BUTLER TWP - With 33 years of management experience in the business world, his new position at Butler County Community College was a natural fit for John Cupps.

Cupps was hired Sept. 1 to serve as BC3's new Business and Industry training director. The director is in charge of helping area business and industry with training services BC3 provides.

Cupps replaces Lynn Edmonds, who was promoted to BC3 Professional Education and Certificate Programs director.

It was the need for change and the feeling of making a difference that brought Cupps to BC3 from his most recent job as vice president of operational services at Heckett Multi-Serv in Cranberry Township. Prior to that, he worked for Westinghouse for more than 20 years.

"I guess I've been fortunate enough to have a lot of success with jobs in other peoples' perspective, but I guess I wanted a job with a little more meaning," Cupps said.

Cupps also has been involved with nonprofit organizations over the years, which also will help him in his new position at BC3.

He currently sits on the American Red Cross board and formerly has worked with the Saxonburg Planning Commission, Saxonburg Council, Civic Light Opera board of associates, the Harvard Business School Club of Pittsburgh, the Natrona Heights YMCA and the BC3 Foundation board.

"I've always been involved with matching up nonprofits with business needs, and that will be a big part of this job," he said.Cupps said he has a very distinctive goal for himself in his new position."I hope to be helpful in making (BC3) more of a college for the community, rather than just a college in the community," he said. "I understand what business and industry need, and it's just a matter of sitting down with them and seeing how we can help them meet those needs."BC3 spokeswoman Susan Changnon said the business and industry program at BC3 is really growing, which was why Cupps was hired."It got so involved that it's morphed into two jobs," Changnon said, pointing to Edmonds' promotion and the hiring of Cupps.Edmonds will now be in charge of the certificate programs associated with the business and industry department at BC3, whereas Cupps will take over the role of letting area businesses know BC3 can provide the kind of training they need for their employees.Part of Cupps' job will involve contacting businesses and industries and pitch BC3 programs to them.Cupps' many years of experience in the business world will help with this aspect, Changnon said."Networking is a big part of the job and John has a lot of contacts," Changnon said.Cupps encourages business and industry leaders to contact his office if they're interested in learning about BC3's customized programs by calling 724-287-8711, Ext. 290.