The Butler Eagle received the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board's Butler County Employer of the Year Award. From left are Eagle staff members David Means, Business Matters; Tammy Schuey, technology director; Vance Smith, Eagle Media Group; and Mary McFarland, Business Matters.

NORTH BUFFALO TWP, Armstrong County — The Butler Eagle on Friday received the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board’s 2014 Butler County Employer of the Year Award during the board’s December meeting at the Kittanning Country Club.

The board annually recognizes one employer each in Butler, Armstrong and Indiana counties that has made significant contributions to the region’s work force. Employers are nominated by organizations that participate in board programs.

Tri-County board Vice President Scott Docherty of CID Associates, a manufacturer in Buffalo Township, presented the award, crediting the Eagle for its community involvement.

“The Eagle is ingrained in so many aspects of Butler County,” he said.

Vance Smith, vice president of Eagle Media Corp. and a fifth-generation owner of the company, accepted the award.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our dedication to the community and our valued employees,” said Smith, who also serves on Tri-County’s board of directors.

Eagle Media Corp., which employs more than 250 people among the Butler Eagle, the Cranberry Eagle, Butler County Business Matters, the Butler Color Press and Harmony Outdoor, was selected for many reasons, according to Tri-County.

The company has participated in a number of work force initiatives, including employment transformation focus groups and planning for employment of special populations.

At the Eagle Production Center in Butler, the company employs and retains a number of individuals who face traditional employment barriers.

The company’s editorial support also was cited, as it has covered work force issues, highlighted work force programs and promoted career awareness.

Kittanning Care Center, a skilled care nursing home, received the Armstrong County award. H&W Global Industries, an industrial coatings company, received the Indiana County award.

Tri-County is the nonprofit organization that receives funds and administers programs, such as Career T.R.A.C.K. and PA CareerLink, through the federal Workforce Investment Act.