Issuu

The Voice of Vibrancy

Vol. 1 Issue 11 November 2025

Letter From Director of Operations Dear Members, Stakeholders, and Other Readers, My name is Daniel Kovach, and I’m the new Director of Operations over at the Butler County Chamber Office. I’m a graduate of Freeport High School, and have been involved in the local community for many years through my connections with Scouting America, Armstrong Habitat for Humanity, and multiple roles in the high school musicals at Freeport. I got my Bachelor’s degree at Baldwin Wallace University near Cleveland, and my Master’s degree at Brandenburg University of Technology in Cottbus, Germany. I’m currently focused on making sure that the Chamber thrives in the coming years, and you’ll likely hear my voice if you call the office. I’m excited to be here, and excited to meet and get to know so many of you over the next months and years. I pride myself on being pretty good at trivia, and always down to sing some karaoke. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and get to know me better, as I’m always happy to make a new connection and help our community grow together.

Daniel Kovach

Director of Operations Butler County Chamber of Commerce

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Featured Article A Busy Year for the Butler County Humane Society 2025 has been a busy year at the Butler County Humane Society (BCHS), and what drives it all is a commitment to giving all of the cats and dogs in Butler County the opportunity to thrive in a loving home. Since 1897, that commitment has been the heart of BCHS. What started with 141 members housing animals in their own homes, barns, and sheds, has turned into a community of support helping to save lives every day in the shelter and in the community. The Butler County Humane Society and Helen Spaide Albig Adoption Center is a no-kill non-profit shelter in Connoquenessing Township where 365 days a year, staff and volunteers tend to the needs of up to 136 animals. 799 animals entered the shelter in 2025, mostly as strays, and mostly not spayed or neutered. Unspayed cats can have multiple litters in a year producing kittens that are unwanted and end up in the shelter or abandoned. The S.E.A. program is a grant funded program to provide low-cost or free sterilization for any owned, stray, or feral felines in Butler County. The Peterson Foundation funded a similar grant program to help spay or neuter 100 dogs (one per household) of Butler County residents. Not every animal that enters the shelter will stay. During the first two days of their stay, the staff checks the animal for injury, illness, or identifying microchips, then attempts to find an owner. This year 104 animals were reunited with their families. In cases where no owner is found, the animals begin their journey to adoption.

Pinky the Cat (Top) Zeva, foster dog, thriving (Bottom)

g in Forever Foster

Featured Article To become adoptable, each animal visits our partner veterinarians and receives vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and any specialized care necessary. For animals like Bella and Chiquita, two animals who can’t use their hind legs, that means doctor visits, tests, treatment plans, and community support. Joey’s PAW donated a wheelchair and volunteer Mason Menell donated a stroller to help Bella get around. Generous community donations of more than $5,000 sent Bella to her forever home in Colorado, where she is training to be a therapy dog with Butler native Kiki McGough. You can follow her story on Facebook at Bella’s Joyful Journey. Chiquita is now showing intentional movement following acupuncture with Dr. Chelsea Giardina, Companions in Motion. For animals like the bulldog Mason, that means his shelter mom, Fran, makes him special meals, he gets daily medications, and he works with trainer Matt Luxton to overcome his “stranger danger”. In addition to medical care, shelter dogs and cats need exercise, socialization, enrichment, and love, and Butler County steps up! Volunteers work directly with animals and help with events. During the Shelter Buddies reading program, children in grades 1-8 read to cats. Scouts, students and community members build benches, gather donations, and raise funds to benefit the animals. The Leadership Butler County Class of 2026 will be updating the dog agility course and fencing a separated dog yard for dog reactive dogs. All of these efforts help the dogs and cats to be better prepared for adoption. “Since joining BCHS, I have been continually impressed by the skill and dedication of the staff and the overwhelming generosity of the volunteers, fosters, and supporters,” says Janna Unik, Executive Director. Janna lives in Butler with Sadie, a terrier mix and shelter alum, who recently joined her family. “We were able to foster-toadopt Sadie to make sure that she was hypoallergenic and compatible with our other dog.”

