Issuu

The Voice of Vibrancy

Vol. 1 Issue 12 December 2025

Letter From The President What a year 2025 was... We made it through another one, Butler County—and we should all be proud. Along the way, we shared moments of joy and success, navigated challenges and hardships, and ultimately continued moving forward together. As we close out the year, we’re putting the cherry on top of yet another chapter of growth and development for our community. If you were one of the 6,000+ readers across 12 different countries who viewed our monthly newsletter... one of the 5,000+ attendees at our events… one of our nearly 12,000 social media followers… one of the 105,000+ visitors to our website… or part of the nearly 1.8 million social media impressions we generated this year,

thank you. Your engagement, your trust, and your belief in the Chamber’s mission are what allow us to expand our reach and amplify the impact of our work. To our volunteers, stakeholders, employees, community investors, and partners—those who gave their time, talent, and treasure throughout the year—we are deeply grateful. None of this happens without you. I hope you enjoy this year-end recap. Now, saddle up and get ready for 2026—a year where we intend to push the needle even further, break new records, and reach new heights together. It remains the single most extraordinary opportunity of my career to serve as your Chamber President and to work alongside all of you—true salt-of-the-earth people who care deeply about this community and one another. Happy New Year to you all. See you in 2026!

Jordan Grady

Follow My Socials!

President Butler County Chamber of Commerce

#BowTieBusinessGuy BC

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Wrapping Up the Holidays With Reflecting on the Holidays to Become a Stronger, More Resilient Version of You. Christmas trees are adorned in twinkling lights and shiny bulbs. The smell of cherrywood fills the room as the fire burns. Families are snuggled up under fuzzy blankets and sipping on warm hot chocolate while watching their favorite Christmas movie. The Christmas season is one that engages all five senses. How could one not be happy during the most wonderful time of the year? Behind the smiles, there is a side to the holidays no one talks about. Feelings of anxiety and depression spike during the holidays. Alcohol and substance use spike during the holidays. There are numerous factors contributing to these spikes in mental health concerns. Societal pressures, especially for mothers, to have it all together for Christmas (shopping, decorating, baking, coordinating activities, wrapping presents) are one contributing factor. Additionally, holiday parties where drinks are flowing create pressure to become intoxicated. This is concerning for all ranges of the alcohol use spectrum, ranging from non-use/dry all the way to Alcohol Use Disorder. Trauma and strained relationships are other contributing factors. Remembering loved ones who have passed or who are estranged elicit feelings of anxiety and depression. During a season of what is supposed to be happy, anxiety and depression are feelings that are not complementary to the feeling of happiness. To ease and escape the discomfort, one might turn to a glass of wine at bedtime to quiet their mind. Sure, this might be a quick fix for one night, but it is a band aid in the long-term. The discomfort in having feelings that are not complementary of each other is a part of the human experience, even at Christmas time.

h Alexandra Dimoff When the Christmas decorations come down, it feels like the most wonderful time of the year has come to an end. Our five senses become less engaged as we do not have the sight of twinkling lights on the Christmas tree and the sound of iconic one-liners in movies like Christmas Vacation and Home Alone. Like the trees outside in winter, we are baring it all with our emotions. Rather than trying to find a quick fix and push these feelings down to ease your discomfort, I invite you to process all your emotions, validate them, and use this season to become a stronger and more resilient version of yourself that will last in the seasons to come.

-Sincerely,

Alexandra Dimoff Licensed Professional Counselor

Signature Events Grateful for a Year of Connection, Celebration, and Community Our Signature Events are more than a date on the calendar. They are moments where relationships are built, businesses are celebrated, ideas are shared, and leaders come together with a purpose. These events reflect the Chamber’s mission to connect, support, and champion our members. None of this would be possible without our generous sponsors, volunteers, board members, partners, and attendees who invest their time in energy selflessly into growing others and making each event impactful. Your engagement fuels the embers laid throughout the year, sparking the fire in entrepreneurs and professionals who are driven to grow, not only themselves but the place we call home. As we look ahead, we do so with appreciation and excitement for all that’s been accomplished and what is yet to come. Thank you for being part of our Chamber story, and for making every event a true celebration of Butler County.

