Chair of the Board Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.
Chair-Elect Ed Engle Smucker Company
1st Vice Chair Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors
2nd Vice Chair Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company
Secretary Aimée Deraco Brubaker
Treasurer Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group
Immediate Past Chair Guy Kingree, III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
2026
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Albright E.R. Stuebner, Inc.
Corbin Beittel Warfel Construction Company
Jeff Bright Offit Kurman
Stephanie Conway Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company
Kevin Eshleman SLC Excavating, LLC
Michael L. Fiore Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Brian Floyd MPB Insurance & Risk Management
Ken Funk Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
John H. Hykes, II B&B Integrations
Anthony Leer Leer Electric, Inc.
Michael Metz-Topodas Saul Ewing LLP
Patrick Snyder Peoples Security Bank & Trust
Lee L. Summers, Jr. C Mechanical Services
Kevin VanPelt S&T Bank
Jan L. Wagner Wagman Construction, Inc.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A YEAR IN MOTION ABC KEYSTONE CHAPTER UPDATE
BY: STEVEN KEARNS
As we reach the heart of summer and the second half of 2026 gets underway, there is much to reflect on and much to feel good about as fall approaches.
On the Legislative Front
ABC Keystone has continued to lead the charge against governmentmandated project labor agreements and the policies that limit fair access to projects and stifle growth for merit shop contractors. Through our government affairs efforts, member mobilization, and strong relationships in Harrisburg and across the Commonwealth, we continue to fight to ensure that merit shop values have a seat at the table and a strong voice in the conversation.
On the ground, that work is showing results. We have active challenges underway on multiple fronts across the Commonwealth, and our record in these efforts gives us every reason for confidence. We will continue pressing forward until merit shop contractors have the fair and open access to public work they deserve.
We are also closely monitoring the Electrical Licensing bill and are prepared to oppose a prevailing wage expansion that has passed the Pennsylvania Senate and now awaits action in the House. These battles are familiar, and our commitment to fighting them on behalf of our members has not changed.
Training and Workforce Development
Our training programs remain second to none. With robust offerings in safety, leadership development, and craft education, ABC Keystone continues to set the bar for workforce readiness and professional growth across the region. That standard was on full display at this year's National Craft Championships, where three of our five competing apprentices placed in the top two of their respective categories. Results like these reflect not only the talent of the individuals involved but the quality of instruction and preparation they receive through our program, and we are proud of all five for representing this chapter on the national stage.
Membership
Our membership retention rate for 2026 stands at 86.6%, which, while slightly below our recent years, remains approximately 3% above the national average. That margin reflects the value our members find in belonging to this association. We have also welcomed 43 new members year to date, a pace consistent with what we achieved at this point last year. If you know a contractor or industry professional who would benefit from membership, we encourage you to pass
Continued on next page
along their name to our Director of Membership, Mike Bachman. Growth starts with the connections our own members bring through the door.
Looking Ahead
ABC Keystone's calendar is full of opportunities to stay connected and keep growing. On the networking front, we have two summer mixers ahead, our Southwest Region Summer Mixer and our Southeast Region Summer Mixer, giving members across the chapter two strong opportunities to build relationships and engage with peers across the industry. Both are expected to be great events, and we encourage every member to get out and make connections. Rounding out the fall calendar, the Excellence in Construction Awards will once again give us the chance to celebrate the best work being done across our industry.
The chapter is in a strong position heading into fall. We have won some legislative battles and lost others, which is the nature of this work. Still, we remain standing on level ground, committed to fighting for the merit shop, for free enterprise, and for the construction industry as a whole. We are grateful for the trust, the time, and the unwavering engagement of our members, and for a staff that gives everything on their behalf. It is a privilege to stand alongside each of you as we head into the second half of 2026.