Featured Article Foster families are currently housing 53 dogs and cats at their own homes, providing individualized care to animals with special needs. Animals go into short term foster care due to medical needs, anxiety, and pregnancy. Fosters who take baby-bottle kittens commit to a feeding schedule on par with human newborns! Long term fosters, Forever Fosters, provide a home for animals with expensive or terminal illnesses, allowing the animal to live in the comfort of a home while BCHS maintains responsibility for the cost of care. Butler County Humane Society offers support to the community to meet pet families where they are, helping families keep animals at home. Partnering with local veterinarians to provide low-cost vaccine clinics ensures pet parents are able to keep their animals up to date. In the coming year, the mobile surgical unit will be launched to take spay and neuter services into the community. BCHS also hosts a monthly food pantry (the last Thursday of each month) to provide pet owners in need with supplemental food and supplies that were donated to the shelter and cannot be used, for one reason or another. The shelter also offers microchipping, to help pets be reunited with owners. Staff provides education for scout and school groups to help young animal lovers learn about responsible pet ownership. From the early days of barns and sheds to the shelter and services of today, Butler County Humane Society has and will continue to grow with the commitment of our community.

-Sincerely,

Janna Unik Executive Director, BCHS

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) Updates Year End Insights into the OB3 From Kelly A. Bender, EA. President, TBS For those of us deeply entrenched in the tax world, the passage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) on July 4, 2025 felt like Christmas in July. Yet most people may not realize just how significantly this legislation reshaped the tax landscape. With a sharply reduced IRS workforce, sweeping tax law changes, new forms and schedules, and a delayed start to the filing season, I expect the new year to begin with a rush of questions—and, importantly, a wealth of opportunities for tax savings. Several key changes that I anticipate will generate the most questions, and that will be the most helpful for taxpayers to understand:

1. No Tax on Tips Fulfilling a major campaign promise, OB3 introduces a temporary fouryear deduction that allows qualifying individuals who earn tips—either as employees or self-employed—to deduct up to $25,000 from their ordinary income. Note that this deduction applies to federal income tax only, not Social Security or Medicare tax.

2. No Tax on Overtime In a similar fashion, individuals who earn overtime can now deduct the premium portion of their overtime pay on their annual return— potentially worth up to $12,500 per eligible taxpayer. These two deductions may create confusion this year, as many employers and payroll processors do not yet have systems capable of reporting the information accurately. My strong recommendation: keep your final pay stub of the year to help ensure correct reporting on your tax return.

3. Senior Deduction Individuals age 65 and older now qualify for an additional $6,000 deduction per person, whether or not they collect Social Security. While this won’t eliminate tax on Social Security benefits for everyone, it does create an opportunity. Many older taxpayers are using the added deduction to strategically convert pre-tax retirement funds to Roth IRAs with minimal tax cost.

4. Deduction for New Car Loan Interest A deduction we haven’t seen since the 1980s has returned: interest on new car loans, available for vehicles with final assembly in the United States. For many taxpayers, this will be a welcome and unexpected benefit. 5. Changes to SALT and PTE Deductions The long-standing $10,000 cap on State and Local Taxes (SALT)—in place since 2017—has now been increased to $40,000. This significant jump will bring many taxpayers back into itemizing their deductions. At the same time, the growing popularity of Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax elections across the states means high-income individuals and business owners will benefit from more robust and thoughtful tax planning than ever before.

6. Permanency of Popular 2017 Provisions OB3 also locks in several widely used provisions from the 2017 tax overhaul, including: Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction Higher standard deductions Expanded Child Tax Credit limits Many of these are now tied to inflation, allowing taxpayers to plan for rising wages and costs without the uncertainty of constant legislative changes.

7. Charitable Giving Considerations With additional changes to charitable deduction rules slated for 2026, some taxpayers may benefit from accelerating their giving into this year. For older individuals, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) remain an exceptionally tax-efficient way to give. The sweeping changes across income levels and work types mean this legislation touches nearly every American. Income taxes—especially for older taxpayers—remain one of the largest expenses people face, and Congress continues to add layers of complexity. What’s outlined here is only a glimpse of the changes and opportunities now available. This is truly the year to ask questions, seek guidance, and approach the process with patience, as an increasingly strained IRS works to keep up with the new demands. Despite the challenges, OB3 also ushers in one of the most opportunity-rich tax seasons we’ve seen in years. With thoughtful planning, proactive conversations, and a bit of optimism, taxpayers across the country can finish the year stronger, smarter, and better positioned for their financial future.

