Issuu

The Voice of Vibrancy

September 2026 Vol. 2 Issue 9 The Butler County Heritage Bell stands at the Butler County Courthouse as a visual tribute to our region’s legacy for the America250 celebration. Featuring icons like Moraine State Park and the Bantam Jeep, the bell can be viewed through 2026; visit America250PAButler.org to see sculptures from across the Commonwealth.

In This Issue

Advertise In The Newsletter! Advertising opportunities coming soon! As part of our E-Newsletter, we are currently gathering essential data to accurately determine our rates. Join Waiting List

Submit Member News! To feature your good news in our monthly newsletter, please submit it to the Chamber of Commerce by the 15th of each month. Don't forget to include a high-resolution logo! Submit Good News

Subscribe To Our Email List! Our email list reaches nearly 5,000 active subscribers, boasting open and click rates well above the national industry average! Each email blast is packed with everything Chamber, along with submitted content and resources designed to help you expand your network. Sign-Up For Email

Letter from the President

Featured Nonprofit: The Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center

Featured Corporation: Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Featured Small Business: Total Business Solutions

Featured Event: Chamber Celebrate Business Dinner

Cool People Doing Cool Things: Jeff Beckstead

Member News

SRU Celebrates Historic Fall 2026 Enrollment Growth Butler Technologies New Video Series Pioneer Pursuit Raises Nearly $11,700 for BC3 Athletics Programs Butler Memorial Hospital Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients Newhaven Court Butler Memorial Hospital Earns Statewide Patient Safety Recognition New UPMC Specialty Care Destination Coming to Clearview Mall The Gaiser Center's Ellen's House Tour with Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Latika Davis-Jones South College Expands Graduate Education Independence Health System Recognized for Supporting Organ Donation Butler Memorial Hospital Enhances Knee Replacement Surgery with New Robotic-Assisted Technology Faculty Volunteers Welcome Students and Families on Move-In Day 23 Rock Life Students Awarded DREAM Scholarships Independence Health System Expands Orthopedic and Spine Care in Butler and Clarion with Addition of Dr. Steven Hand Independence Health System Grows Primary Care Services

Member Spotlights

SRU Ranked Among “Best Colleges” Butler Area School District Teacher Honored with “10 Under 10” Award NexTier Compliance Officer Receives Honor Armstrong Great Lawn Was Named a ‘Great Public Space’ Seneca Resources Company Began New Partnership Money.com Ranks SRU Among the Best USX Federal Credit Union Helps Out the Butler County Humane Society

Letter From the President As the month of September comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on what has always been one of my favorite evenings of the year: our annual Celebrate Business Dinner. Nearly 300 members of our business community joined us on the beautiful campus of Slippery Rock University —my alma mater—to celebrate the people and organizations helping move Butler County forward. During the evening, we recognized our Entrepreneur of the Year, Chamber Champion, Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award recipient and a special recognition honoree, while also celebrating the newest graduates of Leadership Butler County. It is an honor to work on behalf of every member of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, but on this particular evening, we had the opportunity to focus the spotlight on a few who have made an extraordinary impact. You will find a full recap of the evening and our honorees throughout this issue. This month's newsletter also includes something a little different—and something I am especially excited to share. Typically, these pages feature one of our outstanding corporations or organizations. This month, however, we are turning the clock back 130 years to highlight the humble beginnings of the Butler Board of Trade, the organization that would eventually become the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. The inspiration came from an unexpected place. An incredible thrift find at Lil Birdy's Antiques & Decor led me to a historic Centennial Souvenir of Butler County filled with photographs, businesses, industries, institutions and people from the era in which our organization was founded. As I worked my way through its pages, what struck me most was not how different Butler County was in 1896. It was how familiar so much of it felt. Our predecessors were focused on attracting industry, strengthening local businesses, supporting infrastructure, developing community institutions and positioning Butler County for future growth. They understood the importance of manufacturing, energy, banking, education, healthcare and a thriving Main Street. They were bringing business and community leaders together to tackle challenges larger than any one person or organization could solve alone. Sound familiar? The technology has changed. The industries have evolved. Butler County has grown. But 130 years later, much of the work remains remarkably similar. I hope you enjoy this special look at where we came from, because understanding our history makes me even more excited about where we are going. A Tribute to Mark Buchek Before closing this month's letter, I want to dedicate a few words to someone who has played an important role in our more recent history. This year's recipient of the Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award was Mark Buchek. The award recognizes an alumnus of Leadership Butler County who demonstrates exceptional leadership and makes a meaningful difference both professionally and personally. I can think of no more deserving recipient. By day, Mark is the Commercial Loan Manager at Armco Credit Union, bringing more than two decades of local commercial lending experience to his work. Away from his desk, the list gets considerably longer: Leadership Butler County Board Chair, Friday Morning Coffee Club co-host, Chamber leader, charity DJ, celebrity dancer, emcee extraordinaire, community volunteer, husband, father, mentor, friend—and probably several other titles I am forgetting. Mark graduated from Leadership Butler County in 2015 and did something that defines him: he didn't simply graduate and move on. He stayed and gave back. He joined the Leadership Butler County Board and ultimately became its Chair, helping guide a program that is now entering its 33rd year.

His own Leadership Butler County class completed one of the most substantial six-figure class projects in the program's history—the PNC Pavilion on the campus of MHY Family Services. His support of MHY did not end with that project; records from the organization show his continued support in the years that followed. Mark also served as Chair of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2023. Our year together as Board Chair and President did not necessarily unfold the way either of us would have planned, largely because of circumstances outside our control. But leadership is rarely defined by what happens when everything goes according to plan. During Mark's year as Chair, the Chamber completed a comprehensive overhaul of our bylaws, policies, procedures and governing documents—work that had not been comprehensively undertaken in roughly two decades. It wasn't glamorous work. It wasn't something that generated headlines. But it was important work that strengthened this organization for those who would come after us. And that may be the best way I can describe Mark. He does the work that needs to be done, whether anyone is watching or not. Anyone involved with Leadership Butler County knows how much Mark does behind the scenes. He routinely takes on responsibilities that most people would assume are being handled by staff, particularly administrative responsibilities that require time, patience and attention to detail. He doesn't ask who is going to recognize him for doing it. He simply sees something that needs done and gets it done. There have been countless times when Mark's behind-the-scenes efforts have resulted in positive publicity, earned media, successful programs or recognition for the Chamber and Leadership Butler County—and the credit has gone somewhere else. He has never seemed particularly concerned about that. Mark doesn't care who gets the credit. He cares whether the job gets done. That is an increasingly rare quality, and it is one of the reasons this recognition means so much. Even when accepting the award, Mark spoke about how the encounters we have with others contribute to how we develop as leaders. It was an appropriate reflection from someone who has spent so much of his own time developing the leaders around him. For me, however, this one is also personal. Mark has been more than a Board Chair or volunteer. He has been a mentor, a sounding board and, most importantly, a friend. There have been plenty of serious conversations over the years, plenty of laughs, probably a few disagreements, countless events—and apparently we can now add a charity dance-off to the list. For the record, our recent competition helped support the Butler County Humane Society, so regardless of what happened on the dance floor, the community won. Mark represents what Leadership Butler County is supposed to produce: someone who doesn't simply learn how to lead, but chooses to use that leadership in service to others. So, Mark, thank you. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for the countless hours nobody sees. Thank you for always being willing to step up when something needs done. Thank you for believing in Leadership Butler County and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for your mentorship and your friendship. And thank you for your continued dedication to the organizations and people working every day to make Butler County—and the communities beyond it—better. I can never adequately thank you for everything you have done. As we close September, we celebrate people like Mark, reflect on another incredible Celebrate Business Dinner and begin commemorating 130 years of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. From a group of business leaders gathering in 1896 to an organization representing more than 1,100 members today, generations of people have given their time, talents and treasure to move this organization and Butler County forward. We inherited their work. Now it is our turn to build upon it. Here is to the next 130 years.

Jordan Grady President of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Gaiser Center

Featured Nonprofit Featured Nonprofit: The Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Center As we celebrate our 55th anniversary, we are proud to say the Ellen O’ Brien Gaiser Center is Butler County’s longest-standing addiction treatment center. As a nonprofit organization, we have upheld a reputation for one of the region’s most trusted programs for substance use disorder. We integrate time-tested methods with the newest care innovations, supported by experienced, compassionate staff and modern facilities. Our inpatient program is also recognized as a Pennsylvania Center of Excellence for opioid use and disorder treatment. Gaiser is uniquely positioned to provide the highest quality care for the families we serve.

We are also excited to announce Gaiser’s newest program, Greene County Withdrawal Management Facility, which provides safe, trauma-informed detox services that are the first of their kind in Greene County. We are dedicated to helping individuals struggling not only with alcohol addiction but also opioid addiction. We encourage anyone interested in how we help individuals recover to visit our website at GasierCenter.com or call us at (724) 256-8882.

Since 1971, we have grown from a men’s dropin program to a comprehensive resource focused on long-term treatment options for both men and women. We incorporate evidence-based, client-centered treatment modalities while providing education and support in a welcoming, encouraging environment. We have three locations in Butler County: our inpatient facility, located on Old Plank Road; our outpatient facility, located on Liberty Street; and Ellen’s House, the county’s first sober living home. This three-quarter house helps women re-enter the workforce and reunite with their families after completing a formal treatment program. Named after Ellen O’Brien Gaiser, the facility is family-focused, and women with children are encouraged to have their kids visit and stay over. Ellen was an advocate for women struggling with alcohol addiction, and Ellen’s house is one of the many ways that her legacy is being honored today. Ellen helped put recovery on the map, and we are dedicated to continuing her passion for individuals seeking help on their recovery journey.

