OxfordPress.com

A businessman who has been part of the Oxford scene for 60 years and returned after a devastating fire was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oxford Chamber of Commerce last Friday.

Howard DuBois has operated one of Oxford's longest-standing businesses amid changing times and fire which destroyed the business.

The presentation was made at chamber's Awards Celebration held at The Knolls of Oxford last Friday evening by attorney Jim Robinson.

Robinson quoted Thomas Edison saying that there are three essentials to achieving anything worthwhile – hard work, dedication and common sense. He said that DuBois illustrates all of those traits.

"Howard DuBois opened his bookstore while still an undergrad at Miami University, over 60 years ago," Robinson said. "Since that time, he has operated his bookstore business with distinction. He has survived fire which destroyed his store, changing business mores, consumer demands and the technological explosion."

Robinson said that DuBois never cut corners and is still engaged and involved in the operation of the business with his son and grandson. He has employed "hundreds, maybe thousands" of residents and Miami students over the years and conducted his business with integrity.

He noted that the Lifetime Achievement Award is not given often, but is reserved for exceptional individuals, adding, "It is given tonight to such a person."

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or bratterman@coxohio.com.