-Sincerely,

Kelly A Bender EA, President, TBS

BC3 Distributes Record 83 Thanksgiving Meals Requested by Low-Income Students (Butler, PA) Without the meal package she received from Butler County Community College’s food security team, Thanksgiving “would have been a hardship,” said a 39-year-old BC3 student from Crawford County who plans to spend the holiday with her husband, three children and brother-in-law. The health care science student works 35 hours a week between two part-time jobs and hopes to become a registered nurse. “We receive a small monthly amount in food stamps, but it is just enough to supplement meals,” she said. “Right now, it seems like so much of our money goes to food and making sure our children eat, so this is a huge help.”

A portion of a record 83 Thanksgiving meal packages for low-income Butler County Community College students is shown Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in the hospitality kitchen on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township. The Thanksgiving meal packages were requested by students attending BC3 @ Armstrong in Ford City, BC3 @ Brockway in Brockway, BC3 @ Lawrence in Shenango Township or BC3’s main campus.

A 32-year-old BC3 psychology student and single mother of two from Armstrong County said without BC3’s Thanksgiving meal package, she would have served “just the basics. Maybe a small turkey. Not a whole lot.” A 36-year-old registered nursing student from Jefferson County with a husband and three daughters said that “Whenever you are in college and not working, having different food options, that’s essential. You don’t have the extra income to go buy it at the store. Being provided the Thanksgiving meal as a student, I’m so thankful. It’s a huge blessing.”

Butler County Community College’s food security team and volunteers begin to assemble a record 83 Thanksgiving meal packages for low-income students Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in the hospitality kitchen on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township.

Nearly 50 percent of Pennsylvania community college students come from families earning less than $30,000 a year and are considered to be of very low income, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges reported in 2022. This fall, a record 83 low-income BC3 students registered with the college’s food security team to receive a Thanksgiving meal package through BC3’s Pioneer Pantry. Approximately 62 of those students have dependents, according to Juli Louttit, a member of the college’s food security team. Food prices in August were 3.2 percent higher than in August 2024, according to the most recent information available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “I have three growing girls at home,” the Jefferson County student said. “There are things I purchased in the past every week that now I can’t. Everything has gone up in price and we are really feeling it.”

Food used to create a record 83 Thanksgiving meal packages for low-income Butler County Community College students is shown Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in the hospitality kitchen on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township.

The issuing of food stamps was delayed or their amounts reduced for six weeks this fall because of the federal government shutdown. “Barriers can take you out real quick when it comes to some life-changing events,” said Jayme Steighner, a BC3 food security team member. Steighner is also facilitator of BC3’s state-funded KEYS program, which is designed to help students who receive cash assistance or food stamps to pursue post-secondary education at a Pennsylvania community college. The college’s program is assisting 82 BC3 students this fall, the most in its 20-year history.

In addition to the choice between a 12- to 13-pound turkey or a $20 gift card, BC3’s Thanksgiving meal packages include corn, cranberry sauce, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, pumpkin quick bread and stuffing, according to Morgan Rizzardi, another BC3 food security team member. “I want them to have a Thanksgiving where they can have whatever favorites they want,” the Armstrong County student said of her 12-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. “I don’t want them to think I am stressing over putting food on the table.” The formation of the college’s food security team followed the debut of BC3’s Pioneer Pantry in September 2019. The food bank was established as a result of 2018 student survey in which 38 percent of the 304 respondents indicated having low or very low food security. Food insecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is having reduced quality, variety or desirability of diet. BC3’s food security team packaged its first Thanksgiving meals in 2021. The college was selected by the state Department of Education as a Hunger-Free Campus in 2022, the same year the food security team was chosen to receive a BC3 Above and Beyond Award for exceeding criteria that included willingness to assist others and extra efforts to help a group at the college. The Pioneer Pantry distributed in 2024 a then-record 78 Thanksgiving meal packages. “It is heartwarming that BC3 does this,” said the Crawford County student who plans to earn an associate degree from the college in May. “It is generous and it is kind. It makes me feel like I am important to BC3 and that BC3 wants me to succeed.” The Armstrong County student also plans to earn an associate degree from BC3 in May, and the registered nursing student from Jefferson County, in May 2027.

A Butler County Community College student places a Thanksgiving meal package and frozen turkey into her car Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the hospitality kitchen on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township. BC3’s food security team and volunteers assembled a record 83 Thanksgiving meal packages requested by low-income students attending BC3 @ Armstrong in Ford City, BC3 @ Brockway in Brockway, BC3 @ Lawrence in Shenango Township or BC3’s main campus.

