The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

THE EDGE
21 issue 1 January a guide to Butler County business information

v olume

"We Mean Business"

2011

Join Us In February For Annual Expo

9th Annual Health, Wealth, Wellness & More Expo At Clearview Mall February 4th & 5th

INSIDE
Message from the President Page 2 Member News Page 3 Board of Directors Page 4 - 7 New Members Page 9 Message from the New Chairman Page 9

rea businesses are invited to participate in the 9th Annual Health, Wealth, Wellness & More Business Expo to be held Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Clearview Mall, Center Court. This event, brought to you by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Clearview Mall, is open to all interested businesses and organizations.

The event will take place on Friday from Noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vendors will receive one 8-foot covered table and two chairs and electricity is available upon request. This years event is generously sponsored by Butler Armco Employees Credit Union, Butler County Family YMCA, Butler Eagle and Butler Health System. Scheduled to take place before Valentines Day, this expo is very popular with the local business community. Vendors experience great business-to-business networking opportunities as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the Clearview Malls already built-in shopper traffic. Plus, as an added bonus, all vendors are permitted to sell merchandise during the event! To register, simply complete and send back the registration flyer included in this months issue of The Leading Edge, or contact the Chamber office directly at 724.283.2222.

We Want YOU To Participate In Chambers Free Member-To-Member Discount Program

Happy New Year 2011!

from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

ButlerCountyChamber.com 724.283.2222

"Serving the Butler County business community since 1896"

he Butler County Chamber offers a variety of benefits and services to you as a member. One service that our members help service however, is often forgot about our Member-to-Member Discount Program. But, in order for this program to be successful, we need YOU to participate! Our Member-to-Member discount program has been saving our members real dollars over the years while encouraging them to patronize fellow member businesses. Your business can offer a discount to other Chamber members through a dollar amount, percentage discount, or give-away. Check out the Chamber website, ButlerCountyChamber.com, and visit the M2M Discount Page located under the Membership Tab. Here you will find a list of Chamber Members participating in this Free program. Participating is easy if you would like to offer a Member-to-Member discount to your fellow Chamber members, simply send an e-mail with your company name, contact person, phone, e-mail address and website where more information on your Member-to-Member Discount can be accessed to BobbiJo@ButlerCountyChamber.com. The Foxburg Inn Hotel, Sams Club, Staples, Dittman Eyecare, Moses Jewelers as well as many others offer great discounts to fellow Chamber members. And, always remember to ask for your discount!

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

A leaders job is to look into the future and see the organization, not as it is, but as it should be. ~ Jack Welch
his January I want to remember what we have accomplished together as the best business organization not only in Butler County, but also in the region.

