Butler County Tourism Awards Member Grants to 15 Local Businesses

BUTLER COUNTY, PA (May 10, 2024) – 15 Butler County businesses and organizations received grants from the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau (BCTCB). The winners were announced Thursday, May 9 at the BCTCB’s annual Toast to Tourism Dinner held at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry, PA.

BUTLER COUNTY, PA (May 10, 2024) – 15 Butler County businesses and organizations received grants from the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau (BCTCB). The winners were announced Thursday, May 9 at the BCTCB’s annual Toast to Tourism Dinner held at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry, Pa.

Projects the grants will be funding aim to further develop the area’s tourist attractions, historic landmarks, and small businesses. Nearly $50,000 in grant money was awarded.

The annual event was also a celebration of President Cohen’s upcoming retirement. After over 20 years of leading the Bureau, Cohen is handing the reins to Amy Pack, Executive Director.

“I am grateful to have had Jack as a mentor over the past 12 years” said Pack “I am excited to continue building on the foundation of excellence Jack has made”.

A one-of-a-kind Tom Panei painting was presented to Cohen on behalf of the Bureau staff, board of directors, and the foundation board.

Paul Lueken, former Athletic Director for Slippery Rock University and current coordinator with the Can-Am Police-Fire Games, was recognized as the 2024 Butler County Tourism Ambassador of the Year.

“Paul Lueken has been a part of the Bureau for years, six of which were as treasurer for our board,” Cohen said. “During his time as the athletic director for Slippery Rock University, Paul worked to rehabilitate and construct new sports facilities, enabling SRU and by extension Butler County to be host to PIAA, WPIAL and other major playoff events, bringing in revenue for our area”

Siggy Pehel, President of the Glade Run Lake Conservancy was recognized with a “Destination Development” Award for his role in restoring the dam and lake as a wildlife habitat and fishing area that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The Bureau hosts its “Toast to Tourism” annually during National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S.

2024 Butler County Tourism Foundation Grant Recipients

  • Butler Township/Preston Park
  • Butler County Chamber of Commerce
  • Clinton Township Historical Committee
  • Washington's Trail 1753
  • The Shops on West Diamond/Appalachian Rock Shop
  • Butler Old Stone House Region AACA
  • Prebula Family Ventures
  • SurfSUP Adventures
  • Historic Harmony
  • Derailleur Bike Shop Cafe
  • Glade Run
  • Suite Thyme
  • Eisler Farms
  • Moraine State Park Regatta
  • Harmony Business Association

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