The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

THE EDGE
21 issue 8 August a guide to Butler County business information

v olume

"We Mean Business"

2011

Please Join Us For The Third Annual Joint Summer Mixer In Foxburg!

INSIDE
Presidents Message Page 2 Member News Page 3 Calendar Pages 5-6 New Members Page 9

Wednesday, August 10

Written By: Alyssa Pietrandrea

ack by popular demand after an excellent turn out the past two years, we invite you to join us in Foxburg for another summer mixer. Network with members from five area chambers of commerce Armstrong County, Butler County, Clarion Area, Franklin Area, Grove City Area and Venango Area - on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Guests are invited to stroll Main Street in Foxburg while visiting the local businesses at their individual locations. The Allegheny Grille, Divani Chocolates, Foxburg Inn Hotel, Foxburg Pizza, Foxburg Wine Cellar, the Segway Dealership as well as Allegheny Riverstone Center for the Arts are participating to bring you an enjoyable evening. Walk through the historic town of Foxburg while networking with other area business representatives. A Central Registration Station will be located on the Green between the Foxburg Wine Cellar, located at 65 Main Street, Foxburg, and the Foxburg Library, which will also be used for the Door Prize Presentations at the conclusion of the event. Admission is free; however, members are encouraged to make reservations with their respective Chambers of Commerce. To register, contact the Butler County Chamber via phone at 724.283.2222 or via e-mail at Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com. A registration form can also be downloaded from the Chamber website at ButlerCountyChamber.com.

Business After Hours Event At SiBA Restaurant On August 30

Written by: Alexis Kovski

he Butler County Chamber of Commerce invites you to a great end-of-summer networking opportunity! The Business After Hours will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at SiBA Restaurant, located at 530 Northpointe Circle in Seven Fields.

The evening will include entertainment, hors doeuvres, door prizes and a mini art exhibit and sale by Tom Panei. Guests will receive one complimentary drink ticket, followed by a cash bar. The mixer is free to attend; however, reservations are required. ButlerCountyChamber.com 724.283.2222 Registration will take place inside Moses Jewelers, where you will also have the chance to register for door prizes. The Chamber thanks our sponsors Moses Jewelers, C.W. Howard Insurance Agency and Consolidated Communications for their generosity. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at 724.283.2222, or via e-mail at Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com, or log onto ButlerCountyChamber.com for a registration form.

"Serving the Butler County business community since 1896"

Printing provided by: Minuteman Press in the Pullman Commerce Center (724) 283-7403
August 2011

Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE BOARD Dr. Nicholas Neupauer Board Chair Butler County Community College Joe Taylor Armstrong Tammy Schuey Butler Eagle Sherry Kyne Eisler Nurseries, Inc. Brenda Lemmon Minuteman Press of Butler BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Brautigam Clearview Mall Dr. Edward Bucha Slippery Rock University Dino Capestrani Concordia Visiting Nurses Cecelia Buechele Foster Community Health Clinic of Butler County Aubery Hulings Farmers National Bank Brian McCafferty Kenmac Rentals & Sales Glenn Miller Thompson-Miller Funeral Home Elisabeth Howard Sommers C.W. Howard Insurance Agency Brett Ligo Ligo Architects Stephanie Roskovski Butler Health System Janice Pakozdi-Luffy Bear Metallurgical Co. Ken Raybuck CDC of Butler County Daniel Swartz ESB Bank Dean Weiland Friedmans Freshmarkets Affilate Organizations: Butler County Young Professionals Kristen McKivigan-Kane Mike Lysakowski Butler Downtown Butler Human Resources Association Friday Morning Coffee Club Leadership Butler County New Visions for Butler Slippery Rock Business Association 1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair Treasurer Past Chair

