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Exemplifying the innovation, drive and persistence of a successful entrepreneur, Timothy Girard of Vero Beach and Girard Equipment will be recognized with the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Announcement of the award will be the highlight of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award dinner held on Thursday, March 2 at the Indian River State College Richardson Center at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. The award, which recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, and community involvement, is a central element of the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program established by the IRSC Foundation and 13 other founding members to promote awareness and appreciation of the free enterprise system.

“It is vitally important to recognize entrepreneurship because of its essential role in developing communities and fostering economic prosperity.  Tim Girard exemplifies the characteristics of the successful entrepreneur and we are honored to present him with the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President. “Tim Girard has consistently demonstrated leadership and vision, growing Girard Equipment into America’s leading manufacturer of pressure controlling devices for road tankers, intermediate bulk containers, tank containers, rail cars and offshore containers.  He established a global network of manufacturing facilities, while also expanding manufacturing and job opportunities here on the Treasure Coast.  Our local community is very important to him and he is sincerely committed to community service, volunteerism and youth development in Vero Beach.”

As President and CEO of Girard Equipment, Timothy Girard guided the company to continued growth, reaching 95% of the national market in pressure controlling devices, with manufacturing and sales facilities in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin and international locations in the Netherlands, China and United Kingdom.

In 2006, he moved Girard Equipment’s corporate headquarters to Vero Beach, and subsequently quadrupled the firm’s number of skilled local employees.  He is also the holder of numerous patents for pressure relief vents and valves.  His business acumen, commitment to workforce and economic development, and community service have been recognized with local, state and national honors and awards.

For more information about the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program, call the IRSC Foundation at 772-462-4786 or visit http://www.irscfoundation.org.