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with the life sciences and aviation industries. The Director of the Chamber's Economic <br /> Development Division serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the organization. <br /> In partnership with the County and the City of Vero Beach, the Chamber's ED Division was <br /> successful in its application for a state Enterprise Zone in 2005. The Chamber's ED Director <br /> serves as Enterprise Zone Coordinator. In FY 2013/2014, the Economic Development Office <br /> assisted 39 businesses and individuals with inquiries on Enterprise Zone benefits, and <br /> conducted five presentations to local civic organizations on the benefits of establishing a <br /> business in the Enterprise Zone. The ED Director was included in the Vero Beach Airport <br /> promotional video explaining the Enterprise Zone program benefits to new businesses. <br /> Staff has been successful informing and educating the public regarding the importance of <br /> industrial growth on the long-term health of our local economy and tax base. We assist in <br /> facilitating development of approved industrial sites and necessary infrastructure to attract <br /> new industry and expand our existing industrial base. <br /> Since the early 1990s, the Chamber has developed funding sources beyond the public <br /> contribution from the county to offset costs. Through the Economic Leadership Alliance, the <br /> ED Division received $58,960 in private sector funds in FY2013/14. <br /> The Chamber fully covers the entire cost of the facility including maintenance, utilities, and <br /> professional services of our President, Comptroller, receptionist, and others. <br /> 3. Briefly list any certifications and/or accreditations obtained by your agency. <br /> The Chamber and its divisions were audited and/or reviewed by the Internal Revenue <br /> Service in 1994 to seek compliance with its non-profit status. The IRS determined the <br /> Chamber met all requirements and re-certified the non-profit status in 1995. An audit of our <br /> economic development activities was completed for the last fiscal year by a local accounting <br /> firm with a copy provided to the county. <br /> Since 2000, the Economic Development Director has held the status of Certified Economic <br /> Developer, the industry's highest professional status attained through the International <br /> Economic Development Council. This designation is earned through a combination of <br /> professional development, practical experience and aptitude. Of the approximately 300 <br /> active economic developers in Florida, 55 have earned this designation. <br /> The Chamber's ED office was twice recognized by Trade & Industry magazine with <br /> Corporate Investment and Community Impact (CiCi) Awards. In 2009 for our role in retaining <br /> Piper Aircraft. in Vero Beach, and in 2011 for "Outstanding Achievement in Economic <br /> Development" in the recruitment of the INEOS New Planet BioEnergy Center. The awards <br /> recognize corporate locations and investments with a focus on the company investing in the <br /> community and the economic developers responsible for securing that investment. With <br /> over 1,000 nominations received, the Corporate Investment and Community Impact Awards <br /> 4 140 <br />