CONVERSATION WITH THE CANDIDATES FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO
BY: G. DAVID SLOAD
As we approach the fall it is time to focus on upcoming elections. To give you, the members, some information about the Governor’s race, we prepared a list of business-related questions for our gubernatorial candidates. Both Governor Shapiro and candidate Garrity were provided with the same questions. A brief synopsis of their responses is below. Detailed question and responses can be viewed by reading the Advocacy Update article on page 6. An overview of our questions and campaigns responses are below.
How will you address the growing shortage of skilled construction workers projected through 2030?
How will you support apprenticeships and trade education?
How will you align education and training with employers’ workforce needs?
How will your administration promote and reward workplace safety?
How will you streamline permitting and reduce construction delays?
What is your overall strategy to attract new businesses while retaining existing companies and employees in the state?
No Response
No Response
No Response
No Response
No Response
As governor, I will address Pennsylvania’s skilled-worker shortage by expanding apprenticeships, removing workforce barriers, streamlining regulations and strengthening colleges and career technical schools.
We will expand career pathways by providing students with vocational training and on-the-job experience.
We will remove burdens on businesses and expand on-the-job training to prepare students for successful careers.
We will use national industry data to promote safe workplaces without imposing arbitrary regulations.
We will deliver timely permit decisions and clearly explain denials to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
No Response
We will cut regulations and taxes, improve education and make Pennsylvania the best state to build a business, career and family.
You will see that the Shapiro camp declined to answer all questions, On June 19 they responded to our request stating, “Due to the large number of emails we receive each day, we are unable to respond right away, but we have received your outreach and will respond shortly.” Yet, in the same email they didn’t hesitate to ask for a campaign contribution.
As members you may ask why release this information without the incumbent’s responses? This has been our history with Governor Shapiro. For three and a half years we have made many written requests by both letter and email. A number of those requests were even based on positive information. To date we have never received a response from the Governor.
When it comes to the construction industry, it is clear Shapiro refuses to acknowledge the 90% of the workforce that chooses meritocracy. While he likes to boast that he represents all people of the Commonwealth, he clearly does not walk the talk.
Thank you to candidate Garrity for taking the time out of her busy schedule to respond to our request. We look forward to continuing a dialog with her as we approach the November election. As members, make sure you encourage your employees to vote. You can’t tell them who to vote for, but you can share candidate positions. Voting is a privilege that all citizens should embrace.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
BUILDING PENNSYLVANIA’S FUTURE: A Q&A WITH STACY GARRITY
BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Stacy Garrity about the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania’s construction industry. In our conversation, I asked about her plans to address the skilled-trades workforce shortage, strengthen apprenticeships and vocational education, promote workplace safety, streamline permitting, and improve the Commonwealth’s business climate. The following Q&A offers insight into her priorities and how her administration would support Pennsylvania’s employers, workers, and future workforce.
Q. Experts agree that we are currently experiencing a shortage of workers in the skilled trades and project that it will worsen by 2030. What is your plan to address this shortage in the construction industry as we approach this steep drop?
A. I am proud to say that Pennsylvania has the hardworking, most skilled workforce in the nation. Still, we need a Chief Executive who will empower those workers and their employers to maximize their potential. As Governor, I will incentivize businesses to train the next generation of Pennsylvania’s skilled workers by improving and expanding apprenticeship opportunities to make the trades a more attractive career option for younger workers, while removing barriers encountered by construction workers of all interests and demographics, across all industries. For businesses, my administration will eliminate burdensome regulations that put strains on the construction industry – no longer will DEP be known as “Don’t Expect a Permit”; in my administration, it will be known as “Delivering Every Permit.” Finally, I will work to strengthen colleges and career technical schools to ensure that the next generation is prepared to enter the workforce.
Q. How will your administration support registered apprenticeships, trade schools, and vocational training programs?
A. A Garrity Richey Administration will work to expand College and Career pathways, and this starts by ensuring high school students have access to vocational training programs and on-the-job experience so they can be ready, prepared, and qualified to enter their desired trade on day one after graduation.