Ellen’s House located on Liberty Street in Butler

Gaiser Center’s outpatient treatment center located on Liberty Street in Butler

Innovation is at the heart of what we do at the Gaiser Center. Our programming has expanded and offers community education programs for schools in Butler and surrounding counties. Addiction Aware teaches students and adults about drug and alcohol addiction and explains our drug and alcohol services.

Gaiser Center’s inpatient treatment center located on Old Plank Road in Butler

Volunteer Portal A Central Place for Volunteer Opportunities in Butler County, PA The Volunteer Portal provides a simple way to share and find volunteer opportunities across Butler County. It is designed for individuals looking to get involved and nonprofit organizations looking to reach volunteers. For Nonprofit Organizations

For Volunteers

Submit one-time or ongoing

Browse volunteer opportunities

volunteer opportunities to share

from local nonprofits in one place.

with individuals who are

Each listing includes details about

actively looking to get involved

the role, time commitment,

in the community.

and how to get started. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more and submit opportunities at anrinfo.org/volunteer The Volunteer Portal is a partnership between Alliance for Nonprofit Resources and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Featured Corporation 130 Years of Building Butler: The Story of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce In 1896, Butler County was a community on the move. Oil and natural gas had transformed communities across the county. Manufacturing was expanding. Glass, iron and machinery were becoming important parts of the local economy. Banks were growing alongside the businesses they financed. Main Street was bustling with commerce. A hospital had been established to serve a growing population, and what was then the Slippery Rock State Normal School was beginning its journey toward becoming one of our region’s most important educational institutions. And amid all of that growth, a group of Butler’s business and community leaders came together around an idea that still sounds remarkably familiar 130 years later: Butler was stronger when its business community worked together. That idea became the organization we know today as the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

It Started at the Courthouse

The story begins in the Butler County Courthouse. In 1896, local business leaders gathered there to discuss the future of the community and the need for an organization dedicated to advancing Butler’s commercial and industrial interests. The organization was initially known as the Butler Board of Trade. This was not simply a social organization for businessmen. From its earliest days, the Board of Trade was focused on growth. Its members organized committees, promoted Butler outside the community, worked to attract industry and advocated for improvements they believed would strengthen the local economy. On December 22, 1896, J. Henry Troutman was elected the organization's first president.

Troutman was deeply connected to Butler's business community. Historical records from the period show him serving as secretary of Standard Plate Glass Works, one of the community's most significant industrial enterprises. That connection is important. The people who created what would eventually become our Chamber weren't observing Butler's economy from the sidelines. They were the bankers, merchants, manufacturers, professionals and civic leaders building it. And their meeting place was fitting. The Butler County Courthouse was not only the center of county government; it became the earliest home of an organization created to bring the public and private sectors together for Butler's future.

A Community Built on Industry

To understand why the Chamber was created, you have to understand the Butler County of the late 1800s. A remarkable surviving publication from that era, the Centennial Souvenir, offers a snapshot of the community our founders knew. One page boldly describes Standard Plate Glass Works as “Butler's Greatest Industrial Enterprise.” The sprawling industrial complex represented the type of manufacturing growth reshaping Butler. Its leadership included J. Henry Troutman, connecting one of Butler's major employers directly to the newly organized business community. But glass was only part of the story. Star Iron Works, established by Jos. B. Sherman in 1894, manufactured machinery, gas engines, oil-well supplies and other equipment. Its existence reflected the interconnected nature of Butler County's economy. Oil and gas created demand for equipment. Machine shops and manufacturers supplied it. Railroads moved products. Banks financed expansion. Main Street businesses served the people working in those industries.

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Main Street: The Center of It All

The Centennial Souvenir devoted an entire section to “The Oil and Gas Industry,” documenting an industry that had already dramatically changed Butler County.

Perhaps nothing captures the Butler of that era better than photographs of Main Street. Horse-drawn wagons shared the street with pedestrians. Storefronts lined both sides of the business district. Telephone and utility poles reflected new technology. Banks, professional offices, merchants and gathering places made Main Street the commercial center of the community.

Its photographs show derricks rising above communities such as Cooperstown and Bruin and workers gathered outside the Mutual Pipe Company. Oil development had brought investment, jobs, entrepreneurs and rapid growth to communities throughout the county. More than a century later, energy and manufacturing remain central to Butler County's economy. The technology has changed. The scale has changed. The names of many of the companies have changed. But the relationship between energy, manufacturing and Butler County has endured.

Banking on Butler

Economic expansion also required capital.

It was, quite literally, the main artery of economic prosperity.

The Butler County National Bank, established in 1890, was among the institutions serving the growing community when the Chamber was founded. Historical photographs show not only its leadership but its vault and interior — reminders of how quickly Butler's financial infrastructure was developing alongside its industries.

One particularly fascinating image from the period looks beyond the Butler that existed and imagines what the city might look like in 1950. That image matters because it tells us something about the people who lived here. They were thinking about the future.

Businesses needed financing. Workers needed financial institutions. Entrepreneurs needed access to capital.

They expected Butler to grow. They imagined new buildings, expanded commerce, improved infrastructure and a thriving city decades beyond their own lifetimes.

That remains true 130 years later. One of the Chamber's oldest roles has been connecting the different pieces of the economy. Today we might call it an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our founders probably would not have used that phrase, but they certainly understood the concept.

That spirit of optimism is one of the strongest connections between the organization founded in 1896 and the Chamber of 2026. A Chamber should care deeply about the community that exists today while constantly asking what the community can become tomorrow.

Businesses cannot grow in isolation. They need capital, customers, workers, infrastructure, education and a community willing to support them.

Building Institutions That Would Last

The same period also produced institutions whose impact extends well beyond the original founders.

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

The Butler County General Hospital opened to serve a growing community and provide care to people regardless of their ability to receive it elsewhere. The historic images of the hospital and its nurses provide an extraordinary look at the beginnings of organized hospital care in Butler.

Communities still compete for companies, jobs and capital investment. Businesses still evaluate infrastructure, workforce, utilities, transportation, available sites and the overall business climate before deciding where to invest.

That institution's story would continue through generations of expansion and transformation, ultimately becoming part of the healthcare system serving our region today and, soon, WVU Medicine.

The methods have become more sophisticated.

Education was growing as well.

The mission really hasn't changed. Our predecessors were selling Butler's advantages more than a century ago.

The Slippery Rock State Normal School, established in the late 1800s, was still in its infancy when the Chamber was founded. Historic photographs show its early buildings, students, dormitory life, athletics and even theatrical productions.

We are still selling them today.

Today, we know it as Slippery Rock University.

Horse-drawn wagons gave way to automobiles. Rail and heavy industry reshaped the landscape. Manufacturing grew and evolved. The automobile industry left an extraordinary mark on Butler through the creation of the Bantam Reconnaissance Car — the original Jeep — in 1940.

Those photographs [provided at the end of the article] are powerful because they show that economic development has never been only about factories and storefronts. A successful community needs education.

From the Board of Trade to the Chamber of Commerce

Over the decades, Butler changed dramatically.

Healthcare expanded. Higher education grew. New communities became economic centers of their own. Technology changed how businesses operated and how people communicated.

It needs healthcare. It needs culture.

The Butler Board of Trade evolved with the community and eventually became the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

It needs infrastructure. It needs strong institutions.

Its geographic reach expanded.

And it needs people willing to invest in all of them.

Its membership expanded.

Recruiting the Next Industry

The early Butler Board of Trade understood another concept that remains central to economic development today: communities have to compete for investment. The organization actively promoted Butler and pursued new businesses and industries.

Its programs expanded. But the central purpose remained remarkably consistent: bring people together to make Butler County a better place to do business and a better place to live.

130 Years Later

One example was its work surrounding Davis Lead Works, part of a broader effort to recruit manufacturing operations and expand Butler's industrial base. That should sound familiar to anyone involved in economic development today.

Today, the Butler County Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,100 members across Butler County and the surrounding region. Our membership looks very different from the organization assembled in the courthouse in 1896.

Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Manufacturers remain an important part of our membership, but so do healthcare providers, banks, schools and universities, restaurants, retailers, contractors, technology companies, professional services, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and businesses that our founders could never have imagined. Our work has expanded as well. We advocate for our employers at the local, state and federal levels. We support entrepreneurs and small businesses. We develop future leaders through Leadership Butler County and Butler County Youth Leadership. We connect young professionals. We work on workforce development, energy, manufacturing, economic development and community revitalization. We bring businesses together and create opportunities for relationships that might otherwise never happen. And increasingly, we are once again focused on something our predecessors understood very well: economic development. For years, Chambers across America have been asked what their role should be in economic development. But in Butler County, history provides a pretty clear answer. We were doing economic development before anyone called it economic development.

Different Century. Same Responsibility.

Looking through these photographs from the era in which our organization was founded is humbling. The people staring back at us could not have imagined the Butler County of 2026. They could not have imagined interstate highways, commercial aviation, the internet or smartphones. They certainly could not have imagined modern advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence or the technologies powering today's energy industry.

Someone has to advocate. Someone has to recruit investment. Someone has to support the entrepreneur willing to take a risk. Someone has to develop the next generation of leaders. Someone has to believe enough in a community's future to work toward something they may never personally see completed. In 1896, a group of Butler County leaders gathered in the courthouse and accepted that responsibility. One hundred and thirty years later, it belongs to us. As we celebrate this milestone, our goal is not simply to look backward. Our history should challenge us to look forward with the same ambition. The industries will continue to change. Technology will continue to change. Butler County will continue to change. And 130 years from now, another generation will inherit whatever we build today. The Butler County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 130th anniversary the same way it has served this community for the past 130 years: by supporting our members, bringing people together and being a trusted community partner. We will honor the people who built this organization. We will celebrate the businesses and institutions that built Butler County. And then we will get back to work building what comes next. Because after 130 years, the standard is still the standard.

But they understood something that remains true. Communities don't grow by accident. Someone has to bring people together.

