BUTLER TWP — The new Hampton Inn is open.

The five-floor, 80-room hotel is at 610 Butler Crossing, which is behind Mikan Volkswagen.

It had a soft opening Dec. 29 and will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening later this month.

In addition to guest rooms, the hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a conference area.

It employs 20 people.

MARS — The Mars National Bank staff donated more than 25 bags of home supplies and $215 to the Butler County Winter Relief Center.Supplies donated by bank staff included water, paper towels, plastic bags, facial tissues, lip balm and food items.The center in Butler helps the homeless in Butler County by providing food and overnight shelter during the winter.“Our staff always steps up when asked to contribute to a worthy cause in our community,” said James V. Dionise, president and chief executive officer of Mars National Bank.The center is operated by the Grace Youth and Family Foundation in connection with the county Local Housing Options Team.

NexTier Insurance Services and ESS Insurance Group have announced they merged effective Jan. 1, according to a news release.The combined organization now operates as ESS NexTier Insurance Group. Charles “Chip” Echnoz, who was principal of ESS, is chief executive officer, and Rick Putnam, who had been president and CEO of NexTier Insurance, is president and chief operating officer.ESS NexTier Insurance will maintain offices in Kittanning, Butler and Greensburg.

CRANBERRY TWP — Allegheny Health Network recently added Dr. Matthew Chakan, who joins Drs. Michael Wusylko and John Pazin in offering primary medical care at Cranberry Internal Medicine Associates, 20826 Route 19.Chakan is a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Boston Medical Center and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.In addition to Cranberry Internal Medicine, Chakan will see patients at the new Health + Wellness Pavilion in Pine Township, Allegheny County.

The Butler Transit Authority Tuesday approved new officers for 2015.Joe Hasychak is chairman, replacing John Evans.Charles Savannah is vice chairman, and Jim Diamond is secretary and treasurer.There is one vacancy on the six-member board. Butler City Council, which selects three members to the board, is expected to discuss a possible appointee at its meetings next week.Butler Township appoints the other three members.

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce's Meet-N-Move Networking Luncheon series returns for 2015 with four dates with other regional business organizations.The events are a way participants can meet different people.Lunches run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The dates, locations and partnering organizations are:• March 10 at Concordia Lutheran Ministries, 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, with the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce;• May 12 at Shakespeare's Restaurant & Pub at Olde Stonewall Golf Club, 1495 Mercer Road, Ellwood City, with the Ellwood City Area and Lawrence County chambers of commerce;• Oct. 21 at Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Rathburn Hall, Grove City, with the Grove City Area and Mercer County chambers of commerce;• Nov. 2 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, with the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce.For information or to register, call 724-283-2222 or e-mail jennifer@butlercountychamber.com.

GROVE CITY — The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the opening of two new businesses and the renovation of a longtime member with three ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the end of the month.At 4:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Jerry Taylor Ford on Route 58 just outside Grove City will showcase its remodeled building. A mixer will follow the ribbon cutting.At noon Jan. 29, the chamber will recognize D'licious Bouquets, 108 S. Broad St., which creates edible food arrangements.At noon Jan. 30, the chamber will recognize a new location for Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour-a-day fitness center franchise.The Grove City location is at 4 Pine Grove Village Drive.

CRANBERRY TWP — Movie goers now have an option that provides a new level of comfort.Cranberry Cinemas at the Cranberry Mall recently opened its two new theaters, including one that features “golden luxury seating.”Those seats resemble recliners, with plush cushions, armrests and electronically controlled footrests. That theater has assigned seats.Cranberry Cinemas is the first theater in the region to offer the upscale seating option, said Katie Gancy, Goldenstar Theaters marketing manager.The theater, which has been operated by Goldenstar Theaters since 2009, recently finished an expansion that increased its number of screens from eight to 10.