The leadership of an innovative and active Board of Directors has been the impetus for our growth and stature in the community. Involvement by interested and generous members has been the medium for our achieving our goals and for initiating new events and programs beneficial to all of us. Our first necessity is financial stability, and this we attain through sponsorships, contributions and efficient fiscal management. We then had to establish and strengthen our image, positioning ourselves as the first resource for Butler County businesses. We need to be the place to contact, the group to network with and the organization that has the answers and the connections. An aggressive agenda of networking events such as the Meet N Move Luncheons, Friday Morning Coffee Club, joint regional mixers and a wide variety of social events accomplish this. We need to look successful in order to be successful and our move back to Main Street established our office facilities worthy of our lofty goals. With a sign on Main Street, and a fresh look we match our look with our effectiveness. Recognizing that an informed and educated business community will be stronger and more effective, our Board continues an aggressive schedule of educational seminars and professional skills training. By providing first class avenues for knowledge and business skills, we elevate our organization to new heights. Through our numerous partnership activities with Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University, we have expanded member benefits to new heights. Our Legislative Action Committee has became the go to group for business opinion on numerous issues. A new rapport exists with local, state and federal legislators providing an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperative interaction. Collaboration has been one of our main accomplishments, as our Chamber realizes that we do not exist in an isolated bubble. Our activities intertwine with numerous other organizations, and that our expertise is not only respected, but can serve as a valuable resource to accomplish regional goals. Our affiliate program is the mainstay of this belief, as we continue to administer and assist Leadership Butler County, Butler Downtown, New Visions for Butler and the Slippery Rock Business Association. Our affiliation with the Butler Human Resource Association has provided unique opportunity to our membership. Collaboration on another level has been achieved through our efforts both legislatively and community based in partnership with the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, the Community Development Corporation of Butler County and the United Way of Butler County. As a member of the PA Chamber of Business & Industry and the Allegheny Conference, we are kept in numerous loops to inform and involve our membership. We recognize that the new generation of leaders still does not feel completely integrated into the business community. To remedy this need, we promote and support the Butler County Young Professionals as an affiliate organization, and their strength is now not only in numbers but also in activity and recognition. Quickly becoming the group to know, associate with and contact, the hard working board maintains an agenda full of fun, information and volunteering. Stability has always been one of our major assets, having been established in 1896 and offering uninterrupted service to the Butler County business community through diverse times. Our Celebrate Business Annual Dinner has become the showcase for business recognition and networking. Activities such as our Golf Outings, Expo at the Clearview Mall and Employee Appreciation Luncheon are mainstay events for the business community and have become an integral part of their business lives. Our newly established alliance with the Penn State Master Gardeners of Butler County will prove to be an advantage to both organizations as we combine the Garden Market with the Home Show. Many milestones have passed, and our longevity is evidence of our accomplishments and stature in the community. We continue to expand our partnerships regionally, giving our membership the opportunity to network and mix with a very broad base of area businesses. I encourage you to stay involved and to encourage those who are not to become involved. Your ideas, comments and input are invaluable and as any successful business knows, we need to continue to grow - more team members, more players, more expertise, more discipline and more hard work. As the leading business organization in Butler County, our job continues to be to look into the future. Lets never settle for being what we are, but continue to work towards making ourselves what we should be. Thank you for continuing your trust and investment in our Chamber and Best Wishes for the New Year.

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

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

Communications Director Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Monaco..............................Ext. 21

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Member News

Chicora Medical Center Names Administrator In Training

harles Smith was recently named Administrator In Training at Chicora Medical Center.

Before joining Chicora Medical Center, Smith was a third-generation member of a family who owned and operated a nursing home. Charles spent the last ten years as Assistant Administrator at West Haven Nursing Home in Apollo, which was owned by his grandfather, Reverend Silas West. Recently, the Tack Family purchased the skilled nursing and personal care home and renamed it West Haven Manor. Before that, Charles held various other positions at the nursing home including in the office, laundry, dietary and maintenance departments. Charles earned a bachelors degree from Geneva College. He lives in Dayton, PA with his wife, Alexandra, and their two children, Sophia, 4, and Christian, 1. For more information about Chicora Medical Center, visit www.ChicoraMedicalCenter.com or call 724-445-2000.

Maridon Museum To Host Annual Chinese New Year Celebration

he Maridon Museum will be hosting their 7th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration on February 19, 2011. The event, to be held at the Butler Country Club, will feature hors doeuvres, dinner, dancing and entertainment and a basket raffle. The Maridon Museum is asking for basket donations from the local business community to be used at the event. All basket donations will be noted and prominently displayed. Monetary contributions are also welcome. All money raised through this event will benefit the Maridon Museum helping to provide educational programs, exhibits and events to the Butler County community. For more information regarding basket donations or the New Year Celebration, call 724.282.01234 or visit www.maridon.org.

VNA Announces Certification of Chronic Care Professionals

hree members of VNA, Western Pennsylvania, have recently tested for and become certified as Chronic Care Professionals (CCP) through Health Sciences Institute. Liz Powell, C.O.O, Rose Furrer, Director of Home Health, and Carol Arthur, Quality Coordinator, will lead VNAs efforts to more effectively manage those with chronic conditions. A chronic disease is defined as one lasting 3 months or more, and generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. Today chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes to name just a few, account for over 75% of health care spending. CCP prepares health care professionals to better care for people at risk for, or affected by, chronic conditions. CCP looks at different approaches to ensure patients reach their individual health goals other than that of the old stand-by, education. It uses the method of partnering with patients as the basis for success by using motivational interviewing and health coaching to involve and engage patients in taking charge of their health and self-care. For more information on the VNA of Western Pennsylvania, please call 1-877-862-6659 or visit www. vna.com.