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Ralph Waldo Emerson said Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

t has been a couple of months since I had the opportunity to write my column in our Leading Edge and so much has been happening in our community and our Chamber that pinpointing specifics will be difficult. In the heat of the summer I know many of us think that meetings, appointments, retreats and workshops just do not spark the same interest that they do in the fall. We get bogged down in wanting to be outdoors, or be on vacation -- and that is understandable. But this is definitely not the case in Butler County. I encourage all of you to take a drive or walk down Main Street, City of Butler, and challenge you to not believe in the power of collective business efforts. Scaffolds abound as numerous grand historic buildings get a new lease on life. As a food lover, I appreciate the new eating establishments that compliment the large selection of existing restaurants. After you take in this flurry of activity, head down to the Farmers Market and stroll the vendors in this beautifully renovated facility. Surveys conducted during the past four years overwhelmingly indicated that the residents of Butler County believe that our downtown is a number one priority for overall image and economic strength. As the 40,000 people on the streets for Cruise-A-Palooza, the happy partygoers at the Centre City Jams or the fact that you cannot find a place to sit in Diamond Park when the weather is accommodating (Butler Symphony Summer Concerts) can attest, Main Street Butler is back. We wait with anticipation and excitement for the Bantam Jeep Festival this month, and thank the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau for their tenacity and organizational skills for what will prove to be an overwhelming inaugural success. Proof once again that Butler County is well into a successful cycle of activity and economic growth. It is said that at some rare periods in time, the stars align and good things happen. I feel that we are fortunate to have all the players on the Butler County Team on board with one like-minded purpose mutual success. Our Chambers own Community and Business Leadership Group represents businesses and organizations from Slippery Rock to Cranberry Township. Through their efforts and the cooperation of local, state and federal legislators we have been able to combine resources and develop strategies to advance our mutual causes. We are blessed to have the right stars in planning, economic development, community development, government, education and health care, willing to align and willing to shine together. We will soon be moving into what I call the Back to School frame of mind, as September is around the corner and we are anxious to get down to business. Lets not forget that the numerous alternative possibilities for doing business amongst our Chamber Members will constantly exist. Just read through this newsletter to see the many opportunities we are presenting. But August is still summertime, and we will begin the month enthusiastically with our Annual Ladies Golf Outing at Conley Resort. Our Third Annual Mixer in Foxburg will offer you the opportunity to meet and network with members from the Armstrong County, Grove City, Clarion, Venango and Franklin Area Chambers of Commerce along with the Butler County Chamber members. Later in the month we will once again network at SiBA Restaurant as C.W.Howard Insurance Agency, Moses Jewelers and Consolidated Communications host an after-hours event. September will be the time to recognize business achievements at our Celebrate Business Dinner where the Business Champion and William A. Morgan Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year Awards will be announced. Our Chamber also recognizes that this is an important year legislatively as we host a candidates forum for county commissioner candidates in October. Together we continue to advance the causes of business and community in Butler County while providing our membership maximum exposure to regional efforts, legislation and networking opportunities. Doing business the best way possible, with enthusiasm, achieving great results and having fun.

professional staff
Stan Kosciuszko ..............................Ext. 23
President

Bobbi Jo Cornetti ............................Ext. 22

Communications Director

Jennifer Monaco..............................Ext. 21
Administrative Assistant

Alexis Kovski Alyssa Pietrandrea ... 2011 Summer Interns

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Member News
Chicora Medical Center Welcomes Vaughn As Eden Guide

St. Jude Golf Club Hosts Hope Classic August 26th

By: Alyssa Pietrandrea

hicora Medical Center, Fair Winds Manor, Sugar Creek Rest and Trinity Living Center are proud to welcome Wendy Vaughn as their new Eden Guide. Wendy has been employed in eldercare for over ten years and remaking the world of long-term care is her passion. As Eden Guide, Wendy promotes the Eden Alternative model of culture change within the eldercare community and to the general public. She provides Eden Alternative education in-home, to schools and various groups and organizations. Wendy will be working toward large plans for all of the homes including possible childrens services at each campus. She is also working on bringing specialized presentations and programs to the homes to create a better working environment for all employees, among other initiatives. For more information about the Eden Alternative, visit www.EdenAlt.org. For more information about Chicora Medical Center, Fair Winds Manor, Sugar Creek Rest and Trinity Living Center please call 724.431.0770 or visitwww. QualityLifeServices.com.

