INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of 13 local companies at its 36th annual Industry Appreciation Awards event on Oct. 3 at the Indian River State College Richardson Center.
“Our Industry Appreciation Awards program is an important component of the chamber’s overall business expansion program and our goal of job creation,” says Helene Caseltine, Chamber of Commerce vice president of economic development. “We recognize local businesses that have made a positive impact in our community, either through architectural achievements or by way of community involvement and economic impact.”
The 13 businesses recognized during the event represent both architectural awards and culminated with the Company of the Year awards.
Company of the Year recognizes local businesses that stimulate the Indian River County economy, make contributions back to the community, provide quality year-round employment, and have an overall positive impact on our county. The awards are presented to a small, mid-size and large company, based on employment.
Large Company of the Year was presented to Vero Orthopaedics, which was established in Indian River County in 1976 and offers a broad range of orthopaedic and neurologic treatments for injuries for children and adults.
Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver was recognized as Mid-sized Company of the Year. The company has a phenomenal impact on our local economy in not only its work environment and annual revenues, but the firm is very philanthropic in its support of local non-profit organizations.
Small Company of the Year went to the law firm of Block & Scarpa. The firm has expanded its market share by 90% this past year, with its partners and staff very active in, and supportive of, the county’s local non-profits.
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year award was presented to Francois “Frenchie” Pelletier, president of Highland Homes Roofing in Sebastian. With nearly all of his purchases made locally, the company has a major impact on our local economy.
Minority Business of the Year was presented to April Willis, owner of The Venue, located on U.S. 1 in Vero Beach. Opening in 2020, The Venue has seen a 50% increase in revenue this past year, and is the county’s first and only venue owned and operated by an African American woman.
The Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes a business less than five years old that shows increased growth and a true entrepreneurial spirit, while overcoming challenges and becoming a good corporate citizen. The 2024 Award went to Ray and Mandy Hooker, owners of Indian River Distillery. The company promotes itself through community outreach and involvement, with a 33% increase in revenues in just the past year. Indian River Distillery uses their brands to teach and inform their customers about the local history and culture.
The Manufacturer of the Year award considers success within the industry; how much of their products are exported out of the region, state, or country; distinctiveness of the company’s product; and their overall positive impact on the county. It went to Dragonfly Boatworks, which specializes in custom-made skiffs, yacht tenders and stand-up paddleboards. Half of his products are sold outside of Florida, and a small percent are sold overseas. Customers have included the late Jimmy Buffett and golfers Davis Love Jr. and Jack Nicklaus.
Architectural Recognition awards were also presented, highlighting new construction, renovations, and adaptive re-use. Award criteria includes the impact on the immediate area; the building’s unique features; and the building or project being “user friendly.” The following architectural projects were recognized:
New Construction
- Small: Vakani Orthodontist on 20th Street, owned by Dr. Kevin Vakani
- Mid-size: Squid Lips restaurant on Sebastian’s waterfront, owned by Buz Underill
- Large: The new Dyer Subaru showroom on U.S. 1
Commercial Renovation
- Phase 3 of Grand Harbor Beach Club
- ORCA’s new location on 16th Street in Vero Beach
Adaptive Re-use: Giving new life to a vacant building
- VIP Care Medical Clinic, on the corner of U.S. 1 and State Road 60 — a former convenience store that stood empty for nine years.
Event sponsors were Florida Power & Light, Seacoast Bank, the law firm of Rossway Swan Tierney, and MBV Engineering.
For more information about the Industry Appreciation Awards program, or any of the Chamber’s economic development activities, call Helene Caseltine, economic development vice president at 772-567-3491 or email helenec@indianrivered.com.