Save The Date

OPEN HOUSE Pathways Memory Care Program Newhaven Court at Clearview Tuesday, January 11, 2011 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. RSVP to 724.477.8701 Newhaven Court at Clearview Assisted Living/Memory Care Community 100 Newhaven Lane Butler, PA 16001 www.integracare.com
January 2011

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the following business professionals who have been elected to represent the chamber membership for the 2011 year. In addition, representatives from affiliate groups of the Chamber are also appointed to the Board. As their Board terms end, special thanks are extended to Jocelyn Howard-Sinopoli, Jody Offstein, Diane Sheets and Vic Rozic for their years of service and dedication to our organization.

Pittsburgh. After the sudden loss of her father in 2003, Elisabeth decided to dedicate herself to the insurance agency. During this time, Elisabeth has obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative and Certified Insurance Counselor designations. Elisabeth is a 2010 graduate of the Leadership Butler County program and is active with the Butler County Young Professionals. She resides in Butler Township with her husband, Larry, and is a dedicated mother to her two children, Alice and David. Aubery Hulings Aubery Hulings is Assistant Vice President & Regional Manager for Farmers National Bank of Emlenton. She has been part of the Farmers National Bank organization for ten years. Ms. Hulings holds a Bachelors Degree in Finance and Associates Degree in Legal Business Studies from Clarion University of PA. She is a 2009 honors graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PBA) School of Banking, 2008 Leadership Butler County graduate, member of the Butler County Young Professionals and Executive Board member of Moraine Trails Council. Sherry Kyne Treasurer Sherry Kyne is president of Eisler Nurseries, Inc. located in Prospect. Eisler Nurseries operates a full service landscape company and a wholesale nursery growing over 400 acres of trees. In 2002, the retail garden center was converted into a full service banquet hall known as The Atrium which specializes in weddings, receptions and corporate events. Kyne has served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. Currently, she serves on the Corporate Board of Directors for Lifesteps in Butler, Gaiser Addiction Center and is a Past Chairman of the Board of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Kyne holds a degree from DeSales University in Business Management and Computer Science. She has also attended Penn State University to study horticulture. She resides in Prospect with her husband, Peter, and their three children. Brenda Lemmon Immediate Past Chair Brenda Lemmon is owner of Minuteman Press in Butler. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. Brenda is currently serving on the board of VNA Services and Foundation and the Butler P.M. Rotary Club. She is a member of Community Alliance Church and the Butler Women Presidents Group, and is an Ambassador of Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is married to husband, Dan, and enjoys golf, reading and travel. Brett Ligo Brett Ligo is an Associate Architect with Ligo Architects located in Slippery Rock. Brett has worked with his father Lee in that office for 16 years. The Architectural practice includes work throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Brett graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1986 and attended Mercersburg Academy and Slippery Rock University. Brett was a participant in the first year of the Butler County Leadership Program. He is currently the President of the Butler County Historic Society and has served on the March of Dimes, Endowment for Butler County, and Butler Township UCC Boards. He resides in Butler Township with his wife Cynthia and their son Hunter. Brian McCafferty Brian McCafferty is a second-generation small business owner of KENMAC Rentals & Sales. He has served as a volunteer for over 10 years in youth ministry at First United Methodist Church. He also received the 1999 Youth Worker of the Year award from the Western PA chapter of FAYM. Brian currently serves as Chair of the Board of Butler Downtown. He is married, has two daughters and one grandson. His hobbies include running and road biking. Glenn Miller Glenn T. Miller is Treasurer of Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc. He is a graduate of Butler County Community College, and holds a Business Administration Degree from Slippery Rock University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He is involved in many community and business organizations including Mercer Road Volunteer Fire Dept., Butler Lodge #272 F. & A.M., Miller Lodge #694 F. & A.M., Butler County Fire Chiefs Assoc., Butler Area Street Machine Assoc., Butler County Community College-11 Years Board of Trustees, Butler County Community College Facilities Committee, Butler County United Way, North Side Cemetery Assoc., Community Health Clinic and Butler Township Firemens Association. He is also currently active with the Butler County Community College Alumni Association. Dr. Nicholas Neupauer Board Chair Dr. Nicholas C. Neupauer is President of Butler County Community College. He previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at BC3 from 2004-2007, as well as Dean for Humanities and Social Sciences from 1999-2004. Prior to his career at BC3, Dr. Neupauer was chair of the Communication Department at Marist College and held positions at West Virginia University, Bethany College and Geneva College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University, a Master of Science from

