SRU wins Butler Chamber 2016 Business Champion Award

August 2, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University has received the 2016 Business Champion Award from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce for its contribution to local history, commitment to education and new programs including homeland security and petroleum and natural gas engineering.

"The University is honored to be selected by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce to receive the 2016 Business Champion Award. This award recognizes our long history of providing leadership and vision to affect positive change, and our contributions to the economic development of the region," said Cheryl Norton, SRU president. "We are proud of our continuing efforts to work hand-in-hand with the Chamber to improve the economic vitality, cultural, social and educational environment of Butler County."

SRU and other award recipients - including Lisa Guard, owner of Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year - will be will be honored Sept. 14 at the University's Smith Student Center during the chamber's "Celebrate Business" dinner.

According to Stan Kosciuszko, chamber president, the Business Champion Award is based on several criteria, including: unique initiatives, investment in Butler County, innovative approaches, people philosophy/employee commitment, recognition, awards and future plans.

"SRU's ongoing, unique initiatives have been numerous, including the Regional Learning Alliance as well as new academic programs to keep pace with a changing world such as homeland security and natural gas engineering," Kosciuszko said.

"The financial investment (by SRU) in Butler County alone exceeds $227 million, while the volunteer hours from students, faculty and staff approaches $2 million in value. Each dollar invested by the state in SRU produces $11 in economic impact."

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.24854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu