VERO BEACH – Local business and political leaders, builders and architects gathered for another sell-out event to celebrate the achievements of area businesses and the beneficial effect of architectural excellence at the Chamber of Commerce 2011 Industry Appreciation Award Luncheon.
Held at the Indian River State College Richardson Center, the occasion recognizes the role local businesses play in helping to sustain our economy and enrich our way of life. Local industry has a major economic impact on the community through jobs, taxes, sales and purchases, and the support of local non-profit organizations.
The awards process was overseen by Helene Caseltine, director of economic development and a committee of Chamber volunteers, led this year by Richard Giessert of Northern Trust Bank. Nomination forms are distributed to potential honorees throughout the county, and winners are chosen by the committee after a review of completed applications. Giessert shared master of ceremony duties with Bill Penney, president and CEO of Marine Bank and chairman of the Chamber’s Economic Development division.
Giessert first presented Architectural Recognition Awards, based criteria such as the building’s impact on the surrounding area, attractive landscaping, unique or eco-friendly features and other attributes.
Manufacturer of the Year Awards were presented to three firms whose names might not be familiar but whose economic impact on the community is substantial. Despite the recent economy, each has sustained a sizable increase in sales and job creation.
Small Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to Plant Foods, Inc., a family-owned business that has manufactured water soluble fertilizer blends and other innovative products for the agricultural and turf markets for the past 60 years.
Medium Manufacturer of the Year was presented to Girard Equipment, a manufacturer of pressure relief products for tanker trucks and tank containers. It is the only manufacturer of its kind in North America and one of only a few in the world.
Large Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to Parker Hannifin, a global firm that locally manufacturers industrial-grade hoses, and which has almost doubled its staff just this past year.
Panda Roof was named the 2011 Latin Business of the Year, recognizing its standing as a leader in the roofing and remodeling industry.
Ranging in staff size from less than 10 to more than 100, the five firms honored with Company of the Year awards are all highly recognizable as having contributed to the well-being of the community.
Micro-Company of the Year was awarded to Culinary Capers, which had just served up a delicious lunch, deftly served by competent wait-staff in the packed room. The catering firm has enjoyed a steady increase in revenues and bookings, and regularly donates food to local shelters.
The certified public accounting firm, Kmetz, Nuttall, Elwell, Graham, awarded Small Company of the Year, has an annual economic impact on the area of more than $2.8 million. The company encourages its employees to volunteer on company time and routinely contributes financially to area nonprofits.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott, which opened in Vero Beach in 2009, was recognized as Midsize Company of the Year. The local hotel has a Platinum Hotel designation and its General Manager, Brenda Celano was recognized as one of only three in the country with a Diamond Award. It is a frequent sponsor and donor to area nonprofit activities.
The law firm of Gould Cooksey Fennell, established in Vero Beach in 1955, was recognized as Large Company of the Year, with less than 100 employees. The firm has a local economic impact of more than $1 million annually, not including pro-bono work, and embraces the initiative to buy locally. The company and its employees donate to and are active volunteers with numerous nonprofits and area schools.
Florida Power and Light was named Large Company of the Year, with more than 100 employees. Established in Indian River County in 1931, FPL has an estimated local economic impact of $5.5 million. The company supports many nonprofits, contributing more than $50,000 annually to local organizations.
At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, the microphone was turned over to Jay Hart, who is chairing an initiative with Tony Donadio to encourage increased private sector contributions to economic development.
“The Chamber has always embraced job creation, attraction and retention,” said Hart. “We have set a new goal to raise funds from the private sector from $30,000 to $100,000 in 2012. It’s an exciting time – the right time to initiate this effort.”
2011 Architectural Recognition Awards:
New Small Commercial Building – South Beach Plaza
New Midsize Commercial Building – New Vision Eye Center
New Large Commercial Building – Sebastian River Medical Center’s Patient Tower
New Small Nonprofit Building – Knights of Columbus Building
New Midsize Nonprofit Building – Realtors Association of Indian River County
New Large Nonprofit Building – Boys & Girls Club in Vero Beach
New Government Building – City of Vero Beach Water Treatment Maintenance Facility
Redevelopment of a Small Commercial Building – Pipa Movida Restaurant
Redevelopment of a Midsize Commercial Building – Mulligan’s Beach House
Redevelopment of a Large Commercial Building – Vero Bowl
Redevelopment of a Nonprofit Building – Vero Beach Museum of Art
New Commercial Project – The Arbors at the Lakes at Pointe West
Green Commercial Construction – Oculina Bank’s Operation Center