A Business Podcast from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Butler County is one of Pennsylvania's fastest-growing counties and the number one county in the state for incoming private investment. The Ballad of Butler County brings you the stories behind that growth. Host Jordan Grady sits down with the entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders who are shaping Butler County's future, one conversation at a time.

Total Business Solutions

Featured Small Business Total Business Solutions: More Than a Tax Firm, Entrepreneurs Helping Entrepreneurs For Total Business Solutions (TBS), business is about much more than preparing a tax return. It’s about understanding the people behind each business, walking alongside them through every stage of their journey, and helping them build something that lasts.

The numbers are connected to every one of those decisions. Our job is to help business owners understand those connections and make informed decisions with the financial information in front of them.

When an entrepreneur starts a business, taxes are rarely the first thing on their mind. They are thinking about an idea. A customer. A first sale. Hiring their first employee. Buying equipment. Finding a building. Making payroll. Growing their team. Maybe eventually selling the business or passing it on to the next generation.

One of the things that makes TBS different is that we understand entrepreneurship from the inside. Our team works with business owners every day, but we also understand that owning a business is personal. It is the long nights, the risk, the employees who depend on the business, the customers who trust it and the decisions that don't always have an easy answer.

At TBS, we understand that journey because we are entrepreneurs, too. For more than a decade, TBS has built its business around a simple philosophy: we don't just work on a business; we work with the people behind it. While tax preparation and accounting are at the core of what we do, they are only part of the picture. Our goal is to serve as a trusted resource for business owners throughout the entire life cycle of their business, from the first idea to growth, transition and everything in between.

More Than Numbers on a Tax Return

A tax return tells a story about where a business has been, but a business owner needs to understand where the business is going. That is where TBS takes a different approach. Our team works with business owners to understand the bigger picture: What are they trying to accomplish? What keeps them up at night? Where do they want their business to be in five years? Are they hiring? Expanding? Purchasing another business? Preparing for retirement? Those questions often lead to conversations that go far beyond tax compliance. A profitable business can still struggle with cash flow. A growing company can outgrow its systems. Hiring employees creates new payroll and compliance responsibilities. Purchasing equipment can create tax planning opportunities. Buying or selling a business brings an entirely new set of financial considerations.

Entrepreneurs Helping Entrepreneurs

Business owners don't necessarily need another person simply telling them what their numbers are. They need someone who will help them understand what those numbers mean. That means asking questions, looking ahead and having conversations before a problem becomes a crisis. It means helping an entrepreneur understand whether it makes sense to hire another employee, how a new piece of equipment could affect the business, what entity structure may be appropriate, how to plan for taxes throughout the year or whether the business is financially prepared for its next stage of growth. And sometimes, it simply means having someone in their corner who understands what it is like to own a business.

Supporting the Entire Business Life Cycle

Every business is different, but most entrepreneurs travel through similar stages. TBS is designed to be a resource through each one.

Starting a Business

The beginning of a business is filled with decisions. What should the business structure be? How should the owner keep business and personal finances separate? What accounting system should be used? How should payroll be handled? What records need to be maintained? These early decisions can have long-term consequences.

Total Business Solutions

TBS helps entrepreneurs establish a strong financial foundation so they can focus on building the business itself. We work with new business owners on entity structure, accounting and bookkeeping processes, payroll, tax compliance and the financial systems they need to operate with confidence. Just as importantly, we help entrepreneurs think beyond opening day.

For example, when an entrepreneur is considering purchasing another business, the question isn't simply, "What will this cost?" There are questions about the financial health of the business being purchased, how the transaction should be structured, potential tax consequences, financing, payroll, employees and what the combined businesses will look like afterward.

Starting a business is one decision. Building a sustainable business is the goal.

These are the kinds of decisions where having an advisor involved before the transaction can make a meaningful difference.

Growing the Business

When It's Time to Think About What's Next

Once a business is established, the questions change. How do we increase profitability? Can the business afford to hire? Are we charging enough? Where is the cash going? Should the business purchase equipment? Is it time to expand? How do we prepare for the additional complexity that comes with growth?

Eventually, every business owner faces a question that can be difficult to think about: What happens to the business when they are no longer running it?

This is where accounting becomes a management tool rather than simply a compliance requirement.

For some owners, that means selling. For others, it means transitioning the business to a child or another family member. Some may bring in a partner or employee to take over operations.

TBS works with business owners to turn financial information into information they can actually use. Bookkeeping, payroll, financial reporting and tax planning aren't separate pieces of the business. They work together to provide a clearer picture of what is happening and what may be coming next.

Whatever the path looks like, succession planning shouldn't begin when the owner is ready to walk away. It takes time to understand the value of a business, identify potential buyers or successors, organize financial information and consider the tax implications of a future transition.

Our team helps business owners identify opportunities, understand potential tax implications and plan ahead rather than simply reacting when tax season arrives. We believe tax planning should happen throughout the year, not just when the calendar says it's time to file.

At TBS, we want to be part of those conversations before the transition becomes urgent. Because a successful business transition is about more than the final transaction. It's about preparing the business, the owner and the next chapter.

Helping Businesses Through Change

The Relationship Doesn't End When the Return Is Filed

Growth doesn't always happen in a straight line. Businesses change. Owners change. Industries change. A company may add a new location, purchase another business, bring on a partner, restructure its operations or experience a significant shift in revenue. TBS helps business owners navigate those moments by bringing financial and tax considerations into the conversation early.

For many traditional tax firms, the relationship can become centered around one major event: tax season. At TBS, tax season is just one part of the relationship. Our clients are business owners all year long, and so are we. We want our clients to reach out when something changes in their business. When they are considering hiring someone, purchasing equipment, buying another company, opening a new location or making a major investment, we want to be part of the conversation.

Total Business Solutions

Those conversations allow us to help business owners consider the financial and tax implications before a decision is made. That proactive relationship is at the heart of what we do.

A Community of Entrepreneurs

TBS's commitment to entrepreneurs doesn't stop with our clients. We believe strong businesses create strong communities. That is why our team is active in the business community, building relationships with other professionals and connecting entrepreneurs with resources that can help them succeed. We work alongside attorneys, financial planners, insurance professionals, bankers, business coaches and other trusted advisors because we know that no one professional can answer every question a business owner has. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is connect a client with the right person. Our involvement in organizations such as BNI, the Butler Chamber and other local business networks reflects that same philosophy. We believe in relationships, referrals and creating a community where business owners can learn from one another.

Built for Business Owners, By People Who Understand Business Owners

At the end of the day, TBS is more than a tax and accounting firm. We are a team of people who believe in small businesses, local entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. We understand that behind every set of financial statements is a person who took a risk. Someone who had an idea and decided to pursue it. Someone who signed a lease, hired an employee, made an investment and kept going when things got difficult.

Meet Kelly Bender, President of TBS

At the heart of Total Business Solutions is Kelly Bender, President and founder of TBS, who has spent more than 20 years helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the financial side of running a business. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Finance, Kelly built TBS around a vision that business owners deserve more than a tax preparer. They deserve a trusted advisor who understands their business and is invested in its success. With experience ranging from small businesses and S corporations to partnerships, real estate, high-net-worth individuals, multi-state taxation and complex business transactions, Kelly brings both technical expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset to her work. She has a particular passion for helping business owners think strategically about taxes, profitability, growth and their longterm goals. But for Kelly, the numbers are only part of the story. She believes the best advisory relationships are built on trust, communication and genuinely knowing the business owner behind the numbers. That philosophy has shaped TBS into a firm that looks beyond tax preparation to provide bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, business advisory and strategic guidance throughout the life cycle of a business.

That is why our work goes beyond numbers. We help entrepreneurs start. We help them grow. We help them navigate change. We help them plan for what's next. And through every stage, our goal remains the same: to be a trusted partner who helps business owners make informed decisions, build stronger businesses and create something they can be proud of.

From left to right: Joseph Bender, Kaylee Bender, Don Bender, Kelly Bender, Joshua Bender, Bryan Cairns

Because at TBS, we don't just prepare taxes for entrepreneurs. We help entrepreneurs build businesses.

Butler County Chamber Energy Program Since launching last summer, our energy program has delivered thousands in cost savings for our members... MEET THE EXPERTS

and reinvested hundreds more into the community investment fund. Let our local energy experts help you uncover cost-saving 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

Celebrate Business Dinner

Featured Event Chamber Celebrate Business Dinner The Robert M. Smith Student Center at Slippery Rock University was buzzing with business professionals on Wednesday, September 9, for the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Business Dinner. This annual event honors entrepreneurs and community leaders throughout the county. Jordan Grady, Chamber president, kicked off the evening by commemorating the achievements of the past year. One of the year's biggest accomplishments was the Leadership Butler County class of 2026 community project and fundraiser, highlighted during their graduation ceremony and remarks. This year’s class of 25 professionals representing a variety of Butler County organizations not only rebuilt the Butler County Humane Society’s dog enrichment area but also conceptualized and executed an entirely new fundraiser. Move over, Dancing with the Stars, Leadership Butler County Class of 2026 launched Dancing for a Cause. The event had the usual fundraiser flair—50-50 raffles and basket raffles full of prizes donated by local businesses and organizations—alongside stellar performances from Butler County celebrities. Each celebrity was paired with a student dancer, who taught and trained the celebrities for their big debut. The grand finale of the evening was the last dance-off between Jordan Grady, and Armco Credit Union’s commercial lending manager, Mark Buchek. Buchek took home the “Mirrorball” trophy. The Celebrate Business Dinner wrapped up with the awarding of three annual prizes: Leadership Excellence, Chamber Champion, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Each award recognizes a leader in the community in different ways. The Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award honors those who embody leadership, community involvement, and collaboration throughout Butler County. This year’s recipient, Mark Buchek, is incredibly dedicated to leadership in the community. He serves on the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Board, is currently serving as Board Chair for Leadership Butler County, and is directing the Chamber’s Friday Morning Coffee Club networking event. Mark is also involved with the Friends of Preston Park Foundation, the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Addiction Center, and the Risk Management Association.

