Merit Shop The
July • 2021
Spokesman A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone
Building Careers & Moving Forward 5 Your Future: Stay Focused & In Control
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How Time Flies During a Pandemic!
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ABC Keystone Leadership 2021 Executive Committee: CHAIR of the BOARD – Cleo Weaver, Triangle Refrigeration Co. CHAIR-ELECT – Keith L. Eldredge, CPA, RKL LLP 1st VICE CHAIR – Steve Conway
2nd VICE CHAIR – John Lehmann, Poole Anderson Construction, LLC SECRETARY – Guy Kingree, Warfel Construction Company TREASURER – Timothy A. Kershner, CPA, Walz Group
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR – Roger S. Brubaker, Meadow Valley Electric, Inc.
2021 Board of Directors: Doug Detwiler, DeRock Electric Company Douglas M. Dvorchak, Murray Ed Engle, Smucker Company Brian Floyd, Gunn-Mowery, LLC Wayne Fuhrman, The Witmer Group Michael B. Funck, Wohlsen Construction Company Ken Funk, Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc. John H. Hykes II, B & B Integrations Steven Kearns, James Craft & Son, Inc. Michael D. Monaco, Mowery David H. Oblender, Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. Jon Sensenig, Speedwell Construction, Inc. James Stephens, CFSP, Clark Associates, Inc. Bethany Tesché, Houck Services, Inc. Jan L. Wagner, Kinsley Construction, Inc. Thomas O. Williams, Esq., Reager & Adler, P.C.
G. David Sload, President-CEO ABC Keystone | 135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 653-8106 | abckeystone.org
The Merit Shop Spokesman is published 12 times a year by Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter. Articles of interest, member news, press releases, and advertising placement requests may be submitted to the Editor/Designer: Kristi Pronovost Director of Marketing & Communications ABC Keystone kristi@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106
Connect with ABC on Social Media! @ABCKeystonePA LinkedIn.com/company/abckeystone @ABCKeystone @ABCKeystone
Merit Shop The
Spokesman Contents
2 Message from the Chair 3 Message from the President-CEO 5 Building Careers & Moving Forward 8 2021 STEP Participants 9 Golf Outing Photos 11 Advocacy Update 12 Chapter Calendar 13 New Members & Anniversaries 14 Capital Campaign Contributors 16 Member Spotlight 18 Member News 20 YP Spotlight 21 Safety is Efficiency
Stay Focused and in Control L
A Message from the Chair
ast week, my wife and I did something we have not done for a long time. We went to an amusement park!
I was exhilarated to ride the rollercoasters; however, my wife was not quite as thrilled. She is more of a bumper car enthusiast!
Later that evening, as I was reminiscing on the day, all I could think was, “That was fun!” However, I realized that nearly everything I did that day required me to jump in, buckle up, and hang on. I had no control aside from making the decision to step onto the ride in the first place. After I jumped into the front seat of the roller coaster, I gave up all control over the next few minutes of my life. By contrast, my wife’s decision to choose the bumper cars gave her some control; she had a throttle and a steering wheel. Hmmm…maybe there was good a reason for her choice! Here’s my question for you today, “How are you running your business, or for that matter, your life?” Think about this for a moment: Are you along for the ride, just going with the flow, or are you directing the course and determining the outcome? As businesspersons, leaders, and managers, are we spending our talents and treasure on those activities that bring the best results, or, are we allowing time and events to slowly divert control of our companies away from our choices and decisionmaking and instead towards mandates made by government? Are we voluntarily giving up control? Last month, ABC National met in Jacksonville Florida for our ABC Legislative Day. One of our popular guest speakers was the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis. What a breath of fresh air he brought as he shared his vision for what government’s role should be! It contrasted wildly with what we are experiencing in Pennsylvania under our current administration. Moving to Florida, or importing Governor DeSantis to Pennsylvania, isn’t a practical solution. But, the take-away is you should never give up control of your future. Stay informed
regarding our political processes and always vote, in every election, for purposeful candidates that work for freedom. Then, hold them accountable. You do have a throttle and a steering wheel in our government, so please use them. Stay involved with ABC and our Legislative Committee and consider getting involved as a volunteer. It’s guaranteed to be a thrill ride! Allow me an analogy for your consideration. Do you know that if a frog is thrown into hot water, he will immediately jump out, but if he is placed into cool water, he will get comfortable and voluntarily stay in his death-trap as heat is slowly applied. In this way, the frog will eventually be cooked to death, unaware of what is gradually happening around him. Think about how that concept might apply to our current political and business situation. July is the perfect month to reflect on our political climate. It is a month of commemoration and celebration of our hardwon freedoms. Take the time to remember, to renew your determination to stay free, and to educate the next generation on the importance of political freedoms. Winston Churchill wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Let’s remember the principles upon which our nation was founded and learn from them. Stay involved, stay free, and direct your business successfully as you stay in control.
Cleo Weaver 2021 Chair of the Board Triangle Refrigeration Co. cweaver@trianglerefrigeration.com (717) 656-2711
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Wow!
How Time Flies During a Pandemic!
