Cohen collaborated to boost tourism
When it comes to boosting tourism and economic development in Butler County, few do it better than Jack Cohen.
Through his strategic partnerships with local businesses, regional organizations, state agencies and international corporations, Cohen has transformed Butler County into a must-visit destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
As Cohen prepares to retire from his long-running tenure at the helm of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, some of the community organizations that have benefited most from his expertise weighed in on the impact he’s had on the county’s economic boom.
“The people who really excel are the ones who have passion in their heart,” said Mark Gordon, Butler County chief of planning and economic development. “Jack is passionate about our community. His contributions to our community have been numerous. He’s been a wonderful partner, and I think the impact of Jack Cohen’s leadership and tenure goes far beyond his time at the helm. His impact will continue beyond his leadership.”
In his role as board chairman for the Butler County Growth Collaborative, Gordon works closely with Cohen to make Butler County a premier and sought-after place to live, work and visit.
“Jack has a long-standing history with the tourism group,” Gordon said. “His ability to market Butler County’s hidden gems to the rest of the world is profound. Butler County’s population explosion — especially in the southern tier — is proof of his successes.”
Under Cohen’s leadership, the county tourism bureau has forged innovative collaborations that have paid big dividends. From negotiating the location of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township to convincing Daimler Chrysler to unveil its next-generation product line at the former Bantam building, he’s demonstrated the power of partnerships in driving economic growth and positioning Butler County as a vibrant, thriving community.
Gordon said Cohen excels at helping diverse groups find a little slice of something special and important to them in Butler County.
“This is the vibrant flavor that I think he brings to the tourism bureau,” Gordon said. “He makes visitors coming here, residents living here, and especially the businesses in his sector (tourism) feel special. He reaches out to them on a personal level. They never once feel like a number.”
Despite his tremendous success at shining a light on Butler County through partnerships with other organizations, Cohen tends to stay in his lane, Gordon said. He plays to his strengths — history, spectator-driven events — and finds creative ways to make them benefit the county.
The 2024 Can-Am Police-Fire Games in July is a perfect example, Gordon said. The signature event is for emergency responders from the United States and Canada competing in Olympic-style events that feature skills used in their line of work. Cohen began working with Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe, who is chairman of the games, and other involved parties to bring the games to Butler County.
Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University are among the partners Cohen brought on board for the event.
“It’s a really big deal for the county,” said Nick Neupauer, BC3 president. BC3 will serve as the official check-in location for all Can-Am Games events throughout the county. Additionally, competitors will use BC3’s fire safety facility for some of the events.
“It’s just another example of how Jack presents the college with opportunities,” Neupauer said.
Slippery Rock University also worked with Cohen to bring the Can-Am games to the county, said Chris Cole, SRU’s assistant vice president of auxiliary operations and student services.
“SRU has been involved since the very beginning to work with Jack to bring the games here,” Cole said. “It’ll take over all the venues in the county and bring thousands of people to the county for the week. It’s a perfect example of how these organizations can come together to achieve mutual goals.”
The Can-Am games are only one example of how Cohen has worked with Cole and other administrators at SRU to bring additional exposure to the university. He’s worked with the athletics department to help SRU sponsor Division II Athletic Conferences and encouraged the university to market its conference center to a wider audience.
“Jack is a visionary,” Cole said. “He can come in and say you’re thinking too small and really show you how you can have a greater impact and reach a wider audience. He’s also a connector. He’s great at seeing potential partnerships and connecting groups together.”
Neupauer said Cohen’s ability to bring organizations together to achieve common goals is one of the skills he also admires about him.
“He gets the value of partnering and collaborating,” Neupauer said. “In 2024, organizations can’t go it alone. It’s the synergies that exist with partnering and collaborating that set you up for success.”
While all three men said they are sad to see Cohen retire, they have appreciated working so closely with him over the years to turn Butler County into a coveted destination.
“His contributions to our community have been so numerous,” Gordon said. “He’s been a wonderful partner, and I think the impact of Jack Cohen’s leadership and tenure goes far beyond his time at the helm. I think his impact will continue beyond his leadership.”