ts not too late to play a great course for a great cause! Golfers and companies from across Butler County and Western Pennsylvania are invited to join St. Jude Golf Club in Chicora on August 26, 2011, as it hosts its inaugural charitable golf tournament to benefit St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. St. Jude is the No. 1 childrens cancer hospital in the nation, according to the 2010-11 Best Childrens Hospitals rankings published by U. S. News & World Report. Sponsor opportunities are still available from as little as $50. Local companies are also invited to provide auction prizes or door prizes. The format will be a modified team scramble with registration, lunch and warm-up starting at 11:00 a.m., followed by a cocktail reception, dinner, auction and the awarding of skill prizes. Among the unique auction prizes will be authentic autographed-framed photographs of Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby, and golfing legend, Arnold Palmer. Players may register individually or as a foursome which includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, reception, dinner and awards. For those not golfing, tickets for the reception and dinner are also available. For questions or to register for the event, visit www.stjudegolfclub.com, or contact Nathan Shirey at the St. Jude Golf Club at 724.445.3784 or via email at nathanstjude@zoominternet.net.

AM Rotarys Jazz Festival Is August 21

he Butler AM Rotary Club will host their 2nd Annual Jazz Festival on Sunday, August 21, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the beautiful grounds of the Succop Conservancy located in Penn Township. The Jazz Festival will offer the sweet sounds of local and nationally known artists, Don Aliquo on the saxophone, Harold Betters on the trombone and Steve Hawk from Slippery Rock University on the trumpet. Vocals will be sung this year by Jessica Lee. Food will be provided by Medures Catering throughout the day, along with wine and beer samplings from Winfield Winery and North Country Brewery. Tickets may be purchased on-line by visiting the Butler AM Rotary website, www.butleramrotary.com, or at Butlers local music stores, Mays Music Shoppe or Fudoli Music, for a PreSale cost of $40.00 per ticket. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on the day of the event for $50.00 per ticket. Proceeds raised from this event will support the many charities which the AM Rotary sponsors. For questions, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, contact Ed Wadding at tewadding@ zoominternet.net or 724.287.8936.

Coffee With Congressman Kelly

Mark Your Calendars For September 7th!
oin the Butler County, Grove City Area and Meadville Area Chambers of Commerce for Coffee With Congressman Kelly event on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at the Legacy Banquet Center, 1946 Mercer-Grove City Road, in Mercer. The event, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and include a continental breakfast. The collective group of chambers are excited to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly to the event and look forward to the opportunity for him to speak with members of the business community. There is no cost to attend; however, reservations are requested. For more information, contact the Butler County Chamber at 724.283.2222 or via e-mail at Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com.
August 2011

Community Champion Award Honored Butler-Freeport Community Trail At Luncheon On July 20

By: Alyssa Pietrandrea

he Board of Directors and Past Presidents Advisory Council of the Butler County Chamber, along with the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, were pleased to honor the Butler-Freeport Community Trail during the 9th Annual Community Champion Award Luncheon on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. The event was held at the newly-renovated Butler City Farmers Market, located on the intersections of Chestnut, Race & Shore Streets in downtown Butler. The Butler-Freeport Community Trail is a rail-trail project which preserved the route of Butler Countys first railroad, the Western Pennsylvania Railroad, built in 1871. The railroad connected the City of Butler to the Allegheny River port of Freeport. As a rails-to-trails project, the trail offers a level, natural crushed limestone surface with a gradual uphill grade as it travels north, which is barely noticeable to walkers. Its

converse downhill grade is greatly enjoyed by bicyclists as it travels south. The trail is enjoyed by people of all ages for walking, jogging, hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing in the winter. In 2003, the Butler County Chamber began recognizing local organizations that positively impact the community with the presentation of the Community Champion Award. Past award recipients include Historic Pullman Park, the Butler Shade Tree Commission, Butler AM Rotary Club, Slippery Rock Area Development Association, the Parking Authority of Butler, Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee, the Community Health Clinic of Butler County, and, most recently, in 2010, the Historic Strand Theater in Zelienople. This years Community Champion Award was designed and sponsored by 4-Most Group, Inc. Architects and the luncheon was sponsored by NexTier Bank.

The Butler-Freeport Community Trail was the recipient of the 2011 Community Champion Award. Pictured from left to right are Jessica Forsythe, 4-Most Group Inc. Architects and Award Sponsor; Chris Ziegler, Butler-Freeport Community Trail and Award Recipient; and Jack Cohen, Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau and Event Co-Sponsor.

