[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TOM FILLIPPO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 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.

                          ____________________