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t is hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2021, and we are beginning to think about 2022. During the last 16 months, things felt like they would never get back to normal, yet the time flew by quite quickly. So, how have the first six months of 2021 turned out, and what is in store moving forward for ABC Keystone? As we planned for 2021, we scaled back on several expectations. None of us had been through a pandemic before, and we were flying blind as we planned. We assumed we would see fewer new members join through the year, lower retention rates, fewer people at events and fewer people in our training programs. Your board and staff planned for 2021 based on data from the last economic downturn several years ago. We were quickly surprised as we entered the new year and saw retention and new member acquisition running ahead of schedule. Our retention cycle is completed, and we have achieved the highest member retention rate since 1987! In addition, we are on pace to take in more new members during a year’s time since 2017. We are also nearing and may break several records on event attendance and education attendee numbers. As we reflect on the first six months of 2021, we tend to ask, “Why are we seeing such strength in numbers?” My hope is that it is because we have continued to provide value in our three main areas of focus: Advocacy, Business Development, and Education/Training. I want to thank you, the members, for supporting your association and for relying on ABC Keystone to support your businesses’ growth. So, what is next, and where do we go from here? The Board, the staff, and I know we cannot rest on our past accomplishments. We must continue to listen, both to formulate and to provide value. While we continue to 3
Hear from the President-CEO
plan events, educational programs and legislative action plans, our work does not stop there. Where do you want your association to be in one year, three years or even five years? You get to help decide. In September of this year, we will embark on a new three-year strategic plan, both for the Apprenticeship Trust and for the Chapter. We will review our mission statement, our vision statement, and our value proposition statement. In addition, we will review what has worked well and what has not. This will be an opportunity to set direction and goals for the improvement and growth of ABC Keystone. Why do I share this information? Because you can be a part of the plan for your Chapter. This planning will involve the staff, the board and all committee chairs. In addition, we will be inviting any member that wants to participate. The dates for these planning sessions are September 14 for the Apprenticeship Trust and September 15 - 16 for the Chapter. Please keep an eye out for details closer to the time. Help be part of the growth and success of the Keystone Chapter!
G. David Sload President-CEO dave@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106
Thank You!
Thank you to the members of ABC Keystone for taking the Chapter to new heights in 2021!
We are pleased to announce that ABC Keystone’s Membership has renewed for 2021 in record numbers! The Chapter’s current renewal rate has reached its highest since 1987, and it is the second highest in ABC Keystone’s 62-year history! We wish to extend a sincere thank you to our membership for taking the Chapter to new heights as you continue to rely on ABC Keystone to deliver the education, advocacy, and business development resources you and your teams need. We look forward to the year ahead!
Membership - 2021 Social Media.indd 1
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Workforce Development Update By: Stephanie Larkin Vice President of Education, Safety & Workforce Development
Building Careers and Moving Forward!
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hough COVID-19 delayed some of ABC Keystone’s ongoing workforce development efforts, we recently made up for lost time.
The Spring Construction Wars event took place May 26, 27 and 28. The event was delayed from March to May, ensuring students and volunteer members could participate. Over the course of the three days, we hosted 108 students and more than 90 volunteers! INTERACTIVE CAREER EXPLORATION
One benefit of the delay was a restructuring of the “Tool Demo” station. The station previously consisted of hammers, saws, sawhorses, plumb bobs and the like, and students would learn about the tools before trying them out. With the increased use of technology in our industry, the Workforce Development Committee opted to use the Tool Demo station to showcase a GPS unit and bulldozer. The feedback was positive, and we intend to increase the types of technology we showcase at future events. As always, my sincere thanks to everyone who supported the event, whether through sponsorship or the gift of your time! A mere two weeks later we held a week-long event, All ‘bout Construction (ABC) Girls Camp. Running from June 14 through June 18, the full-day camp hosted 12 females from Lancaster County schools. Due to generous grant funding from the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board, each camper received camp t-shirts, a hoodie, and a Milwaukee tool 5
bag full of Milwaukee and Klein tools they used to build their very own steampunk phone charger. Campers visited three different job sites in various stages of completion and were treated to snacks along the way. Finally, our campers had the opportunity to work directly with female apprentices, discuss and explore career pathways, research the opportunities that exist in various careers, and hear directly from our female industry leaders. Camper feedback indicates we made inroads in helping the campers better understand the industry and the skilled trades, with some saying they will now consider a career in construction. We are absolutely thrilled with the outcomes and intend to host additional camps next summer. Stay tuned for more details! We start another pre-apprenticeship cohort on June 28, and the summer session will be an intensive schedule, finishing by July 21. Some pre-apprenticeship graduates will most certainly seek sponsorship in registered apprenticeship, so I ask your consideration in supporting this young talent to build your team.
View more photos on Facebook!
Thank you to all our sponsors & volunteers! Interested in supporting the next event? Contact: stephanie@abckeystone.org
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Make
SAFETY a part of your company's
DNA The best companies strive for world-class safety and work to ensure that it is a part of their DNA, guiding their leaders and shaping their corporate culture. Are you ready to make the commitment to improve your safety performance? LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT Leaders take a stand not to compromise on safety
CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION Safety ambassadors are empowered at every organizational level
PROCESS AND SYSTEMS Information drives continuous improvement
RESULTS Metrics are analyzed to deliver better results each year
STEP makes the highest-performing companies more than six times safer than the industry average.* Does your company have a proven safety management system?
Start your safety journey today. Visit abc.org/step. *Source: abc.org/spr
STEP
Associated Builders and Contractors
ABC Keystone’s Safety Awards Presented by: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
7:30 am: Breakfast 8:00 – 9:30 am: Program & Safety Forum at ABC Keystone
Celebrate Members’ Commitment to Safety!
Includes Safety Forum! Hear from Kevin Chambers, Area Director, U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety & Health Administration – Harrisburg Area Office; Phil Ireland, Director of Safety, Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.; and Kevin Keith, Director of Safety, ABC Keystone
Register Online! abckeystone.org
2021 STEP Members: Diamond:
Quandel Enterprises, Inc.