Q. Several graduating students need remedial education in both higher education and the skilled trades to begin their education/career path. What is your plan to align education and training programs with the needs of employers for career success?
A. Around the nation, there has been tremendous success in providing students with on-the-job training. Yet, Pennsylvania is not leading in this field because we put so many burdens and regulations on businesses. Governor Shapiro talks all the time about opportunities for students who don’t want traditional four-year college degrees, yet his administration is constantly putting obstacles in their way. It makes absolutely no sense! Pennsylvania has been blessed with so many incredible businesses in the
Commonwealth, and we need to put our students and young adults first, so the next generation is trained and ready to succeed in those workplaces.
Q. How would your administration and the Department of Labor and Industry promote high workplace safety standards and reward those with demonstrated superior safety records?
A. My administration will ensure we have the safest work sites for our workers and residents without putting arbitrary regulations on businesses. As Governor, I will review all national industry standards and apply them to our Commonwealth, ensuring our standards and regulations are not arbitrarily set but instead based on facts. By using the national statistics published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we will apply Pennsylvania’s labor standards to the construction industry and use NAICS code-related statistics to maintain proper performance models.
Q. What steps will you take to streamline permitting and reduce delays in construction projects in the next 4 years?
A. I spent three decades in manufacturing before I ever ran for public office, and I know first-hand that to be successful in business you need to meet – and often exceed – deadlines for our bosses. Government should be no different because we are responsive to 13 million bosses who call our Commonwealth home. As Governor, I am going to be laser-focused on growing our economy and making sure it meets the needs of businesses and their workers – and to do that, our employers need to have certainty when it comes to receiving a decision on permit applications. And if a permit is denied, the issuing agency must provide sufficient reasoning for the denial. This will allow your business to better stay on time, on budget, and on a path to completion.
Q. What is your overall strategy to attract new businesses while retaining existing companies and employees in the state?
A. Pennsylvania has the most skilled workforce, with natural resources under our feet that should make us the envy of the world. At the same time, we are geographically positioned in the heart of American commerce. There is absolutely no reason why our Commonwealth should be ranked 38th economically, 43rd in infrastructure, but 6th in the nation for residents migrating out of state. Josh Shapiro may think that is a success, but I don’t.
As Governor, I will work to make Pennsylvania the most attractive state for new business development, and that starts by slashing the regulatory barriers Josh Shapiro and his predecessors have put up and the red tape they’ve put in your way. My administration will be a partner with the business community, not a barrier.
We will make Pennsylvania not only the most attractive state in the union to start a business, but also the best state to attract and retain employees. Today, Pennsylvania has the fifth highest tax burden in the nation – we’ll reverse that in my administration. And our education system is ranked 39th in the nation, with nearly 70% of our 8th graders unable to read at grade level. By the end of my term, Pennsylvania will not just be ranked in the top 10 in education spending, but also in the top 10 in education outcomes.
My goal is simple: ensure that Pennsylvania is the state where you want to start a business, raise your family, and set roots for the next generation to succeed.
ABC Keystone would like to thank Stacy Garrity for taking the time to share her perspective on the issues affecting Pennsylvania’s construction industry and discuss her priorities for supporting the Commonwealth’s employers, workers and future workforce.
HELP BUILD THE FUTURE AT CONSTRUCTION WARS
ABC Keystone’s Construction Wars returns Oct. 6, 7 and 8, 2026, and we need the support of our members to make this exciting workforce development event possible.
Construction Wars introduces seventh- and eighthgrade students to the many rewarding career opportunities available in the construction industry. Through interactive activities and conversations with industry professionals, students gain firsthand experience with the skilled trades while learning about the training, technology and teamwork behind successful construction careers.
Member volunteers are at the heart of Construction Wars. By leading a hands-on activity, demonstrating a trade or sharing your career journey, you can help students discover talents and opportunities they may
never have considered. Your involvement can make a lasting impression at an important time in their education and career exploration.
