NEWS RELEASE
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of local companies at its18th Annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on September 17, at the Indian River State College Richardson Center. Dental Partners of Vero Beach was named Small Company of the year, while SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Historic Dodgertown were honored as the Chamber’s 2015 Medium and Large Company of the Year, respectively, based on employment levels.
Earlier in the week, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation designating September 14-18, 2015 as Industry Appreciation Week in Indian River County.
Bill Penny, President of Marine Bank & Trust and Chamber Chairman served as Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon, filling in for Jay Hart who Chairs the Chamber’s Economic Leadership Alliance. Helene Caseltine, the Chamber’s Economic Development Director, explained that “the awards event is an important component of the Chamber’s overall business retention program and our goal of job creation. We show our appreciation to our local 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.” David Hooper with Marine Bank is Chairman of the Industry Appreciation Awards Committee and shared the podium by handing out the Architectural Recognition awards.
Vero BuzzTV will replay the awards event on the “Chamber Buzz” program, airing Monday and Wednesday at 6pm and 10pm.
The Chamber’s 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.
Historic Dodgertown was recognized as Company of the Year for a business with more than 75 employees. Historic Dodgertown was established in 2013, though the facility has a very long history in Vero Beach as the Dodgers’ spring training site. The current facility is a sports and conference center, hosting a variety of sports teams from around the world plus other sports-related training such as Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy. Historic Dodgertown generates over $1.4 million in annual payroll taxes, and contributes $70,000 annually to local charities. In 2013-14, the facility had a direct economic impact of $26.1 million. Historic Dodgertown hosts many events to benefit local non-profits, including the annual St. Helen’s Harvest Festival, the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game benefitting United Way, and the Jake Owen concert to benefit the Jake Owen Foundation.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott was recognized as the Chamber’s Medium-sized Business of the Year. The hotel opened in 2009 and has 30 employees, generating an estimated $118,000 in annual payroll and property taxes each year. SpringHill has seen a 23% increase in sales over the past year, and was recognized with a Gold Circle Award from Marriott for ranking in the top 10% in overall Guest Satisfaction Scores. The hotel hosts numerous non-profit events throughout the year, donates room nights for local fundraisers, with staff providing 150 hours in volunteer time.
Dental Partners of Vero Beach was named the Chamber’s Small Company of the year. The practice opened in 1980 and has 17 employees who earn well above the county’s average annual wage of $36,193. Its economic impact from payroll and property taxes is over $160,000 per year. The company and its employees are active in many local charities, and donated an estimated $26,000 in cash or in-kind goods and services over the past year.
The Chamber’s Latin Business of the Year was awarded to The Event Firm International and Florals by Fé, owned by Fé Domenech. The Event Firm was established in 2006, specializing in the luxury event and production industry. The company expanded in 2011 by opening Florals by Fé. As a small employer, the company generates over $23,000 in annual taxes. The Event Firm’s sales have increased 22% in the past year, and market share has increased by 20%. The company serves clients worldwide, including many celebrities and Fortune 100 firms, and has been recognized as a top designer in set production in the industry. The owner and her four employees are active in a number of local charities, donating $28,000 in the past 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.
Valerie and Alden Bing, owners of Orchid Island Brewery, were recognized as the Chamber’s 2015 Entrepreneurs of the Year. The company, specializing in craft beer production infused with local citrus, opened in 2014 in a small space on Ocean Drive. Within months, Orchid Island Brewery expanded into adjacent space, now with five employees. The owners invested $200,000 in new equipment and renovations, and had an estimated gross revenue of over $450,000 in their first year of operation.
The Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year award considers growth of the company, quality of the jobs, its economic impact, and sales that are primarily outside our region or state, making them a contributory company. There were two local manufactures recognized: small and medium, based on employment.
The 2015 mid-sized Manufacturer of the Year was presented to Aluma Tower, Inc. Aluma Tower and its 35 employees manufacture aluminum telescoping towers, shelters and trailer units, much of which is sold to the U.S. government. The company’s economic impact in payroll and property taxes is over $250,000 per year. Over 95% of its products are distributed outside Florida, with 20% shipped overseas. Sales have increased 50% in the past year, while market share has grown by 20%. Aluma Tower was recognized as the 2015 Manufacturer of the Year by the South FL Manufacturers Association.
The Chamber’s small Manufacturer of the Year is Palm Coast Shutters & Aluminum Products, Inc. With ten employees, the company manufactures a variety of shutters, storm panels and screens, with 10% of the materials sourced locally. They have seen a 15% increase in sales and in market share over the past year, recognized as the 2015 “Readers Choice” for best storm shutters. Palm Coast Shutters recently developed new pocket accordion storm shutters and sliding colonial shutters.
Architectural Recognition awards were also presented. Award criteria includes: impact on immediate area; building’s unique features; and the building or project being “user friendly”. The following architectural projects were recognized:
Multi-Family Residential – Renovation
Racquet Club of Vero Beach, 3939 Ocean Drive
New Residential
Multi-Family – East End Townhomes, 1019-1035 Gayfeather Drive
Single-Family – Tapestry Homes/Vero Lago, 5574 51st Avenue
Renovation Projects
Large – Vero Commerce Center, 1436 Old Dixie Highway
Small – Garage Pizza/Anchor Stone, 1802 Old Dixie Highway
Restoration to Retain Original Character
Offutt, Barton, Schlitt CPAs, 1605 19th Place
Re-Use of Commercial Property
Oculina Bank, 1340 U.S. 1
Government Building Renovation
Large – Treasure Coast Elementary School
Small – School District of Indian River County Adult Education Campus
Small Commercial Building Renovation
Florida Eye Institute, 13367 U.S. 1
New Building Construction – Non-Profit
Audubon House, 195 9th Street SE
New Commercial Building
Large – Hampton Inn & Suites, 611 20th Place
Small – Oculina Bank, 2625 Airport Drive
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