Platinum:
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co. Conewago Enterprises, Inc. DeRock Electric Company Eisenhart Crane Service, LLC Garrety Glass, Inc. Genesis Corporation Houck Services, Inc. Hursh Painting Co., Inc. Keystruct Construction, LLC Leo Kob Co., Inc. Legacy Electrical Services, Inc. Mowery Paramount Contracting, Inc. Poole Anderson Construction, LLC Quandel Enterprises, Inc. Wagman Construction, Inc. H.L. Wiker, Inc. Wohlsen Construction Company
Is your company on the list? Apply today! abc.org/step
Gold:
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc. CLARK, Inc. Double D Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. Hayden Power Group High Construction Company Leer Electric, Inc. M. Potteiger, Inc. Smucker Company Traffic Control Services
Silver:
Associated Products Services, Inc. Bertolet Construction Corporation Digging and Rigging, Inc. Johnston Construction Company Paul Risk Construction EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC Vision Mechanical, Inc. Waggoner Construction, Inc. Warfel Construction Company White Rose Interiors, LLC Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.
Bronze:
Ames Construction, Inc. B&B Integrations C Mechanical Services CB Construction Services, Inc. CCS Building Group CMC, Inc. Conewago Manufacturing, LLC Cyprium Solutions, Inc. Dolan Construction Inc. ESCO Security J.D. Eckman, Inc. Flyway Excavating, Inc. John E. Fullerton, Inc. Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc. Galbraith/Pre-Design, Inc. D.E. Gemmill, Inc. C.M. High, Inc. Kinsley Construction, Inc. Meadow Valley Electric, Inc. RSR Electric, LLC S & S Structures, Inc. Speedwell Construction, Inc. Stuebner, Inc. Triangle Refrigeration Co. The Tuckey Companies
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Thank you for attending! View more photos on Facebook! 9
Congratulations to Our Winners! AM Round: Longest Drive – Hole #3 – Jeremy Skoloda, Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. Longest Drive – Hole #18 – Kevin VanDerLinden, Durex Coverings, Inc. Closest to the Pin – Hole #5 – Scott Aisenbrey, Paragon Engineering Services, Inc. Closest to the Pin – Hole #12 – Jan Wagner, Kinsley Construction, Inc. 1st Place – United Rentals – Mike Demey, Brady Demey, Mike Franklin, Darren Lambert 2nd Place – Arch Insurance Group – Paul Domanico, Brock Kovach, Matt Mcgee, Patrick Friend 3rd Place – Durex Coverings, Inc. – Bryan DeCarlo, Chris Salmi, Kevin VanDerLinden, Gabe Bushong PM Round: Longest Drive – Hole #3 – Tom Mattaini, Golf Etc. Longest Drive – Hole #18 – Tom Mattaini, Golf Etc. Closest to the Pin – Hole #5 – Dave Adamchick, Grudi Associates Closest to the Pin – Hole #12 – Scott Pence, The Witmer Group 1st Place – James Craft & Son, Inc. – Zachary Grove, Mark Millheim, Steven Kearns, Michael Kearns 2nd Place – Murray – Scott Wengrenovich, Drew Dvorchak, Matt Wimer, Chris Shirk 3rd Place – Lancaster Barnstormers – Melissa Tucker, Matt LeBlanc, Tom Mattaini (Golf Etc.), Mark Keller (Susquehanna Micro, Inc.)
Join ABC at the next event! abckeystone.org 10
Advocacy Update By: David G. Greineder, IOM ABC Pennsylvania Director of Government Affairs
ABC: Looking Out for Your Interests in Harrisburg
J
une is normally the most active, engaging, and hectic time in Harrisburg. This year met that mark. Unlike most years, the negotiations around a balanced budget were not centered on closing gaps, but how to spend $7 billion in federal stimulus assistance and an unexpected state surplus. Regarding ABC’s public policy agenda, the government affairs team worked with the ABC of Pennsylvania board and chapter leaders to proactively support legislation that will benefit our members and to voice opposition to bills that will negatively impact our members. Some examples include: House Bill 536 (Ratio Parity): ABC has long been an advocate to level the playing field between joint and nonjoint apprenticeship programs. In June, George Hayden of Hayden Power Group, located in Hazelton, provided compelling testimony before the House in support of our position. We continue to work with the bill sponsor, Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), and partner organizations to get legislation enacted that would end the discriminatory and antiquated rules. House Bill 424 (Indemnification in Construction Contracts): ABC has been working for several years on legislation that would prohibit indemnification clauses in construction contracts. In June, those efforts paid off with the House Commerce Committee taking the first steps in the process by advancing HB 424 by a vote of 23-1. The goal is to get the legislation though the House in the fall session. House Bill 1021 (Contractor Registration Requirement): Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso (R-Allegheny) introduced legislation that would require contractors to register with the Attorney General’s Office and pay a biannual fee to
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conduct business in the Commonwealth. The proposal is modeled after, and an expansion to, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. ABC sent a detailed letter to the bill sponsor voicing our concerns and expressing our opposition. House Bill 591 (Federal Environmental Permit Waiver): This legislation, introduced by Rep. David Zimmerman (R-Lancaster), would align Pennsylvania with other states that follow an EPA rule allowing for a waiver of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit on construction sites of less than 5 acres. Currently, the state requires this permit on construction sites greater than one acre. The bill passed the House Environmental and Energy Committee largely along party lines. ABC of Pennsylvania voiced our support for the bill. House Bill 1258 (Interior Designer Registration): Rep. Kathleen Tomlinson (R-Bucks) introduced legislation that would establish a voluntary registration system within the Attorney General’s Office for interior designers. Registered interior designers would be authorized to sign and seal construction documents in certain situations. While this is not a licensing bill, ABC of Pennsylvania has opposed similar legislation in the past. ABC of Pennsylvania partnered with other associations in voicing concerns that a registered interior designer will not have sufficient training to sign and seal documents, and that there is not a clear definition of an interior designer contained in the legislation. Senate Bill 119 (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative): ABC of Pennsylvania is on record as opposing the proposed carbon tax program. Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) introduced SB 119, which would require the legislature’s approval to enter the multi-state regional
greenhouse gas initiative, an action the governor made unilaterally, which then resulted in the carbon tax proposal. The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 35-1, which is one short of a veto-proof majority. With the state budget completed, the legislature is in recess until September 13. The government affairs team will be working through the summer reaching out to legislature in their district offices to continue the conversations and keep the momentum going. If you have any questions about legislation or ABC’s position on an issue, please contact David Greineder, IOM, at davidg@abcpa.org or Austin Cawley at austin@abckeystone.org. Thank you for your membership. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay engaged.
