Community contributors, economic growth highlighted at Butler Downtown event
Butler Downtown’s annual event recognizing individuals and businesses used to look a little different. According to Mayor Bob Dandoy, the event early on could see 20 to 25 attendees, a meat-and-cheese tray for food and a case of beer.
“We've come a long way,” said Dandoy at the organization’s awards banquet on Wednesday evening, Nov. 4, with dozens in attendance at the Penn Theater.
But it’s not just the event that has grown. Butler’s downtown and Main Street have developed over time too, Dandoy said. Community members and small businesses who helped cultivate the city’s progress received awards for their contributions from Butler Downtown at the event.
For 2026, Janet Barber was recognized as the volunteer of the year; and Weddings by Jeff Double and its sister shop, All About Reclaimed, was named small business of the year.
“I'm very humbled and honored to be receiving this award,” said Barber, who is on Butler Downtown’s design committee and has volunteered for many community events.
“Being included into the community of Butler — not just necessarily downtown, but Butler County — has really changed me as a person,” Double said.
Penn Theater was recognized with the Economic Impact Award and Popp'n Lemonade was named food truck of the year for earning the most votes during Butler Downtown’s Foodie Fridays events.
A special accolade was also announced — the Community Impact Award was given to the Alliance for Nonprofit Resources for its volunteer portal, an online platform created in partnership with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.
The portal is designed to streamline the process for organizations to find volunteers.
Butler Downtown’s board members highlighted the efforts from the nonprofit to revitalize the Main Street and bolster Butler’s economy.
Butler Downtown’s economic revitalization committee secured funding to work on the group’s Main Street Matters plan, said Butler County Chamber of Commerce president Jordan Grady.
Tim Hawk, president of Butler Downtown, said the organization promotes partnerships between businesses and community leaders with the end goal of creating foot traffic for the city’s businesses and improving the appearance of downtown.
“With the input of local business leaders, government officials and invested citizens, we’re working on our plan that will help find ways for Butler to continue to grow,” said Tabitha Sperring, chairperson of Butler Downtown’s economic revitalization committee.
Dandoy encouraged Butler businesses and organizations to collaborate and outreach.
“We cannot work in separate corners of the same downtown and expect it to succeed,” he said.
The city has invested in community gatherings and infrastructure, like parking facilities. Dandoy said. He said renovation of Main Street’s sidewalks, made possible by a $1.5 million grant through the Southwestern Pennsylvania Planning Commission, is expected to start construction in early 2027.
“This is a significant investment in downtown Butler,” he said.
In addition to improving the city’s accessibility and look, Dandoy said, the improvements send a message that the city believes in its value.
“I hope that commitment brings even more private investment,” he said.
In addition to celebrating the award winners, Dandoy said annual function is also about celebrating Butler’s accomplishments at large.
“I look around downtown, and I think about where we've been and where we're headed,” said Dandoy. “There is really a lot to be excited now.”