BC3’s Thanksgiving meal packages assisted 37 students at BC3 @ Brockway in Brockway, 36 at the college’s main campus in Butler Township, eight from BC3 @ Armstrong in Ford City and two from BC3 @ Lawrence in Shenango Township, Steighner said. “This means a lot and it makes you feel more welcomed here,” the Armstrong County student said. “BC3 cares about you and cares about your family. I started school to be able to better take care of my family, so it’s really nice that BC3 can see your goals and they want to help you meet those goals.” BC3’s Thanksgiving meals were funded by $5,050 in gifts from private donors, according to Mikayla Moretti, another BC3 food security team member, and a $700 emergency grant from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in response to the delay or reduction in food stamps, Steighner said. St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Butler, contributed 30 turkeys; and Oak Hills Christian Church, Butler, canned green beans, stuffing and scalloped potatoes.

Juli Louttit, a member of Butler County Community College’s food security team, helps to assemble a record 83 Thanksgiving meal packages for low-income BC3 students Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in the hospitality kitchen on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township.

Food security, on-campus mental health services, success coaching and a Campus Assessment Reponse and Evaluation team are among BC3 services intended to meet basic needs of students, said Dr. Josh Novak, the college’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management and a food security team member. Louttit is BC3’s director of student financial services; Rizzardi, dean of students; and Moretti, executive director of the BC3 Education Foundation and external relations. A Hoops for Hunger event Dec. 12 will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12 in BC3’s Field House before the college’s men’s basketball team hosts Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. Fans are asked to bring nonperishable food items and household supplies for the Pioneer Pantry.

“They start to learn about personal finance and investing early, which is important so that your money has time to grow,” said Jamie Veltri, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Butler Intermediate and adviser of both teams. The game engaged her sixth-graders, Veltri said. “I put the rankings up on the board and they could see how their money was growing,” Veltri said. “Then we look up specific stocks to see which ones were making money and then we would talk about why.” A team from Seneca Valley placed second in the region in the fall high school competition. Bryce Fredericks, Abby Hock, Landon Newton and Alyssa Westrom finished with an equity of $144,173.55. Pennsylvania’s EITC program provides tax credits to eligible businesses that contribute financially to a scholarship organization, to an educational improvement organization or to a pre-kindergarten scholarship organization. The BC3 Education Foundation’s previous largest EITC contribution was $25,000. The foundation received $77,750 in EITC gifts in the 2024-2025 academic year. The first EITC gift totaled $12,000 in 2012. BC3’s Pioneer Pantry will also prepare 70 meal packages for the college’s monthlong winter break that will contain corn, green beans, fruit cocktail, pineapple, scalloped potatoes and a sugar cookie kit.

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WVU Health System and Independence Plan for Independence Health System t The West Virginia University Health System and Independence Health System announced today their intent for Independence Health System’s five hospitals – Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals – along with its affiliated physician groups, and other subsidiaries to join the WVU Health System in the fall of 2026 and operate under the WVU Medicine brand. As part of the agreement, the WVU Health System will commit $800 million over the next five years to modernize Independence Health System’s hospitals, including the Butler Memorial Hospital emergency room and the Westmoreland Hospital campus; grow clinical services; and expand access to high-quality care across the community it serves. The transaction is subject to customary state and federal regulatory reviews, as well as bondholder consent. “This is a transformational moment for our organization as we take this first, critical step toward building a new future with a nearby health system that shares our values and is community focused,” Ken DeFurio, president and CEO, Independence Health System, said. “We are excited to make this announcement today in partnership with WVU Medicine, and even more excited to have our organization become part of a progressive and innovative health system that has a proven track record in making deep investments in its people, clinical programs, and infrastructure.” By joining the WVU Health System, Independence Health System will benefit from the scale, expertise, and infrastructure of a leading regional academic health system while maintaining its strong community focus. The integration will expand clinical services and specialty access, strengthen financial sustainability through shared capital resourcing and efficient operations, and enhance patient outcomes through coordinated population health strategies through Peak Health, the WVU Health System’s affiliated health insurance organization.

