BUTLER TWP — There was good news to announce this morning by the United Way of Butler County.

Despite the worldwide recession, the United Way 2009 campaign saw a 2 percent increase in contributions.

More than 200 people attended the 76th annual United Way Award Breakfast at Butler County Community College.

Ann Morrison, annual campaign chairwoman for the past two years, said the 2009 campaign, which began in September 2008, netted $1.269 million for the United Way, $10,000 more than last year.

"Despite the economic downturn, we have been able to return more than $1 million to the community," she said.

That money will go to nonprofit agencies throughout the county.

Morrison acknowledged the campaign, which used to last a few months, is now almost a year-round fundraising event.

Morrison awarded the 2009 Spirit of Butler County Award to Indspec Chemical in Petrolia for the company's and its workers' longtime support of the United Way.