The Butler County Chamber of Commerce has been in partnership with the United Way of Butler County since 2003. For the past seven years, the Chamber and United Way have partnered to present the United Way Annual Meeting, Red Apple Awards and Leadership Butler County Graduation in order to highlight accomplishments of volunteers in Butler County and to introduce Leadership Graduates to agencies and organizations who are seeking new Board members.

The Butler County Chamber was critical to the implementation of the Butler County Solutions Assessment, conducted in partnership with United Way, Butler Health System and the Butler Collaborative for Families. Chamber members participated in multiple surveys and interviews, and the Chamber staff promoted that participation.

Chamber President Stan Kosciuszko is a past United Way Board member and volunteers as chairman of a community investment panel each review year and has done so for the past seven years. He served alongside Jennifer Roxbury, another past chamber and Leadership Butler County Board member, as chair of the United Way Strategic Planning Committee as the United Way adopted an Impact Plan centered on Education, Financial Stability, and Connecting People.

The Chamber and its Board of Directors helped manage the Butler Area Merchants Association (BAMA) Auction each year which benefitted many community non-profit agencies, and in its final gala year, the United Way and the Emergency Relief Initiative. They are extremely cooperative in providing information and contacts as we launch our campaign and throughout the campaign year.

Leadership Butler County recently partnered with United Way, Butler County Community Action and Butler County Human Services to present a Board Governance Training that was well attended and supported by Chamber leadership and Board members.

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce connected its Young Professionals Group with the United Way and its agencies to participate in "Volunteering Made Easy." Multiple non-profits introduced their agencies and missions and presented potential "Week of Caring" projects to the Young Professionals who selected Butler County Children's Center for their trail-building project in the fall. The group has also agreed to host a "Duckie Derby" in August to benefit the Scoutreach Program through United Way.

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce presents many awards to other organizations. It is our pleasure to present the organization with the Spirit of Butler County Award and recognize Stan, Jennifer and Bobbi Jo and the Chamber Board for their accomplishments and support.

Pittsburgh Area Auto Dealers "GIVE" Back To Their Communities

In partnership with The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation, and as a thank you for their volunteer service on the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association's (GPADA) Board of Directors, each valued board member was recently provided the opportunity to make a charitable donation, in their name, to the charity or organization of his or her choice. Dennis Baglier, owner of Baglier Buick GMC Mazda, serves on the GPADA Board and selected United Way of Butler County as his charity. Mr. Baglier, who is also a member of the United Way Board of Directors, presented Leslie Osche, Executive Director of United Way, with a check for $600 at a reception at the International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. "Dennis is an active Board member and a huge asset to the community. We are honored to be the organization of his choice, and value his friendship immensely," stated Ms. Osche.

In A Struggling Economy, Businesses Continue To LIVE UNITED

Butler Eagle has always supported the United Way. They run an employee campaign that has increased every year. However, in light of the current economy, and the great need in our community, they increased their campaign contributions by 25% this year, raising $27,506! They also help by publishing information and contacts for services to the community. Thank you to the Butler Eagle and staff for making a difference in so many lives! Special thanks to Ron Vodenichar for encouraging growth in leadership gifts of $500 or more.

Despite reduced work hours and work schedules, BASF Evans City turned in yet another successful campaign, raising $22,395.70 with the corporate match! Special thanks to Greg Haughey, Jane Graham and Mark Finch for their leadership!

Northwest Savings Bank is headquartered in Warren, PA. However, the local Butler County staff has taken great strides to make an IMPACT. They completed a workplace campaign; volunteer and continually ask how to become more involved! Northwest Savings Bank has a major presence and is vested in the betterment of our community. A special thanks to Ben Jamieson for his leadership!

United Way Of Butler County Welcomes Westinghouse Electric Company

United Way of Butler County successfully managed its first National Corporate Campaign with Westinghouse Electric Company, which raised $902,604 including corporate gifts and sponsorships throughout its 30 sites in 14 states and the District of Columbia, which includes $237,652 in corporate and employee giving in Butler County alone.

Thanks to Westinghouse Electric Company for hosting a Board of Directors Retreat in April, a spirited planning day to review the self-assessment and explore new resource development options for Education, Financial Stability and Connecting People.

United Way also was pleased to partner with Westinghouse Electric Company and area teachers for "N-Vision A Greener Future," an initiative to plant 3,000 trees in and around Butler County.

<B>Special thanks to our sponsors who help keep our fundraising costs at a minimum!</B>ArmstrongBear Metallurgical CompanyButler County Mental Health Emergency Preparedness FundButler County United Labor CouncilButler & Venango Counties Building & Construction TradesButler Health SystemCenturyLinkHoward Insurance AgencyEndowment for Butler CountyErnst & YoungIrene Stacy Community Mental Health CenterMars National BankMine Safety Appliances (MSA)Minuteman PressMurrin, Taylor, Flach, Gallagher & MaySIBA CucinaThompson Miller Funeral HomeTrinity Lutheran ChurchT.W. Phillips Gas and Oil CompanyWestinghouse Electric Company

<B>Special thanks to our Corporate Donors who help keep our fundraising costs at a minimum!</B>ArmstrongBaglier Buick GMC MazdaButler County Community CollegeButler EagleButler Pre-Owned Auto SalesButler County Radio NetworkCommunity Alliance Church Jim Eckstein ConstructionG.W. Kleber & Sons NurseryMichael Kriess ITSMaster Cuts - Clearview MallMoses JewelersNexTier BankSir SpeedySherwin WilliamsWestinghouse Electric Compapany