The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

THE EDGE
a guide to Butler County business information

"We Mean Business"

INSIDE
Your Guide to Membership in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

You are invited to join us.

Dear Butler County Business, s the largest business information and advocacy group dedicated to Butler County, we invite you to share in our success. The benefits of membership in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce are listed in the information found here. Numerous activities and networking opportunities will enable you to become involved with like-minded businesses. Through our wide reaching involvement, we have maintained a level of service to both the business community and the community at large, of which we can be proud. From advertising your business to a target audience, to networking with your future clients and customers, our organization continues to serve as the largest and most active voice of the vibrant Butler County business community. Our professional staff and host of volunteers are always ready to promote and educate through events and programs assisting you to tackle todays problems and grasp tomorrows opportunities. Butler County remains the fastest growing county in the Commonwealth, and we offer you hundreds of dollars in opportunities, referrals and of course our Business Seal of Approval. A few of our services include: Workshops, Seminars & Business Expos Networking & Referrals & Business Seal of Approval Health Insurance and other Member to Member Discounts Listing on our website with free link to your site Committee Involvement & Legislative Advocacy Advertising Options Exclusive to Chamber Members County Maps and Directories Please take time to read our special edition newsletter and discover a little about who and what we are. Contact our President, Stan Kosciuszko, should you need further information and to discuss the specific needs of your business. We look forward to welcoming you into our Butler County Chamber of Commerce family of members. Sincerely,

professional staff
Stan Kosciuszko
President

Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Monaco

ButlerCountyChamber.com 724.283.2222

"Serving the Butler County business community since 1896"

Board of Directors Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Printing provided by: Minuteman Press in the Pullman Commerce Center (724) 283-7403
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Your Guide to Membership in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Benefits Local Business

Were all about You.
We have surveyed you local businesses -- to see what you want from Chamber membership. Our benefits include Networking, Program Discounts, Advertising Opportunities, Educational Workshops, Premiere Business Events and Business Resources.

hundreds of employers and potential employees. It is our mission to provide the maximum opportunities for our members to do business and by expanding our scope of involvement we automatically expand your territory of involvement. In addition we partner with the United Way of Butler County not only during their campaign period but in coordinating the largest regional annual breakfast meeting held in cooperation with the Leadership Butler County Graduation and the ARMSTRONG Red Apple Awards in Education event.

Were all about Promoting Our Members through Communications.

Use our top-rated Chamber Resources -- the monthly newsletter, The Edge, and our new and improved website, ButlerCountyChamber.com to your advantage. New members receive a free business listing in the newsletter and members can submit company or event news to be featured in the Member News section of the newsletter. You also receive a Free Business Listing with a Link to your Website on ButlerCountyChamber.com. Participate in our annual Expo at the Clearview Mall, We Mean Business Business Expo or Spring Garden Market and Home Show, and you will have direct access to other businesses as well as the public.

Were all about Rewards and Awards.

Each year in partnership with Butler Health System, we recognize the Butler County Employee of the Year at our annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Nominated by their employer and selected by a panel of past recipients, this honor rewards an individual for their contributions to the workplace. For the 10th time, we will recognize a community organization for their collective impact on our community. Past recognition as the Chamber Community Champion has gone to The Butler Shade Tree Commission, Slippery Rock Area Development Association, Butler AM Rotary Club, Parking Authority of Butler, Butler Downtown, Historic Pullman Park Commission, Community Health Clinic of Butler County, The Strand Theater, Butler-Freeport Trail Commission and Butler Little Theatre. At our Celebrate Business annual dinner we recognize a Chamber Business Champion for their contributions to the business community, and in 2005 we began presenting the William A. Morgan, Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year award to business individuals who exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship upon which our chamber was founded.

Were all about Services, Advertising and Education.