Signature Events State of the County Presented by Independence Health System

Signature Events Employee Appreciation Luncheon Presented by Specialized and Unlimited Staffing

Signature Events State of the Commonwealth Presented by Pennsylvania American Water

Signature Events Wayne Conley Memorial Golf Outing Presented by Concordia Lutheran Ministries

Signature Events Family Fun Night

Thanks to State Rep. Marci Mustello!

Signature Events Celebrate Business Dinner Presented By Pennsylvania American Water

Signature Events Dan Swartz Memorial Clayshoot Presented by Wesbanco

Signature Events Women Shaping Our Region Presented by Armstrong

Signature Events Trick or Treat at Preston Park with Butler Township

Signature Events Community Champion Luncheon Presented by BC3

Signature Events Celebrate the Season Holiday Gathering

Butler County Chamber Energy Program Since launching last summer, our energy program has delivered... MEET THE EXPERTS

thousands in cost savings for our members and reinvested hundreds more into the community investment fund. Let our local energy experts help you uncover costsaving opportunities for your business today!

With 50 years of combined experience in the energy industry, Dave Grupp and Stephanie Grenier help our members in making the right choice for their business.

To learn more about our program or get a free price quote, scan the QR code or click HERE to visit our ‘Energy’ program page.

info@greenclimateconsulting.com

Butler County Women’s Alliance The Butler County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance (BCWA) closed out its second year with a series of successful quarterly events that reinforced the strength, focus, and growing influence of the group. Each quarter brought together women from across industries to engage in meaningful discussion, professional development, and leadership-driven programming that continues to define the Alliance’s purpose. Over the course of the year, each event built upon the last creating continuity, momentum, and measurable growth. Speakers, conversations, and shared experiences intertwined into a web of professional connections, forming a network that supports collaboration, advancement, and leadership development well beyond the meeting room. As BCWA looks ahead, the foundation built during this second year positions the Alliance for continued impact. With strong participation, relevant programming, and a clear commitment to elevating women in business, the Women’s Alliance remains a driving force within the Chamber and the broader Butler County professional community.

BCWA Quarter One - Building Wealth and Planning for Your Future

BCWA Quarter Two - Day One or One Day

BCWA Quarter Three - Breaking Barriers and Building Leaders

BCWA Quarter Four - Supporting Yourself, Supporting Others

Friday Morning Coffee Club The Butler County Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Clubs remained one of the most accessible and relationship-driven ways for members to connect throughout the year. Held on the first three Fridays of each month at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Butler and the final Friday at Chamber member businesses across the county, these informal mornings created a welcoming, conversational space for consistent connection. Guest-location Coffee Clubs highlighted local businesses, giving attendees insight into the host while encouraging meaningful conversation among professionals. With no formal agenda, hosts Mark Buchek and Audrianna Bly create a comfortable and approachable setting where both new and longtime members felt comfortable sharing about their professional & personal lives’. Over the years, Coffee Club has proven that strong connections often grow from simple moments. These gatherings continue to strengthen the ties between professionals and entrepreneurs. Reinforcing the Chamber’s mission to connect businesses, encourage collaboration, and support an engaged business community throughout Butler County. Weekly Coffee Club at Spring Hill Suites

