Lafayette's Lifson Named Chamber's Marquis Business Person of the Year

Jay Lifson has been everywhere this past year, speaking on behalf of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and working to promote a healthy business climate in his city.

As the chamber's executive director Lifson takes to his role with a passion, choosing to "lead from the front" and promoting new and existing business with an evangelistic zeal. Under his stewardship, the chamber's revenue has increased 65 percent -- and membership has grown by 42 percent.

Last week the chamber gave back to the man who has led them, naming Lifson their Marquis Business Person of the Year -- the one person in town who has given their time, money and energy to make Lafayette a healthy place to live and do business.

Lifson, who assumed the helm of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce in 2005, responded to news of his selection in typical low-key fashion, saying: "I'm only doing my job..."

Serving on the chamber's board of directors for several years and as its president in 2003, Lifson currently finds time to serve on several boards and committees and has been a member of the Lafayette Rotary Club since 1994. He received the 2009 Margaret Lesher Memorial Award for his work with Project Second Chance.

Lifson married his wife Kathy in 1984. They have three daughters... and a new grandson named Jayden.

A celebration in Lifson's honor has been scheduled for Friday, January 20 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. Cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. To register, just visit the chamber website.