We offer discounted healthcare insurance options through Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance; energy solutions through Affiliated Power Purchasers International, LLC and membership benefits through ARMSTRONG My $avings Plan. We promote a variety of advertising options via our newsletter, website, membership directory, Butler County map and educational workshops in cooperation with Sandler Sales Training and Butler County Community College. Plus, check out the Friday Morning Coffee Club at the Fairfield Inn & Suites every Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. for business presentations, informal networking and shared referrals. The Coffee Club is sponsored by PNC Bank, Butler Business Matters and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.

Were all about Community Caring.

We support the community actively through two of our affiliate organizations, Butler County Young Professionals and Leadership Butler County. Each group has worked on projects benefiting charitable endeavors in Butler County. Past recipients have been Children and Youth Services, Blind Association of Butler County, Moraine Trails Boy Scouts, Butler County Childrens Center, Community Health Clinic of Butler County, Children & Youth Services Duffle Bag Project, Butler Emergency Relief Initiative and First Impressions as well as creative new projects such as emergency kits for the elderly. Proof positive that the Business Community is an active and concerned player in our overall quality of life.

Were all about Networking, Collaboration and Regional Partnerships.

We offer quarterly Meet-N-Move Networking luncheons cooperatively with regional chambers of commerce in Butler, Mercer, Armstrong and Allegheny Counties. Our Chamber has taken a lead role in forming a Regional Business Advocacy Council comprised or 16 regional development agencies and chambers in Western Pennsylvania. Many of our after hours mixers are done jointly with area business associations. Twice annually we partner with PA CareerLink of Butler County to conduct a Job and Career Fair, attracting
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Were all about Butler County Business.

We invite you to become a part of the largest Business Group working towards a better Butler County! The Butler County Chamber of Commerce -- We Mean Business. Can you afford not to join?

It is to all of the Chamber members benefit to utilize this very strong, dynamic, and vibrant organization to empower all of us to a better Butler County Community.
Cecelia Buechele Foster,M.S. Executive Director Community Health Clinic of Butler County

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce has been the key organization is my professional life. The networking opportunity with businesses I wanted to work with, along with networking with professionals who have turned into great friends has been very rewarding. Chamber membership is a bargain for what one gets... networking, educational series relative to business, and friends for life, no other organization can fulfill your professional relationship in the Butler County area.
Dino Capestrani Director of Marketing Concordia Home and Community Service

2011 Employee of the Year Award

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce means the world to Butler County Community College. Whether it be participating in Leadership Butler, the various workshops or even social gatherings, there is little question that our employees benefit tremendously from all of the services the Chamber provides.
Dr. Nicholas C. Neupauer President Butler County Community College

Annual Dinner - Chamber Champion, Cathy Glasgow

Being a Chamber member has opened many doors. I have established many friendships and business partners with my active membership.
Aubery L Hulings Assistant Vice President Regional Manager Farmers National Bank

Annual Golf Outing - Sponsor, Concordia Lutheran Ministries

My membership in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce has proved helpful both professionally, and in support of ARMSTRONGS efforts in the community. This is a superior business organization that reflects its mottoWe mean business.
Joe Taylor VP/General Manager ARMSTRONG

Ladies Outing - Sponsor, Famers National Bank

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Your Guide to Membership in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Affiliates Expand Business Circle

he Butler County Chamber is proud to host a variety of affiliate organizations throughout the county all which help to build a strong and unified business community. We encourage you to find out more about these organizations and get involved.

Butler County Young Professionals

The Butler County Young Professionals, an affiliate group of the Chamber founded in 2008, provides an opportunity for professional networking and development, social activities, relationship building and volunteerism. The Butler County Young Professionals understand that professional networking and development often begin with social interaction. The organization offers numerous ways to become involved, to interact, to learn, to network and to make a positive impact on our community. For more detailed membership information and a calendar of scheduled events, contact the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at 724.283.2222 or via e-mail at Media@ButlerCountyChamber.com.

