If you were to stop in at Friedman’s Freshmarkets corporate office in Lyndora, you would find yourself surrounded by many plaques and trophies. And though these awards come from many different avenues, there is a common theme that can be derived from them, success in business and in the community.

Friedman’s Freshmarkets, under the third generation leadership of Carole Bitter, continues to serve the Butler community as it has for the past century. Serving the community since 1900 is in its logo and in the practice of Bitter and her leadership staff. We work and live here in Butler County and we put our commitment where our stores are, right here at home.

Many organizations have benefited from Friedman associates who have served as board members or officers. Some of the recent few include the United Way, chambers of commerce, the American Red Cross and the Butler Rotary clubs. Friedman’s Freshmarkets has continued to support these and many other organizations in different ways.

Groups like the Butler Symphony, the Butler Little Theatre and the Musical Theatre Guild have had corporate sponsorship from the Friedman group for years. Other groups use its facilities to do fundraising activities, such as raffles, hot dog sales and car washes. Still other organizations get discounts and gift baskets for their special events.

Friedman’s also spends time and money promoting community activities like the anti-drug Reality Tour and the Regatta at Lake Arthur. Actual lists of sponsorships and discounts to organizations are pages long.

When Friedman’s talks about how its dollars stay in Butler, these activities are what it is talking about. Money spent in big chain stores is most often sent out of town. In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to support local businesses.