e Health System Announce to Join WVU Medicine “I am grateful to Ken, his leadership team, and the Independence Health System board for the trust they are placing in us to ensure their five hospitals continue to serve as community pillars and beacons of hope for generations to come,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the West Virginia University Health System, said. “Today marks the beginning of what I’m confident will be an exciting and rewarding journey, one grounded in our shared commitment to our mission, our patients, and the communities we serve.” Independence Health System serves a large community of more than 750,000 residents across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania. The system includes five hospitals, 7,000 employees, and a network of more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers. “Today’s announcement marks the start of a new chapter built on shared values, deep respect and admiration for the work already being done, and a mutual commitment to the patients and families who depend on these hospitals every day,” Michael T. Benson, president of West Virginia University and chair of the WVU Health System Board of Directors, said. “Together, we can build on that solid foundation and expand the reach of exceptional care throughout the region.” Paul Bacharach, chair of the Independence Health System Board of Directors, added, “WVU Medicine has clearly demonstrated to us that they are committed to highquality community health, with services available and accessible locally. Our vote to proceed with WVU Medicine reflects our strong belief that this affiliation honors our legacy and positions our hospitals for innovation, stability, and growth.” Nationally recognized for its excellence in cardiology, orthopedics, and surgical services and committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care close to home, Independence Health System partnered with WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in January 2025 to continue to enhance neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services at Westmoreland Hospital for Westmoreland County’s most vulnerable patients.

Member Spotlight & News Alliance for Nonprofit Resources Receives 2025 Fall Culture Excellence Awards ANR recently received awards for Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-Being, and Professional Development! These awards were based on what their employees shared, demonstrating their commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. We are proud of ANR for receiving these additional recognitions, following their recent naming as a Top Workplace for the ninth consecutive year. Their commitment to their employees is captured in their mission statement, “Your Mission is Our Mission.”

Butler ACE Hardware Celebrates 8 Years of Service We’re excited to congratulate Butler ACE Hardware for 8 years of service in our community. Their everyday dedication has lifted neighbors in need and helped local service businesses thrive. BC

Member Spotlight & News $5 Million Gift to Slippery Rock, Largest in University History, Names Business School Slippery Rock officials announced the university had received the donation from Rhonda and Elliot Haverlack, of Estero, Fla. Elliot is a 1980 graduate. The donation will establish the newly named Haverlack College of Business, according to Slippery Rock. A dedication ceremony will take place in April. It will include an unveiling of new facility signage and showcase of student and faculty achievements. “We never imagined we’d have this opportunity,” said Rhonda Haverlack. “Slippery Rock will always be home for Elliott, and it’s become a special place for both of us. Our hope is that every student who walks through these doors knows that the opportunities available to them are limitless.” Elliott Haverlack graduated from Slippery Rock with a degree in environmental science. He returned to the university this year to pursue his master’s in business administration and will be this fall’s commencement speaker. In 2019, the Haverlack family donated $1 million to establish the Frank and Margaret Haverlack Good Citizen Scholarship, named in honor of Elliott’s late parents. Slippery Rock President Karen Riley said the university is “profoundly honored by the Haverlack family’s extraordinary generosity.” “The newly named Haverlack College of Business will strengthen the college’s solid foundation of ingenuity, leadership and entrepreneurial excellence,” Riley said. “This gift is more than philanthropy, it is a legacy of vision, purpose and enduring impact that will empower future generations to learn, lead and succeed.”

Member Spotlight & News Independence Health System Names Erica Shaffer Chief Access Officer and Senior VP of Post-Acute Care Independence Health System today announced the appointment of Erica Shaffer as its chief access officer and senior vice president of post-acute care. Shaffer joined the former Excela Health in 2011 and has led initiatives in home health and hospice, focusing on improving quality outcomes, enhancing patient experience and strengthening collaboration across the healthcare community. As Chief Access Officer, Shaffer will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive patient access strategy across the system, partnering with senior leadership to assess, plan, and implement growth initiatives. This work includes creating an integrated ecosystem designed to optimize access and streamline care coordination across the continuum, ensuring patients experience seamless entry and navigation throughout the healthcare system. Shaffer will continue as the senior operational leader for home health, hospice, case management, and postacute partnerships, ensuring strategic alignment, quality outcomes and operational excellence.