Butler County Young Professionals Event

Butler Downtown
Health, Wealth, Wellness & More Expo
Butler Downtown is a grassroots revitalization initiative involving local citizens and people from business, education, government and community organizations throughout the region. The organization is a group of interested individuals set up as a non-profit organization, with the mandate to bring new energy and vitality to our citys central business district. Butler Downtown is supported by a number of local businesses and organizations, including the Mayor and City Council and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. In this planning for our Citys future, this Main Street Program encourages respect for the rich historic heritage of Butlers past, the political, cultural and industrial influences that shaped our downtown. Butler Downtown was organized to stimulate neighborhood and business district revitalization in Butler through the Main Street Program four-point approach: design, organization, promotion and economic restructuring. For more information on Butler Downtown, visit ButlerDowntown. org or contact Main Street Manager, Chelynne Curci, at 724.256.5769 or Chelynne@ButlerDowntown.org.

Human Resource Forum

Butler Human Resources Association

The Butler Human Resources Association (BHRA) is a local networking organization dedicated to the field of Human Resources. The BHRA provides

Entrepreneur of the Year - Tom Graham

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Were all about Partnerships.

professional development meetings, which are generally held at Noon on the second Tuesday of every month. The BHRA is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resources (SHRM). To learn more about the BHRA, please visit our website: butlerhra.shrm.org. as one of its directives. Providing assistance in various development and promotional projects is also a part of their mission as well as sponsoring social, educational and cultural programs. New Visions for Butler is committed to engaging in other community improvement projects and partnering with other community-based organizations as approved by the Board of Directors.

Friday Morning Coffee Club

Members of the business community are encouraged to attend the Friday Morning Coffee Club hosted at the Fairfield Inn O & Suites in Butler every Friday FF U morning from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 EE CL a.m. The Coffee Club, sponsored by PNC, Butler County Business Matters and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, offers a great opportunity for business networking, referrals and business presentations. This FREE event offers hot coffee, a delicious continental breakfast and great business opportunities. Its where Butler County Businesses meet! Contact the Chamber at 724.283.2222 or access our website at ButlerCountyChamber.com for a detailed meeting schedule and more information.

FRID

MO R AY

NG NI

Slippery Rock Business Association

The Slippery Rock Business Association is an affiliate organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic and commercial progress of their area. They act as a spokesman for their business and professional community and provide events, networking, promotions, marketing and other services both to its members and to the community as a whole. The website GoSlipperyRock.com is considered by the Slippery Rock Business Association to be their primary vehicle to reach interested parties to inform them of the vitality and diversity of products, services and opportunities available in the Slippery Rock area - Your Source for Everything Slippery Rock.

Leadership Butler County

Butler Countys only Leadership Development Program, Leadership Butler County now in its 20th year, is a unique, nine-month program, that educates class members on various local issues and topics including Education, Health Care, Government, Quality of Life, Team Building and much more. A special strength of the Leadership Butler County program, which seeks individuals who represent a crosssection of the Butler County community, is the diversity of its class members. Each year, the class consists of individuals from the private, public and non-profit sectors. These men and women are active in business, labor, education, the professions, the arts, religion, human services, health care and other backgrounds. Call 724.283.2222 to find out more about the Leadership Butler County program.

New Visions For Butler

New Visions for Butler, a foundation of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, serves to promote the development of the business community of the greater Butler area by improving the quality of the physical environment

