Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce Honors North Oaks

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)