North Oaks Health System, Tangipahoa Parish’s second largest employer,
has received Business of the Year honors from the
Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce. North Oaks’ selection out of the Chamber’s more than 620
members was announced at the organization’s 67th installation and
awards banquet held Jan. 26 at the Southeastern Louisiana University Student
Union Grand Ballroom.
“I am truly honored to accept this award on behalf of our entire
North Oaks team, who work hard every day to improve lives every time and
with every touch,” asserts Michele Kidd Sutton, president/chief
executive officer of North Oaks Health System. “Whether it’s
inside the walls of the hospital or in our community, the North Oaks team
member believes in giving back. We thank the Greater Hammond Chamber of
Commerce for this honor.”
Immediate Past Chairman Brian Shirey applauded North Oaks employees’
contributions of time and talent to Chamber initiatives and the region
at large, and singled out the Medical Center’s designation as a
Level II Trauma Center as key factors in the health system’s selection.
During 2016, North Oaks earned designation as one of five Trauma Centers
in the state of Louisiana, and the only Level II Trauma Center in the
region. “A key to increasing the odds of survival and recovery for
trauma victims is getting them the care they need within the first 60
minutes, known as the ‘Golden Hour,’” Sutton asserts.
“Achievement of trauma center status represents our team’s
commitment to being at our best when those we serve are at their most
vulnerable and need help.”
“We are proud to honor North Oaks Health System as our Business
of the Year,” affirms Melissa Bordelon, president/chief executive
officer of the Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce. “Their commitment
to making a difference, Level II Trauma Center designation and leadership
strength are just a few of their significant contributions to our region
in the past year. They consistently encourage staff support of the Chamber
at every level, and we are stronger because of their involvement.”
The Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce also honored North Oaks Health
System as Business of the Year in 2006.
For a video message from President/CEO Michele K. Sutton,
click here.
North Oaks Health System received Business of the Year honors at the Greater
Hammond Chamber of Commerce’s 67th Annual Installation and Awards
Banquet held Jan. 26. North Oaks President/CEO Michele Sutton (center)
accepted the award on behalf of the entire North Oaks team, whom she credits
with working hard every day to improve lives, every time and with every
touch. Also pictured, from left, Chamber Immediate Past Chairman Brian
Shirey, North Oaks COO Michael Watkins, Chamber President/CEO Melissa
Bordelon, North Oaks Public Relations Manager Melanie Lanaux Zaffuto,
Market Strategist/Business Development Representative Tiffany Harvey-Gautier,
Chief Medical Officer Robert Peltier, (Sutton), Vice President of Strategy/Outreach
Tracy Randazzo, Performance Management Director Rachel Artigues, CEO Emeritus
James E. Cathey Jr., and Chamber Incoming Chairman Mark Dispenza. (Photo
Courtesy of Phillip Colwart)