The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce honored local professional leaders for their contributions to the community at its 95th Annual Chamber Awards Dinner last Wednesday evening at the Vero Beach Country Club.
Originally formed in 1915 as the Vero Beach Board of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce has worked for more than a century to develop business and tourism within the county, growing its membership to roughly 900 businesses.
“Dozens of business people contribute time, talent and treasure to the chamber. Each year we look at those people and recognize the ones that stand out as individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” shared Commerce President Penny Chandler.
The 2016 Alma Lee Loy Community Service Award was presented to attorney Samuel A. Block, and this wasn’t his first time “around the block.” The award was also presented to Block 25 years ago.
A committed leader in the community, Block is known for his involvement in numerous local nonprofits, including the Education Foundation, Vero Beach Museum of Art, Mental Health Association, United Way of IRC, McCabe Foundation, Childcare Resources, Scholarship Foundation of IRC and the Vero Beach Dog Park.
The Ambassador of the Year award was renamed in honor of the late Jack Chesnutt, who joined the chamber in 1950, served as a Chamber Ambassador for 21 years, and was actively involved until his passing this past December.
The 2016 Jack Chesnutt Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Denise Boehning, principal floodplain manager at Coastal Waterways. In addition to her duties as a Chamber Ambassador, Boehning serves on the chamber’s Government Issues committee and is chairman of the Established Professionals Network.
Eric Menger, Vero Beach Regional Airport executive director, was presented with the 2016 Carolyn K. Eggert Economic Development Award, recognizing his efforts as a champion of economic development. Seeking to create and maintain year-round jobs, Menger developed one of the first airport business plans to be included in a master plan at a general aviation airport.
An active participant with the chamber’s tourism marketing efforts, Lee Hunter, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa director of sales, received the 2016 Tourism Partner of the Year Award. Hunter has played an integral role in the planning and execution of destination press trips and advertising opportunities geared toward tourism development.
Allison Cloughley of Dale Sorensen Real Estate was recognized as the 2016 Young Professional of the Year. Cloughley has spent the past two years as a member of the Young Professional Network Advisory committee, working on activities and community outreach.
HR Dynamics President Donna D’Alfonso, a chamber board member and co-chair of the Ambassador program, was named the 2016 Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to new members, attending numerous member events and working to increase membership.
