INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The deadline is fast-approaching for local businesses to submit their nominations for the Indian River Chamber of Commerce 2016 Industry Appreciation Awards program. Nominations are due in to the Chamber office by 5 p.m. Friday, July 29.
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 are 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,” said Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Director for the Chamber.
The Awards program is part of the Chamber’s overall economic development strategy for business retention and expansion.
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 ease of access and the benefit to the immediate area. Commercial and industrial projects must be substantially completed between Aug. 1, 2015 and July 29, 2016.
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 2016 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 on the 2016 Industry Appreciation Awards nominations, 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.
