VERO BEACH — The deadline is fast approaching for local businesses to submit their nominations for the Indian River Chamber’s 2013 Industry Appreciation Awards program.
Nominations are due in to the Chamber office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. Nomination forms and the awards criteria are available on the Chamber’s website www.IndianRiverChamber.com, at the Chamber building, and from members of the awards committee.
Award recipients will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon in September.
“It is important to recognize the achievements of our local businesses and all they add to the quality of life we enjoy in Indian River County,” explained Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director for the Chamber.
The Awards program is part of the Chamber’s overall economic development strategy, as it relates to business retention and expansion. A business does not need to be a Chamber member to be nominated or to nominate themselves.
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. Commercial and industrial projects must be substantially completed with a Certificate of Occupancy issued between 8/1/12 and 7/31/13.
The Chamber will also honor Entrepreneur of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Latin Business of the Year, and Company of the Year.
For the 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year, the Awards Committee will consider ingenuity, initiative and risk taken by local entrepreneurs, and their contribution to the local economy.
Considerations for 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.
For more information about the 2013 Industry Appreciation Awards nominations, please call Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, at (772) 567-3491, ext. 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.