Denis Bilodeau, a senior vice president and partner at Oswald Trippe and Company, was named the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce 2008 Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year (North Carolina).
Besides the company's growth and expansion, the Chamber cited the company's strong culture of employee volunteerism as a key factor in the decision to award the honor to Bilodeau. In bestowing the award, John Stritch, president of operations for Carolina Beer and Beverage LLC, and recipient of the 2007 honor, explained: "Volunteerism is a cornerstone of [Bilodeau's] company's corporate culture. Under his leadership, the business supports a variety of community, not-for-profit and service organizations, through both financial contributions and employee volunteerism. Making a difference in their home communities is as important to the team as the service they deliver to customers. As employee-owners, they live the corporate philosophy that everyone has a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others."
Hopefully, Bilodeau and Oswald Trippe and Co. can set a positive example for other companies in the region and in the nation, not just in spite of, but because of the difficult economic times we face.
Mooresville Tribune Article
