NexTier Insurance is pleased to announce that Philip Crouse has joined NexTier Insurance as an insurance agent.

He specializes in property and casualty business development and underwriting, with a focus on commercial and small business insurance.

"We're pleased to have Phil on board," said Rick Putnam, NexTier insurance president. "His 25 years of experience in insurance really adds depth to our product and service offerings."

Crouse is a lifelong Butler resident.

Butler County Farm Bureau will hold its annual fall meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Unionville Grange, Benbrook Road, Butler Township.The agenda includes election of directors, approval of policies, committee reports and a program report from this year's Ag in the Classroom teachers.There will be a raffle drawing, special drawing of those in attendance for a 2010 paid membership to Butler County Farm Bureau and other door prizes.A steak dinner will be served, with a cost of $12.50 per person.Reservations and checks made payable to Butler County Farm Bureau are due by Sept. 29 to Evelyn Minteer, 362 North Road, Butler, PA 16001. For more information, call 724-283-6719.

CRANBERRY TWP — Small business owners and managers can attend a pandemic flu update at the Four Points Sheraton Pittsburgh North from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 9.The event will cover how diseases are transmitted, who is at greatest risk, how companies can continue operations and pandemic-specific business issues.The event is sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Community Colleges Resource Consortium, the state Department of Health and the Western Pennsylvania Chambers of Commerce.There is no charge, but seating is limited. Businesses can register by calling 724-287-8711, Ext. 8421.

BUTLER TWP — VA Butler Healthcare on New Castle Road is investing $8.8 million of federal government stimulus money during the 2009 fiscal year.Renovations are being made to all facilities to improve patient care.Projects being paid for through stimulus money are: replacement of boilers, electrical system replacement, site drainage, window replacements, renovation of the water tower and helping to pay part of the cost of a new nursing home building.

BMH gets award for following guidelinesButler Memorial Hospital has been recognized by both the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for its treatment of cardiac and stroke patients.The hospital has been following the organizations' Get with the Guidelines program for quality base improvement of these patients.The recognition means at least 85 percent of all cardiac and stroke patients have been treated and released from the hospital according to the guidelines.

• Ray Kallner, branch manager of the Butler sales and construction office for Cleary Building Corp., recently earned his master's of branch administration certification from Steel Wood University.