If you are not signed-up to receive email alerts, please download the “ABC Action App” from the app store on your mobile device, or at abc.org/abcaction.
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Chapter Calendar - Register Today!
July - August 7/7 - Managing Change Part of the Professional Development Series 7/9 - Adult AED, CPR & Basic Medic First Aid Starts 7/14 - OSHA 10-Hour Construction 7/15 - Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group (CEO/Owners/Executive Leadership) 7/21 - VIRTUAL: Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group (CEO/Owners/Executive Leadership) 7/21 - Behavioral-based Interviewing Part of the Human Resources Management Academy 8/3 - ABC Keystone’s Summer Outdoor Mixer Presented by Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants 8/4 - Time Management Part of the Professional Development Series 8/9 - Adult AED, CPR & Basic Medic First Aid
SAVE the DATE! 9/23 - ABC Keystone’s Clay Shoot Presented by OSS Health 10/14 - ABC Keystone’s Tailgate Party Presented by Barley Snyder 11/3 - ABC Keystone’s Excellence in Construction Awards
8/11 - ABC Human Resources Contractor Peer Group Starts 8/11 - OSHA 30-Hour Construction 8/17 - ABC Keystone’s Safety Awards Presented by Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC 8/18 - Employment Assessments Part of the Human Resources Management Academy 8/20 - Competent Person for Jobsite Safety Inspections 8/24 - Rough Terrain Forklift Training 8/30 - Mobile Elevating Work Platform (Aerial Lift) Training
Discover Events, Education & Training at ABC!
Register Online: abckeystone.org 13
We Can Customize Training for You! We Strive to Meet Your Unique Training Needs
Contact Us Today! (717) 653-8106 Barbara Holtzapple (Career Development)
& Kevin Keith (Safety)
Welcome to ABC's Newest Members! Thank you for your support of the merit shop mission!
Clear Vision Window Films
PSQ, Inc
Joshua White, Project Coordinator 1890 Millport Road Lancaster, PA 17602 ph. (717) 517-7424 jwhite@clearvisionfilm.com Sponsor: Robert G. Howells, Howells Glass Co., Inc.
Paul Quanbeck, President 9 Bachman Lane Fredericksburg, PA 17026 ph. (717) 202-0507 support@psqinc.net Sponsor: Steve Kearns, James Craft & Son, Inc.
H&S Industrial, A Viocity Company
Zimmerman Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Earnest Zimmerman, Owner 110 East Allen Street Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-3383 ph. (717) 697-3528 ezimmerman@ezimmerman.com
Triad Engineering, Inc.
Brooke Wenger, Director - Business Development 4999 Louise Drive, Suite 103 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 ph. (717) 590-7429 bwenger@triadeng.com Sponsor: Brian Floyd, Gunn-Mowery, LLC
Christopher Miller, President 1831 Auction Road Manheim, PA 17545 ph. (717) 492-8325 chris.miller@viocitygroup.com
PSI Pumping Solutions, Inc. Michael Aiello, CEO 400 Main Street York Springs, PA 17372 ph. (717) 259-5779 maiellopsi@pumpsol.com
View a searchable membership directory at abckeystone.org! Download the mobile app at the App Store or Google Play!
Warfel Construction Company - Membership Benefits Addressing All Levels of the Team “Out of our 215 employees, roughly half are engaged at some level in ABC. We rely on ABC for apprenticeship training, 50-60% of our field staff take training from the
Chapter, and several of our office staff are on committees. ABC is widely relied upon in our office.”
Happy Anniversary!
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in July 2021:
45 Years:
25 Years: Simon Lever
Classic Rock Fabrication, Inc.
15 Years:
1 Year:
B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.
Beam’s Custom Woodworking
Conestoga DPI, LLC
Lezzer Lumber
Garden Spot Mechanical, Inc.
Heidler Roofing Services, Inc.
40 Years:
5 Years:
High Concrete Group, LLC Kilgore Electric, Inc. Lancaster Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc.
