Chamber recognizes community leaders

NEWS RELEASE

Indian River County leaders were recognized for outstanding achievement at the annual meeting of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce held January 22, 2015 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 award was presented by Alma Lee Loy to J.B. Egan, III. “JB is very deserving of recognition. He has been a self-less volunteer, and his service to our community has demonstrated a history of his skill, kindness, and integrity.”

Among the organizations he has served are:

The Indian River County Housing Authority board from its inception in 1979 to 1983 as one of 5 commissioners of the county appointed by the Governor of Florida. He served as their chairman in 1980.
Twice as the campaign chair for the United Way of Indian River County. The first time in 1973-74 and the second time in 1987-88.
In 1974, served as President of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce – then called the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce.

In 1976, JB volunteered his services as a member of the action steering committee for the Indian River County Bi-Centennial Celebration.
Chairman of the Indian River Citrus League Budget Committee for 33-years. According to Citrus League President Doug Bournique, “JB’s knowledge of the finances of our industry was untouchable. I never heard anyone challenge or even raise a question about his budget figures.”
30-years of service to the Kiwanis Club and served as their President and Secretary/Treasurer.
Holly Dill, the long-time executive director of the Environmental Learning Center stated “JB stepped in when called upon in the early 1990’s to chair our 1^st community capital campaign.”
Janet Alford, the first executive director of the Mckee Botanical Garden said “JB was instrumental in gathering information from Ralph Sexton that significantly helped McKee restore the gardens in the 1990’s.”
JB became a member of the first Indian River Memorial Hospital Board of Directors in 1984 serving until 1998. He served as their Chairman for 6-years.
He served as President and as the Treasurer of Vero Beach Country Club.
Served as Chairman of the St. Helen’s Harvest Festival and has served as their festival Treasurer for the last 50-years.
Served on the St. Helen’s Church Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister.
Altar Service Training for St. Helen’s Church for over 40-years training 730 community children 5th through 12th grades with 101 currently in service. (known unofficially as the “J.B. Egan Bootcamp”)

The 2014 Carolyn K. Eggert Economic Development Award was presented to Indian River County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fran Adams for her leadership in establishing “Moonshot Moment.” 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 President Penny Chandler and Chamber Chairman of the Board Cathy McKenzie presented Adams with the award. During the recognition of Dr. Adams it was reported that 40% of our county’s children are not academically ready for kindergarten. Under the leadership of Adams, in 2012, the Indian River County school district set a goal to have 90% of all third grade students reading at grade level by 2018. For the past two years, the school district has collaborated with the Learning Alliance, to provide our teachers with the latest in educational techniques – training hundreds of teachers and tutors and helping more than 2,000 students in 12 elementary schools and summer learning programs. Chandler stated “You must know how to read and write in order to get and keep a good job. The result of these efforts started by Dr. Adams is a 171% improvement in kindergarten and first grade literacy scores.”

McKenzie, 2014-15 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 2014 Director of the Year was Dr. Paul Minotty, New Vision Eye Center.

Chris Elliott, Astro Law Moving & Storage was recognized as the Chamber’s 2014 Ambassador of the Year.
Jay Hart, Wells Fargo received the Chairman’s Award for his 16 years of service as a Chamber leader and volunteer.
Donna Leemon, HR Dynamics was recognized as 2014 Member of the Year.
Special recognition awards were presented to: Idea Garden, Squared Studios and Inside Track Almanac.
And, the 2014 Young Profession Award was received by Michael Kissner from the law firm of Collins, Brown, Caldwell, Barkett, Garvaglia & Lawn.