Sponsorships are also needed to help provide the tools, supplies, equipment and resources that create a meaningful experience for every student. Companies may also support the event by donating materials, providing giveaways or hosting an activity station.
Past Construction Wars activities have included wiring electrical circuits, constructing wooden benches, laying brick, assembling PVC projects, creating sheet-metal toolboxes and exploring HVAC systems and heavy equipment. These hands-on experiences allow students to see, try and understand the work performed by skilled construction professionals every day.
Since Construction Wars began in 2016, thousands of students from across central Pennsylvania have explored the trades through the program. With the continued support of ABC Keystone members, we can reach even more young people and strengthen the pipeline of future craft professionals.
Whether you volunteer your time, sponsor the event or donate needed resources, your support will help make Construction Wars 2026 a success.
Join us Oct. 6, 7 and 8 and help inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
VOLUNTEER SPONSOR
Be the reason a student considers a career in construction. Volunteer at Construction Wars and share your skills, knowledge and passion for the industry.
Choose one, two, or all three exciting days: October 6, 7 & 8, 2026 8:30 am – 1:00 pm each day
Put your company behind the next generation of construction professionals. Sponsor Construction Wars and help students discover the skills, technology and opportunities available throughout the industry.
For more information about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact Randy Doxzon, VP of Workforce and Apprenticeship, at randy@ abckeystone.org.
Build Your Team.
Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC
The construction industry is constantly evolving. To stay relevant, companies must continually grow their talent. ABC Keystone understands that making employee development a priority within a company culture ensures the team remains well-informed on industry trends, recent developments, and best practices.
• Create your own workforce through formalized training.
• Increase productivity, safety & profits.
• Expand your workers' knowledge base.
• Bid work more competitively.
Contact us today to learn more today.
SOUTHWEST REGION
OUTDOOR MIXER AUGUST 18, 2026
Sugar Run Brewing Company | Duncansville, PA
Join fellow construction professionals for an night of networking, great conversations, and new connections.
Ridge Sportsman Club | Harrisburg, PA
Take aim at one of our most popular networking events featuring sporting clays, friendly competition, and great connections.
Mark your calendar for an evening of tailgating, networking, food, drinks and fun with fellow ABC Keystone members.
Join us as we celebrate the region's top construction projects, honor industry excellence, and connect with construction leaders.
2026 Verified STEP Participants
Assurance Media, LLC
B&B Integrations
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Brubaker
C Mechanical Services
C.M. High, Inc.
Capital Coating, Inc.
CB Construction Services, Inc.
CCS Building Group
Clark Contractors, Inc.
CLARK, Inc.
Conexus, Inc.
James Craft & Son, Inc.
D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
DenTech Industrial
DeRock Electric Company
Dolan Construction, Inc.
E.R. Stuebner, Inc.
EA Roofing Co.
As verified by ABC National as of August 2026
EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC
Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Gorski Engineering, Inc.
H&K Group, Inc.
Hayden Power Group
High Construction Company
Hursh Painting Co., Inc.
J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
JEM Group, LLC
John E. Fullerton, Inc.
Johnston Construction Company
Kessel Construction, Inc.
Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc.
Lebanon Valley Electric, Inc.
Leer Electric, Inc.
Leo Kob Co., Inc.
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
LEW Site Construction, LLC
M. Potteiger, Inc.
MVE Group
MYCO Mechanical, Inc.
Nyce Construction Services, Inc.
Paramount Contracting, Inc.
Paul Risk Construction
Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
Quality Buildings, LLC
Quandel Enterprises, LLC
Quarry View Building Group
S&S Structures, Inc.
Scenic Ridge Company
Schlouch Incorporated
SLC Excavating, LLC
Smucker Company
Speedwell Construction, Inc.
Susquehanna Valley Construction Corp.
