Cohen honored, grants given at tourism dinner
CRANBERRY TWP — Goodbyes were said and money was awarded at the Pittsburgh Marriott North on Thursday evening, May 9, during the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau’s annual Toast to Tourism dinner.
Grants worth nearly $50,000 were awarded to 15 county tourism businesses and entities by the bureau at the event, which also served as a celebration for outgoing president Jack Cohen. Cohen is retiring after more than 20 years leading the bureau and spearheading events such as Butler County’s annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.
“The dearest thing to me as president is my staff,” Cohen said. “Every one of them was handpicked by me — and all of them are amazing.”
Cohen said he plans to retire in July, which is when he will be handing over the reins to Amy Pack, who currently serves as executive director.
“Amy has worked for me for 12 years,” Cohen said. “She knows exactly what she’s doing. I won’t have to worry about a thing, and I feel good about that.”
Upon his retirement, Cohen said he is not entirely sure what he will do with his newly found free time, but he has some ideas.
“I will look for someone I can help,” Cohen said. “Maybe I can help one of the nonprofits in our county. If I can be of help, I’d like to do it.”
The bureau hosts the event each year during National Travel and Tourism Week, Cohen said, which was created by Congress in 1983.
Grants were given out in values up to $5,000 each. Applicants had to be bureau members or partner with a member of the bureau to be eligible.
Grant winners included Butler Township, Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton Township Historical Committee, Washington’s Trail 1753, The Shops on West Diamond/Appalachian Rock Shop, Butler Old Stone House Region AACA, Prebula Family Ventures, SurfSUP Adventures, Historic Harmony, Derailleurs, Glade Run, Suite Thyme, Eisler Farms, Moraine State Park Regatta and Harmony Business Association.
Also during the event, Paul Lueken, former athletic director for Slippery Rock University and current coordinator with the Can-Am Police-Fire Games, was recognized as 2024 Butler County Tourism Ambassador of the Year.
“I would like to thank Jack and the board,” Lueken said. “This is truly an honor. I feel so blessed to be here in Butler County.”
Siggy Pehel, president of Glade Run Lake Conservancy, was recognized with the Destination Development Award for his role in restoring the Glade Run Lake dam and preserving the lake and surrounding areas as a wildlife habitat and fishing area that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
“This could not have happened without the support of Jack and the board,” Pehel said of the restoration. “You have to be a community to get something done.”
Pack presented Cohen with a painting by local artist and musician Tom Panei on behalf of bureau staff, the board of directors and the foundation board.
Proclamations were presented to Cohen by Butler County leaders including Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy, County Commissioner Kim Geyer and state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, who presented on behalf of herself and fellow state Reps. Jim Marshall, R-14th, Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, Tim Bonner, R-17th, and Marci Mustello, R-11th.
Staffer Melanie Brewer presented a proclamation on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, county Commissioner Kevin Boozel and Mitchel Henderson (who presented on behalf of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.), while state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, presented on behalf of himself and state Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th.
Slippery Rock University president Karen Riley took to the stage as well and announced the university will begin the Jack Cohen Scholarship for Butler County Tourism, which will go to an incoming student each year who is pursing a degree in either hospitality or performing arts.
Butler Eagle general manager Tammy Schuey presented Cohen with a 32-page book by the Eagle’s staff to commemorate his success.
