Larry Duson Photo provided

Bank of the West Branch Manager Larry Duson has been named Lafayette's Business Person of the year for 2011.

According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay Lifson, "Larry (Duson) is the only chamber member to serve twice as president. He would probably step up and do it again if asked. He has been our ambassador to dozens of businesses over the years."

Duson has had a long and prosperous career in the banking business, and has been the manager of the local Bank of the West branch in Lafayette for over ten years. "It is hard to believe that one of the kindest, gentlest people you will ever meet was once the 'axe man' for banks that needed to be closed or restructured," says Lifson, "Larry has set a very high bar for those of us who wish to excel in customer satisfaction. His desk is the 1st stop when you enter the bank. Don't think you can just come in and do a deposit. He will waive you over, ask how you are, and introduce you to the other bank customers he is visiting with. "

"Our honoree must be involved with a successful business, participate in local organizations or causes, give their time, and most importantly, be someone who models excellence and brings our community together," Lifson continues, "We are a lucky community to have leader like Larry. Larry Duson has also served as the Lafayette Rotary Club's president and has been involved with many of the charities that his bank is associated with."

The Chamber and community will celebrate Duson's honor , along with Mayor Carl Anduri's "State of the City" address and the introduction of the Chamber's 2011-2012 Board of Directors, on January 28th at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa. Reservation forms can be downloaded from the Chamber website, www.lafayettechamber.org.