Member Spotlight & News “Erica’s vision and commitment to patient-centered care make her the ideal leader for this role,” said Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of Independence Health System. “Her expertise will help us create a more connected experience for patients and families across our service areas while strengthening our partnerships across the continuum of care, keeping compassionate, expert care, here, in our communities.” A Westmoreland County native, Shaffer earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration from Seton Hill University. She brings more than 20 years of experience in operations and business development to the role.

Erica Shaffer Chief Access Officer and Senior VP of Post-Acute Care

Member Spotlight & News Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Host Celebration of the Firms 175th Anniversary Since its founding in 1850, Buchanan has played a vital role in shaping Pennsylvania’s legal, business, and historical landscape - advancing civil liberties, helping to grow businesses, supporting local sports teams, fostering technological innovation and shaping the community. We are proud to celebrate Buchanan on commemorating this milestone through a series of distinguished recognitions including proclamations from Governor Josh Shapiro, our US Congressional Delegation, Pennsylvania State Senate and State House, the County of Allegheny, and the City of Pittsburgh.

Cranberry Township Woman’s Engineering Background Aids Bladder Research Fatemeh Azari article, “Elucidation the high compliance mechanism by which the urinary bladder fills under low pressures”, is the product of years of research at Pitt, which involved studying rat bladders to see how they reacted to different circumstances.

Member Spotlight & News Butler Technologies Inc. HR Specialist Earns William J. Darney Excellence Award Congratulations to Brooke Howard, HR Specialist and Talent Acquisition Lead at Butler Technologies, Inc., for earning the William J. Darney Excellence Award! Brooke truly embodies BTI’s core values of Team, Work Ethic, and Curiosity. From building strong relationships across the company to creating a safe and supportive environment and acting with dedication and accountability, Brooke sets an inspiring example for those at BTI. Brooke is known for their commitment and leadership for putting BTI’s values into action every day.

Center for Community Resources Celebrates Darryl Andreas on CIT Behavioral Health Practitioner of the Year This award reflects Darryl’s outstanding dedication to supporting individuals in crisis and his commitment to building safer, more compassionate communities. Through his work with the Lycoming Regional Police Department and his community engagement, he is helping to bridge law enforcement and behavioral health services.

Member Spotlight & News Independence Health System Named One of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Independence Health System has been recognized in the 2025 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, an awards program created to honor people-first organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employee population. The system ranked No. 50 nationally and earned the No. 1 spot in Pennsylvania within its category, which includes organizations with 1,999 to 5,999 employees who are covered under medical benefits. This recognition underscores the organization’s strong commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive workplace for its team members. Companies were recognized because of their commitment to workplace wellness and their exceptional health and benefits offerings. Even with many employers returning to the office or to hybrid schedules, they have had to adapt their workforces to reflect the ever-changing views of the modern American office. Increased flexibility, work-life balance, and mental health resources have proven to be common trends among Healthiest Employers honorees. “We are honored to be named one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America,” said Patrick Martin, manager of the Independence Health System Well-Being Center. “Our employee wellness programs are designed to support every dimension of health—physical, emotional, mental, social, and financial. We remain committed to evolving these resources to meet the changing needs of our workforce and the communities we serve." Our Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America winners demonstrate an unwavering commitment to supporting the health, happiness, and performance of their employees,” said Haley Potoczek, Program Manager at Springbuk. “This recognition celebrates organizations that go beyond programs and policies; they create cultures where employee well-being thrives.”

Member Spotlight & News Each company included on the list participated in the Healthiest Employers application process. The categories, scoring, and benchmarking were formed with the help of a national, non-biased group of representatives from the academic, medical, wellness, and business communities. The Healthiest Employers assessment is scored ‘Rubric style’ on a 1-100 scale. The assessment comprises six categories of yes/no, multiple choice, and short answer questions, with each question totaling .25-3 points. The six categories are as follows: Culture and Leadership Commitment Foundational Components Strategic Planning Communications and Marketing Programming and Interventions Reporting and Analytics To qualify for the national award, applicants are also scored based on an additional section called “the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America,” which scores the applicant essays and asks additional questions related to chronic conditions and workplace health. Independence Health System encompasses Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland hospitals. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, and nearly 7,000 employees across its network, it is the third-largest health care system in Western Pennsylvania. Serving more than 10 counties, the system delivers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health, primary care, and more, earning numerous accolades for its tertiary programs.

