The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated a century of supporting positive economic growth with a fond look back at the past 100 years during its 100th Anniversary Gala at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Guests were greeted by Charter High School students garbed in outfits of the Roaring ’20s, a nod to when it all began, while posing for photographs alongside a collection of classic automobiles.
During cocktails, guests strolled through the museum taking in the Vero Collects: Hidden Treasures Revealed exhibit before enjoying a dinner catered by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co. in the Holmes Great Hall.
“It is amazing to look back and recognize all the programs, projects and advocacy that the chamber has participated in over the last 100 years,” said Dori Stone, chamber president.
Utilizing a virtual photo album, Stone highlighted the chamber’s history, beginning with its founding in 1915 as the Board of Trade. Early initiatives included the creation of the Mosquito Control District, the development of State Road 60, the Vero Beach Airport and the Hospital District.
“During the ’40s and ’50s, the chamber saw the construction of the first hospital, the Dodgers coming to town, bringing major economic impact to our businesses, and Piper Aircraft relocating to Vero Beach,” said Stone.
During the ’60s and ’70s, the Miracle Mile corridor was developed, along with the 17th Street Bridge and I-95/State Road 60 interchange.
Later, the chamber supported the construction of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, was identified as the county’s tourism agency, established the Economic Council, and opened its 21st Street location.
“The chamber continues to serve the entire Indian River County community through its many programs, causes and committees and volunteers, in addition to its tourism and economic development activities,” said Stone.
Before Michael Kissner, IRCCC board chair, announced this year’s Alma Lee Loy Community Service Award recipient, guests watched a video made by the late Alma Lee Loy, who was the first woman elected to serve as its board chair.
“Back in 1995, the board of directors of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce decided they would like to recognize members of the business community who not only conducted their daily business, but also chose to volunteer, or shall we say, lend a hand, to help make Vero Beach a better place to live and enjoy,” said Loy in the video.
Kissner announced that the Alma Lee Loy Award was being presented in absentia to Ross Cotherman, who was unable to attend that evening.
Cotherman’s lengthy resume of giving back to the community includes co-chairing, with wife Connie, the Vero Beach High School Fighting Indians Band Golf Tournament and coaching their children’s sports teams.
Cotherman has also served in one capacity or another on the boards of various nonprofits, including Childcare Resources, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the United Way, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and the Mental Health Association, all while establishing himself as a CPA in the county, where today he oversees assurance services for Rehmann’s Florida offices.
“We, along with our community, benefited greatly from [Cotherman’s] thoughtfulness, wisdom and guidance. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to receive the Alma Lee Loy Award for Outstanding Service in the Community,” said Phil Cromer, MHA CEO, in a letter shared by Kissner.
Reading a note from Steve Erickson, MHA board chair, Kissner said, “All nonprofit organizations go through their ups and downs, and Ross Cotherman is the kind of person you want at the helm for either one of those times. Most recently at the Mental Health Association, Ross offered a steady and guiding hand through the effects of the pandemic and extreme increase in demand for mental health services in Indian River County.”
Before they left, attendees were asked to leave notes sharing what the chamber has meant to them, which will be placed in a time capsule scheduled to be opened on May 13, 2122, heralding the next “100 years forward.”
For more information, visit indianriverchamber.com.
Photos by Kaila Jones