NexTier Bank served as the Event Sponsor of the Annual Community Champion Award Luncheon held on Wednesday, August 20, at the Butler City Farmers Market in downtown Butler. Pictured from left to right are Beth Zupsic and Karen Brackett of NexTier Bank.

Celebrate Local Business Achievement

Annual Dinner Is September 14th

e invite you to celebrate business and honor local business achievement on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Butler Country Club during the Chambers Annual Celebrate Business Dinner. The evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m., is dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of local businesses, but also highlights the activities of the Chamber throughout the year in review, our programs, our volunteers and our members. Our event begins with an hors doeuvres cocktail party and continues with a sit-down dinner and award presentations. Awards to be presented during the evening are the Annual William A.
4
Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Morgan, Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2011 Chamber Business Champion Award. Special thanks is also extended to our sponsors Ligo Architects, Event Sponsor; C.W. Howard Insurance Agency, Cocktail Party Sponsor; and Minuteman Press, Printing Sponsor. Join the Chamber and the business community for a great evening filled with fun, cocktails, dinner and award presentations. Cost to attend the dinner is $50.00 per person and tables of 10 may be reserved. Watch for your official invitation in the mail soon! For more information, contact the Chamber office at 724.283.2222 or via e-mail at Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com.

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Butler County Chamber Partners With ARMSTRONG To Offer Membership Discount Program

Sandler Training Continues

Workshops Scheduled September 22 and October 20

Written By: Alexis Kovski

rmstrong and LifePays, Inc. are partnering with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce to offer a membership discount program that will provide local businesses the opportunity to save over 50% on new and renewing chamber memberships. The Butler County Chamber membership discount program is available to businesses that enroll as participating merchants in the Armstrong MySavings program for a 12-month minimum term. New participating merchants will receive a $150.00 discount off their chamber membership dues. The discount will be available to both new and renewing members and is a one-time only offer. Were delighted to make this program available to our membership and prospective members said Stan M. Kosciuszko, President, Butler County Chamber of Commerce. MySavings is a perfect vehicle to drive the shop local theme, which is a cornerstone of what we as a Chamber of Commerce do. And if it drives up new and renewal membership for our Chamber, all the better! In November 2010, Armstrong partnered with LifePays, Inc. to launch Armstrong MySavings, a unique customer rewards program. Armstrong customers that make credit card purchases at participating merchants earn a percentage of the purchase amount back by way of a credit on their Armstrong statement once a quarter. The Armstrong MySavings program is completely secure; adhering to the strictest protocols established by the credit card, banking and rewards industries and is also PCI compliant. Armstrong was the first Telecommunications provider to offer such a program. Interested merchants should contact either the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at 724.283.2222, or Matt Naumann of LifePays, Inc. at 208.695.3462 or via e-mail matt@lifepays. com. To sign up for the Armstrong MySavings program, go to ArmstrongMySavings.com.

all sales trainings continue with the Breakfast Briefings by Sandler, hosted by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Sandler Training.

The Breakfast Briefings by Sandler series has two final workshops scheduled this year! The sessions, held at the Butler Country Club include A Decision Not To Make A Decision Is A Decision on Thursday, September 22, 2011, and When Your Foot Hurts, You Are Probably Standing On Your Toe! on Thursday, October 20, 2011. Both will begin with registration and a hot buffet breakfast at 8:00 a.m. followed by the program from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A Decision Not To Make A Decision Is A Decision will be based on learning how prospects decide to buy, learning how to win by getting a NO, plus other sales tips. The final workshop, When Your Foot Hurts, You Are Probably Standing On Your Toe!, will be about the 10 must-do components in your success formula, how to break out of your comfort zone, short-term and longterm goals and more! Thank you to our Series Sponsor, NexTier Bank, and additional sponsors of the workshops: For more information or to register, contact the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at 724.283.2222, email Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com, or visit our website ButlerCountyChamber.com.