Butler County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2011

John Brautigam John A. Brautigam is the Manager of Clearview Mall and has enjoyed a 28-year career in shopping center management and marketing. He began his mall career in 1979 with the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation and has held property, regional and corporate level positions in both operations and marketing. Prior to joining J.J. Gumberg, Co., he was manager of Southern Park Mall in Youngstown, Ohio, for 9 years. Prior to pursuing a shopping center career, John spent 13 years in broadcast radio hosting his own, live radio shows in markets such as Tampa, FL, Louisville, KY, Macon, GA and Kansas City, MO. John is the proud father of 3 children who are pursuing studies for careers in politics, education and performing arts. Dr. Ed Bucha Dr. Bucha is the Executive Director of the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc., where he has been employed since 1984. Edward received his BA from Duquesne University, his MA from Point Park College and his Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He belongs to the Council for the Advancement & Support of Education, the Association of Governing Boards and numerous other professional organizations. Dr. Bucha is actively involved in the SRU Diversity and Inclusion Team, the Strategic Planning Trend Committee and the Institutional Assessment Committee. Cecilia Buechele-Foster Cecilia Buechele-Foster, M.S., is Executive Director for the Community Health Clinic of Butler County. Ms. Foster has extensive career and volunteer experience in the Mental Health and Social Services field as well as Business Management/Development and Volunteer Management. She has been affiliated with a number of organizations over the years as a volunteer, Board Member, consultant or employee including The Lighthouse, Salvation Army, Renfrew Flood Relief Center, Ellen OBrien Gaiser Center, Irene Stacy Community Health Center, Head-Start and PARC Production. Foster also serves as a volunteer for the Pittsburgh Musical Theater and Mental Health Association and as Chairperson for Butler Memorial Hospitals Caring Angel Program. In addition, she is a member of Women United of Butler County and the Legislative/Economic Committee for THE CHAMBER. Fosters education includes a B.S. in Mental Retardation/Special Education and a Masters of Science in Habilitative Services from Clarion University. She lives in Allison Park and has one daughter, Katie, who is a Freshman at Duquesne University in the physician assistant program. Dino Capestrani Mr. Capestrani began his career in the Butler community as a business owner of Advertising Concepts, a full service-advertising agency, along with his wife and partner, Lynn Capestrani, in 1981. In 2006, Dino and Lynn converted Advertising Concepts into Proforma Advertising Concepts, a full-service marketing company. Dino has served the community for more than 28 years with service on the Public Relations and Membership Committees of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce as well as other organizations including the International Management Council, Butler Chapter and Toastmasters International. Mr. Capestrani also served as Chairman of the Board for Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Chairperson of Concordias Long Range Planning Committee, Board Member for the Eastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and now serves on an advisory committee for the LCMS Synodical Convention in 2010. In 2002, Concordia Lutheran Ministries hired Dino as Director of Public Relations and Development and in 2008, Dino became Director of Marketing for Concordia Home and Community Service. Capestranis education includes a Specialized Technology degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and coursework in leadership, marketing management, strategic planning, and finance from the University of Pittsburgh and Covey Management and Leadership Studies. He is currently part of the Leadership Butler County class of 2010-2011. Mr. Capestrani enjoys martial arts and music. He is currently a black belt instructor in Shotokan Karate and runs a small school in Butler and plays percussion for a variety of bands and services within his congregation. He lives in Butler with his wife of 29 years, Lynn, and has two daughters, Katy and Kelly. Elisabeth Howard Sommers Elisabeth Howard Sommers is the office manager at C.W. Howard Insurance Agency in Butler, PA. Along with her brother, Jeff Howard, she is part of the third generation working in this family-owned business. Graduating with honors from Penn State University with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Elisabeth began her career as a critical care nurse at Childrens Hospital of