New Visions for Butler

HC

Leadership Butler County Class of 2011

SRBA Spring Mixer at B&J Coney Island

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Your Guide to Membership in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Visit Our Website! www.ButlerCountyChamber.com
heck out the Butler County Chambers website at ButlerCountyChamber.com for all your latest news and information regarding the Chamber and you our members. Access our Business Directory online to find out specific information regarding our members with links to member e-mails, websites and more. Update your business event calendar with our upcoming Chamber event calendar -- you can even subscribe to the Calendar of Events and add it to your personal Google Calendar! Catch up on the latest Chamber news, download event registration, and access photographs and so much more. We connect you not only locally, but also worldwide. Download the latest Chamber Newsletter, The Edge; registration forms; Membership or Leadership Butler County Applications; and event schedules for the Friday Morning Coffee Club and Butler County Young Professionals. Members also have access to information regarding our affiliate organizations including Leadership Butler County, Butler County Young Professionals, Butler Downtown and Slippery Rock Business Association as well as easy navigation to important business organizations like Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, the Community Development Corporation of Butler County and Local, State and Federal Government Agencies. And, the Chamber is excited to offer Advertising Opportunities on the Chamber website. Our website attracts hundreds of visitors each month, offering members a great opportunity to reach thousands of potential customers each year! A special thanks is extended to our sponsor, Frames & Pixels, Inc., for beautiful website design and support.

We are all about Connecting You to the World.

Chamber Group and New Member Benefits

Were all about Your bottom line. Affiliate Programs with APPI & PCI
The Board of Directors of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce would like to remind you of two members only benefits through Affiliated Power Purchasers International and Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance. Both APPI Energy and PCI are programs that have been in operation and endorsed by the PA Chamber and other Chambers of Commerce in Pennsylvania for many years. Information brochures are enclosed in this publication.

Affiliate Program Benefit with ARMSTRONG MySavings

Save $150 on your Chamber Membership dues when you become a participating merchant for Armstrong MySavings! This customer appreciation program encourages shoppers to shop local and support Chamber Member businesses. Information is included in this publication.

Sandler Training Offers Free Sales and / or Management Training to New Members
Four weeks of free sales and / or management training is provided as a benefit to you as a new Chamber Member. You choose your start date and training. Series is valued at $3,500 and is yours free compliments of Sandler Training. Information on the offering is included in this publication.
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Chamber Honored With 2010 Spirit Of Butler County Award

VERNON L. WISE JR., Chairman VERNON L. WISE III, President JOHN L. WISE III, Vice President, Secretary VANCE M. SMITH IV, Vice President, Treasurer
JOHN L. WISE Sr., Editor, 1924-1959

Published by The Eagle Printing Company

Founded 1869

JOHN L. WISE Jr., Editor, 1959-1995

MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MEMBER OF THE AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS

Monday, January 4, 2010

Butler Co. Chambers work, goals good for businesses and residents
Many Butler County residents hear the name Butler County Chamber of Commerce but dont fully understand what the organization is all about. Most people probably know that it has something to do with businesses, but beyond that their knowledge about the actual workings of the organization is not extensive. While The Edge, the newsletter of the chamber, is not a publication that reaches the average home, the January publication contains a message that is instructive regarding the organizations mission, goals and, just as important, how far the chamber has come over the past half-decade or so. The message also stresses the important point that not only is the chamber working for the betterment of county businesses, but its also working for the betterment of the community at large. People who recognize the importance of a vibrant business community as it relates to their lives should be pleased to know that the chamber not only is working hard to maintain its status as the leading business organization in the county, with the answers and connections that businesses need. But it also has committed itself to looking into the future so businesses can be at the forefront of whatever innovations and new opportunities come about. Said another way, the chamber is not standing still, and thats good for county businesses and the people who are dependent upon those businesses successes probably everyone who lives here. Businesses that have chosen not to become a member should rethink that decision, in light of all that the chamber is attempting to do and what it can do for them. The message in this months Edge, written by Stan Kosciuszko, president, contains a thought that is valuable not only to the chambers mission but also applies to other elements of this county: Lets never settle for being what we are, but continue to work towards making it what we should be. With that thought working as the cornerstone for the organization, the chamber is seeking additional ways to reach out to help its members. Quotes from Kosciuszkos message are instructive regarding how far the organization has come. Recognizing that an informed and educated business community will be stronger and more effective, our board established an aggressive schedule of educational seminars and professional skills training, Kosciuszko wrote. By providing first-class avenues for knowledge and business skills, we elevated our organization to new heights. Through our numerous partnership activities with Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University, we have expanded member benefits to new heights. Our Legislative Action Committee quickly became the go to group for business opinion on numerous issues. A new rapport was developed with local, state and federal legislators, providing an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperative interaction. Collaboration has been one of our main accomplishments, as our Chamber realizes that we do not exist in an isolated bubble. Our activities intertwine with numerous other organizations, and that our expertise is not only respected, but can serve as a valuable resource to accomplish regional goals. Our affiliate program is the mainstay of this belief, as we continue to administer and assist Leadership Butler County, Butler Downtown, New Visions for Butler and the Slippery Rock Business Association. Our affiliation with the Butler Human Resource Association has provided unique opportunity to our membership. Collaboration on another level has been achieved through our efforts both legislatively and community-based in partnership with the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, the Community Development Corporation of Butler County and the United Way of Butler County. We have actively maintained participation in the Regional Corridor Alliance and assisted with the Economic Summit. As a member of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Allegheny Conference, we are kept in numerous loops to inform and involve our membership. This is an era of fast changes in how businesses operate and an era of great challenges not only locally based but from sources hundreds and thousands of miles away. For Butler County, a vibrant chamber of commerce isnt an option; its a necessity. To its credit, the chamber is working hard at being what it should be, the best business organization not only in Butler County, but also in the region. The people of this county should be impressed with what it is trying to do. J.R.K.

