Rep. Kelly honors Butler County leaders as latest "Community Champions"

BUTLER, PA -- During a ceremony on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) named Bill Bellis and Ken Laughlin as the latest Community Champions of Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

Both men were courteous and professional during multiple visits to their properties by Rep. Kelly, the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, and law enforcement officials during the Task Force's investigation of the attempted assassination of President Trump on the Butler Farm Show grounds in 2024. The July 13, 2024 rally was held on the Butler Farm Show grounds. The would-be assassin, Thomas Crooks, fired his weapon from atop the AGR building.

"Bill and Ken have long been great members of the Butler community. But their dedication and professionalism while assisting the Task Force during our high-profile investigation last year once again showed their commitment to their neighbors in Butler County and their fellow Americans," said Rep. Kelly.

Bellis is the Chief Financial Officer of American Glass Research (AGR) International. Laughlin is President of the Butler Farm Show Senior Board of Directors.

BACKGROUND

The Community Champion Award is a citation instituted by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities. Each winner is presented with an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly’s office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official Congressional Record.

In February, Rep. Kelly honored Erie businessman Chris Sirianni for his contributions to the Lake Erie Ale Trail and promoting the craft beer industry in Northwest Pennsylvania. In April, Rep. Kelly presented outgoing Crawford County Treasurer Christine Krzysiak a Community Champion for her years of public service.