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Clarion University and a Doctorate of Education from West Virginia University. Under his leadership, BC3 has grown into a regional institution of higher learning with its Main Campus in Butler Township and sites in Cranberry Township, Union Township (Lawrence County) and Hermitage (Mercer County). Enrollment has grown over 20 percent during his time as President. In addition to his role on the Chamber Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation of Butler County and the Community Health Clinic of Butler County as well as being a member of the Butler P.M. Rotary Club. Residing in Slippery Rock, Dr. Neupauer is married to Tamatha. They are the proud parents of Paige, 15, and Meredith, 13. Janice Pakozdi-Luffy Janice Pakozdi-Luffy has over 24 years of experience in the accounting/ finance and management field and holds a Certification in Management Accounting. She currently serves as Controller and Treasurer of Bear Metallurgical Company. Ms. Pakozdi-Luffy is a Board member of several local non-profit organizations including Butler Health System Foundation, Center for Community Resources (CCR), and Community Development Corporation (CDC). She also serves on the Finance Committees of the CDC and CCR. Janice is also a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and served on the Butler Area School District Local Tax Commission and Leadership Butler County Board. She has a Lean Manufacturing Mastery Certificate and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Grove City College. Janice also holds a Cosmetology License. She shares her Butler Township home with husband, Marty, and cat, Peanut, and enjoys gardening, sports, exercising, visiting spas and cookie baking at Christmas time. Ken Raybuck Ken Raybuck is the Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation of Butler County (CDC). Prior to his position with the CDC, Mr. Raybuck served as an Industry Partnership Coordinator for Tri-County Workforce Investment Board, as District Manager for Huntington Bank in New Castle, PA, and as the Area Bank President of National City Bank in Butler, PA. Ken holds a Bachelors of Science from the College of Business Administration, Penn State University, and graduated with honors from the School for Bank Administration in Madison, WI. Raybuck is a former board member and president of the Butler County CDC, former board member of Boy Scouts and Tri-County PIC and participated in fundraising activities for the Butler YMCA during the 1995 Capital Campaign. Stephanie Roskovski Stephanie Roskovski is Vice President of Operations for Butler Health System with seventeen years of experience in the health care field. In her current role she has responsibility for overseeing outpatient services, emergency and urgent care services, Cardiovascular Service Line, employed physician practices and physicians relationships with all physicians practicing at BHS. She has served Butler Health System in many roles including Vice President of Outpatient Services, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Education and Community Health Planning. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Masters of Public and Health Care Administration from West Virginia University. Stephanie resides in Center Township with husband, Scott, and two children, Jacob and Sophia. Tammy Schuey 2nd Vice Chair Tammy Schuey is Director of Technology and Internet Strategy for the Butler Eagle and the Eagle Printing Co. Schuey received the Employee of the Year Award in 2006 for her various accomplishments at the Butler Eagle including researching, installing and troubleshooting a new computer system for the Butler Eagles editorial staff. She is currently a class member of the 2010-2011 Leadership Butler County class. Daniel Swartz Daniel J. Swartz, CFMP, is Vice President of Marketing with ESB Bank. Before joining ESB Bank, Dan served in a variety of marketing roles with several other local banks. In 2008 Dan earned the Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) designation from the Institute of Certified Banks, a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association (ABA) in Washington DC. He is a 2004 graduate of the ABA School of Bank Marketing & Management and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University. Dan is active in the Prospect Boys and Girls Club, and lives in Prospect with his wife and two children. Joe Taylor 1st Vice Chair Joseph W. Taylor is General Manager at ARMSTRONG. He holds a B.A. from Georgetown College and an M.B.A. from Florida Institute of Technology. Taylor served previously on the Board of Directors for the Connellsville Area Chamber of Commerce and has been involved in the Organizing Committee for the Heart Association Walk. He has also been awarded the Cable TV Pioneers distinction. Joe recently joined the Board of Directors of the Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania. Dean Weiland Dean Weiland is Merchandising Manager with locally owned Friedmans Freshmarkets. Starting his career in 1971 with Friedmans, Mr. Weiland has held a variety of job responsibilities ranging from part-time stock clerk to Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Advertising and Merchandising. He is currently taking on many of the Companys store operations duties. A lifelong Butler County resident, Dean is founding member and Past President of Butler AM Rotary Club, has served on the Board and is Past President of the Musical Theatre Guild of Butler, has served as a Cub Scoutmaster and has been involved both on and off stage in both Musical Theatre Guild and Butler Little Theatre. He currently serves as Secretary of Randy & Bobs Golf League. Dean resides in Butler Township with wife, Diane, and had two sons, Daniel and Robert.

