WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three regional businesses were awarded multimillion dollar military contracts, signed by President George W. Bush Wednesday.

• MSA in Cranberry Township was awarded an $800,000 contract to develop a hearing protection system with integrated communications for the U.S. Army.

• II-VI in Saxonburg received a $5.2 million contract to start production of a domestic source of high-powered lasers for the Department of Defense.

• Accipiter Systems in Wexford, Allegheny County, was awarded an $1.2 million contract to develop high bandwidth, energy-efficient communications system for the U.S. Army.

A total of $21.1 million in contracts were awarded to Western Pennsylvania companies, which will create 100 new jobs and retain more than 2,200 current jobs.

NexTier Bank, headquartered in Butler County, was recognized as one of the "100 Best Places to Work in PA" for 2008.The bank earned this distinction through a survey and awards program that identifies, recognizes and honors workplaces that most benefit the state's economy, workforce and businesses.This is the third time NexTier earned a place on the Top 100 list, also being named in 2000 and 2001."Earning our place on the Top 100 list underscores the pride our associates take in working here and in supporting the customers and communities we serve," said Jennifer Roxbury, chief operating officer and senior vice president of human resources.NexTier will be honored at the "100 Best Places to Work in PA" awards ceremony on Dec. 2 in Hershey.The program is sponsored by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Central Penn Business Journal.

• Dr. Jeremiah Bondra received a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry for completing 500 hours of course work.