INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A sold-out audience of local business and political leaders, builders and architects gathered to celebrate architectural excellence and the achievements of area businesses at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce 2014 Industry Appreciation Award Luncheon.
Held at the Richardson Center at Indian River State College, the annual event recognizes the role manufacturers and companies play in helping to sustain and enrich the local economy through employment, sales, purchases, taxes and their support of non-profit organizations.
This year, the occasion also provided an opportunity to pay tribute to architect John Dean who passed away in June.
“We lost a true architectural visionary and talented professional,” said Tony Donadio, of Donadio and Associates Architects.
Dean was an ardent supporter of many community nonprofits and, in addition to numerous architectural achievements, also helped to preserve local landmarks including the Heritage Center, Jungle Trail, the Driftwood Inn, and the Hall of Giants at McKee Botanical Garden.
“Many unique buildings, parks and other projects will attest to John’s skill and his love for the county’s historic charm for many years to come,” added Donadio.
The annual awards process is overseen by Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director, and a committee of Chamber volunteers, led this year by Lynn Fiske, of EGP, the Document Imaging People. Fiske shared master of ceremony duties with Jay Hart of Wells Fargo Bank, and chairman of the Chamber’s Economic Leadership Alliance.
Manufacturer of the Year Awards were presented to three firms whose economic impact on the community is significant through local employment and sales outside the area.
Small Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to Triton Submarines LLC, a global leader in the manufacture of small personal submersibles for use by the yachting industry, ocean research, eco-tourism and film making.
The Mid-Sized Manufacturer of the Year is Nylacarb Corporation a family business that produces plastic-injected molded parts to such industries as medical, automotive, agricultural, and environmental.
The Large Manufacturer of the Year award was presented to Novurania of America, which produces customized yacht tenders for the luxury yacht industry as well as commercial and governmental uses. It is also the sole manufacturer of the Nautica boat line.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award, which recognizes innovative small business owners in firms less than five-years old, was presented to Lou Kolbaur, owner of Chive Restaurant in Vero Beach. Chive has had rapid success and growth since opening at its Old Dixie location in 2013, and in early October a new restaurant on Royal Palm Pointe will open.
The Latin Business of the Year award was presented in absentia to David Rodrigues, owner of Cork Tapas and Desert Bar, which he established in 2010, and Havana Club Cigars, which opened in 2014.
Company of the Year awards paid tribute to two businesses that have enriched the local economy through purchases, quality full-time employment and their overall impact on the county.
Brite Future Electric, a full-service electrical contracting firm, was recognized with the Small Business Company of the Year award. The company has earned a stellar reputation providing services for commercial and industrial construction as well as to homeowners.
White Glove Moving and Storage and its sister company Pak Mail Beachside were recognized with the mid-sized Company of the Year award. Both companies have earned trusted reputations in customer service, affordable shipping solutions and reliability.
Twelve Architectural Recognition Awards were presented, based on overall aesthetics as well as additional criteria such as the structure’s impact on the surrounding area, attractive landscaping, unique or eco-friendly features and other attributes.
ARCHITECTURAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
New Construction
Dogs for Life Training and Administration Center
Sebastian Charter Junior High
Commercial Building Renovation
Vero Beach Dental Spa
Reiner Plaza
Christi’s Fitness
Large Project Renovation
3 Avenues Shopping Center
Best Re-Use Of Property
Modesitt State Farm Agency
Sebastian Vacation Rentals
Camp Haven
New Residential Construction
Seranoa by GHO Homes
The Isles at Waterway Village