INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce announced the addition of an “Entrepreneur of the Year” award to their annual Industry Appreciation Awards program.
The award will recognize the ingenuity, initiative and risk taken by local entrepreneurs and their contribution to the local economy.
“We sponsor the annual Indian River County Industry Appreciation Awards in conjunction with the Governor’s Annual Business Diversification Awards program,” stated Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director for the Chamber.
“It’s important to recognize the achievements of our local businesses and what they add to the quality of life we enjoy in Indian River County,” Caseltine added.
The Awards program will be held on September 20, 2012.
Judging criteria for the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award will include contribution to the community, the distinctiveness of the company’s product(s) or service, company growth, challenges in launching the company, and corporate citizenship.
To qualify, the nominated entrepreneur must have established a new company in Indian River County no more than five years ago.
Other Industry Appreciation Award categories include awards for new commercial, industrial, and residential construction; commercial redevelopment projects and building renovations, including historic renovations; and “green” construction for those incorporating the use of recycled materials or producing an eco-friendly style.
Construction projects are recognized for their architectural aesthetics, as well as the benefit to the immediate area and pedestrian-friendly layout.
Commercial and industrial projects must be substantially completed with a Certificate of Occupancy issued between 8/1/11 and 7/31/12.
The Chamber will also recognize Manufacturer of the Year, Latin Business of the Year, and Company of the Year.
Considerations for the 2012 Manufacturer of the Year include the company’s role as a “contributory” business, meaning the company sells or distributes the majority of its products outside the local market.
Additional criteria include: higher than average wages for their employees; an increase in productivity within the industry; and the company’s economic impact.
Company of the Year and Latin Business of the Year nominees have similar criteria with a stronger emphasis on the company’s work environment, its economic impact on the community, and the company’s civic involvement.
Nominations for the 2012 Industry Appreciation Awards program are now being accepted and are due in to the Chamber office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012.
Nomination forms and criteria are available on the Chamber’s website at www.IndianRiverChamber.com, at the Chamber building, and from committee volunteers.
All award recipients will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on September 20, 2012.
For more information on the 2012 Industry Appreciation Awards nominations, please call Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, at (772) 567-3491, extension 121.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is a county-wide organization representing the business community by providing services, benefits and leadership for positive growth and change.