THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

May 2012 — Building a Stronger Future: Local Construction Plans & Progress

MAIN STORIES

Building Up: Construction Industry Shows Positive Signs — Many construction-related businesses in Butler County are reporting an uptick in activity, and many who were cautiously optimistic a year ago are now reaping new opportunities.

All For One: Design-Build Approach Touted for Flexibility, Speed, Savings — The design-build method of construction puts the owner, designer and builder on the same team.

Online Opportunity: Social Media Becomes Important Recruiting Tool for Construction Firm — Ron Kubitz, recruiting manager for Brayman Construction Corp., has been using social media to address the company’s professional work force needs.

Q&A

Cracking the Code: Consistency Key in Enforcing Building Regulations — John Nath, one of about 500 certified Master Code Professionals worldwide, speaks with Business Matters about third-party inspection agencies, the challenges codes can present to designers and builders, and how those in the construction industry can stay up to date.

YOUR VOICE

Building Trust: Essential Character Trait is Needed for Success — Any successful business must be built on trust, according to John Furman of Furman & Associates.

BUSINESS PROFILES

Heartfelt Decision: Serious Health Issues, Economy Can’t Stop Man from Starting Business — As if starting a business weren’t challenging enough, imagine doing it while awaiting a heart transplant. That’s just what Jim Bumbarger has been doing for the past year and a half as he has nurtured HeartFelt Bagels ’N Bialys from a hobby that helped him start living again to a venture that will give hope to many others.

Mission Accomplished: Dream to Become Veterinarian Fulfilled at Seven Fields Practice — It’s likely that few people pursue, let alone achieve their early childhood career aspirations, particularly the many who dream about becoming veterinarians. But for Dr. Ann Herschl Cirillo, co-owner of Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital, there was never any other option. From the time she was 4, Cirillo wanted to be a vet.

ALSO FEATURED

Getting Technical: Scouting Event Offers Chance to Earn STEM Merit Badges — Nearly 120 Boy Scouts took over Butler County Community College on March 31 to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics while earning merit badges.

Regional Opportunity: Cooperation Theme at Annual CDC Meeting — The Community Development Corporation of Butler County during its annual meeting highlighted how cooperating on a regional scale presents many opportunities for the county.

Employee Appreciation: 2 Women Honored for Achievements — Two professional women were honored for their outstanding achievement and managerial prowess during the Butler County Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon.

An Introduction: XTO Details Drilling Operations Here — XTO Energy, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, held a pair of events April 3 to introduce itself to residents and to detail its plans for Butler County, which include increased drilling and construction of processing plants.

Center of Attention: New ‘Hub’ designed to be Cranberry’s All-Purpose Business Website — Cranberry Township is working to make itself an even friendlier place for businesses by bolstering its accessibility and communication efforts through a new website, the Cranberry Township Business Hub.

PHOTO FEATURES

The Butler County Young Professionals on March 20 held Volunteering Made Easy, the group’s annual event aimed at pairing members with nonprofits looking for volunteers.

More than 1,000 visitors and nearly 150 vendors attend THE CHAMBER of Commerce’s annual Neighborhood Business Expo on March 26 at the Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North.