Armco Credit Union took home another prize: the Glenn T. Miller Chamber Champion Award. This award recognized individuals and organizations that demonstrate commitment to the community through leadership, service, and partnership. Over the last 90 years, Armco has made a significant contribution to Butler County through the financial support of local nonprofits, community events, youth programs, and educational initiatives. In addition, Jim Hrabosky, CEO of Armco (who accepted the award alongside the Armco team) and the staff are a group dedicated to their community, serving on boards, participating in Chamber events, and supporting educational initiatives that build future leaders. The final award of the evening was the William A. Morgan Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact throughout Butler County. This year’s award was presented to Eric Cunningham, owner of Green Cabbage Inc. Over the past seven years, Green Cabbage Inc. has grown significantly, expanding to multiple offices around the globe. Eric has also made an impact by supporting the next generation of business leaders. He participated in the first Butler County Emerging Entrepreneurs Shark Tank Competition, serving as a “shark” for local entrepreneurs seeking funding to launch their businesses and investing his own capital in a local business venture. Green Cabbage Inc. also gives back to the community through initiatives that support entrepreneurship and scholarships through the Butler County Youth Leadership Program. The evening ended with a surprise special recognition of Russell Hearn, a SCORE Pittsburgh mentor, in honor of his work throughout Butler County and for entrepreneurs. Jordan spoke of Russ’s mentorship of numerous entrepreneurs and leaders across business sectors and professions, shining a light on someone whose behind-the-scenes support has been and continues to be vital to the community. Russ’s dedication couldn’t go unnoticed. The Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Business Dinner continues to be an evening of honoring the growth throughout the year by local business professionals and presenting the next generation of leaders as we look towards the future.

Celebrate Business Dinner

Jeff Beckstead

Cool People Doing Cool Things Jeff Beckstead: Connecting Students, Technology, Space, and Community For Dr. Jeffrey Beckstead, many of the most interesting projects begin with a simple question: What could happen if we brought the right people together? That question has taken Beckstead from a career in physics and high-performance digital imaging to educational robotics, community festivals, student space challenges and efforts to connect young people with businesses and professionals throughout the region. Beckstead earned degrees in physics and computer science from Lycoming College before receiving a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where his work involved plasma and fusion physics. For the next 30 years, his professional career focused on advancing digital imaging and pushing the boundaries of high-performance imaging in difficult applications, including digital, medical and hyperspectral imaging. His involvement with educational robotics began more than 25 years ago, initially as a LEGO robotics judge and then working with his children and other students through the South Butler LEGO League robotics team. He later helped establish the Pittsburgh regional FIRST Robotics Competition and has continued serving FIRST as a mentor and judge.

Many of those lessons happen through Mars Robotics outreach activities across Pennsylvania. A student may think he or she is simply excitedly telling someone about the team's cool robot. In the process, that student is learning to explain technical ideas, answer unexpected questions and confidently interact with adults and professionals. Those skills aren't taught by Beckstead alone. Professional mentors regularly bring real-world experience into Mars Robotics. Engineers, programmers, manufacturers and businesspeople work alongside students, giving them the opportunity to solve problems with people who solve problems for a living. Space exploration has provided an especially powerful way to make those connections. Mars, Pennsylvania, has something few communities can claim: its name immediately creates a connection to space. Beckstead and others have worked to turn that unusual name into an educational and community asset. The most visible example is Mars New Year, the community's space-themed festival. Beckstead now serves as Chairman of the Mars New Year nonprofit and is helping lead planning for the next festival, June 11 and 12, 2027.

After stepping away from his full-time career, Beckstead began putting considerably more energy into student education and community projects. A primary focus has been Mars Robotics Association, a nonprofit created by parents to expand robotics opportunities for students. Beckstead became involved in 2016 and has helped the organization grow through partnerships among students, parents, alumni, schools, professional mentors, businesses and community organizations. The robots get students excited, but Beckstead sees robotics as much more than building machines. Students design mechanical systems, fabricate parts, wire electronics and write software while developing communication, teamwork and critical-thinking skills and learning marketing, project management and fundraising.

Jeff Beckstead

Its Robotics Village brings together more than 15 robotics teams from across the tri-state area to demonstrate their programs to thousands of visitors. Students gain outreach experience while meeting NASA staff and other professionals, asking questions and exploring careers that may have seemed very distant before that conversation.

Sometimes the connections show up in unexpected places. For Knoch's recent production of Hadestown, Knoch students involved with Mars Robotics helped build and program a rotating 15-foot stage. Skills developed through robotics—fabrication, controls, programming and problem solving— suddenly became part of theater.

For 2027, Beckstead is working to make another connection—between Butler County and the space industry.

For Beckstead, that's the point. STEM skills don't have to stay in a robotics shop or science classroom. Education develops skills. Skills give people the confidence to create.

Many people may be surprised by the number of Butler County businesses contributing to space exploration. Some work directly with NASA, other space agencies or aerospace companies. Others manufacture a component or provide a specialized capability that ultimately becomes part of a spacecraft, launch vehicle, satellite or supporting system.

Creation supports technology, manufacturing and businesses. Businesses create careers and opportunities, and successful communities reinvest their experience and people into the next generation. Whether the setting is Knoch, FIRST, Mars Robotics, Moon 2 Mars or Mars New Year, a common theme runs through Beckstead's work: connections.

These companies may have excellent businessto-business relationships but little visibility to the general public. Someone may drive past the same brown industrial building every day without knowing that something happening inside is helping enable space exploration.

Connect a student with an engineer and a career becomes imaginable. Connect a school with a business and classroom learning becomes a real project. Connect robotics students with theater and technology helps bring a story to life. Connect a small Pennsylvania town named Mars with the space community and an unusual name becomes an extraordinary educational opportunity.

Beckstead wants students to help tell those stories. Students from several schools are being brought together to learn about area businesses involved in the space industry and turn what they learn into public-friendly, interactive exhibits for the 2027 festival. Students discover technologies, businesses and careers close to home, while companies gain an opportunity to tell their stories to the community—and perhaps meet future employees.

For Beckstead, retirement hasn't meant slowing down. It has meant having more time to ask, “What could we do next?” Increasingly, the answer is to bring people together, give young people an opportunity to do something real—and see what they can accomplish.

If your Butler County business does work for the space industry—even one small part of a much larger system—the Mars New Year team wants to hear from you. The same philosophy extends into Moon 2 Mars, an effort connecting students and the public with the people and technologies involved in humanity's return to the Moon and eventual exploration of Mars. The objective isn't simply to encourage students to become astronauts. Exploration will need engineers and scientists, but also manufacturers, technicians, communicators, designers, medical professionals and business leaders.

Jeff Beckstead and Mars Robotics Team pose at the S Central Qualifier 2024

Member News

Member News SRU Celebrates Historic Fall 2026 Enrollment Growth There is a lot of momentum at the Rock this fall, as more students and their families continue to choose Slippery Rock University as the place to begin or continue their academic journey.

May said the university’s continued growth reflects the work of the entire campus community, including the faculty and staff who support students throughout their time at SRU.

SRU welcomed its largest first-year class in university history this fall, along with a record number of graduate students, according to preliminary enrollment data released Sept. 16. The numbers offer a snapshot of a university that continues to attract students at multiple stages of their education while building on the experiences and opportunities that make campus feel like home.

“From the classroom to advising, mentoring, and the many experiences that help students find their path, we are creating an environment where students can thrive at every stage of their academic journey,” he said. “We’re proud of the progress we’re making together and even prouder that students are choosing The Rock.”

This fall, 1,627 first-year, full-time students joined the SRU community, marking a 5% increase over last fall. At the graduate level, 1,577 students enrolled, marking a 2.6% increase from 2025 and setting a new university record. Overall enrollment stands at 8,654 students, a 0.3% increase from last year. For Michael May, SRU’s vice president for enrollment management, the growth represents more than numbers on an enrollment report. It reflects the decisions students and families are making as they look for a university where they can learn, grow, and find their own path. “Welcoming the largest first-year class in Slippery Rock University’s history is a powerful sign that more students and families are choosing The Rock as their first-choice destination,” May said. “This growth, as well as our record number of graduate students, reflects the trust families place in SRU and the commitment of our faculty and staff to invest in every student who joins our campus community.”

The university’s official enrollment snapshot is taken on the 15th day of classes, which fell on Sept. 15 this year. That date is used for national and state reporting purposes, providing an important benchmark for understanding who is part of the SRU community each fall. While the current numbers are considered preliminary, the story they tell is already taking shape. Students are arriving at The Rock in record numbers, graduate enrollment has reached a new high, and overall enrollment remains slightly ahead of last year. As the fall semester continues, those numbers will become people, classrooms, conversations, friendships, and experiences that shape another year at SRU. For a university focused on helping students find their path, this growth represents not only where The Rock is today, but the community it continues to build for the future.

That investment can take many forms during a student’s time at SRU, from the classroom and academic advising to mentoring, campus involvement, and the experiences that help students discover what they want their future to look like. For students arriving on campus for the first time, those opportunities become part of the transition into college life. For graduate students, they can help shape the next step in an academic or professional journey.

Member News

Butler Technologies New Video Series What goes into designing a product that not only works, but works well for the people who will use it? The answer often comes down to a series of engineering decisions made long before a finished product reaches the customer. In our new video series, Fireside Chats with Mike Wagner, Professor Mike Wagner takes a practical look at six decisions that can make a difference when developing custom user interfaces, graphic overlays, printed electronics, and other engineered components. Drawing on his engineering expertise, Mike breaks down the considerations product designers and manufacturers encounter throughout the development process and offers insight into how thoughtful decisions early in the process can shape the final result.

