The esteemed Indian River State College Entrepreneur of the Year Award has been given to William “Bill” Marine, a well-known Vero Beach businessman.

The Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program, founded by the Indian River State College Foundation to foster understanding and respect of the free enterprise system, includes the award, which honours community achievement, business leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Entrepreneur of the Year luncheon, which will take place on April 17 at the Indian River State College Richardson Center at the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach, will feature a special presentation honouring Marine’s contributions to our community and economy.

The recipient of the award is recognized for their outstanding leadership, vision, and entrepreneurial success. Marine’s entrepreneurial path has been characterized by adaptability, inventiveness, and a significant influence on the local economic scene.

“Bill Marine exemplifies this award,” said Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy Moore. “Bill’s professional achievements are both remarkable and inspirational. His personal manner is best described as ‘magical’ and his extraordinary character is one to emulate. We are proud to honour Bill Marine with the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

At an early age, Marine demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and commercial acumen by obtaining an associate degree in business from Indian River State College and a bachelor’s degree in citrus/business from Florida Southern College. He expanded Ven-Mar, a firm that designs and builds agricultural irrigation systems, to employ over 250 people. Ven-Mar was acknowledged as the biggest agricultural irrigation contractor in the US and won multiple honours from the industry.
At thirty-two, he “retired” after selling it.
Marine went on to develop, run, acquire, and sell businesses in a variety of capacities and industries. He served as president of Industrial Services Inc. and vice president of Agricultural Services International. He had a successful career in commercial development, citrus trading, and other industries.

Devoted to multiple philanthropic organizations on a local, national, and worldwide level, Marine does not waver in her belief that it is our duty to give back to the community. Most recently, Indian River State College Foundation, where he served as immediate past chair and director.

“Bill Marine is a leader and entrepreneur who not only grows businesses, he also uplifts communities through philanthropy,” added Moore. “His visionary leadership of the Indian River State College Foundation’s development of the Promise Program is an example of his impact. The Promise Program provides opportunity to every high school graduate in our district and is a resounding success unmatched by any other state college in Florida. It is an honor to recognize Bill Marine as our Entrepreneur of the Year.”

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