INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of local companies at its annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Indian River State College Richardson Center.
Vero Insurance, Seacoast National Bank, and NetBoss Technologies were each honored as the Chamber’s 2012 Small, 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 17-21, 2012 as Industry Appreciation Week in Indian River County.
Master of Ceremonies duties were shared by Bill Penney, president of Marine Bank & Trust and Chamber of Commerce chairman, and Richard Giessert from Northern Trust, chairman of the Industry Appreciation Awards committee.
Penney stated that, “the awards event is an important part of the Chamber’s Business Retention program. We show our appreciation to those 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.”
The 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.
NetBoss Technologies, a privately held company headquartered in Sebastian, was recognized as Company of the Year for a firm with over 50 employees. Their software is used to manage large telecommunications networks for a variety of industries, including: Utilities, Transportation, Government and Public Safety, and Defense.
Seacoast National Bank, established in Indian River County in 1991, was recognized as Company of the Year for a business with 25-50 employees. They employ 45 residents in Indian River County, generating an annual payroll of approximately $1.8 million, and personal deposits and business deposits continue to grow.
Vero Insurance was recognized as the Small Business of the Year. Originally founded with two partners, Vero Insurance now has 22 employees with an average annual wage of $50,000, and the company’s local purchases average $51,500 yearly.
The Latin Business of the Year was awarded to Ay Jalisco Restaurant, established in 1996, with three restaurants in Indian River County. They have 45 employees and generate $150,000 in annual sales taxes. Through its charity work, the restaurant feeds over 3,800 people per year in Fellsmere and Vero Beach
Entrepreneur of the Year is a new category added this year, awarded to True Colors Salon and Spa, whose new owners purchased the business in late 2007. The company has grown from 7 employees in 2008 to 16 employees in 2011 and has experienced 40% annual growth for the past three years, doubling gross revenue to over $800,000 in 2011.
The 2012 Manufacturer of the Year was presented to SpectorSoft Corp, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Vero Beach. SpectorSoft develops markets and supports internet monitoring and surveillance products for Windows and Mac users in business, education, government and home use. The company’s products regularly receive coverage in well-known trade publications and through mainstream media.
Architectural Recognition awards were also presented, based on criteria including:
• Impact on Immediate Area
• Enhancement of the Natural Environment
• Building’s Unique Features
• “User Friendliness” of the Building or Project
New Small Commercial Building:
Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, Sebastian
New Large Commercial Building:
CenterState Bank, Vero Beach
New Non-Profit Building:
The Burnham Center/Habitat for Humanity, Vero Beach
Small Commercial Building Redevelopment:
Izziban Sushi, Vero Beach/ Majestic Plaza
Large Commercial Building Redevelopment:
Cardinal Commercial Building, Vero Beach
Historic Restoration:
Commercial Real Estate LLC, (building originally constructed in 1926), Vero Beach
New Commercial Project:
WillowBrooke Court at Indian River Estates, Vero Beach
Green Construction:
Vero Beach Elementary School, Vero Beach