From the materials and technologies involved to the way components need to perform within a finished product, each decision plays a role in creating something that meets both technical requirements and real-world needs. The six-part series is designed to make those conversations approachable and useful, whether you are working on a new product, refining an existing design, or simply interested in what happens behind the scenes when engineering and manufacturing come together. Watch Fireside Chats with Mike Wagner to hear Professor Mike share his expertise and explore the practical decisions that can help bring custom-engineered components from an idea to a finished product.

Member News

Pioneer Pursuit Raises Nearly $11,700 for BC3 Athletics Programs The finish line at Butler County Community College looked a little different this year. Alongside runners crossing the line after the 5K, children sprinted through a 100-meter dash, walkers made their way along the course, student-athletes cheered from the sidelines, and families gathered in BC3’s central oak grove for the first-ever Finish Line Festival. Together, the Pioneer Pursuit event brought nearly 90 volunteers and dozens of participants to BC3’s main campus in Butler Township on Sept. 12, raising nearly $11,700 to support the college’s intercollegiate athletics programs. The annual event included a 5K race with 33 runners, a 1-mile walk with 29 participants, and a 100-meter kids’ dash with 18 children, along with an estimated 50 friends and family members who came out to support them. The event also gave participants a chance to meet Youthe BC3 studentathletes who benefit from the funds raised through Pioneer Pursuit. For Megan M. Coval, BC3’s president, that sense of community was one of the most meaningful parts of the day. “It was filled with people,” Coval said of the college’s central oak grove. “What struck me most was seeing people of all ages. That is really who we are at BC3 and what we are about, serving our community at every age and every stage.” That range of ages was visible throughout the event, from 1-year-old children whose parents registered them for the kids’ dash to 79-year-old Paul Johnson, who completed the 5K. Coval said that reflected BC3’s role in the community and its commitment to creating opportunities for people throughout their lives. The 5K itself brought runners from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Indiana, Mercer, and Westmoreland counties to campus. Jason Smith, 43, of Wexford, finished first overall and among men with a time of 20:44.45, while Holly Peterman, 47, of New Brighton, was the top female finisher at 28:12.98. Peterman also won the female 40 to 49 age bracket in the 2025 Pioneer Pursuit.

The race included participants across a wide range of age groups, with Nick Coval, 48, of Valencia, and Anthony Sunseri, 77, of Grove City, among those who won their age groups for the second consecutive year. While the race offered plenty of friendly competition, the day was ultimately about something larger than finishing times. More than 60 BC3 student-athletes volunteered at the event, along with 10 students in the college’s early childhood education program, who provided activities for children in the oak grove. For Tricia Pritchard, director of donor and community engagement with the BC3 Education Foundation, watching the student-athletes encourage the runners was a highlight of the day. “They got to engage with our student-athletes,” Pritchard said. “For me, what was so cool was watching those student-athletes go full-force in cheering for everyone, especially the runners in the 5K, saying ‘You’re almost there. You’re almost home. You got this.’” Pritchard said the support reflected the same encouragement student-athletes hope to receive when they compete, making the event a chance for them to give that support back to their community. The connection between the community and BC3 athletics has continued to grow since the Pioneer Pursuit began in 2022. That first event raised $16,000 for scholarships, while the 2024, 2025, and 2026 events have generated more than $36,000 for BC3’s intercollegiate athletics programs. Those programs have built a strong record, with BC3 student-athletes earning 60 conference titles and 30 regional titles while qualifying for national championship tournaments 14 times. “Our community loves to support BC3; we see that shown in so many ways,” said Mikayla Moretti, executive director of the BC3 Education Foundation and external relations. “And the community wants to support a winner. Our student-athletes have success in their classes and in their sports, and, when it comes down to it, people want to back that.”

Member News

The 2026 Pioneer Pursuit also raised $1,600 for the BC3 Alumni Association, adding another layer to an event that continues to bring together students, alumni, families, athletes, faculty, staff, and community members. For one Saturday morning, the campus became a place where everyone had a reason to show up, whether they were racing toward the finish line, cheering from the sidelines, volunteering with children, or simply enjoying time together. As Coval noted, that may be the best reflection of what BC3 is all about: creating opportunities for people of every age and every stage to be part of the community. Holly Peterman, 47, of New Brighton, left, receives encouragement from Torey O’Donnell, Butler County Community College’s associate director of student life for student activities, during a 5K race as part of the college’s 2026 Pioneer Pursuit on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township. Peterman placed first among women with a time of 28:12.98. The event raised nearly $11,700 to support BC3’s intercollegiate athletics programs.

Butler County Community College men’s basketball players Noah Will, Michael Lidge, and Marco Miller cheer on a kids’ 100-meter dasher during BC3’s 2026 Pioneer Pursuit on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, on the college’s main campus in Butler Township. The event raised nearly $11,700 to support BC3’s intercollegiate athletics programs.

Holly Peterman, 47, of New Brighton, receives a hug after a 5K race as part of Butler County Community College’s 2026 Pioneer Pursuit on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, on the college’s main campus in Butler Township. Peterman placed first among women with a time of 28:12.98. The event raised nearly $11,700 to support BC3’s intercollegiate athletics programs. Runners begin a 5K race as part of Butler County Community College’s 2026 Pioneer Pursuit on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, on the college’s main campus in Butler Township. The event raised nearly $11,700 to support BC3’s intercollegiate athletics programs.

Member News

Butler Memorial Hospital Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients When someone is having a heart attack, every moment matters. From the first call for help to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, successful care depends on a team of people working together quickly and following evidence-based practices at every step. That commitment to coordinated, high-quality care has once again earned Butler Memorial Hospital national recognition. The hospital has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest PainMI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2026, placing it among just 350 hospitals nationwide to receive the distinction this year. The recognition is particularly significant for Butler Memorial Hospital because it marks the 10th time the hospital has achieved the registry’s highest level of recognition since 2016. The Platinum Performance Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate sustained excellence in the treatment of heart attack patients while meeting key clinical performance measures established by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Butler Memorial Hospital demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain-MI Registry during 2024 and 2025, performing at the highest level on key measures of heart attack care. For the teams providing that care, the recognition represents more than a national award. It reflects the coordination and expertise required when patients arrive needing immediate attention. “This continued recognition reflects the commitment and expertise of the teams who care for heart attack patients every day,” said Dr. Richard Begg, MD, FACC, FSCAI, medical director of cardiovascular services at Butler Memorial Hospital. “Successful treatment of a heart attack requires seamless coordination of care from the moment a patient seeks care through diagnosis, intervention, and recovery.” That coordination involves far more than the physicians who perform procedures. Nurses, EMS partners, and support staff all play important roles in helping patients receive timely treatment, with each member of the care team contributing to the process.

“This award highlights the dedication of our physicians, nurses, EMS partners, and support staff who work in tandem to deliver timely, high-quality cardiovascular care for our community,” Begg said. The need for that coordinated care is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 800,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot partially or completely blocks blood flow through a coronary artery, preventing the heart muscle from receiving the oxygen it needs. Treatment can include administering aspirin when a patient arrives and again at discharge, restoring blood flow to a blocked artery as quickly as possible, providing smoking cessation counseling, and connecting patients with cardiac rehabilitation and other follow-up care. The NCDR Chest Pain-MI Registry helps hospitals evaluate and strengthen how consistently they provide this type of guideline-driven care. Through participation in the registry, health care teams use clinical data as part of an ongoing quality improvement process, helping hospitals identify opportunities to follow current treatment recommendations and improve outcomes for patients with heart attacks and coronary artery disease. Leslie L. Davis, PhD, ANP-BC, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain-MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, said Butler Memorial Hospital’s achievement demonstrates the hospital’s continued focus on comprehensive, high-quality cardiovascular care. “We are proud to present Butler Memorial Hospital with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award in recognition of its national leadership and steadfast commitment to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” Davis said. Butler Memorial Hospital’s cardiovascular program provides care across a range of needs, including medical management by noninvasive cardiologists, advanced procedures performed by interventional cardiologists, and robotic-assisted surgeries performed by cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeons.

Member News

For the community, the latest recognition offers another look at what happens behind the scenes when a patient arrives with a serious cardiac emergency. It is the result of physicians, nurses, EMS professionals, and support staff bringing their expertise together, following proven practices, and working toward the same goal: giving patients the timely, high-quality cardiovascular care they need when every minute counts.

Member News

Newhaven Court Every community is built on relationships, and at Newhaven Court at Clearview, those relationships are at the heart of everything we do. That is why, as our community begins a new chapter, one of the most important things we want our residents, families, and professional partners to know is that the connections we have built will continue. Beginning Sept. 15, 2026, Newhaven Court at Clearview will transition to Priority Life Care (PLC) as its management company. While this marks a change behind the scenes, many of the things that make Newhaven Court at Clearview feel like home will remain familiar. Our community name will stay the same, as will our current community management team. Residents and families will continue to see the familiar faces they know and rely on, and our team will remain focused on creating a place where people feel safe, supported, cared for, and at home. That continuity extends beyond our residents and families. Over the years, Newhaven Court at Clearview has developed meaningful relationships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, physicians, hospice and home health providers, and other organizations throughout the community. These partnerships play an important role in supporting the people who call our community home, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside the healthcare providers and professional partners who have been part of that journey. Transitions can sometimes come with a few logistical changes, and there may be a period when our team does not have access to our current computers, email accounts, saved contacts, or certain electronic systems. During that time, staying connected may look a little different, but it does not have to mean losing touch. If you work with Newhaven Court at Clearview, please save the direct phone number 724-3325018 so you can continue to reach our team during the transition. Whether you have a referral, are helping a senior or family explore senior living options, want to schedule a tour or visit, or are already talking with us about a prospective resident, we are still here and ready to help.