Chamber Publication Information

ATTENTION!

he official 2011-2012 Butler County Map is currently in the production stages. Mr. Wayne Pucci, Richland Marketing, will be contacting Chamber members in the next few weeks regarding Butler County Map advertising opportunities. Please feel free to contact the Chamber office with any questions at 724.283.2222. All Chamber members recently received a copy of their 2011 Chamber Membership Directory. We apologize for any omissions in this directory as changes do sometimes occur between the organization and production time. Should you have any changes to your directory listing(s), please notify Jennifer at the Chamber office at 724.283.2222 or via e-mail at Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com.

SAVE THE DATE!

Commissioners Candidates Debate
Thursday, October 20, 2011 BC3 Succop Theater 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Event taped and televised on ARMSTRONG Channel 10

August 2011

Ducky Derby Raises Over $1,200 For Charities!

DuckyDerby

he Butler County Young Professionals and the United Way of Butler County hosted the 2nd Annual Ducky Derby on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, in the creek behind Pullman Park. The event featured fun Childrens Games conducted by the Butler County Childrens Center and refreshments courtesy of Lyndora Hotel in addition to the premiere event, a Ducky Derby race, sponsored by MedExpress. Congratulations to Joann Lindstrom, Touch of Health Massage, on winning the grand prize of $500.00!

Over $1,200 was raised with proceeds benefiting the Moraine Trails ScoutReach Program and the Butler County Childrens Center Childcare Program. Special thanks to Kristen Kane, BCYP chair, along with members of the Butler County Young Professionals group, the United Way of Butler County, Moraine Trails Council Boy Scouts and the Butler County Childrens Center for their participation in making this event a success.

Over 200 businesses representing the Butler County, Grove City Area, Mercer Area and New Wilmington Area Chambers of Commerce, in addition to the Slippery Rock Business Association, networked at the first of our three summer mixers. Special thanks go out to our hosts, the Legacy Banquet & Conference Center and General Rental Center, as well as the numerous businesses who provided displays and door prizes.

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Members

We welcome the following new members to the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. ** Please note correction to business name from July Site Security LLC 2011 newsletter listing: Contact: Ken Kearney 10 Cherry Avenue, Suite 13 Gronlund Saytler Brunkow Houston, PA 15342 Contact: Jim Cunningham P: 724.743.2187 406 Stoneridge Blvd. fcsbob@gmail.com Butler, PA 16001 www.sitesecurityllc.com Site Security LLC is a site security company specializing in the P: 724.822.2744 oil and gas industry. F: 724.283.6448 Jimcunningham@zoominternet.net First Energy www.GSBFundraising.com

West Penn Power / Penn Power

Contact: Rob Lombardo 501 Hansen Avenue Butler, PA 16001-5698 P: 724.284.3550 F: 724.830.7669 lombardor@firstenergycorp.com www.firstenergycorp.com

Gronlund Saytler Brunkow is a full service fundraising firm that provides ethical, professional and customized service to its clients.

Electric Utility

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Free Networking At Friday Morning Coffee Club!

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Written By: Alexis Kovski

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Sponsored by PNC Bank, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and Butler County Business Matters, the Friday Morning Coffee Club is the place to be for free networking and exchange of referrals and leads. End your week with a complimentary continental breakfast and a variety of morning topics from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Non-Chamber member guests are able to attend meetings up to two times before they are asked to join, and members of other area chambers of commerce and business organizations are also invited. In addition, Butler County Chamber member businesses may sponsor a company presentation at an open meeting date. To schedule a presentation, contact the Chamber office for more information.

November 11, 2011 - Junior Achievement of Western PA Megan Julius No meetings will be held on the following dates: November 25, December 2, December 23 and December 30, 2011. For more information, contact the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at 724.283.2222 or log on to ButlerCountyChamber.com.
August 2011

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The following presentations are scheduled for the fall:

he Friday Morning Coffee Club is gearing back up for fall!

September 23, 2011 - ESB Bank Jonathan Newell, Mortgage Consultant AVP ESB Bank September 30, 2011 - Food Security Partnership Janet Elder November 4, 2011 - Services Available Through Hospice Good Samaritan Hospice Roni Lucas

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The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce 101 East Diamond Street, Lower Level, Suite 116 Post Office Box 1082 Butler, PA 16003-1082 724.283.2222 fax 724.283.0224 ButlerCountyChamber.com RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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