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Thank You
Capital Campaign Contributors! By: Kristi Pronovost Director of Marketing & Communications
W
hen there are member needs to be met, ABC Keystone steps up. The board of directors and committee members are directly responsible for driving the association forward and having the foresight to anticipate future needs. The most tangible representation of this commitment to forward-thinking is our training facility. When you drive up to headquarters today, you are greeted by a 31,000 square foot facility that is often filled with the sounds of hands-on apprenticeship training in the shop, career development classes in spaces such as the state-of-the-art multimedia room, and possibly even middle school and high school students attending career exploration events and preapprenticeship classes respectively. The Chapter’s initiatives have been well-served by the new facility, and it almost seems this is how it has always been. But this certainly isn’t the case. Do you remember the days of apprenticeship classes held in the basement? Some of you likely do, and you may have attended those classes yourselves. At times, classes were even held in a portable trailer in the parking lot when needed. Back then, the Chapter’s capacity to accommodate the growing need for training was quickly becoming limited. The stories of creative class locations make for an important part of ABC Keystone’s history, but those solutions were not the future. The future was a $5.2 million expansion that would nearly triple the footprint of the facility allowing for exponential growth of education, training and outreach, a necessary step to meet the workforce development needs of the members. On May 8, 2014, the Chapter broke ground in pursuit of that mission. Less than a year later, on April 8, 2015, the Chapter officially opened the doors to the brand-new facility that you see today. As we reach the completion of the Capital Campaign pledge receipts, we want to take a moment and thank the 80+ member firms that helped to support this undertaking. We have achieved a 98.6% collection rate* on capital campaign pledges, which is astounding and is a true testament to member commitment and the value placed on education. Your Chapter facility was built by members for members. The association is you, and you are why the Chapter continues to be successful. We extend a sincere thank you for stepping up for the future!
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Benefactor - $250,000:
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Founder - $100,000:
Kinsley Construction, Inc. SAA Architects, Inc. Trimmer Education Foundation Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.
Cornerstone - $50,000: James Craft & Son Frey Lutz Corp. H.B. McClure Company Pennsy Supply, Inc. M. Potteiger, Inc. Quandel Enterprises, Inc. Wilco Electric, Inc. The Witmer Group Wohlsen Construction Company Foundation
Chairman - $25,000:
American Direct Conewago Enterprises, Inc. In Memory of James E. Craft E & G Concrete, Inc. The Farfield Company Flyway Excavating, Inc. D.H. Funk & Sons LLC Garden Spot Electric, Inc. Garrety Glass, Inc. Leo Kob Co., Inc. R. S. Mowery & Sons, Inc. (Mowery) Murray Securus Paragon Engineering Services, Inc. Paramount Contracting, Inc. Poole Anderson Construction Providence Engineering Corp. Smucker Company K.L. Tyndale, Inc. Wagman Construction, Inc. Warfel Construction Company H.L. Wiker, Inc.
President - $10,000:
B&B Communications (B&B Integrations) BB&T Clark Mechanical Services, Inc. Dolan Construction Inc. Double D Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. ESCO Security/ Meadow Valley Electric, Inc. Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc. Galbraith/Pre-Design, Inc. Garden Spot Mechanical, Inc. D.C. Gohn Associates, Inc. Haller Enterprises, Inc. Harmon & Davies, P.C.
Heidler Roofing Services, Inc. The S. Dale High Family Foundation Horst Construction Co. Hursh Painting Co., Inc. Mike and Vicki (Craft) Kearns Keystruct Construction, Inc. B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. Leer Electric, Inc. Little Washington Fabricators, Inc. Performance Roofing Associates Protech Mechanical Contractors, Inc. RLS Construction Group/ Bob Shopfer Paul Risk Associates, Inc. (Paul Risk Construction) Sign Medix, Inc. Donald B. Smith, Inc. Ira G. Steffy & Son Inc. Stief Concrete Work, Inc. Supply Source Office Interiors Tanner of PA Triangle Refrigeration Co.
Leader - $5,000:
ABC Keystone Staff Beam’s Custom Woodworking John C. Bear George D. Boyer & Sons, Inc. CLARK, Inc. Denny’s Electric Service a UGI HVAC Enterprises, Inc. Co. Dietz-Nauman, Inc. Emulous Communications, Inc. Ephrata National Bank Gunn-Mowery LLC Howells Glass Co., Inc. LaPorte Painting Inc. McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC Modernfold of Reading Monarch Products Co., Inc. Pella Windows & Doors Penn Waste, Inc. Pincus Elevator Co., Inc. Power Component Systems, Inc. RGS Associates, Inc. Richard L. Sensenig Co. Spangler & Boyer Mechanical, Inc. Ben Thomas Associates, Inc. Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP (Trout) Walz Group Winroc SPI Leon E. Wintermyer, Inc.
Builder - $2,500:
Abel Construction Co., Inc. All Set Tile & Marble Co. Inc. Blatt Construction Inc. Dba Blatt Group Broderick’s Landscape Contracting, LLC CGA Law Firm CV Services, Inc. Dauphin Electric - Harrisburg DeRock Electric Company Justin L. Dunwoody John E. Fullerton, Inc. D.E. Gemmill, Inc. E.H. Gochnauer & Sons, Inc. HVAC Commercial Solutions C.M. High, Inc. Hostetter Supply Co., Inc. Keystone Business Transitions, LLC Martin Paving, Inc. J. Scott Massie Mi-Kee-Tro Metal Manufacturing, Inc. DBA MKT Metal John H. Myers & Son Overhead Door of Lancaster PeopleReady Skilled Trades Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP (RKL LLP) SGS Architects Engineers, Inc. Schaedler Yesco Shea Roofing Sherwin-Williams Company The Trane Co Inc. United Electric Supply Co., Inc. Valley Supply Inc. Wenrich Painting
Owner -$1,000:
Agar Welding Service & Steel Supply, Inc. Ames Construction Anonymous Bogia Engineering, Inc. Capital Tristate Electrical Distributor Cheran, Inc. - Randy Pentz Clelan & Company Fulton Bank Graybar Electric Co., Inc. Houck Services, Inc. InGroup Associates J & J Heating & Cooling, Inc. Jonathan D. Holmes, PE Larson Design Group Hogg Construction, Inc. McConkey Insurance & Benefits Miller Builders’ Supply Co. Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP Stephen S. Muller Reager & Adler, P.C. Rick’s Custom Wood Design, Inc. Safety Works, Inc. Kenneth D. Schwebel Michael J. Stefanic, PE EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC Thomas O. Williams, Esq.
