During its April 20 meeting, the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a new mission statement for the bureau.

The tourism bureau’s new mission statement reads “Our mission is to promote Butler County’s welcoming spirit, natural beauty, and vibrant tourism industry through innovative partnerships with local businesses to drive economic growth.”

"I think it will let people know exactly what our mission is,“ Jack Cohen, bureau president said. ”It gives them a lot more detail than it did in the past."

The revised statement, was first discussed at the board’s March strategic planning meeting.

“We needed a more active, diverse statement in relation to all that Butler County has to offer and how much of an impact tourism makes,” Tracy Rittle, board member and owner of Lil Birdy’s Antiques & Decor, said.

Prior to the change, the mission of Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau was “to promote Butler County, PA, as an attractive tourism and business destination,” according to its website.

“Our first one was kind of generic,” Cohen said. “I think people will understand more what we are about from our statement."

The revised statement was developed to project a better understanding and to concisely express the bureau’s reason for existence.

Cohen said the project was a group effort by the board, and he feels everyone involved is pleased with how it turned out.

“Butler County’s economic growth and tourism’s positive impact over the past 20 years has been tremendous,” board member Neil Glausier, of Burgh’ers Brewing, said. “This statement captures that history and will serve as a guiding force for years to come.”