In Brief
Beth Koop is the new editor/reporter for Butler County Business Matters, which is a monthly publication of the Butler Eagle.
A native of Johnstown, Koop has worked at the newspaper in Kissimmee, Fla., been in public relations for a grandparent program, taught in public schools, and been a media relations assistant at Indiana (Pa.) University.
She also wrote for Johnstown Magazine for several years.
She recently completed her master's degree in communication technology and adult education at IUP. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from Clarion University.
Koop, who recently moved to Butler, replaces David Means, who has moved to Columbus, Ohio
JEFFERSON TWP — Brian Hortert has been appointed to the newly created position of chief operating officer of Concordia Lutheran Ministries announced Keith Frndak, president and CEO.He has worked at Concordia for 14 years in various roles, the most recent as CEO of Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh and vice president for personal care.In his new role, he will have oversight for all Pennsylvania-based facility operations. Since he is dual-licensed in both personal care and nursing home administration, he is prepared for this promotion.Currently he is overseeing the turnaround at Concordia's newest acquisition in Monroeville.“Brian has been a trusted and caring professional, and I have depended on him for guidance and discernment especially in the area of personal care,” Frndak said.Hortert began his career in personal care/assisted living in 1986 and arrived at Concordia in 2001 as director of assisted living.He led on-site operations for each of Concordia's acquisitions beginning in 2003.
CRANBERRY TWP — Cranberry Township has been awarded a platinum certification by the Pennsylvania Municipal League and Sustainable Pittsburgh for its sustainability practices.Those include community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness programs, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations.This environmental certification is the highest level of recognition and only two platinum certifications have been given statewide.Cranberry has been previously awarded a gold certification, according to Chelsea Puff, township community projects administrator.
BUTLER TWP — Dollar General will celebrate the opening of its new location at 521 Evans City Road at 8 a.m. Aug. 29 with prizes and special deals.The first 50 adult shoppers at the Route 68 store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag, among other giveaways.These stores generally employ six to 10 people.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears' sales declined in the second quarter as it shifted away from low-margin goods like electronics and it focused on increasing the number of loyal customers through reward programs.The retailer did post its first quarterly profit in three years, bolstered by selling and leasing back some of its buildings to a new real estate investment trust.From combined wire services
