturing Bootcamp is a program that introduces students and young adults to the manufacturing industry as a potential career path.  It is FREE and open to all high school students in Indian River County age 16 or over - Sophomores, Junior and Seniors - in public, charter or private schools, home-schoolers, Virtual School plus recent graduates up to age 20 and young adults completing their GEDs.  Priority consideration is given to students in Career & Technical Education programs.  

In addition to daily tours of local manufacturers to meet and talk with the owners, "soft skills" sessions are also held each day, providing participants a litany of resource material, covering topics such: Resume Writing; Job Searches; Teamwork; Communication Skills as a Key to Success; Financial Literacy; plus we provide mock interviews for the participants.  Click here and here for a couple of YouTube videos about making first impressions and professionalism in the workplace - quite beneficial!

We just completed our 2024 Manufacturing Bootcamp on June 7, and it was a very full week, as you can see from the itinerary!  Thank you to all of our host employers, our speakers and chaperones, and to Treasure Coast Technical College for hosting us all week.  

We had 13 students visit 10 local manufacturers, talking with the owner/plant managers. Plus, new this year, we added a Skilled Trades Day, partnering with the Treasure Coast Builders Association and the UP Center-Vero Beach.  It was a huge success!  Several students showed interest in HVAC, plumbing and electrical work.  We also had students interested in working at a few of our host employers, and employers who are considering our graduated Seniors to fill open positions.  We invite you to view photos of our Bootcamp week, to see how beneficial and engaging the program can be in opening up new doors to potential employment.

Click here for an informational brochure  which provides more details on the program.  Or, call/email the Indian River Chamber's Economic Development Office at 772-567-3491 or helenec@indianrivered.com.  
We'll be gearing up for our 2025 Manufacturing Bootcamp this Fall.

 The Manufacturing Bootcamp is a partnership with the Indian River County School District,  CareerSource Research Coast, and  many private businesses and non-profits who helped with the planning and logistics.

A special thank you to the local employers who hosted our 2024 group , many of whom provided lunch and take-away items for the students, aka "swag bags" : 
     Girard Equipment                      M.A. Ford
     Nylacarb                                          Perricone Farms
     Aluma Tower                                 Dragonfly Boatworks
     Pusher Intakes                             Integrity Metals
     iOneMoto                                       Piper Aircraft                        
       

Indian River County Manufacturers
For a complete list of Indian River County manufacturers, please call Helene Caseltine, the Chamber's Vice President of Economic Development , at 772-567-3491, or email her: helenec@indianrivered.com