Member Spotlight & News Weddings at Eisler Farms are Burgh Bride Approved Weddings at Eisler Farms is home to three unique wedding venues in Butler County, less than one hour north of Pittsburgh: The Atrium, The Woods at Eisler Farms, and Pinehall at Eisler Farms. At each venue, you’ll have the choice of indoor and outdoor spaces, romantic backdrops, and a variety of services to help you bring your big day to life. The venues also are home to large decor collections they have been curating since day one, featuring centerpiece options, lanterns, table runners, faux greenery, faux candles, signs, cookie tiers and trays, and more that are available for all of their couples to use as part of their reception package.

Erick Dixon Recognized as Pittsburgh Business Times Person of the Move Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Council Representative, Erick Dixon, has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a prominent military veteran. He continues serving his country through his dedication to advocating for his fellow members and strengthening communities.

Member Spotlight & News The Lighthouse Foundation Announces Purchase of New Building and Expansion Site The Lighthouse Foundation is thrilled to announce that on October 31, 2025, the organization officially purchased and secured ownership of its new building site – a milestone made possible only by the grace and faithfulness of God. This marks the beginning of an exciting new season for The Lighthouse Foundation as they continue their mission to strengthen and serve their community throughout Butler County and beyond. Site work and planning will begin in early 2026, setting the stage for future growth and the launch of expanded outreach in 2027 and the years ahead. “This is more than a building – it’s a testament to God’s faithfulness,” said Victoria Spreng, Executive Director of The Lighthouse Foundation. “We’ve only begun to see the amazing things He has in store. This new facility will help us shine His light brighter, serve more families in need, and continue walking in faith as we share His love with our community.” As the organization moves toward construction and expansion, The Lighthouse Foundation is calling its team, partners, and community to remain steadfast and expectant. “Don’t get weary just yet,” Philip Mathew, Board President of The Lighthouse Foundation, added, “It’s real. It’s here. And the progress begins in just a few short months.” For The Lighthouse Foundation, this milestone signifies more than expansion--it reflects a deepening of our capacity to serve, to make an impact, and to live out our faith in action, continuing to bring light and hope to those who need it most.

Member Spotlight & News Giant Eagle Foundation Donates $1 Million to Food Banks Giant Eagle has also supported food banks through weekly food donations and its register donations campaigns. They said they donate the equivalent of 20 million meals annually.

North Country Brewing Co. Celebrated Pennsylvania’s Finest at the 2025 PRLA Educational Foundation Spirit of Hospitality Awards Cheers to all of the finalists of the 2025 PRLA Educational Foundation Spirit of Hospitality Awards, whose hard work and passion continue to lift up hospitality across Pennsylvania. And we’re beyond proud to celebrate Industry Supporter Award – Bob McCafferty, North Country Brewing Co. Bob took home the award for the entire state of Pennsylvania! This recognition is a true testament to his dedication to the industry, the community, and everyone who keeps PA hospitality moving forward.

Member Spotlight & News Range Resources Corporation Hosts Turkey Food Drive It’s that time of year again! The 2,000 Turkeys Food Drive was in full swing this month! Range volunteers and local students were in Canonsburg and Washington collecting donations to help Washington County families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. This year Range matched all donations up to $20,000.

Tammy Schuey Awarded News Media Industry Emerging Leader of the Year Huge congratulations to Tammy Schuey on her emerging leader award from the Pennsylvania News Media association. The 2025 News Media Industry Emerging Leader of the Year Award was presented to Schuey for her significant impact on Pennsylvania’s news media landscape and exemplary promise as a future leader in the industry.

Member Spotlight & News SRU Announces New Varsity Athletic Team: Women’s Flag Football Slippery Rock University will add a women’s flag football as a new varsity sport with a fundraising campaign set to launch in early 2026 and competition anticipated to begin during the 2027-28 academic year.

Univest Financial Featured in Times Square Univest Financial was proudly featured by Nasdaq in their prestigious “Banking on you” series.”

Troy-Alan Chevrolet, Slippery Rock Accepted the Chevrolet Mark of Excellence A special thank you to the wonderful customers at Troy-Alan Chevrolet and the Slippery Rock community! Troy-Alan Chevrolet have been proud to be in business here since 1993. The dealership proudly accepted the Chevrolet Mark of Excellence in honor of Troy Strezeski.

Member Spotlight & News SRU Announces Return of NCAA Men’s Team: Wrestling is Back Slippery Rock University has announced the return of men’s varsity wrestling with the goal to begin NCAA Divison II competition during the 2027-28 academic year.

