VERO BEACH – Indian River County leaders were recognized for outstanding achievement at the 91^st annual meeting of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce held Jan. 30 at the Vero Beach Country Club in Vero Beach.

The prestigious Alma Lee Loy Community Service Award was established by the Chamber in 1995 to recognize a citizen of Indian River County who distinguish themselves professionally through excellence and privately through commitment to the Indian River County community at large. The 2012 award was presented by Ms. Alma Lee Loy to John and Kathi Schumann.  “John and Kathi Schumann are wonderful community leaders who have given so much to help Vero Beach, Indian River County and our local non-profits. They are deserving of recognition and our thanks for all they have achieved.”

John Schumann, Jr. is best known for being a member of the founding family of the Vero Beach Press Journal.  A native of Vero Beach, he grew and developed the newspaper established by his parents. Following a two-year tour of duty in the United States Army he returned home in 1956 to join the Press Journal where he worked in news, advertising and circulation, earning promotions to editor in 1963 and publisher in 1975.  Through Schumann’s expertise the Press Journal grew from a circulation of 3,000 in 1956 to more than 30,000 at the time of his retirement in 1996.

Schumann was a member of the founding board of directors of United Way and the Indian River County Historical Society. He is a longtime member of Rotary, chairman of the Rotary Charities Foundation, and founder of the Schumann Foundation.

The Schumann’s were among the visionary residents of Indian River County who understood the need and contributed to the Indian River Community Foundation. among their many contributions have been the children’s ballet, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, Senior Resource Association, United Way, the Chamber’s building fund, Indian River State College, Vero Beach Museum of Art and many other local charities.

The 2012 Carolyn K. Eggert Economic Development Award was presented to Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker.  Established in 1999, the award recognizes an individual who, through their leadership and commitment, has helped to create and maintain quality, year round jobs for the citizens of Indian River County and who has made significant contributions to our local economic well-being.

Chamber Chairman of the Board Bill Penney presented Nunemaker with the award stating that “Nunemaker helped the city establish their vision for the future thinking outside the box to attract new ideas and ventures.” The 225-acre National Elephant Center, slated top open in April 2013, is already bringing international attention to Fellsmere and Indian River County.

Under Nunemaker’s guidance there have been significant achievements made in Fellsmere including a natural gas line to the community which will go live in 2013 which will open new opportunities by providing this important infrastructure option in the north-western area of Indian River County.

In 2013 construction will begin on the Florida Organic Aquacaulture facility. The project will create about 60 new jobs seeding development of the Fellsmere Commerce Park.

He helped to attract a Dollar General Store which created 10 new jobs, and placed Fellsmere on the radar for other national chains.

Nunemaker has continued to recruit foreign investment to Fellsmere, has overseen an expedited permitting process and the city’s tax abatement programs. He works closely with Indian River County’s Economic Development Council, Enterprise Florida and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council.

Nunemaker obtained a $316,500 grant, being matched by the City of Fellsmere, to build the Scenic Byway Visitors Center on County Road 512 adjacent To Fellsmere’s Trailhead Preserve Park near I-95.  And, he helped bring about the partnership with Florida Institute of Technology to build an ROTC challenge course on city property.

Bill Penney 2013 Chamber Chairman of the Board stated “The Chamber is a volunteer driven organization. Through the service of our many volunteers our Chamber organization has a positive impact on our community at large. It is a pleasure to award recognition to this group of deserving individuals and businesses.” Other special recognition awards were presented.

• Receiving the 2012 Director of the Year was Maureen Nicolace, Nicolace Marketing.
• Paul Lytle of EmbroidMe was recognized as the Chamber’s 2012 Ambassador of the Year.
• NetBoss Technologies received recognition as the Member of the Year for 2012.
• 2012 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Cindy Goetz, Mary Kay Cosmetics.
• The President’s Award was presented to Tom Schwieger, Organization Management Solutions.
• And, the 2012 Young Profession Award was received by Joe Chiarella, Vero Insurance.