IRSC Foundation - Community Programs

Community Support

The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program

To promote awareness and appreciation of our free enterprise system, the Indian River State College Foundation, Lambert Foundation, and thirteen other founding members have joined together to create the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program. This multi-faceted program is funded through a leadership contribution from the Lambert Foundation in honor of Mr. Dan K. Richardson, former Chairman of the Board of Gracewood Groves, Gracewood Fruit Company, and the Richardson Family Foundation.

The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program encourages entrepreneurship through education with community lectures and instructional programs. Each facet of this program supports and reinforces the principles of free enterprise that have made our nation great. Business leaders who have helped to build our community are honored through the annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Timothy Girard, President and CEO of Girard Equipment Named 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year

Exemplifying the innovation, drive and persistence of a successful entrepreneur, Timothy Girard of Vero Beach and Girard Equipment will be recognized with the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Announcement of the award will be the highlight of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award dinner held on Thursday, March 2 at the Indian River State College Richardson Center at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. The award is a central element of the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program established by the IRSC Foundation and 13 other founding members to promote awareness and appreciation of the free enterprise system.

“It is vitally important to recognize entrepreneurship because of its essential role in developing communities and fostering economic prosperity. Tim Girard exemplifies the characteristics of the successful entrepreneur and we are honored to present him with the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President. “Tim Girard has consistently demonstrated leadership and vision, growing Girard Equipment into America’s leading manufacturer of pressure controlling devices for road tankers, intermediate bulk containers, tank containers, rail cars and offshore containers. He established a global network of manufacturing facilities, while also expanding manufacturing and job opportunities here on the Treasure Coast. Our local community is very important to him and he is sincerely committed to community service, volunteerism and youth development in Vero Beach.”

As President and CEO of Girard Equipment, Timothy Girard guided the company to continued growth, reaching 95% of the national market in pressure controlling devices, with manufacturing and sales facilities in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin and international locations in the Netherlands, China and United Kingdom.

In 2006, he moved Girard Equipment’s corporate headquarters to Vero Beach, and quadrupled the firm’s number of skilled local employees. He is also the holder of numerous patents for pressure relief vents and valves. His business acumen, commitment to workforce and economic development, and community service have been recognized with local, state and national honors and awards.

View Award Event Photos

Entrepreneurs of the Year

2016 - Scott Deal, Maverick Boat Group

2015 - Bobby and Marygrace Sexton, Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company

2014 - Ronald L. Edwards, Evans Properties

2013 - Thomas L. Corr, George E. Warren Corporation

2012 - Jim Coffey, Commercial Realtor and Developer, Earman Oil

2011 - Dr. Richard A. Houghten, Torrey Pines Institute of Molecular Studies

2010 - Alma Lee Loy, Alma Lee's Children's Clothing Center

2009 - Frank "Sonny" W. Williamson, Jr., Williamson Cattle Company

2008 - Vernon D. Smith, Riverside Bank

2007 - Donald C. Proctor, Proctor Construction Company

2006 - Sidney M. Banack, Jr., Sid Banack Insurance

2005 - John J. Schumann, Jr., Press Journal

2004 - Barnette E. and Hariot H. Greene, Greene Groves and Ranch

2003 - Alto "Bud" Adams, Jr., Adams Ranch

2002 - Raymond J. Oglethorpe, America Online

2001 - Robert L. Brackett, Credit Data Services

2000 - Dan K. Richardson, Gracewood Fruit Company

Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nomination

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

We invite you to submit a nomination for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. This award honors outstanding business founders or leaders who exemplify exeptional commitment to the free enterprise system. Recipients have records of community service and "giving back" to the community, have strong leadership skills, and have made a positive impact in both their personal and professional lives. Previous recipients of this prestigous award are listed above. Nominations are accepted throughout the year. The annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award ceremony is held in March.