Partner -$500:
Associated Products Services, Inc. BCF Group, Inc. Bertz, Hess & Co. Clark Food Service Equipment Colonial Electric Supply Fluss Flooring, Inc. Devon Groff & Denny Dagen (Groff’s Heating, A/C & Plbg., Inc.) R L Livingston Excavation & Paving, Inc. M & J Painting and Wallcovering Contr., Inc. Dennis Pierce & Marilyn Hobday Lisa Shach, PHR J.C. Snavely & Sons, Inc. Spectra Contract Flooring Whisler Electric LLC
*Data as of June 2021
Attention
Contractors!
Apprenticeship can help you! • Create your own
workforce
through formalized training
• Increase
productivity, safety, and profits
• Expand your workers’
knowledge base
• Bid work more
competitively
Forabckeystone.org more information: CindyD@abckeystone.org cindyd@abckeystone.org
Member Spotlight TOM WOBBER, BERTZ, HESS & CO.
Meet Tom! Tell us about you!
I began my career working for a start-up company when I was just out of college. It was a great experience watching them grow into a successful business. When they were bought by a public company in Florida, I had no aspirations of moving to Florida, so, I started a new job search. While mountain biking one day, I ran into a college friend who introduced me to public accounting. I then started my public accounting career with a Baltimore firm which specialized in multi-family real estate development and construction. They were active in ABC, and that was my first exposure to the association. Eight years later, I joined an international accounting firm and joined their real estate and construction group, focusing on large scale commercial, industrial and retail properties. Five years later, I wanted to get back to working with small businesses, something I had enjoyed previously, and an opportunity came up in Lancaster. I joined Bertz, Hess and Company in 2009, and I became a partner in the firm in 2014. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, including our dog. I enjoy doing pretty much anything outside including skiing, golfing, camping, hiking and spending time at the beach.
What has your committee been focusing on this year?
ABC Keystone has an exceptional and interesting group of members and employees and provides plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting new people. This is something I truly enjoy, hence my involvement with the Events Committee. During 2020, and even as we come out of the pandemic, the new and ever-changing restrictions forced us to be more creative (and flexible!) in planning and executing events. Our over-arching goal was to get back to offering all events ABC Keystone members enjoy, while observing any restrictions that were in place. in 2020, we were still able to hold the Golf Outing and Clay Shoot, and in early 2021, we held a hybrid Economic Forecast event, as well as the Meet the Generals event and the Axes and Brews Spring Mixer. Now, we continue to move forward by bringing back the Outdoor Summer Mixer at John Wright Restaurant in August. 17
Thomas (Tom) Wobber, Partner ABC Keystone Events Committee Chair tom.wobber@bertzhess.com Bertz, Hess & Co. 36 East King Street | Lancaster, PA 17602 www.bertzhess.com
Tell us about your company!
Bertz, Hess & Company, LLP CPAs is a full-service accounting firm. We primarily serve small to medium sized business clients. We perform tax preparation and attest services (e.g. audit, review, and compilation) and also offer focused services around the areas of tax planning, payroll preparation, temporary CFO, bookkeeping and QuickBooks consulting. We have 20 professionals on staff, 11 of whom are Certified Public Accountants.
Why ABC?
As an associate member, the greatest value that our ABC Keystone membership provides is an opportunity to network with current clients and potential clients. Our membership also helps us keep our finger on the pulse of the construction and trades industries to better serve our clients. We get access to some great high-quality programs and events, such as the Economic Forecast, that we wouldn’t get elsewhere. I am also continuously impressed with how hard ABC works to educate and motivate youth to consider careers in construction and trades.
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Join ABC Keystone Members & Guests at Our Most Well-attended Mixer of the Year!
Live Music! Great Food! Networking! Tuesday, August 3, 2021
4:00 pm: YP hour | 5:00 – 7:30 pm: Everyone at John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville
Register: abckeystone.org
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ABC Keystone Member News Barley Snyder Partner Derek Dissinger Named Real Estate Group Chair
Barley Snyder is pleased to announce that the firm’s management has named partner Derek Dissinger as the chair of its Real Estate Practice Group. Dissinger takes over as the chair from partner Maria Di Stravolo Elliott, who continues her real estate practice at Barley Snyder. Elliott served as the chair of the group for five years. The firm named Dissinger a partner in 2019, and he has been the chair of the firm’s Hospitality Industry Group since 2018. “The members of the group have extensive experience in all aspects of real estate law throughout our entire footprint,” Dissinger said. “It will be a pleasure to work closer with them and to continue on the path that Maria has mapped out for us.”
