In 2025, Indian River County, Florida, marks a remarkable milestone, its 100th year as a vibrant and thriving community. This centennial celebration not only honors a century of history but also highlights the enduring spirit of progress and partnership that defines the region.
At the heart of this legacy is the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, one of Florida’s oldest chambers, which has been a steadfast advocate for local business and community development since its inception. Vicki Matteson, the Chamber’s Vice President, provides a comprehensive look at the organization’s history, ongoing initiatives, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian River County.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce’s origins trace back to the early 1920s, notably predating the formal establishment of Indian River County itself. “Our Chamber is actually older than our county,” says Matteson. “It began as a board of trade back in the early ’20s. We have things that date back to 1915 when it was being established.”
This historical depth reflects the Chamber’s foundational role in fostering economic growth even before county lines were drawn. The Chamber officially became a formal business organization in 1922, operating with the mission of uniting business leaders and advocating for infrastructure improvements. To commemorate its centennial, the Chamber hosted a gala at the Vero Beach Museum of Art in 2022, gathering community stakeholders to reflect on the past and envision the future.
Simultaneously, the county itself is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of community, culture, and development in 2025. Parades, public events, and collaborations between local groups such as the Chamber, the Historical Society, and community associations, are set to highlight this milestone. “We’re proud of how intertwined our Chamber’s history is with the county’s,” Matteson notes. “It really shows how business and community development go hand in hand.”
The Chamber’s early leaders were visionaries who recognized the importance of infrastructure and public health to economic success. One of the Chamber’s first big wins was advocating for State Road 60, a key artery connecting the region to the rest of Florida and beyond. “Early on, the Chamber was instrumental in having the airport opened and promoting State Road 60,” Matteson explains. “Our business leaders, who were part of the Chamber’s board, were really advocating for this road because it was so important to bring more business into the county.”
This emphasis on connectivity and accessibility helped transform Indian River County from a primarily rural area into a hub for commerce and tourism. The Chamber also helped pioneer the county’s first mosquito control program in the 1930s, addressing a critical public health issue that directly impacted quality of life and economic stability.
Throughout the 20th century, the Chamber continued to play a vital role. During World War II, it supported the local Naval Air Station and service clubs, reinforcing the community’s patriotic spirit. In the 1950s, the county gained national prominence when the Brooklyn Dodgers used local facilities for their summer training camp. “The facility called Dodgertown, named in honor of Jackie Robinson, has been recently renovated and still hosts games,” Matteson says, underscoring the county’s rich cultural and sporting heritage.
Further infrastructure milestones include the opening of the 17th Street Bridge in the 1960s, named Alma Lee Loy Bridge in 2012 after community leader Alma Lee Loy. “Alma Lee Loy dedicated her life to improving this area,” Matteson reflects. “Naming the bridge after her was a way to honor that commitment and symbolize the county’s growth.”
Today, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is much more than a traditional business organization. It functions as an active economic development partner with various committees focused on government affairs, workforce development, and industry support. “We have a list of committees that meet regularly and advocate on behalf of different facets of our community, such as economic development and government affairs,” Matteson shares.
Each year, the Chamber conducts comprehensive surveys of its members and the wider business community to identify concerns, opportunities, and priorities, and these insights inform its advocacy strategy during legislative sessions in Tallahassee and beyond. “We’re not elected officials, but we advocate fiercely. We ask questions others can’t, and we present a unified voice for our business community.”
Recent advocacy efforts have addressed the rising costs of insurance, which have become a significant concern for businesses of all sizes. The Chamber’s role in representing local interests to state lawmakers ensures that policies consider the needs of Indian River County’s employers and workers.
The Chamber also serves as a bridge between business leaders and policymakers, organizing regular meetings with state representatives, local officials, and large employers. These collaborations facilitate a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities alike.
