Vernon Wise

GIBSONIA — Vernon Wise Jr., president and publisher of the Butler Eagle, was one of 12 business leaders in southwestern Pennsylvania who were recognized Monday as the 2008 Smart Business Pittsburgh Pacesetters at the 22nd annual St. Barnabas CEO Leadership Conference at St. Barnabas.

Four Pacesetters were nominated in three categories based on the size of the businesses. Then one person in each of three categories was recognized as that category's top Pacesetter.

The 12 Pacesetters were selected from among nominations based on how the leader and his organization are setting the pace for business success in the Pittsburgh region.

Wise was one of four honored in the mid-market category, which is for organizations with $30 to $100 million in annual revenue. He was the only person from Butler County among the 12 Pacesetters.

Smart Business presented its Pacesetter Awards at the St. Barnabas CEO Leadership Conference for the second year in a row.

The conference was attended by 176 CEOs and their seconds-in-command.