In 1990, the Butler Eagle published its first edition of Progress examining Butler County-owned businesses.

Through the years, taking this close look at our community has become a tradition. It is a chance to take stock of where we are, how far we have come and how we can move forward.

Trends in our community are documented through Progress editions. In 1991, we examined Main Street versus Malls, and in 1997, we explored The Learning Curve in various sectors of our economy. The importance of infrastructure was documented in the 1999 edition titled Crossroads.

The Eagle staff also has used this opportunity to shine a spotlight on people who help make our county thrive. This year’s theme — We’ve Got Talent — stands among other Progress editions saluting the energy, enthusiasm and skill that keep the county growing and succeeding, including 1996’s The Volunteer Spirit; 2005’s Duty Calls, a tribute to first responders; 2011’s Silhouettes, which highlighted exceptional area high school students; and 2020’s Movers, Shakers and Newsmakers.

We’ve focused on county businesses with editions such as Made in Butler County (1998) and the county’s Global Connection (2001).

Business is the economic heartbeat of Butler County, but other areas are critical to quality of life and future success. Growth in education, health care, recreation, government and nonprofits is essential. In 2022, the Eagle’s Progress issue looked at how readers are Building a Life in Butler County — from sending our children to school to buying a house.

The Eagle’s reporters, photographers, editors and other newsroom staff make our home in Butler County too, and we are invested in its success.

We work daily to tell your stories, be your eyes at government meetings, relay what your school board is focusing on and how events — both good and tragic — affect us all. Progress is part of that process.

The people, businesses and institutions featured in this special edition are part of what works in our county today and will become part of our history — as are all stories reported by the Eagle. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition and look forward to Progress in the decades to come.

— DS