Honoring Tom Fillippo

HONORING TOM FILLIPPO-HON. JIM GERLACH (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Tom Fillippo, the President and CEO of Devault Foods in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This month, Tom will be honored at the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America's 3rd Annual Distinguished Citizen Awards Dinner.

Tom grew up in Malvern, Pennsylvania and has remained in the area his whole life. He is committed to the community and county he grew up in and he currently serves as the Chair of the Council of Trustees at West Chester University. Tom is also the Chair of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and of the Foundation at Paoli Hospital. In the past, Tom served as the Chair of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority. Today, he still sits on the Board of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority and is affiliated with the organizations that work within their authority. Tom is also been a member of the Board of Directors of the American Meat Institute and involved in other industry organizations.

Tom has served as Devault Foods' President and CEO since 1972 when he took over the family business from his father. Devault Foods began as a family-owned, one room butcher shop in 1949. The small business grew tremendously in the following years and, in 1963, Devault Foods began to supply Burger King with ground meat. This move gave an explosive boost to the business. In 1972, when Tom took over for his father, he wanted to expand the company's customer base. He made a business deal with Wendy's fast-food restaurant and became the fast-food chain's new meat supplier. Today, Devault Foods is one of Chester County's largest privately held businesses.

Outside of business, Tom has always been active and has participated in sports, particularly football. Tom played on the West Chester University football team that went to the Tangerine Bowl twice, and he was the head coach at General Wayne Middle School and at Malvern Prep football teams.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Tom Fillippo. As an outstanding businessman, community leader, philanthropist, and beloved family man, he is one of Chester County's and Pennsylvania's exemplary citizens and is most deserving of this House's recognition and kudos.