Friday Morning Coffee Club Armco Credit Union - Mars

Roosters Coffee - Slippery Rock

Friday Morning Coffee Club The Chamber Office - Butler

Quality Life Services - Chicora

Friday Morning Coffee Club Armco Park - Slippery Rock

Franklin West Forest Heights Apartment Complex - Butler

Friday Morning Coffee Club Giant Eagle - Slippery Rock

Fun Fore All - Cranberry

Friday Morning Coffee Club Armstrong - Butler

Top Tier Federal Credit Union - Butler

Training Series in Partnership with ANR This year, the Butler County Chamber of Commerce strengthened its professional development offerings through a new training partnership with the Alliance for Nonprofit Resources (ANR). Together, the Chamber and ANR introduced a series of educational sessions designed to meet businesses and nonprofits where they are! The partnership launched with an AI Lunch & Learn that explored how tools like custom GPTs, NotebookLM, and DALL·E can help organizations save time, streamline tasks, and enhance creativity. In September we offered, a training which equipped nonprofit board members with strategies to become more confident and effective fundraising leaders. Finally, we ended the year with a cybersecurity-focused session that highlighted common threats and shared simple, actionable steps to protect sensitive business and organizational data. These trainings reflect the Chamber’s commitment to offering education that is timely, accessible, and immediately valuable. By partnering with ANR and trusted experts, the Chamber is pleased to provide opportunities that help organizations adapt, grow, and operate more confidently—whether embracing new technology, strengthening leadership, or safeguarding critical information.

Chamber x ANR Trainings Unlock Your Boards Fundraising Potential

Chamber x ANR Trainings Donuts and Data Defense “Think Before You Click”

Chamber x ANR Trainings Ai Unleashed: Boosting Business With Smart Automation

Ribbon Cuttings Newhaven Court at Clearview Remodeled First Floor

UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care Launching 81 New Locations

Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital & Pet Salon - Grand Opening

Michael Bonelli Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening

Grows On Main - Grand Opening of New Location In Zelienople

Lowlev Brewing - Grand Opening of New Location In Zelienople

Ribbon Cuttings Cranberry Donut Connection Grand Opening

Bennie’s 9 Diner Grand Opening

Alameda Park Three One-of-a-Kind Playground Structures

Chicora Sporting Goods Grand Reopening

Ryan Homes – Glad Run Ribbon Cutting

Little Red School House Reopening

Ribbon Cuttings Shakti Yoga & Pilates Grand Opening

UPMC Passavant Cranberry Grand Opening

Green Cabbage Inc. Corporate Headquarters - Grand Opening

Lutheran SeniorLife Benbrook Place - Grand Opening

Cummings’ Candy and Coffee House - Expansion of South Shop

OnlyFire Grand Opening

Ribbon Cuttings Congratulations to all the businesses who have opened this year and contributed to shaping our regions business community!

Mixers Throughout the year, our monthly networking mixers brought local professionals together in relaxed, welcoming settings across Butler County. Held in the evenings at rotating locations, the mixers provided a consistent opportunity to connect, build relationships, and stay engaged with the local business community. Each mixer focused on effective networking, allowing attendees time to meet new contacts and strengthen existing connections. Many also featured guest speakers or spotlights that highlighted local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners. We are grateful to all the locations that hosted, the guest speakers who shared their time and insight, and everyone who attended and supported our mixers throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing these connections and seeing everyone again at our 2026 mixers.

Mixers January - North Country Brew Pub

Mixers February - Your Parent’s Basement

Mixers March - Hardwood Cafe

Mixers April - Recon Brewing

Mixers May - Slippery Rock Golf Club

Mixers June - Dented Keg

Mixers July - Helltown Brewing

Mixers August - Harmony Inn

Mixers September - 11th Frame

Mixers November - Back Home BBQ

Mixers December - Johnny’s Distillery

Affiliates Butler County Young Professionals (BCYP) The Butler County Young Professionals is a distinguished assembly of driven individuals employed at Butler County Organizations, who are embarking on promising careers, recognized as future leaders within the county, deeply committed to their community, and devoted to shaping a brighter future for all in Butler County. This dynamic group was established in 2008, grounded in the following principles: community service, mentorship, professional development, and fostering social connections.

