The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of local companies at its annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on September 19, at the Indian River State College Richardson Center. Vero Marine Center, Rock City Gardens, and Kimley-Horn & Associates were each honored as the Chamber’s 2013 Small, Medium, and Large Company of the Year, respectively, based on employment levels.
Earlier in the week, theIndian River County Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation designating September 16-20, 2013 as Industry Appreciation Week in Indian River County.
Master of Ceremonies duties were shared by Bill Penney, Chamber of Commerce Chairman, and Lynn Fiske who chairs the Chamber’s Awards Committee. Penney stated that “the awards event is an important part of the Chamber’s Business Retention program and job creation. We show our appreciation to those businesses that have made a positive impact in our community during the past year, either through architectural enhancements or by way of community involvement and economic impact.”
The Company of the Year award recognizes local businesses that stimulate the Indian River County economy, make contributions back to the community, provide quality year-round employment, and have an overall positive impact on our county.
Kimley-Horn & Associates was recognized as Company of the Year for a firm with over 50 employees. Kimley-Horn is an engineering firm specializing in civil engineering, landscape architecture, planning, survey work, roadway design, and environmental and traffic engineering. With 59 employees earning an average annual wage of over $75,000, the firm has an estimated economic impact of more than $5million. The Kimley-Horn Core Purpose is “To provide an environment for our people to flourish.” Since 2004, the firm has been recognized by several national publications as one of the country’s “Best Company to Work For” and in 2013 was ranked within the top 100 firms nationally as a Green Design Firm. The company and its employees are involved in more than a dozen local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Youth Guidance, the Environmental Learning Center, and the American Cancer Society. The Kimley-Horn Foundation has granted approximately $10,000 annually to many local charitable organizations.
Rock City Gardens was recognized as Company of the Year for a business with 25-50 employees. Rock City Gardens is a retail garden center and landscaping company which was established in 1980. The company has 35 employees and generates an estimated $96,300 in property and payroll taxes, with $380,000 in local annual purchases. Rock City conducts tours for members of state and national nursery organizations which have cited the company as a benchmark to emulate within the nursery industry. The company sponsors and hosts numerous annual benefits and supports local nonprofit organizations such as the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, Children’s Home Society, HALO, Healthy Start, the May Pops concerts, and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Vero Marine Center was recognized as the Small Business of the Year. Founded in the late 1950s, Vero Marine specializes in marine sales and service plus ship storage and marina operation. The company has 14 employees, with an extremely low turnover rate and generates an estimated $52,000 in payroll taxes annually. Vero Marine was one of the first continuous exclusive dealers for Yamaha Outboards, starting distribution in 1984, and has been a Yamaha Customer Service Index (CSI) winner every year since the program’s inception. For the past 30 years, the company has organized and promoted of the annual Vero Beach Boat Show. The company contributes to many local organizations, such as the Youth Sailing Foundation, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, VNA, and the Vero Beach High School Girls Lacrosse.
The Latin Business of the Year was awarded to Alexander Insurance Co. The company was established in 2007, specializing in property and casualty insurance, and customizing policies to make home ownership more affordable. The company has 5 employees and an estimated $84,000 economic impact. Alexander Insurance was recognized as one of the top ten writing agents for United Property & Casualty in Florida. The firm donates to numerous organizations, such as 4-H Club, Life for Youth Camp, Our Father’s Table, and Relay for Life, plus sponsors many student band and sports activities throughout the year.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes firms less than five years old that show increased growth and a true entrepreneurial spirit, while overcoming challenges and becoming a good corporate citizen. The 2013 award recipient is Kitty Wagner, owner of Blue Star Wine Bar. The business opened in late 2011, and has exponentially increased its revenue in less than two years. Ms. Wagner believes community involvement is paramount to her business’ continued success. She anticipates revenues to nearly double over the next five years through special events and hosting numerous fundraisers for local charities.
The 2013 Large Manufacturer of the Year was presented toPiper Aircrafe, Incl. Founded in 1937, Piper manufactures aircraft and aircraft parts for the general aviation industry, with 95% of its products distributed outside Florida and 45% sold outside the U.S. With 800-plus employees, the company generates an estimated $10,845,000 in payroll taxes in addition to nearly $370,000 in annual property and intangible taxes. Its local purchases exceed $24million each year. In 2013, Piper signed long term agreements with North America’s largest flight training academy, ATP, and with the world’s largest flight school, CAE. The company contributes to and participates in many local organizations, including United Way, the American Cancer Society, and Habitat for Humanity.
Girard Equipment was recognized as the 2013 Small Manufacturer of the Year. Girard Equipment manufactures pressure relief vents and valves used primarily in the tanker truck industry, with 99% of its product sold outside Florida. The company located to Indian River County in 2006 with eight employees, and now has 47 on staff, generating an estimated $250,000 in total payroll taxes and nearly $23million in annual sales. Girard is expanding its international presence to South Africa, Brazil, China and Europe. In 2012, the company launched an extensive community involvement program, which includes the HETY Awards – Helping Equip Today’s Youth, giving $300 and recognition to youth-focused groups each month. Girard is also involved with Keep Indian River Beautiful (KIRB), Habitat for Humanity, Dollars for Scholars, and the Samaritan Center.
Architectural Recognition awards were presented to the following recipients. Award criteria includes:
- Impact on Immediate Area
- Enhance the Natural Environment
- Building’s Unique Features
- Is the Building or Project “User Friendly
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Sebastian High School Freshman Learning Center
13110 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian
NEW GREEN CONSTRUCTION-COMMERCIAL
Coulter Design
1865 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
NEW GREEN CONSTRUCTION-RESIDENTIAL
Guidroz Residence
6655 Carson’s Trail, Vero Beach
NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Fieldstone Ranch
7628 Fieldstone Ranch Square, Vero Beach
SMALL COMMERCIAL BUILDING RENOVATION
Vero Beach Patisserie
1910 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach
MEDIUM-SIZED COMMERCIAL BUILDING RENOVATION
Morgan, Jacoby, Thurn, Boyle & Associates, P.A.
700 20th Street, Vero Beach
LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDING RENOVATION
Center for Advanced Eye Care
3500 U.S. Highway 1, Vero Beach
LARGE PROJECT RENOVATION
Arbor Center
2045 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
Indian River Guardian 