Affiliated Power Purchasers International, LLC (APPI Energy) is pleased to offer members the Energy Savings Program, a chamber benefit that reduces and manages energy and utility expenses. Affiliated Power Purchasers International, LLC, an independent energy and utility consulting firm, provides consulting services to thousands of businesses around the country. Companies benefit by using APPI Energys energy procurement expertise and utility audit experience to reduce operating expenses immediately and over the long-term. To learn more, visit APPIs website at www.appienergy.com or contact them at 800.520.6685. With rising healthcare costs, the Chambers Board of Directors has examined our current insurance program and has decided to sign on with Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance (PCI). PCI is committed to providing members of the Butler County Chamber with a full menu of solutions to choose the best medical program for their business. For more detailed information on PCI, call 800.755.3021. Both APPI Energy and PCI are programs that have been in operation and endorsed by the PA Chamber and other Chambers of Commerce in Pennsylvania for many years. Watch for more detailed information regarding both programs in your mailbox soon.

Chamber Introduces APPI & PCI Programs

he Board of Directors of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce two new members only benefits through Affiliated Power Purchasers International and Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance.

Save the Date

oin the Leadership Butler County Class of 2011 for a Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Atrium from 6 11 pm. $20 per person advance ($25 at the door) ticket gets you an expansive festival hors doeuvres bar, refreshments, music, dancing and much more. Silent Auction items ranging from sports to spa packages. All proceeds benefit the Duffle Bag Project, for foster children. Call the Chamber at 724.283.2222 to donate and purchase tickets in advance. Sponsors include the Atrium, Duttons Beer Distributor and Wedding Solutions DJ.
January 2011

Members Celebrated The Season At Holiday Gathering

ver 200 guests turned out for the Butler County Chamber of Commerces Annual Celebrate the Season Holiday Gathering on Friday, December 3, 2010. The event, with an Old Hollywood flair, was held at Butlers Grand Ballroom at Cornerstone Commons, Main Street in Downtown Butler. The Grand Ballroom was decorated in grand holiday style and guests were transported to a winter wonderland of delicious food, dessert and cocktails during the evening.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Butlers Grand Ballroom Event Sponsor; JPC Event Group Food Sponsor; and Specialized Staffing & Industry Recruiters Beverage Sponsor. Plus, thank you to all guests that donated toys to the Butler County Young Professionals Toy Drive. The toy drive exceeded the BCYPs expectations! All toys were donated to Butler County Children and Youth Services.

A Time for Reflection s 2010 comes to an end, we reflect on the year gone by and we can honestly say it has been a good year for the Chamber. Your Chamber is not only financially stable but growing. That is a testament in these difficult economic times that our members continue to see the value in their Chamber membership. We have also added 50 new members this year. Stan, Jennifer, and Bobbi Jo continue to efficiently organize many outstanding events throughout the year giving our members opportunities to meet new people and expand their businesses. And this year, we have had more networking events in cooperation with surrounding Chambers giving our members access to new markets. I have been proud to serve as your Board Chair working with an outstanding group of business women and men on the Board of Directors. Working with Stan, Jennifer, and Bobbi Jo is a true pleasure. Im looking forward to turning the reins over to Dr. Nicholas Neupauer, who will Chair for 2011. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your employees, and your families. Brenda Lemmon
Past Chair 8
Butler County Chamber of Commerce

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Dr. Nicholas C. Neupauer

hope this note finds you well as we head into 2011. Doesnt it seem just like yesterday that we were preparing and bracing ourselves for Y2K (the year 2000)?