The Butler County Chamber of Commerce has been in partnership with the United Way of Butler County since 2003. For the past nine 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. Leadership Butler County partnered with United Way, Butler County Community Action and Butler County Human Services to present non-profit Board Governance training that was well attended and supported by Chamber leadership and Board members. The Butler County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group is connected with the United Way and its agencies to participate in Week of Caring. WASHINGTON Janet Napolitano It is with governor, now over former Arizona great pride that the Chamber thanks the United ou can matched secretary of homeland securiWay of Butler County for this special recognition. echo of FDR ty will forever be remembered for

Obama needs tougher anti-terrorist

having said of the attempt to bring Dec. 7, 1941 Charles down an airliner over Detroit: The which will li system worked. The attackers con- Krauthammer Japanese cerned father had warned U.S. authorities about his sons jihadist tendencies. air force The would-be bomber paid cash and allegedly bo checked no luggage on a transoceanic Hasans mass murder with his Islamist Harbor. flight. He was nonetheless allowed to ideology. Yet, with Abdulmutallab, Obafly, and would have killed 288 people ma jumped immediately to the concluin the air alone, save for a faulty deto- sion, against all existing evidence, that nator and quick actions by a few pas- the bomber acted alone. sengers. More jarring still were Obamas ref- Abdulmutallab in a Heck of a job, Brownie. erences to the terrorist as a suspect camp in Yemen, w The reason the country is uneasy who allegedly tried to ignite an explo- preparing for a ter about the Obama administrations sive device. You can hear the echo of him out with a Pred response to this attack is a distinct FDR: Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 a date jury, no qualms. Bu sense of not just incompetence but which will live in infamy Japanese the United States incomprehension. From the very begin- naval and air force suspects allegedly mass murder, he ins ning, President Obama has relentlessly bombed Pearl Harbor. tection not just f tried to downplay and deny the nature Obama reassured the nation that this drone but even from of the terrorist threat we continue to suspect had been charged. ReassurThe president sai Spirit of Butler County Award 2011 - C.W. Howard Agency face. Napolitano renames terrorism ance? The president should be saying: highlights the na man-caused disasters. Obama goes We have captured an enemy combatant threaten our homel abroad and pledges to cleanse Ameri- an illegal combatant under the laws ident constantly is ca of its post-9/11 counterterrorist sins. of war: no uniform, direct attack on of those who threa Hence, Guantanamo will close, CIA civilians and now to prevent future On Tuesday, he ref interrogators will face a special prose- attacks, he is being interrogated Abdulmutallab (and cutor, and Khalid Sheik Mohammed regarding information he might have extremist(s). will bask in a civilian trial in New about al-Qaida in Yemen. A man who shoo York a trifecta of political correctInstead, Abdulmutallab is dis- is an extremist. A ness and image management. patched to some Detroit-area jail and torches logging sit And just to make sure even the immediately lawyered up. At which Abdulmutallab is n dimmest understand, Obama banishes point surprise! he stops talking. is a jihadist. And u the term war on terror. Its over This absurdity renders hollow Oba- shoot abortion doc that is, if it ever existed. mas declaration that we will not rest cells all over the w Obama might have declared the war until we find all who were involved. trains in London, over. Unfortunately, al-Qaida has not. Once weve given Abdulmutallab the and airplanes over Which gives new meaning to the term right to remain silent, we have gratu- and