Provided 500 Children with Halloween Costumes During Their Annual Ghouls for Good Costume Drive!

Graduation post

Affiliates Butler County Youth Leadership Program (BCYLP) The 2017 Leadership Butler County class, in collaboration with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Slippery Rock University, and Butler County Community College, successfully established the Butler County Youth Leadership Program (BCYLP). This initiative was born with a noble mission: to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issues, resources, and opportunities within Butler County, while also imparting essential knowledge about the essence of “community leadership” and the requisite skills for effective community leadership. BCYLP is committed to nurturing graduates who are not only enlightened but also dedicated contributors to our community.

25+ graduates from the Butler Area School District

Affiliates Leadership Butler County Leadership Butler County stands as one of Pennsylvania’s most enduring and esteemed leadership development programs, boasting an impressive legacy of more than 30 graduating classes and a thriving alumni network exceeding 600 members to date. Guided by a dedicated 15-member board, Leadership Butler County consistently assembles diverse cohorts of professionals representing a wide spectrum of industries and career stages. Our participants include Presidents/CEOs, small business owners, emerging young professionals destined for leadership roles, and dedicated nonprofit professionals, among others.

Class of 2024 Project Ribbon Cutting

Leadership Butler County Class of 2025 Murder Mystery Fundraising Dinner

Helltown Brewing Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser

Leadership Butler County Class of 2025 Breaking Ground

Class of 2025 Graduation

Graduation post

Affiliates Southern Butler County Business Association (SBCBA) The Southern Butler County Business Association (SBCBA) was founded in September of 2023. The SBCBA boasts an inaugural Board of Directors with 17 members from a diverse range of industries. This year we saw strides towards the growth of SBCBA. SBCBA was able to launch several new events and programs to increase the value provided to their membership! From educational rountables discussing local politics and networking events, to member to member competition, they were able to offer exciting experiences new experiences, not seen anywhere else in Butler County!

Legislative Roundtable at South College

SBCBA Battle of the Businesses at Fun Fore All

Business Before Breakfast Series

Graduation post

Affiliates Slippery Rock Business Association (SRBA) The Slippery Rock Business Association (SRBA) continued to build on its strong foundation this year, carrying forward a mission that began in 2004 when local business owners came together to support growth and collaboration in the Slippery Rock area. Now approaching 90 members, the SRBA remains a thriving affiliate of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, benefiting from shared resources while maintaining a distinct local focus. Through regular meetings, ongoing member engagement, and a commitment to strengthening the regional business climate, the SRBA continues to support existing businesses while welcoming new ones! Their President Demi Rossman embodies the enthusiasm first seen at its inaugural meeting two decades ago, and retains the organization’s driving force in her local economy.

Thanks for Giving Luncheon

SRBA Picnic In the Park

Lunch & Learn

Graduation post

Chamber Happenings Volunteering at the Arc Butler County Career Readiness Day

Visiting the Children's Advocacy Center Open House

Chamber Happenings Jordan Emceed Butler Downtown’s Award Night

U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s Staff Tour Butler County

Chamber Happenings Advocacy Trip to Harrisburg & State Treasury Vault Tour

Brewing Butler County Brewers’ Co-op Collab Beer

Chamber Happenings Manufacturing Day Held at Butler Intermediate High School

Chick-Fil-A Pop-Up Hosted Outside of the Chamber’s Office

Chamber Happenings Community Service Committee Cleans Up Butler

Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Union Open House

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.

Contact Score

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.

Contact Pursuit

Your Monthly Butler County Fun Fact... Did you know? Zombie Cinema History in Evans City Butler County holds a special place in horror movie lore. The Evans City Cemetery was the filming location for the iconic opening scenes of George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968). Fans still visit this rural graveyard to see where the first zombie staggered on screen, cementing Evans City’s status as a pilgrimage site for horror enthusiasts. (Yes – the original zombie flick was filmed right here in Butler County!)

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