Referrals remain welcome, tours and visits will continue, and conversations about future needs can continue as well. Once new email addresses and system information are available, updated contact information will be shared with our partners. At the center of this transition are the people who make Newhaven Court at Clearview what it is. Our residents and their families remain our priority, and the relationships we have built with our community partners remain an important part of how we support them. For those who have referred a family to us, stopped by for a visit, helped care for one of our residents, shared a resource, or simply taken the time to get to know our team, we are grateful. Those connections have helped shape our community, and they are relationships we hope to carry with us into this next chapter. A management company may change, but the heart of a community is found in its people. At Newhaven Court at Clearview, that means our residents, our team, our families, and the many partners who have supported us along the way. As we begin this new chapter with Priority Life Care, we are looking forward to what comes next while remaining grounded in the relationships and commitment that have always been part of Newhaven Court at Clearview. Thank you for your patience, partnership, referrals, and continued support. Most of all, thank you for staying connected with us.

Member News

Butler Memorial Hospital Earns Statewide Patient Safety Recognition For patients and their families, feeling confident in the safety and quality of their care is an important part of the health care experience. At Butler Memorial Hospital, that confidence is supported by a continued focus on preventing infections, improving processes, and making patient safety part of everyday care. That commitment has earned Butler Memorial Hospital statewide recognition from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) through its 2026 Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition program. The program recognizes Pennsylvania hospitals that demonstrate strong performance in preventing health care-associated infections, and Butler Memorial Hospital is among 20 hospitals recognized this year based on their 2025 performance. The recognition reflects work that happens every day, often behind the scenes, as caregivers and staff follow safety practices, monitor results, and look for ways to continually improve the care patients receive. “We are honored to receive this recognition from HAP for our commitment to patient safety,” said Matthew Schnur, president of Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals. “Maintaining low rates of health care-associated infections requires a sustained focus on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.” The recognition is based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network, which provides hospitals with a way to measure and track healthcare-associated infections. To qualify for HAP’s recognition, hospitals must perform better than the mean standardized infection ratio in three key areas: central lineassociated bloodstream infections, catheterassociated urinary tract infections, and Clostridioides difficile infections.

“This achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of our caregivers and staff, who work every day to provide safe, high-quality care and the best possible outcomes for our patients,” Schnur said. HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings said the recognition highlights the work Pennsylvania hospitals are doing to make quality improvement and patient safety an ongoing priority. “Hospitals are unwavering in their commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for the communities they serve,” Stallings said. “HAP is proud to recognize the leading Pennsylvania hospital teams that have embraced continuous quality improvement, strengthened patient safety, and achieved outstanding results through their dedication and hard work.” For Butler Memorial Hospital, the recognition is a reflection of a broader commitment to making safety part of every patient’s experience. While awards offer an opportunity to celebrate those efforts, the work continues each day as hospital teams care for patients, evaluate their practices, and look for new ways to improve. Ultimately, patient safety is not a single initiative or a one-time achievement. It is built through the consistent efforts of the people who provide care and support the hospital community, with every careful decision and every improvement contributing to safer, higherquality care for the patients and families Butler Memorial Hospital serves.

While those measures may sound technical, they reflect everyday practices that help protect patients while they receive care. Preventing infections requires careful attention from the entire care team, with physicians, nurses, technicians, support staff, and others each playing a role in maintaining a safe environment.

Member News

New UPMC Specialty Care Destination Coming to Clearview Mall A new chapter in health care access is taking shape at Clearview Mall, where construction is underway on a new UPMC specialty care destination expected to open in early 2027. For Butler County residents who already turn to UPMC for health care, the new location is expected to bring more specialty services closer to home. The project represents the next phase of UPMC’s continued investment in the region and will bring specialty physician services to a convenient outpatient setting, with expanded diagnostic imaging and surgical offerings planned through strategic partnerships. The new destination builds on a growing UPMC presence throughout Butler County. Residents already have access to a range of UPMC services through locations including UPMC PassavantCranberry and UPMC Passavant-McCandless, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, UPMC Orthopedic Care, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, and close-to-home primary care, women’s health, and pediatric services. That network has continued to expand as the health needs of the community evolve. Last year, UPMCGoHealth Urgent Care locations opened in Butler Township and Mars, giving residents additional options for convenient care. Services at those locations have continued to grow, including the recent addition of gastroenterology services at the Mars location. The new Clearview Mall complex will add another piece to that expanding network, with physicians and care teams primarily affiliated with UPMC Passavant.

expertise, advanced services, and exceptional outcomes available across our system,” Piccione said. “This new location allows us to meet the growing demand and bring more of that care closer, making it easier for our patients and families to access the specialty services they need. We are grateful for the trust they place in us.” That combination of expertise and convenience is at the center of the project. UPMC Passavant was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 2 hospital in the eight-county Pittsburgh region, inclusive of Butler County, behind UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside. The affiliation means patients visiting the new Butler location will have access to specialty care connected to a larger health system and its network of physicians and services. The project is also part of UPMC’s broader commitment to expanding access throughout the region. Joel Yuhas, executive vice president of UPMC and president of the UPMC Hospitals and Health Services Division, said continued growth in Butler County is intended to make specialized care easier for residents to access while contributing to the broader community. “Our continued expansion in Butler County ensures easier access for people to find UPMC’s specialized care where and when they need it most,” Yuhas said. “This additional location in Butler means less travel for many people, while also supporting local jobs, community partnerships, and the region’s economic growth.” For patients and families, the impact of the new location may ultimately be measured in simpler ways: fewer miles to travel, more services available nearby, and greater access to specialists when they are needed.

Rendering of UPMC's new specialty care destination at Clearview Mall.

For Beth Piccione, M.D., president of UPMC Passavant, the project is an opportunity to respond to the growing number of Butler County residents who already rely on UPMC for their care. “Thousands of Butler County residents already choose UPMC for their care because of the

As construction continues, additional details about the services that will be offered, scheduling, and the opening of the new complex are expected to be announced in the coming months. For now, the work underway at Clearview Mall represents another step in the changing health care landscape of Butler County and an investment in bringing more specialty care closer to the people who call the region home.

Member News

The Gaiser Center's Ellen's House Tour with Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Latika Davis-Jones Recovery does not happen in isolation. For people working to rebuild their lives after substance use treatment, having a safe place to live, people who understand what they are going through, and a community that supports their next steps can make an important difference. That message was at the heart of a visit to Butler on Aug. 19, when Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Latika Davis-Jones visited the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center and Ellen’s House as part of her statewide tour of licensed recovery houses.

The visit also connected two generations of the Gaiser Center’s work. The organization opened 55 years ago with a focus on helping people affected by substance use, while Ellen’s House represents an ongoing effort to provide support as the needs of people in recovery continue to evolve. Davis-Jones’ statewide tour of licensed recovery houses provides an opportunity to see that work in communities across Pennsylvania, including the people and programs helping individuals move from treatment toward independent living.

Davis-Jones and members of her staff spent about a half hour at the Gaiser Center, which has been serving the community for 55 years, before visiting Ellen’s House. The sober living home opened two years ago to support women transitioning back to independent living after completing treatment in a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

At the Gaiser Center and Ellen’s House, the message is ultimately a simple one: recovery is about people, not just programs. Behind every treatment plan or recovery house is someone working to create a different future, and that process often requires the same things that help all of us thrive.

The two locations represent different points in the recovery journey, but both are rooted in the same idea: people need support as they work toward a life beyond treatment.

A safe place to live. People who believe in us. Support when things are difficult. And the opportunity to keep moving forward.

During her visit, Davis-Jones echoed a message shared by Joseph Mahoney, executive director of the Gaiser Center, that people experiencing substance use recovery are not fundamentally different from anyone else. They need many of the same things everyone needs to move forward: stability, encouragement, connection, and people willing to stand beside them.

For more than five decades, the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center has been part of that work in Butler. With Ellen’s House now offering another step for women transitioning out of residential treatment, the organization continues to provide support where it can matter most, helping people build the stability and confidence they need as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

That perspective is particularly important during the transition from residential treatment back into everyday life. Completing a treatment program can be a significant accomplishment, but returning to work, managing a household, rebuilding relationships, and navigating daily responsibilities can bring a new set of challenges. For women living at Ellen’s House, the sober living environment provides a place to take those next steps while remaining connected to support. Rather than making the transition alone, residents have the opportunity to build routines and work toward greater independence in a setting designed to support recovery.

Gaiser Staff, previous patients, and Secretary Latika Davis-Jones from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs at Ellen’s House on Liberty Street

Member News

South College Expands Graduate Education For professionals who are balancing a career, family, and everything else that comes with everyday life, going back to school can feel difficult to fit into an already full schedule. South College is expanding an option designed to make that next step more manageable, adding three master’s-level degrees through its Competency-Based Education (CBE) modality.

Technology (MSIDT), launched Aug. 1. The 45credit program focuses on curriculum development and the design of learning environments that can meet the needs of individual learners. Students explore emerging technologies used in teaching, learning, training, and curriculum development while developing skills in areas such as project management, learning management systems, collaboration, communication, media literacy, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The program must be completed within 36 months.

The new programs in accounting, human resources, and instructional design and technology give working professionals another way to build advanced skills and pursue new opportunities without having to put their careers or personal commitments on hold.

Next comes the Master of Science in Accounting, which launches Oct. 1. The 48-credit program covers a broad range of accounting topics, including financial reporting, taxation, business law, auditing, financial statement analysis, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, governmental and nonprofit accounting, and forensic accounting.

Unlike a traditional program built around fixed deadlines and a set pace, CBE allows students to move through course content at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of the material. Students enroll through a six-month, subscription-based model with no set due dates and complete their coursework online, creating flexibility for people whose schedules may change from week to week.

Students also develop skills in critical thinking, scenario analysis, communication, professional responsibility, and accounting ethics, providing a foundation that can be applied across a variety of accounting roles and settings. The program must be completed within 36 months.

