February 2012 — Manufacturing and International Trade: Butler County Companies Ship Products Around the World
MAIN STORIES
Help Wanted: Manufacturers on Lookout for Skilled Workers — Manufacturers are vital to the economic recovery because they produce wealth. However, many are in need of skilled laborers and professionals.
Raw Deal: Rising Material Costs Become Obstacle to Production — Manufacturers have been experiencing a steady increase in activity, but as more firms ramp up production, the availability and cost of raw materials have caused issues.
Just Do It: BC3 Expands Hands-On Learning Opportunities — As a result of the success of popular hands-on manufacturing-related courses, Butler County Community College is expanding those offerings and branching out to other schools.
Q&A
Trading Down: Unfair Policies Drag Country Deeper into Economic Hole — Dave Frengel, director of government affairs for Penn United Technologies and chairman of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Coalition for a Prosperous America, speaks about trade policies and what businesses can do to make a difference.
YOUR VOICE
One for All: Manufacturing Consortium Focuses on Education, Awareness — Neil Ashbaugh, chairman of the Butler County Manufacturing Consortium, writes about what the group has accomplished during the past year and what it has planned for 2012 and beyond.
ALSO FEATURED
Positive ‘Xchange’ Rate: New Referral Network Increases Membership, Going Strong — Business Referral Xchange is still growing after three like-minded professionals started the group nearly a year ago.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Lasting Legacy: Carr Works to Continue Late Father’s Success Story — During the past three years, Angela Carr has worked to make sure Pittsburgh Plastics Manufacturing, the company her father Jim Zona started in 1977, remains a global leader in cushioning products.
PHOTO FEATURES
The Center of Harmony, which is comprised of a group of collaborating businesses that focus on wellness and sustainability, celebrated its grand opening Jan. 14.
THE CHAMBER of Commerce hosted an open house Jan. 16 to show off the renovations to its Wexford office.

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