legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

## Trae Cody Receives Small Businessperson of the Year Award

After receiving the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 31st Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year, Trae Cody, owner of Companion Funeral & Cremation Services, recited what he described as his “favorite quote.”

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet,” he said, citing writer and theologian Frederick Buechner.

The presentation was made Thursday during the Chamber’s Small Business Social held at the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points.

Reflecting on his career in the funeral home industry, Cody added, “I truly believe that I found the deepest sense of gladness in serving the families of this community and some of their most difficult seasons.”

According to a Chamber press statement, Cody’s father and mother, Robbie and Shelli Cody, opened Companion in 2008 under the name Constant Companion Pet Crematory.

“Trae would work hand-in-hand with families in the midst of the loss of their pets, navigating the delicate conversations and decisions that had to be made,” the Chamber said.

In August of 2011, the funeral home opened under the name Companion Funeral & Cremation Services.

“Trae spent his time working directly with families, planning additional offerings, and building the brand within the community and neighboring areas,” the Chamber said.

In 2017, Cody assumed the helm at the company.

Since then, the Chamber said the Companion has “added second and third locations in Athens and Chattanooga, built an additional chapel adjacent to their primary Cleveland location, opened Olive Branch, an events venue for community use, and will officially open Hiwassee Memorial Gardens later this year.”

From 2017 to 2023, the company served nearly 3,000 families at its three locations.

“In their nearly 16 years in business, they have grown to employ 47 employees throughout their locations and maintain their annual growth in sales volume and services offered,” the Chamber said.

Cody serves as chairman of City Fields and has served on the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and the state of Tennessee Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board.

Cody and his wife, Payton, have three children: Ivie, Crosby and Storie.

The Mel Bedwell Small Businessperson of the Year award is given in memory of Mel Bedwell, remembered for his energy, determination, ingenuity, honesty, enthusiasm, and loyalty, according to the Chamber.

“To be considered for the award, nominees should be leaders of small businesses displaying growth in the number of employees, an increase in sales or volume, innovativeness of the product or service offered, a thoughtful response to adversity, evidence of contributions by the nominee to aid community-oriented projects, and must have been in business for at least three years,” the Chamber stated.

### How AI legalese decoder Can Help

AI legalese decoder can assist Trae Cody and Companion Funeral & Cremation Services in navigating legal documents related to their business expansion, employee management, and community-oriented projects. By utilizing AI technology, Cody can streamline the process of understanding complex legal terminology and ensure compliance with regulations. This can help in maintaining a strong legal foundation for the business’s continued growth and success.

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link