“We evaluate the need for programs and intentionally respond to what individuals are seeking to grow and advance as professionals,” said Dr. Michael Patrick, South College CBE president. “The CBE model is ideal for students who are managing a current job and family or personal commitments. It’s part of our mission to empower more students to pursue their dreams.”

The Master of Science in Human Resources will follow on Dec. 1. The 45-credit program aligns with Society for Human Resource Management standards and focuses on the evolving role of HR within organizations.

The first of the three new programs, the Master of Science in Instructional Design and

Students explore how to strengthen internal teams, connect strategy to team performance, establish ethical foundations, lead through change, communicate effectively, and help shape the future of human resources. The program uses an asynchronous online format and incorporates advanced business concepts through research, exploration, and detailed analysis that can be applied across multiple sectors. “We’re excited to add these master’s programs to our CBE course offerings to help professionals embrace new challenges and advance in their fields,” Patrick said. The expansion builds on a CBE modality that South College launched in October 2021.

Student participating in online instruction as part of the three new CBD programs

Member News

Since then, the college has continued to broaden its offerings, including Doctor of Nursing Practice programs for post-master’s students, executive leadership, nursing education, and BSN-to-DNP students. CBE offerings have also expanded into business and technology, criminal justice, and ministry, with master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral certificate options available. While the flexibility of CBE is an important part of the model, students are not simply learning on their own. South College’s online environment provides opportunities to interact with faculty and collaborate with other students, creating connections within a format designed to accommodate busy schedules. For professionals considering what comes next in their careers, that combination of flexibility, interaction, and focused graduate education can make pursuing an advanced degree feel more achievable. With three new master’s programs joining its CBE offerings, South College is continuing to build educational options around the realities of working professionals, helping students develop new skills, take on new challenges, and keep moving toward their professional goals.

Member News

Independence Health System Recognized for Supporting Organ Donation A conversation about organ donation can begin with something as simple as a flag-raising ceremony, a community event, or a reminder to register as a donor. Behind that conversation, though, is the possibility of giving someone else another chance at life. That message was at the center of Independence Health System’s efforts this spring, and those efforts have now earned statewide recognition. All five Independence Health System hospitals that participated in the 2026 Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge achieved Titanium status, the highest level of recognition offered through the annual program. Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland hospitals participated in the campaign, and Independence Health System was recognized among the top-performing health systems in western Pennsylvania for its efforts to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. The Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge encourages hospitals to educate their teams and communities about donation, promote donor registration, and help people understand the difference one decision can make for patients and families waiting for a transplant. Throughout April, the five Independence Health System hospitals found a variety of ways to bring that message into their communities. Activities included flag-raising ceremonies, radio and newspaper interviews, community outreach, internal signage, and participation in Blue & Green Day, an annual effort to raise awareness about donation. For Michael Fiorina, DO, FAAFP, chief medical officer of Independence Health System, the recognition reflects the importance of having these conversations and honoring the people whose generosity makes transplantation possible.

whose generosity makes transplantation possible.” The impact of donation reaches far beyond the moment someone makes the decision to become a donor. Every donated organ, eye, and tissue can represent a new possibility for someone facing a serious illness or injury, while also offering hope to families navigating an incredibly difficult time. That is why awareness and education are such an important part of the Donate Life campaign. Many people may not think about organ donation until they or someone they love is personally affected, but learning about the process and making a decision ahead of time can help ensure that a person’s wishes are known. “Every organ, eye, and tissue donor has the power to save lives and offer hope to patients and families facing some of their most difficult moments,” said Nicole Stallings, president and CEO of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). HAP partners with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the state’s two organ procurement organizations, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education and Gift of Life Donor Program, to support the Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. This year, 113 hospitals across Pennsylvania participated in the challenge, making the statewide effort an opportunity for health care organizations to reach thousands of employees, patients, families, and community members with information about donation. Stallings said hospitals and their partners continue to play an important role in encouraging people to register as donors and helping communities understand the difference donation can make. “We applaud the hospital teams participating in this year's challenge for their commitment to strengthening the health of their communities,” Stallings said.

“Organ donation is one of the most profound gifts a person can give,” Fiorina said. “We are proud of our hospitals for helping educate our communities, encouraging donor registration, and honoring the individuals and families

Member News

For the teams at Independence Health System’s five participating hospitals, earning Titanium status provides an opportunity to celebrate the work they did throughout April. More importantly, it represents the conversations they helped start and the awareness they helped build. Because behind every donor registration is a person making a deeply personal decision, and behind every successful transplant is a patient and family who have been given hope. By continuing to talk about organ, eye, and tissue donation, Independence Health System and its hospitals are helping make sure more people understand the gift that donation can provide and the lives that can be touched by one decision.

Member News

Butler Memorial Hospital Enhances Knee Replacement Surgery with New Robotic-Assisted Technology For someone living with chronic knee pain, everyday activities can gradually become more difficult. A walk around the neighborhood, climbing a flight of stairs, or simply getting through the day without discomfort can feel out of reach when pain and limited mobility have become part of daily life.

Total knee replacement is often recommended for people whose chronic knee pain or limited mobility has not improved with nonsurgical treatments. For some patients, the procedure can be an important step toward returning to activities that have become difficult or uncomfortable.

For patients who eventually need a total knee replacement, Butler Memorial Hospital is giving orthopedic surgeons another tool to help personalize the procedure.

The goal of adding robotic-assisted technology is not simply to introduce another piece of equipment into the operating room. It is to give surgeons more information as they perform the procedure and another way to account for the unique anatomy and needs of each patient.

The hospital has introduced ROSA® Knee Robotic Technology, an advanced robotic-assisted system that provides surgeons with real-time information during total knee replacement surgery. The technology is part of Butler Memorial Hospital’s continued investment in advanced orthopedic care and is designed to support surgeons as they make decisions based on each patient’s individual anatomy. Rather than replacing the surgeon’s expertise, the robotic system works alongside it. The surgeon remains in control of the procedure while the technology provides additional information about the patient’s knee throughout surgery. ROSA uses a camera and optical trackers, functioning somewhat like a GPS-style navigation system, to provide real-time data about the patient’s knee anatomy and joint position. Surgeons can use that information to help guide implant positioning and make informed, surgeondirected decisions during the procedure. “Robotic-assisted surgical technology is another tool that allows us to tailor knee replacement surgery to each patient's unique anatomy,” said Dr. Anthony Mustovich, orthopedic surgeon at Butler Memorial Hospital. That ability to respond to each patient individually is an important part of the technology. No two people have exactly the same anatomy, and knee replacement surgery requires surgeons to consider those differences as they work to restore function and address the source of a patient’s pain. “By providing detailed, real-time information during the procedure, it helps us make informed decisions that support the best possible outcome for each patient,” Mustovich said.

“Our goal is to help patients experience improved function, reduced pain and a faster return to the activities they enjoy,” Mustovich said. For patients considering knee replacement, the technology represents another option available through Butler Memorial Hospital’s orthopedic program. The surgeon-controlled system provides real-time information throughout the procedure, while the orthopedic surgeon continues to guide the operation and determine the appropriate approach for each individual patient. Ultimately, the technology is about supporting a very personal goal: helping people move more comfortably and get back to the parts of everyday life that knee pain may have taken away. With the addition of ROSA Knee Robotic Technology, Butler Memorial Hospital is continuing to expand the tools available to its orthopedic surgeons while keeping the patient at the center of the procedure. For someone hoping to walk with less pain, move with greater confidence, or return to favorite activities, that combination of advanced technology and individualized surgical care can be an important part of the journey.

Member News

Faculty Volunteers Welcome Students and Families on Move-In Day By Maxwell Hildebrand, originally published on news.sru.edu on August 20, 2026

Support begins from the moment students arrive on campus at Slippery Rock University. Volunteers from all over the campus community show up to welcome new students. Among the more than 500 volunteers are returning students and 120 SRU faculty and staff who roll up their sleeves to direct traffic, carry boxes and greet arriving families.

With boxes unpacked and residence halls filled, the effort made one thing clear: at SRU, support isn’t just given in the classroom, it starts the moment students arrive on campus.

For SRU professors, trading in the lecture hall for a curbside instruction is all about building immediate connections and taking the stress out of move-in day. “I just want to help out students and make sure their first day at SRU is a memorable one –– one that is stress-free and easygoing,” said Louis Christensen, SRU assistant professor of engineering. More than 1,400 first-year and transfer students moved into residence halls on Thursday, Aug. 20, with another returning students 900 arriving Sunday, Aug. 23, brining a total of 2,920 students who will live in SRU residence halls this fall. Despite the heavy traffic and loaded carts, the atmosphere remained upbeat, welcoming and contagious.

Louis Christensen, assistant professor of engineering, is among the more than 120 faculty and staff volunteers helping Slippery Rock University students move into residence halls on Aug. 20.

“This motivates me for the rest of the semester, seeing all the happy new students come in, knowing that I will get to work with them for the next four years,” said Beth Ann Rice, an associate professor of psychology. “Everyone is excited on the first day. We’re here to make sure everyone has a strong start, knowing that there’s faculty here that they can reach out to.” That hands-on presence sets the tone for the semester ahead, showing new students that SRU faculty are invested in their success from day one. “I’m excited when I see students and family coming on campus,” said Jessica Sarver, an assistant professor of chemistry. “It’s a fun and exciting day for them, and it feeds the momentum for the start of the semester.“

Member News

23 Rock Life Students Awarded DREAM Scholarships By Maxwell Hildebrand, originally published on news.sru.edu on August 7, 2026

Twenty-three Slippery Rock University students in the Rock Life program have received 2026-27 DREAM Partnership Scholarships, helping bring their college goals to life. Designed for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, Rock Life offers an inclusive university experience.

For more information, visit the Rock Life program webpage on the SRU website or the DREAM Partnership website, which has a complete list of recipients.

