Longtime employees Connie Swartzfeger and Dick Ross cut an anniversary cake at the open house held Thursday at the Butler Country Club for the 50th anniversary of Armstrong.

PENN TWP — Armstrong executives and staff Thursday evening hosted nearly 200 friends and business partners at the Butler Country Club to celebrate 50 years of cable television services.

Armstrong, founded in 1946, launched cable television in Butler County in 1963. At the time, there were only nine channels.

Today, the company has expanded to serve thousands of households throughout the region, and there are hundreds of channels, along with high-speed Internet and telephone service.

Headquartered in Butler Township, Armstrong employs more than 2,000 company wide.

“Truly, I don't think we're going anywhere anytime soon,” said Jud Stewart, vice president of marketing.

“I think that in 50 years from now, our grandkids will be getting together to celebrate all the great things we've done over that time.

“So, I want to thank you all for coming tonight, and thank you Butler for welcoming us in 1963, because we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.”