We all make many decisions in life. That would include our personal life, our financial life, our choice of where to live, what kind of car to drive and what people we want to become close with over time.

As business people that remains true, but you often find it is most important to have a consensus of opinion on what will be best for a group or an organization with separate but common interests.

In 2002, a group of business people made some decisions that would heavily impact the Butler County business community for the next 20 years and beyond. Through the shadow of some less than stellar business practices in previous years stepped a proverbial mountain of a man. Not overwhelming in stature and not using a booming voice with demands, he still casually placed himself into the middle of the business world that was Butler County and assumed the reign of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. History tells that the chamber was broke. That didn’t scare him. Recent history showed a sad disconnect between the Chamber and its purpose from what the business leaders saw as the primary needs in their organizations. He didn’t bat an eye or offer even the slightest concern for what lay ahead but he simply went to work. Stan Kosciuszko wasn’t just the right man for this job; he was the only man for this job.

None of the things we have read and the top selling almost biography on Stan the man was surprising. We had the great opportunity to work and play with Stan in many settings over his 20 years at the helm. He steered the Chamber ship through all manners of turmoil and strife but never doubted himself or his “kids.” His classic style included plenty of food and an occasional glass of wine or a cocktail to get everyone on common ground. Everyone eats and the business climate has pushed most of us to drink as well. Stan saw good times with good company as a sure way to break down barriers and to level the playing field. He did this one-on-one or by building better relationships between business organizations.

One of Stan’s strengths was the creation of new entities to fill voids he recognized in the community and also seeing and accepting when his presence was better as a shadow than a central figure. The examples that can be cited include the Butler County Employee of the year program, Leadership Butler County, Butler County Young Professionals and Butler County Youth Leadership. To suggest any of those programs without Stan’s stabling influence would have most likely met with negative vibrations if not complete rejection. But his calm demeanor and confident approach most always won people over to his side. His ability to recognize the correct sponsors, the businesses that need brought together, and the venues that are appropriate for each was amazing. There is much for the next generation of business organization leaders to learn, but they got a great start from the mentoring offered by Stan.

We talked a number of times about the future and even about a simultaneous retirement. Stan won that race and he steps out tonight with style and grace and also with the appreciation of a community that was made much better by a French-speaking, chef-want-to-be from of all places New Castle. Enjoy tonight as the spotlight shines brightly on you and your great accomplishments you made.

Saluti, Chindon, Cent’anni.

— RV