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B. Organization Capability (Continued) j. The Chamber and its divisions were audited and/or reviewed by the Internal Revenue Service in 1994 to seek compliance with its non-profit status. The IRS determined the Chamber met all requirements and re- certified the non-profit status in 1995. An audit of our economic development activities was completed for the last fiscal year by a local accounting firm with a copy provided to the,county. Since 2000, the Economic Development Director has held the status of Certified Economic Developer, the industry's highest professional status attained through the International Economic. Development Council. This designation is earned through a combination of professional development, practical experienceandeptihude. Ofthe approximately 3OUactive economic developers inFlorida, SOhave earned this designation. In 2008. the Chamber's ED office was recognized by Trade & Industry magazine with Corporate Investment and Community Impact (CiCi) Awards for ou* r role in retaining Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, The award recognizes corporate locations and investments with a focus on the company investing in the community and the economic developers responsible for securing that investment, With over 1.O0O nominations received, the Corporate Investment and Community Impact Awards recognize the top fifteen oommunityprojeotsintheU.S.that''haveprofoundimp|ioationshor|oca|cummunitiea" In 2008, the Chamber received a 4 -star accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. With nearly 7,000 chambers of commerce in all of the United States, accreditation is a prestigious honor that distinguishes quality, expertise and strong leadership. |n2O08.the Workforce Development Board ofthe Treasure Coast (now CareerSourceReaearchCoest) recognized the Chamber's Economic Development Office as "Partner of the Year." In 2006, the American Society of Association Executives recognized the Chambers disaster recovery plan that was implemented following the 2DO4hurricane season. The ED Office received the 2005 "Promotional Materials Award" from the Southern Economic Development Council for our professionally designed collateral material. The Chamber isdesignated aao"Florida Certified Chamber ofComnneroe" This certification isbased upon the use of sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on our 4. How does your program differ from similar ones provided in the community? How do the programs compiement Mose orrened byotPoragencies? There are no other comprehensive countywide economic development programs of this type provided by or performed by any other group or agency within the county. The Chamber is recognized by Enterprise Florida, our statewide economic development opganiza(ion, as the primary economic development agency ofrecord for Indian River County. The ED Office works closely with other agencies as well as public officials to facilitate business development efforts as well as the retention and expansion of -local business. The Chamber also maintains contact with vegiona|, sbabe, and hsdens| agencies and elected officials who are critical to the success nfour programs and benefits tolocal industry. 131