Welcome New Members

We welcome the following new members to the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.
Aarons Sales & Lease
Contact: Brian Williams 180 Alameda Plaza Butler, PA 16001 P: 724.285.3277 F: 724.285.5769 C1210@aaronrents.com www.shopaarons.com

It wasnt all that long ago that I wanted to become more involved in the Butler County scene. In 2005 when I was Vice President for Academic Affairs at Butler County Community College, I volunteered as a college participant for Leadership Butler County. Not only did I meet tons of great people in Leadership, I also learned more about the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, its affiliates and our wonderful County as a whole. Fast forward to today. Not only have I served as proud President of BC3 since 2007, I have served on the Chamber Board of Directors during this time. However, the New Year will bring with it a new title and responsibility for me Chair of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. The experience seems to be a bit daunting and even humbling, especially when looking at those who served in the position previously. These leaders demonstrated solid leadership skills and dedication to both the Chamber and the Butler County business community. I will be sure to tap into the expertise and business savvy of these individuals during quarterly meetings with the Past Presidents and Chair Advisory Council. The Chamber has not only benefitted me personally, it has been a tremendous resource for the College and our employees. Workshops, seminars, networking and professional relationships are just a few of the positives. In closing, the year promises to be an exciting one. Not only am I excited to lead BC3 as regional leader in higher education, I am equally thrilled to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. Happy New Year!

Retail and/or lease ownership of name brand furniture, computers, electronics and appliances.

Affiliated Power Purchasers International (APPI Energy)

Contact: Jane Seagraves 224 Phillip Morris Drive, Suite 402 Salisbury, MD 21804 P: 800.520.6685 F: 410.749.8769 Jseagraves@appienerg.com www.appienergy.com

Friday Morning Coffee Club Gears Up For 2011

Sponsored by PNC Bank, Butler County Business Matters & The Fairfield Inn & Suites

APPI Energy manages and reduces energy expenses for clients by negotiating pricing and contract terms with energy suppliers across the country.

he Friday Morning Coffee Club offers hot coffee, a continental breakfast, business presentations, networking and more! Members can sign up for business presentation dates and, spaces are still available for a great opportunity to market your business to a room full of area business owners and nonprofit managers at no cost to you! Presentation dates are limited and fill up fast, so contact the Chamber today to schedule your presentation. The Friday Morning Coffee Club, sponsored by PNC Bank, Butler County Business Matters and the Fairfield Inn & Suites, takes place at the Fairfield Inn located at 200 Fairfield Lane (Rt. 8 North) in Butler. Start your Friday mornings off right from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and remember that if your company promotes casual Friday, then so do we! Non-Chamber member guests can attend a Coffee Club up to two times before they are asked to join the Chamber. Members of area chambers of commerce, the Community Development Corporation and Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau are encouraged to attend as well. January January January January 7, 2011 no meeting - room not available 14, 2011 Junior Achievement Western PA Megan Julius 21, 2011 Call to schedule your presentation 28, 2011 Call to schedule your presentation

TEC Benefits
Contact: Tony Lombard 1000 Brooktree Road, Suite 300 Wexford, PA 15090 P: 724.935.2310 F: 724.724.934.2339 Alombard@tecbenefits.org www.tecbenefits.org

TEC Benefits specializes in the consultation of individuals and small businesses in the implementation of health, life and disability insurance.

State Senator Jane C. Orie

Contact: Jenna Morgan 2525 Rochester Road, Suite 207 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 P: 724.776.3500 F: 724.776.3582 jorie@pasen.gov or jmorgan@pasen.gov www.senatororie.com

Contact the Chamber with questions or to schedule a 2011 presentation date - 724.283.2222 or via e-mail at Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com today.

Serving Pennsylvanias 40th Senatorial District Northern Allegheny County and Southern Butler County
January 2011

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

PRE-SORT STD. US POSTAGE BUTLER, PA 16001 PERMIT #257

PAID

Ensemble Espanol
Spanish Dance Theater
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 8:00 PM Tennessee Williams

For Your Next Gathering... Call the CATERING SPECIALISTS!

The Glass Menagerie

The Walnut Street Theatre
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 8:00 PM Pre-Sale $18 Door $22 Student $10
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