are openly p asymmetric warfare. itously forfeited our right to find out America. And produces linguistic and logi- from him precisely who else was Any government cal oddities that littered Obamas involved, namely those who trained, let someone slip t public pronouncements following the instructed, armed and sent him. But a government th Christmas Day attack. In his first stateThis is all quite mad even in Oba- that we are at wa ment, Obama referred to Umar Farouk mas terms. He sends 30,000 troops to even to name the e Abdulmutallab as an isolated extrem- fight terror overseas, yet if any terror- a word banished fr ist. This is the same president who, ists come to attack us here, they are con turns laxity i after the Fort Hood shooting, warned magically transformed from enemy into losophy. us Community Champion defendant. - Butler Freeport Trail Krauthamm against jumping to conclusions Award Charles The logic is perverse. If we find Post columnist. code for daring to associate Nidal

LETTERS

The official newsletter of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce 101 E. Diamond Street, Lower Level, Suite 116 Post Office Box 1082 Butler, PA 16003-1082 724.283.2222 fax 724.283.0224 e-mail: Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com www.ButlerCountyChamber.com

ApplicAtion For MeMbership

investment schedule:
Up to 10 Employees ...................................$315.00 per Employee 11 + .........................................$5.00

Optional -- Professional Firm. . . . add $100.00 for each additional partner listing

Sign Me Up!

*All Membership Applications Must be Reviewed by Membership Committee for Approval Note: New members are assessed a one-time fee of $25.00. Please add to your investment.

o I/We wish to support the programs of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce in order to promote a positive business climate for our community & hereby make application for membership in the organization.

Company Name: ______________________________________________________ Contact Person:________________________________ Title: __________________ Address:____________________________________________ SIC: _____________ City:____________________________________State:_______ Zip: _____________ Phone: ( )__________________________ Fax: ( ) __________________ E-Mail: ______________________________________________________________ Website (Free Link For Members): ________________________________________ Number of Employees: Full-time:__________________ Part-time: _______________ Business Category:** ___________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed: $__________________ Date of Application: _________________ Tax ID # or EIN #:____________________ Year Established: __________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________________
* Please provide us with a brief, 20-word or less, description of your business, products and services and attach to this application. All descriptions are subject to editing.

** Need to choose one (1) listing from Chamber Business Guide Categories flyer included as an insert in this publication.
Your investment is a tax deductible necessary Account #: ___________________________________Exp. Date ___________ business expense but is not considered a charitable Signature: ______________________________________________________ contribution.

Method of payment

o Check ( Make check payable to Butler County Chamber of Commerce ) o Visa o MasterCard o Discover o American Express

In addition, for the first time ever, businesses may opt to add a premium level of membership to their base investment. For $250.00 additional, you will receive benefits not available individually which include: bold listings in printed and on line directories, option to have business listed in three different business classes, recognition in the directory in a special premium Member section, special recognition in the monthly newsletter and company logo added to website listings.