Indian River County’s economy is marked by diversity, balancing boutique local businesses with significant healthcare, manufacturing, and financial sectors. “I’m currently working with a medical company looking to open an office here, which will create 25 to 30 new jobs and bring five new physicians to the community,” Matteson shares enthusiastically. This expansion will not only boost local healthcare options but also enhance the county’s reputation as a regional medical hub.
Manufacturing companies, many relocating from northern states, are drawn by the region’s favorable climate and appealing lifestyle. “A lot of people are done with the winter and the snow; they’re ready to move to Indian River County,” says Matteson. This influx of new residents and businesses fosters economic vibrancy and job creation.
The county’s seasonal residents, known as “snowbirds,” also play a crucial role in sustaining the local economy. Many are high-net-worth individuals who winter in Indian River County, increasing demand for luxury services, real estate, and financial planning.
Supporting existing businesses remains a Chamber priority. From facilitating expansions to helping firms access tax incentives, the Chamber provides hands-on assistance. “We recently helped a growing local company find new space and access tax credits they qualified for,” says Matteson. Such personalized support strengthens the local business ecosystem.
To be sure, the county offers attractive incentives to encourage new business development and expansion. “There are tax benefits and grants available, especially for businesses creating high-wage jobs,” Matteson highlights. These programs complement the Chamber’s active economic development efforts, providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and companies. The Chamber assists businesses in navigating site selection, permitting, and incentive applications, helping reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating growth, a level of support that makes Indian River County an appealing destination for investment in sectors like medical services, manufacturing, and technology.
Indian River County’s geographic location does make it vulnerable to hurricanes, with the season officially beginning June 1 each year. The Chamber plays a crucial role in helping businesses and residents prepare for and recover from these events. One signature initiative is the Hurricane Ready Preparedness Day, organized in partnership with local media outlets like TCPalm. This event educates the community on storm readiness, providing valuable resources and expert advice.
Matteson stresses the importance of post-storm efforts as well: “The most important part is what happens after the storm. We each have roles to play, connecting businesses to resources like the United Way, Red Cross, and Florida Power & Light, monitoring what services are open, and ensuring emergency responders have what they need.”
Following recent hurricanes, the Chamber’s role as an information hub has been vital. “We had people calling weeks after the storm asking if the beaches and roads were open,” Matteson recalls. By maintaining real-time communication channels, the Chamber helps restore normalcy and supports economic recovery.
Beyond business and emergency support, Indian River County’s quality of life is a defining attraction. Vicki Matteson passionately describes the region’s lifestyle: “What I love about Vero Beach and Indian River County is the pride people have for their town,” she says. “If you’re an outdoor person, there’s just so much to do.”
Contrary to popular perception of Florida as just beaches and theme parks, Indian River County boasts a rich agricultural heritage. “We have so much more than that—we’re a huge agricultural area with cattle farms, orange groves, grapefruit, and pineapples,” Matteson says. Visitors driving west from town experience a countryside dotted with farms that symbolize the county’s roots. And the area offers diverse small towns, each with its own character: Vero Beach is known for boutique shopping and dining; Fellsmere holds onto its rural agricultural charm; Sebastian charms with its riverfront parks and historic district.
Education is strong here, with quality schools and Indian River State College offering a promissory scholarship program to local high school students. This focus on education ensures a skilled and prepared workforce for future economic growth.
Outdoor recreation opportunities also abound, from kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon to visiting nature preserves and wildlife centers. “You could try a different outdoor activity every day for months and never do the same thing twice,” Matteson enthuses.
As Indian River County celebrates its centennial, the Chamber looks ahead with a clear vision. Its century-long commitment to advocacy, economic development, and community support remains steadfast. “We take an active role in connecting people, whether it’s helping new businesses settle in, advocating for our community at the state level, or supporting businesses after a storm,” Matteson summarizes. “It’s about being a partner every step of the way.”
The Chamber’s blend of historical perspective, proactive leadership, and community engagement positions Indian River County as one of Florida’s premier places to live, work, play—and build a successful business.
