CRANBERRY TWP — The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau added a new member to its board of directors Thursday, bringing the total number to 15.

The tourism board is split into more than a dozen subgroups with representatives who promote and lobby for their own industry. Current subgroups include industries like hotels, campgrounds, outdoor events and agro-tourism.

However, the board on Thursday created a new transportation subgroup and appointed Clayton Findon of AirQuest Aviation in Butler to the position.

Tourism bureau President Jack Cohen said that he's been kicking around the idea of adding a new seat for several months.

The transportation subgroup will cover taxi, limo and aviation businesses as well as car rentals.

“Transportation is huge in our community and is a really important piece of what we do,” Cohen said.

Findon said after the meeting that he's looking forward to the opportunity to serve on the board, saying he intends to “bring more focus on aviation and surrounding transportation groups.”

Board member Stephen Catt from Butler County Community College questioned the growing size of the board as a potential issue.

However, board Chairman Rodney Schaffer said the board works well together despite its size, and added that he doesn't see a problem with its size.

“It's not an issue because we function very well,” he said.

Cohen agreed and said adding a transportation subgroup to the tourism board has been a long time coming.

“This is one that's due,” he said.

Findon will take his seat at next month's board meeting on Dec. 18.