Vernon L. Wise, Jr.

Vernon L. Wise, Jr., retired Butler Eagle publisher and chairman of the board, will be the recipient of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association's 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes exceptional service and outstanding accomplishment spanning a career in journalism.

Wise was selected for his leadership and commitment at the Butler Eagle and Butler Color Press and his contributions to the newspaper industry and Butler community, according to the association.

He was nominated for the honor by Butler Eagle general manager and publisher Ron Vodenichar, who emphasized to the association Wise's technological innovations at the Butler Eagle and his commitment to family ownership of the newspaper and printing company.

Wise began his newspaper career as a carrier at the paper. Throughout high school and college he worked at the newspaper.

He earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Princeton University in 1951 and shortly after was called to active military service, serving in counterintelligence for the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Wise is the third generation of his family to serve as publisher, which emphasizes his commitment to family ownership, with five generations being involved in the business.

He became president and general manager in 1968 after the death of his father, Vernon L. Wise. In 1979, he founded Butler Color Press, a commercial press designed to print advertising circulars primarily for large retail chains.

His community contributions include leadership with the Butler County Chapter of the Salvation Army and the Community Development Corporation of Butler County.

Wise and his wife of 64 years, Sarah, have homes in Butler County and Marco Island, Fla.

The award will be presented at the association's Annual Dinner and Convention on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.