Ian Grady SRU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Achieves 100 Career Wins Ian Grady, Slippery Rock University’s head coach for the Men’s Basketball Team, recently achieved 100 career wins, he is the 5th fastest active PSAC coach to 100 wins.

Bob Cupp Recognized with the Heaslip Media Award Slippery Rock University alumnus and current football play-by-play broadcaster Bob Cupp was recognized with the Heaslip Media Award presented by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Signature Event 2025 Community Champion Luncheon Presented by Butler County Community College On November 14, 2025, we celebrated the Annual Community Champion Luncheon, a cherished tradition since 2004, honoring individuals and organizations that have made a monumental impact on the betterment of our community. This year, we were proud to celebrate Concordia Lutheran Ministries, whose economic impact stems from its role as a large non-profit healthcare and human services provider, which includes providing jobs for thousands of employees, managing millions in assets, and offering extensive benevolent care. Additionally, it contributes thousands of dollars per year through charitable grants, which are managed by its foundation. Concordia played a leading role in bringing the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic to Butler County in 2023. That year, the clinic provided free healthcare services to more than 330 individuals, delivering an estimated $183,000 in essential care to our community. Their commitment continues — Concordia is set to host another RAM Clinic in November 2025, further demonstrating their dedication to expanding access to life-changing healthcare for those in need. About the Award: The Community Champion Award highlights local pioneers whose dedication and efforts have significantly contributed to the welfare and development of our community. It is awarded to those who go above and beyond to make Butler County a better place to live, work, and grow. Past recipients have included a diverse mix of individuals and organizations, all united by their selfless commitment to community service. About the Honoree: Since 1881, Concordia Lutheran Ministries has been a place with a mission of caring. A place for healing. A place to feel comfortable. And a place where heartfelt Christian faith and a strong sense of service to others help us make a difference every day.

The Chamber’s Happenings Friday Morning Coffee Club @ Armstrong Thank you to Armstrong for hosting our guest location coffee club! It was a great morning full of networking, coffee, laughs, and most of all Donut Connection Donuts!

Back Home BBQ & Brew Co. Our mixer with Back Home BBQ & Brew Co. was a hit, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! The event was a relaxed and stress-free environment for all which allowed for the perfect opportunity to make connections and expand professional networks.

The Chamber’s Happenings Shakti Yoga & Pilates Ribbon Cutting Shakti Yoga & Pilates recently had their Student Appreciation/Open House! They had a BLAST meeting new friends, showing off their Pilates equipment, and celebrating all of those who made the event possible! They shared a big thanks to their vendors: Baked By the B’s, The Unlikely Hippie, Radiance Astrology, and Emily Hiles.

Business Resources We provide free and confidential one-on-one business counseling by phone, email, and in-person in Southwestern Pittsburgh. We also conduct workshops for both start-up entrepreneurs and seasoned small business owners.

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Our mission is to empower all small business owners to grow thriving businesses that sustain their families and support their communities. Services provided for free Contact EF The mission of the Small Business Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh is to grow the economy of Western Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses.

Contact SBDC For more than 65 years, Pursuit, formerly known as New York Business Development Corporation, The 504 Company, and Excelsior Growth Fund, has offered innovative lending solutions to help business owners in CT, IL, NY, NJ, and PA follow their dreams.

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January Featured Event Butler County Emerging Entrepreneurs Shark Tank Competition Launch Party Date: January 28th, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Location: Fun Fore All Join us for the official Shark Tank Competition Launch Party, an energetic kickoff celebration designed to build excitement, introduce key partners, and raise community awareness ahead of the upcoming Butler County Emerging Entrepreneurs Shark Tank pitch competition. This engaging evening will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, sponsors, and community members to officially launch the program and set the stage for the competition ahead.

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Your Monthly Butler County Fun Fact... Did you know? A Stealthy Toy Store One of the county’s quirkiest landmarks is Playthings Etc., a family-run toy store housed in a building shaped like a futuristic stealth bomber spaceship. Located along Route 8, this angular, black building instantly catches the eye. Inside, it’s filled with over 6,000 toys and gadgets in a space-age setting. Billed as “The World’s Coolest Toy Store,” Playthings Etc. lives up to its name – where else can you shop for toys inside a giant stealth craft?

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