Boyer & Ritter LLC Principal Kimbarley A. Williams Named as 2021 Woman of Influence Honoree by Central Penn Business Journal
Central Penn Business Journal has selected Kimbarley A. Williams, a Principal at Boyer & Ritter CPAs and Consultants, as a 2021 Women of Influence honoree. This year’s Woman of Influence list celebrates 34 high-achieving women selected based on their professional experience, community involvement, leadership, and sustained commitment to mentoring. Central Penn Business Journal editors selected the honorees. “This year’s Women of Influence are extremely accomplished. They make a difference and inspire change throughout Central Pennsylvania,” said Suzanne FischerHuettner, senior group publisher of Central Penn Business Journal. “They are active members of their communities and also mentor the next generation of women leaders. Central Penn Business Journal is pleased to honor them.”
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co. Awards Scholarships
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co. and the Scott & Hofffnagle Scholarship Fund are proud to announce the five award recipients of the 2021 Scott & Hoffnagle Scholarships. The top award of $10,000 will be presented to Tyler Sellers of Kirkwood, Pa. Tyler will be attending Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster in the Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning curriculum. The award of $7,500 will be
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presented to Max Ludwig of Hummelstown. Max Ludwig will be attending The University of Pittsburgh, for Electrical Engineeering. The awards of (3) $5,000 will be presented to John Meridionale of Frackville who will be attending Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancasaster in the Plumbing Technology Program; Andrew James Booths of Carlisle who will be attending The Pennsylvania State University in State College and will be studying Mechanical Engineering; and Carson Snelbaker of Dover will also be attending the Pennsylvania State University and will be studying Architectural Engineering.
Gooding Group, LLC Hires a Chief Financial Officer
GSM Roofing and GSM Industrial are proud to announce and welcome Stephen McNamara as Chief Financial Officer. As a member of the GSM family, Steve will be managing the financial departments of both GSM Roofing and GSM Industrial. Pulling from his years of experience, he will be instrumental in guiding the growth of the Gooding Group. Steve most recently worked at Armstrong World Industries as the VP Corporate Controller. He graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Accounting. Steve lives in Lancaster with his wife and three children.
Harshbarger, Senior Vice President, Retires from Gunn-Mowery, LLC After 30 Years
Gunn-Mowery, LLC announces the retirement of Gary Harshbarger, Senior Vice President, after 30 years of employment at Gunn-Mowery and 52 years total in the insurance industry. Gary’s official last day of employment with Gunn-Mowery, LLC was May 1, 2021 – which was also his 74th Birthday! Gary is a legend in the industry and was an instrumental leader at Gunn-Mowery. He always made time to share his knowledge with employees and clients. Gary originally started his career in the insurance industry with Aetna as a Commercial Insurance Representative and then became an Independent Agent in 1980. Gary joined the Gunn-Mowery team in 1992. Over the years, he has managed the Personal Lines Department, Personal Lines Service Center, Commercial Lines Service Center, as well as aided in enhancing the Cyber Insurance presence. Gary was also one of the most well-known Producers. Gary is looking forward to spending his well-deserved retirement hunting and enjoying the outdoors,
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as well as spending more time with his wife and their grandchildren.
Providence Engineering Corp. Executive Vice President, Mark Ritchie, P.E., Retires
After 37 years in the A/E/C industry, trusted and admired Professional Engineer, Mark Ritchie is retiring as Executive Vice President of Providence Engineering Corp. Mark has been around the A/E/C industry all his life. His father and grandfather both worked as bricklayers, so from an early age, Mark knew he wanted to be a part of the construction industry. But he also knew he did not like the strenuous physical work in the heat of the summer and cold of winter, so he decided to attend Penn State University and become an engineer. After graduating in 1984, Mark’s career took him to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and finally, Central Pennsylvania where he started his own engineering firm in 2000. Based in Carlisle, Ritchie Engineering provided structural design services for thousands of projects throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic region. In January 2017, Ritchie Engineering merged with Providence, and thus, Providence Engineering opened their sixth office in Pennsylvania. Mark would go on to help open and lead the establishment of Providence’s seventh office in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Mark’s retirement plans include playing more golf with his wife Lisa, spending time with his family, which now includes three grandsons, and remaining an active member of his church and the Carlisle community.
Robertson Insurance & Risk Management Earns Inner Circle Honor for 7th Time
— Hon. Lawrence F. Stengel, (Ret.), former Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Hon. Robert A. Graci (Ret.), former Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge and former Assistant Executive Deputy Attorney General — as well as former Pennsylvania Deputy Attorney General Carson B. Morris. The firm counsels institutional and individual clients in all aspects of criminal and administrative investigations. “Bill is considered one of the top criminal defense lawyers on the East Coast, and we are thrilled that he is joining us,” said Saxton & Stump CEO James W. Saxton. “We recognize a growing need in our region, so adding the expertise Bill has developed over a brilliant career is an excellent fit for our already established team.”
Wohlsen Construction Company Breaks Ground at PA Manufacturing Facility
Wohlsen Construction Company recently broke ground on a 90,000 square foot addition to MI Windows and Doors manufacturing facility in Gratz, PA. The project will create nearly 100 new jobs and is scheduled to be completed early next year. The expanded facility will feature two additional vinyl window production lines, a new automated glass room, and a training center. It will also include a number of enhanced safety features, such as separated parking areas for team members and trucks as well as dedicated pedestrian and forklift lanes inside the facility. “This project creates a better environment for our team while increasing our production capabilities so we can continue providing our customers with the windows, doors, and value-added services they need. It’s a win-win for everyone.” said MI CEO Matt DeSoto.
