Indian River Chamber honors local companies

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of fifteen local companies at its annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon on October 26, at the Indian River State College Richardson Center. A list of the 2023 award recipients is posted on the Chamber’s economic development website. Florida Power & Light and the law firm of Rossway Swan Tierney were event sponsors.

Helene Caseltine, the Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development, explained “our Industry Appreciation Awards program is an important component of the Chamber’s overall business expansion program and our goal of job creation.” She adds, “We like to recognize local businesses that have made a positive impact in our community, either through architectural enhancements or by way of community involvement and economic impact.”

There were 15 businesses recognized during the event, beginning with architectural awards and culminating 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.

The Chamber’s Large Company of the Year was presented to IMG Citrus, one of Florida’s largest and fully integrated citrus company that grows, packs, and markets fresh Florida citrus domestically and internationally. The company’s Co-founder,

 

Veronique Sallin, was named 2020 Woman of the Year in Agriculture by the FL Department of Agriculture and the Florida Farm Bureau. She is also included in FL Trend’s 2023 “Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders”, in the Legends category.

Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery was recognized as the Chamber’s Mid-sized Company of the Year. The company has a phenomenal impact on our local economy, with higher- than-average wages and over $1-million in property taxes paid each year. They were recently selected as a training center for resident plastic surgeons enrolled at Larkin Medical Center. Dr. Durkin will be donating 100% of the tuition received from the first group of residents to Habitat for Humanity.

The Chamber’s Small Company of the Year went to MBV Engineering, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. The company has expanded into Brevard County and opened a satellite office in Fort Pierce. They also provide Civil Engineering services in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Employees are active in many charitable organizations in the region, donating over 400 hours per year.

Company executives also serve on numerous boards and committees in the region, providing expertise on local issues.

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year award was presented to Jeff Palleschi, the founder of 21st Amendment Distillery. With 80% of his purchases made locally, Jeff patronizes local businesses and buys equipment made in the U.S. He honors those who have given their lives to support and defend the U.S. Constitution by displaying their profiles on the Wall of Honor inside the distillery and on the company’s website. Having been open just a short time, he is already involved with many local groups, especially the Veterans Council of Indian River County and its drive for a WWII Memorial.

The Chamber’s Minority Business of the Year was presented to Tatiana Cooley, Owner of Cooley Creations which provides marketing and content creation services, focusing on small to mid-size firms. The company was established in July of 2022, and has experienced a 400% increase in sales and a 300% increase in market share. Tatiana believes that trust is the currency of enduring relationships.

The Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes firms less than five years old that show increased growth and a true entrepreneurial spirit, while overcoming challenges and becoming a good corporate citizen. The 2023 Award went to Angelina Poggi, owner of Armani’s Cocina and Armani’s Italian Market. She opened her business weeks prior to the pandemic, having to pivot as so many restaurants did. Her long- range plans include acquiring a warehouse for her products and the possibility of off-site distribution. Angelina believes that business owners need to be supportive, encourage one another and take pride, not only within their own business, but throughout the community.

There were two local manufacturers recognized during the event. 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. The first award went to Aluma Tower, which manufactures aluminum telescoping towers, shelters and trailer units sold primarily to the U.S. military and its allies, covering more than 45 countries. The company was founded in 1967, and began operations in Vero Beach in 1973. They are ISO-certified.

M.A. Ford, a larger firm, manufacturer of high performance high-speed cutting tools, was also recognized. The company began operations in 1919, and located to Davenport, Iowa in 1968. They opened their Vero Beach facility in 1980. They have since opened facilities in Europe and Southeast Asia. They are also ISO-certified. M.A. Ford is an employee-owned company, referred to as an ESOP. Both M.A. Ford and Aluma Tower are involved with the Chamber’s Manufacturing Bootcamp program.

Architectural Recognition awards were also presented, highlighting new construction and renovations. 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 – Max’s Tiki Hut at the Green Marlin, on U.S. 1 Large – Home2 Suites on SR60 near I-95

New project having multiple buildings – CW Willis Family Farms on Oslo Road

COMMERCIAL RENOVATION

Iconic Dermatology on SR60 (former Calico Corners) North County Library in Sebastian

ADAPTIVE RE-USE – giving new life to a vacant building

Nuva Dental on Atlantic Boulevard, off SR60 (former restaurant/nightclub)

HISTORIC RESTORATION

Tangelo House on Royal Palm, off US-1, soon to be on the National Historic Register

 

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