Leaders make moves to keep future bright
The “New Beginnings” agenda for Butler County 2020 is ambitious and impressive — and that's coming straight from the presidents' mouths. Business Matters editor Kim Paskorz spoke to the men and women who represent prominent local agencies and companies in various fields — including education, health care and commerce.
Each was asked to briefly answer, “What do you see in the imminent future for your organization?” Some of their responses are here.
“First off,” said Janice Pakozdi-Luffy, president of the Butler County Community Development Corporation's board of directors, “let's make sure everyone understands the mission of the Community Development Corporation of Butler County.The CDC is the lead economic development organization in Butler County that proactively creates an environment for private industry to create and retain jobs through coordination of leaders from local business, municipal, county and other elected officials and organizations at all levels of government.“Whew! I must say, the CDC team is doing a fantastic job doing what we say, and saying what we do.“What I am most excited for in the future is the northern corridor of Butler County near Interstate 80. This is a major undertaking, not only for Butler County but Armstrong, Clarion and Venango counties as well.“Being a native of northern Butler County, picturing the possibility of this 'neck of the woods' coming on board with improved infrastructure and potential jobs is fascinating.“Keep in mind, this project involves many teams, from the aforementioned multi-county commissioners to various Pennsylvania state departments and everyone in between.“Sounds simple, but it is not, far from it, and it will take time.“Collaboration is the buzzword these days and the northern region project is a perfect example of this cooperative process. All groups, including local residents, will be challenged to endure a multi-year operation that will run into many known obstacles and plenty of unknown barriers. But with the CDC team and other change makers at the table, a proactive approach will be utilized in everyone's best interest.“As the first woman president of the CDC board of directors and an avid yogi, I ask everyone to inhale the future and exhale the past. Embrace optimism, stay tuned and get excited about Butler County!”
The Butler Human Resources Association is looking forward to a growth year.President-elect Allison Crouse said already a campaign is under way to attract new members and fresh ideas for meeting topics.“We are already a good group, we are looking to expand on that.”Having partnered with the Mercer & Lawrence County Human Resources Association (MLHRA) in 2018, the group welcomes members from all three counties.The group hosts monthly luncheons, and offers learning and networking opportunities. Each month, a different speaker touches on topics of contemporary concern, like how to deal with drug testing employees with the legalization of medical marijuana.Crouse said one of the group's initiatives in the new year is reaching out to the community to assure the organization's speakers are addressing the issues most pressing.“We are reaching out for feedback from all area HR professionals.”
“2019 was a great year, and I'm always looking forward to what we have developing,” said Mike Robb, who wears two hats as president of both the Center for Community Resources and the Alliance for Nonprofit Resources.“Our initiatives are not demarcated by the calendar.”On the CCR side, Robb said he's looking forward to implementation of the new 988 number for crisis services.Billed nationally as a “suicide prevention hotline,” the new resource will direct callers to around-the-clock crisis center assistance.Locally, Robb said, “They would get us.”The Federal Communications Commission only recently approved using the 3-digit number, and experts like Robb believe it will make it easier for those in need to access services.“Most people don't remember a 1-800 number when they're in a crisis,” Robb said, noting CCR's full emergency number, 1-800-292-3866, will still connect callers to help.CCR provides intervention, assessment, screening and referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.That 988 initiative is expected to be operational within 12 months.On the ANR side, Robb said he is really anticipating two initiatives: In management services, there has been an uptick in IT and fiscal needs for small and midsized businesses.And the agency also is talking to surrounding counties about the possibility of filling more transportation needs.“Finally,” Robb said. “We are hoping to address food insecurity here.”Robb said his agency is looking at properties and discussing the possibility of establishing an aquaponic farm. Although they specifically are contemplating a model used by Chatham University, Robb also gives a nod to an already functioning farm at North Country Brewing in Slippery Rock.“By braving the trail, (North Country Owner Bob McCafferty) helps others know this can be done.”
“My team and I at the Butler County Family YMCA are looking forward to 2020 and beyond with great optimism,” said Dave Hilliard, president and chief operating officer.“We're the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Our services, in conjunction with our incredible staff, are the essential ingredients in making a positive impact here in Butler County. Through generous financial support, we ensure that all have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities necessary to learn, grow and thrive.As we head into the New Year, the YMCA is focusing on three key initiatives:Youth Development — Empowering young people to reach their full potential.Healthy Living — Improving individual and community well-being.Social Responsibility — Giving back and inspiring action in our community.When you join our YMCA, you'll discover new ways to connect to your neighbors and reconnect with yourself. No matter where you are on your journey, the Y is where you can belong and become.This is the Y! Join us.”
Ken DeFurio says as he watches problems among health care systems regionally unfold, he is proud of Butler Health Systems' ongoing independence and commitment to community.“As one of the county's largest employers and service providers, I'd ask everyone to consider what supporting Butler Health System means to them,” he said. “Supporting Butler Health System is simply good for the community overall.”In addition to its legacy as a service provider, economic driver and employer to more than 2,500 people, including about 200 physicians, DeFurio says BHS has an exciting future.He notes two very large “new beginnings” slated for 2020, already under way at Butler Health System.“The first is this: For the first time in our more than 120 year history, we will be a multiple hospital health care system,” DeFurio said, noting BHS's acquisition of Clarion Hospital became final in December.“Integrating Clarion Hospital and Clarion Health System (CHS) into Butler Health system will be a major undertaking in 2020…. everything from back office functions, like financial support, human resources, legal and IT … all those functions that all large business perform. At the same time we will be making sure the clinical care is coordinated.“One of the reasons the board at Clarion selected Butler Health System was our commitment to providing services close to home. We will be coordinating our services and also looking for any gaps in service in the Clarion area to see how those people can be better served.”DeFurio said getting services “close to home” for Clarion area residents will also imply a seamless transition from their medical provider to Butler facilities for any major procedures that cannot be performed at Clarion facilities.For example, the Clarion Hospital does not do the types of major cardiac procedures available at the Butler hospital.“Now we will be coordinated to work together,” DeFurio said.One of the first big steps in the coordination is also the initiative DeFurio cites as his second big “new beginning.”The entire hospital system — from the ER to private physicians to labs — is in the process of converting to one, unified electronic health record.DeFurio explained that for many years, doctors kept paper medical records. When computers became commonplace, physicians selected software that was best for their practice.But the different systems could not necessarily “talk” to each other; records had to be shared.With the upgrade, which was to go live Jan. 1 in the Butler Health System, then later in the Clarion systems, every facility within the merged system will be connected.By the end of the year, every doctor at every location in Butler and Clarion should be connected.“All providers could, for example, be able to pull up records and see lab results or X-rays performed by other providers immediately,” he said.