Robertson Insurance & Risk Management is one of just six independent insurance agencies that has made Mutual Benefit Group’s Inner Circle, based on 2020 business results. This is the seventh time Robertson Insurance & Risk Management has qualified for the honor. Each year Mutual Benefit Group presents its Inner Circle award to those agents who provide superior customer satisfaction while establishing a consistent record of profitable growth. Founded 36 years, ago, Robertson Insurance currently serves clients throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Agency principals James Robertson, President; Neil Robertson, Vice President and General Counsel; and Craig Robertson, Vice President, Commercial, lead a staff of 15 employees.
William Costopoulos, Regional Top Criminal Defense Lawyer, Joins Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants Criminal defense attorney William C. Costopoulos has joined Saxton & Stump in Harrisburg to bolster its White Collar Defense practice and support the firm’s Appellate and PostTrial Advocacy and Attorney and Judicial Ethics and Discipline teams. Costopoulos is working alongside two former judges
For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, please send your press releases to: kristi@abckeystone.org 20
Young Professionals
Spotlight Meet Matti!
What role do you play in your organization?
On paper, I am a Commercial Sales Consultant. But that’s not really what I do, as I spend most of my days networking. I have been in sales for nearly 15 years, and my best sales come from those I have built strong relationships with along the way. I believe that to meet your quota you need to forget about the number and focus on a solution to a problem. To provide this solution, you need to get to know your client and earn their trust. People do business with people they know, like, and trust!
As a Young Professional, how has your involvement with ABC Keystone helped you?
My involvement with ABC Keystone has expanded my network tremendously. Being newer to the industry, it has allowed me to meet both diverse and like-minded professionals. I have really enjoyed the in-person meetings and exclusive events.
What words of advice do you have for your fellow YPs?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people are willing to help you out. No one has turned me away...yet!
What is your favorite or most inspirational quote?
Professional Quote: “Never explain what you do. It speaks for itself. You only muddle it by talking about it.” – Shel Silverstein Personal Quote: “You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!” – Dr. Seuss
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
When I’m not working, it’s safe to say I’m probably exploring a new city. Of all the places I have been in the US, Lake Tahoe brings it home. I’m not sure if it’s the childhood nostalgia of spending every summer and winter there, or if it’s become an adult safe haven. Either way, I’ll see you in a few short months, Lake Tahoe! 21
Matti Gartner Commercial Sales Consultant Indoor City ABC Keystone YP Committee Member matti@indoorcity.com
Safety is Efficiency
By: Brian Tribbitt, MBA Stonebridge Financial Group
T
he USS Thresher was a Navy Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine commissioned on July 9th, 1960. After two years of operations, it was sent to Portsmouth Navy Shipyard in Kittery, Main for a periodic maintenance overhaul. During her overhaul, nearly every aspect of the ship was repaired, taken apart, and upgraded. Once the USS Thresher was complete with her repairs in the spring of 1963, the ship departed for her operational sea trials. As the ship descended for one of her tests, an improperly welded sea water pipe ruptured, causing flooding onboard the submarine. This flooding subsequently shorted out the electrical systems onboard which caused the loss of power. The crew attempted to initiate the Emergency Ballast System to inject high pressure air into the main ballast tanks to allow to ship to surface due to the loss of electrical power. However, poor maintenance practices allowed moisture and debris to contaminate the high pressure air piping which stopped the air from reaching the main ballast tanks. On April 10, 1963, the USS Thresher was lost.
Now let’s look at a diagram of a properly-planned, welltrained, and properly-supervised project (Proper Risk & Safety Mitigation). What you will notice is the dampening of project timeline variability. Not only does this decrease the overall project timeline (how long it takes you to complete), it can all but avoid any pinnacle moments that would cause damage to equipment and injury to personnel.
The tragedy onboard the USS Thresher gave birth the SUBSAFE program which now requires rigorous training, qualifications, and written proof of work on specific safety systems. Since the USS Thresher, any safety system that could affect a submarine’s ability to resurface is scrupulously controlled and supervised. In a broader sense, the SUBSAFE program can be viewed as a part of a submarine’s risk mitigation. It’s one aspect of how it operates to ensure it can safely return home. The idea of risk mitigation can be translated to almost everything we do - from wearing seat belts to wearing hard hats. Risk mitigation allows us to minimize pinnacle moments where injury or damaged equipment could derail our plans. What can the idea of risk management teach ABC Young Professionals about project management, building, and construction? Suppose we were to look at the effects of proper risk management through the lens of an ideal project timeline and compare it to an actual project timeline. At the upper right is a diagram of a poorly-planned, insufficientlytrained and poorly-supervised project timeline (Minimal Risk/ Safety Mitigation). One of the first things you notice is the variability of the actual project timeline. This variability not only exposes the project timeline to safety risk, but it also causes an extension of time it takes to finish the job. If stretched out, the actual project timeline is almost twice as long as the ideal project time. You will also notice that the longer you are exposed to the safety risks due to lack of training, supervision, or procedural compliance, the more likely you are to damage equipment or hurt someone.
Proper risk mitigation comes in many forms – training, standard safety protocol, and oversight all play a role in safety and risk mitigation. The application of this idea is universal and can be applied from financial decisions to project management. Enabling a culture that accepts and embraces this idea will pay dividends in any area of your work. Always remember that safe operations are efficient operations. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stonebridge Financial Group, LLC and Triad Advisors, LLC are not affiliated. ABC Keystone is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC
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135 Shellyland Road Manheim, PA 17545
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