The DREAM Partnership provides financial assistance to students across 13 affiliated college programs in Pennsylvania. Recipients are selected by the organization’s board of directors, with funding amounts determined by overall availability. Established by local parents and educational professionals, the DREAM Partnership connects Pennsylvania colleges to expand postsecondary access for students with intellectual disabilities. Their certificate programs focus on preparing students for competitive employment and independent living. A record 80 scholarships totaling $262,210 were awarded this year to students attending DREAM Network universities. DREAM awarded more than a combined $50,000 to the following SRU Rock Life students: Adam McElhinny, from Mars (Mars HS). Alyssa McCarthy, Wyalusing (Wyalusing Valley HS). Andrew Connors, from Glenn Rock (Susquehannock HS). Ashlyn Anderson, from Mars (Pine-Richland HS). Cate Morgus, from Butler (Butler HS). Cayla Galbreath, from Pittsburgh (Northgate HS). Charles Stanski, from Twinsburg, Ohio (Twinsburg HS). Edward Smith, from Sharpsville (Mercer HS). Emily Mazur, from North Versailles. Eric Connolly, from New Market, Maryland. Harper Rilling, from Erie (General McLane HS). Hope Allen, from Allison Park (Hampton HS). Jacob Zerbini, from Greensburg (Hempfield HS). Jayden Turner, from Duquesne (West Mifflin HS). Luccia Harpalani, from Wexford (Pine-Richland HS). Olivia Smythe, from Leechburg (Leechburg HS). Paul Walters, from Carlisle (Freedom HS). Ryan Gallagher, from Aurora, Ohio (Aurora HS). Sara Dixon, from Trafford. Sienna Fox-Greilich, from Cabot (Knoch HS). Simon Henry, from State College (State College HS). Steven Senesky, from Beaver. Victoria Dean, from Monaca (Rochester HS).

A record 80 scholarships totaling $262,210 were awarded this year to students attending DREAM Network universities.

Member News

Independence Health System Expands Orthopedic and Spine Care in Butler and Clarion with Addition of Dr. Steven Hand For people living with back pain, joint problems, or an injury that makes everyday movement difficult, finding the right care can be an important step toward getting back to the activities they enjoy. Independence Health System is expanding access to that care in Butler, Clarion, and surrounding communities with the addition of orthopedic surgeon Steven Hand, DO, MSMEd, CIME, to the medical staffs of Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals. Dr. Hand is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of medical experience and advanced fellowship training in both spine surgery and reconstructive joint surgery. His arrival gives patients in the region another option for specialized orthopedic care close to home, particularly for those dealing with complex spinal conditions. His clinical interests include a broad range of conditions affecting the spine, including herniated discs, cervical myelopathy, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities, and traumatic and compression fractures. He also specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, with a focus on helping patients manage pain and regain mobility. For Dr. Hand, the opportunity to care for patients throughout the region is about more than treating a diagnosis. It is about helping people return to the routines, responsibilities, and activities that can become difficult when pain or limited mobility gets in the way.

He then pursued fellowship training in adult reconstruction and total joint replacement at Cleveland Clinic, developing specialized expertise in joint reconstruction and replacement. Most recently, Dr. Hand completed advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at the West Virginia University Health System. That additional training further expanded his ability to evaluate and treat complex spinal conditions, adding another area of specialized care to the services available through Independence Health System. For patients, access to this type of expertise can make an important difference in the care journey. Orthopedic and spine conditions can affect everything from walking and working to sleeping, exercising, and spending time with family, making treatment about much more than a medical appointment. The goal is ultimately to help people move with less pain and greater confidence in their everyday lives. With Dr. Hand now part of the medical staffs at Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals, Independence Health System continues to expand the orthopedic and spine care available to patients in the communities it serves, bringing specialized expertise closer to home.

"I am honored to join Independence Health System and serve patients throughout the region, ensuring they have access to expert orthopedic and spine care close to home," Dr. Hand said. "I look forward to helping patients relieve pain, regain mobility, and return to the activities that matter most to them." Dr. Hand’s training has prepared him to care for patients across a wide range of orthopedic and spinal needs. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine before completing a preliminary year of general surgery training and an orthopedic surgery residency.

Dr. Steven Hand, orthopedic surgeon at Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospitals

Member News

Independence Health System Grows Primary Care Services Finding a primary care provider is about more than having somewhere to go when you are sick. For many people, a primary care relationship becomes a steady part of life, helping with preventive care, managing health concerns, and supporting patients through the many changes that come with different stages of life. Independence Health System is expanding that connection in the Saxonburg community with the addition of Chelsea Grey, DO, to its primary care office at 101 Alwine Road.

For patients in Saxonburg and the surrounding communities, having access to family medicine close to home can make it easier to establish a consistent relationship with a provider and keep up with routine care. Whether a patient is bringing in a newborn for a first visit, managing a chronic condition, recovering from an illness, or simply working to stay healthy, primary care provides a place to address both immediate concerns and long-term goals.

Dr. Grey is a family medicine physician who provides care for patients of all ages, from newborns through older adulthood. Her approach to family medicine reflects the importance of building relationships over time, giving patients a provider who can understand their individual health needs while helping them make informed decisions about their overall well-being.

Dr. Grey is now accepting new patients at Independence Health System’s Saxonburg primary care office. Her addition gives individuals and families another opportunity to establish a lasting primary care relationship while receiving comprehensive care throughout the different stages of life.

“I am excited to join Independence Health System,” Dr. Grey said. “Family medicine gives me the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and support their health journey through every stage of life. I look forward to helping my patients manage their health and overall well-being while building strong, meaningful connections with them.” Her practice includes preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and injuries, osteopathic manipulative treatments, and management of a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions. By offering comprehensive care for patients at different points in life, family medicine can provide continuity as health needs change, while also creating opportunities to focus on wellness before concerns become more serious. Dr. Grey’s path to family medicine began with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Gannon University, followed by her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at Indiana Regional Medical Center, where she served as a junior chief resident, gaining experience caring for patients with a broad range of needs. Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Grey is active in professional organizations, including the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. She is also committed to promoting community health through outreach and education programs, reflecting a broader interest in helping people understand and take an active role in their health.

Chelsea Grey, DO, primary care physician in Saxonburg

Member Spotlight

One of the greatest strengths of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce is the success of our members. Every day, businesses and organizations across the county reach new milestones, celebrate achievements, give back to their communities, and make Butler County an exceptional place to live, work, and do business. In this section, we are proud to highlight our members' accomplishments, recognitions, and positive impact. Join us in celebrating their successes and the many ways they continue to strengthen our local business community.

SRU Ranked Among “Best Colleges” Slippery Rock University has officially been elevated to an all-new level. U.S. News and World released their rankings for 2027 for “Best Colleges”, and SRU made the list. This ranking has allowed SRU to move from a regional to a national position.

Butler Area School District Teacher Honored with “10 Under 10” Award Jensen Wehril, a Center Avenue Community School teacher, was recently named a recipient of Slippery Rock University’s Rock Solid 10 Under 10 Award. The award recognizes 10 SRU graduates making a meaningful impact in their professions and communities within the first 10 years of their careers. Wehril was recognized for her dedication to her students and community.

NexTier Compliance Officer Receives Honor NexTier Bank’s VP/Compliance Officer, Kelsey Schneider, received the 2026 Future Under 40 Award. Presented by the PA Bankers Association, the Future Under 40 Award honors leaders in the industry aged 40 and younger who are making an impact in their industry and community.

Member Spotlight

Armstrong Great Lawn Was Named a ‘Great Public Space’ The American Planning Association’s Pennsylvania chapter declared the Armstrong Great Lawn a great public space.

Seneca Resources Company Began New Partnership Using a new electric frac fleet through a partnership with Evolution Well Services, Seneca Resources will be able to help reduce diesel use and emissions. Ultimately supporting a more efficient and reliable approach to responsible natural gas development.

Money.com Ranks SRU Among the Best Slippery Rock University received another national recognition. MONEY named SRU one of America’s Best Colleges for 2026 among 735 institutions nationwide from more than 2,400 evaluated.

USX Federal Credit Union Helps Out the Butler County Humane Society USX Credit Union staff donated supplies and their time to help paint two of the Butler County Humane Society’s rooms and visited with the animals.

Your Monthly Butler County Fun Fact

Did you know?

With the coming of the railroad in January 1871, the borough of Butler was on its way to becoming a major city. Over the next 32 years, rail transportation between Butler and Pittsburgh expanded to 7 cars daily.

Business Resources University of Pittsburgh

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.

Bloom Butler County is here for you! Get started on your business today. Find everything you need by scanning the QR code!

The mission of the Small Business Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh is to grow Western Pennsylvania’s economy by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information, and tools needed to build successful businesses.

Contact Score

Contact Bloom

Contact SBDC

Grow Your Business with a Butler County Chamber of Commerce Membership Since 1896, the Butler County Chamber of Commerce has been a trusted partner for businesses throughout our community. We connect business owners with opportunities, relationships, and resources that help them grow and succeed. When the Chamber promotes your business, it carries the credibility of an organization that has earned the trust of Butler County for more than a century. Why Join? Increase Your Visibility: Get your business noticed through Chamber marketing, events, and promotions. Build Valuable Connections: Cultivate relationships with business leaders, elected officials, nonprofits, educators, and community partners. Trusted Community Reputation: Gain credibility by aligning your business with one of the region's most respected organizations. Expand Your Network: Meet potential customers, partners, and referral sources. Business Growth Support: Access resources, guidance, and opportunities designed to help your business succeed. Be Part of Something Bigger: Join an organization dedicated to strengthening Butler County's business community and economic future.

Scan the QR code to find out more or visit ButlerCountyChamber.com/Business-Growth/Chamber-Advantage

130 S Main St, Ste 1, Butler, PA 16001 | (724) 283-2222 ButlerCountyChamber.com