Tabora Painting, LLC
The Tri-M Group, LLC
The Tuckey Companies
The Witmer Group
Wagman Construction, Inc.
Warfel Construction Company
Wenrich Painting, Inc.
White Rose Interiors, LLC
Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.
Wohlsen Construction Company
Zartman Construction, Inc.
Zebby Sulecki, Inc.
Zook Interiors, LLC
Understanding and Addressing Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace
Substance use and mental health challenges can impact employee safety, productivity, and overall workplace culture. In this seminar attendees will gain practical knowledge and tools to recognize potential concerns, respond appropriately, and foster a supportive work environment that encourages employees to seek help while maintaining workplace safety and accountability.
• Identify signs of impairment and substance use
• Understand the substance use spectrum
• Reduce stigma and encourage support-seeking
• Implement balanced safety-focused policies
• Leverage EAPs and peer support resources
• Foster a recovery-friendly workplace
Learn more at ABCKEYSTONE.ORG.
FREE Member Seminar
Upcoming Dates:
September 3 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
October 1 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
November 5 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
December 3 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
AUGUST
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
8/4 Construction Estimating Principles and Application
8/4 Summer Outdoor Mixer | Southeast Region Presented by Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants
Wrightsville, PA
8/5 Providing Quality Customer Service Part of the Professional Development Series
8/5 Reading Construction Documents
8/6 VitalCog: Understanding and Addressing Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace
8/11 Bluebeam® Baseline Basics Part of the Bluebeam Series
8/12 Employment Assessments Part of the Human Resources Management Academy
8/13 Bluebeam® Material Takeoffs & Estimates - Basics Part of the Bluebeam Series
8/14 Bluebeam® Materials Takeoffs & Estimates - Advanced Part of the Bluebeam Series
8/18 Southwest Region Summer Mixer Presented by Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Duncansville, PA
8/18 Bluebeam® Revu for Administrative Professionals Part of the Bluebeam Series
8/18 First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification
8/20 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
8/26 Rough-Terrain Forklift Training
SEPTEMBER
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
9/2 Positive Assertiveness Part of the Professional Development Series
9/3 VitalCog: Understanding and Addressing Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace
9/3 Excel Basics & Beyond – Module 1
9/3 ABC Keystone’s Clay Shoot – Rain or Shine! Blue Ridge Sportsman Club, Harrisburg, PA
9/9 Human Resources Contractor Peer Group Starts 9/9 Basic Blueprint Reading
9/10 Excel Intermediate – Module 2
9/15 ASHE Health Care Construction Workshop
9/15 First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification
9/16 HRMA 7: Coaching Employees, Performance Feedback & Appraisals Part of the Human Resources Management Academy
9/24 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
9/24 Excel Advanced – Module 3
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Allegra Image360
Kurt Brown, Owner
1909 Olde Homestead Lane, Suite 101 Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 397-3440
www.allegralancaster.com
Structural Restoration Services, Inc.
Daniel E. Warner II, President
259 West Ore Street Seven Valleys, PA 17360 (717) 834-7585
www.restore-it.com
Sponsored by: Bethany Tesché, Houck Services, Inc.
Mid Penn Bank
Justin Manning, Regional President 1825 Oregon Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 690-3970
www.midpennbank.com
Sponsored by: Brian Floyd MPB Insurance & Risk Management
Westmoreland Electric Services, LLC
Christopher Schreckengost, VP of Operations
193 Central Road Tarrs, PA 15688 (724) 696-4600
www.westmorelandelectric.com
Wipfli LLP
Dave Detweiler, Senior Manager, Business Development
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 300 Radnor, PA 19087 (443) 812-6468
www.wipfli.com
Sponsored by: Guy Kingree III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Igloo Insurance, LLC
Brian Mahon, Owner 1801 Oberlin Road, Suite 303 Middletown, PA 17057 (717) 626-9262
www.iglooins.com
Sponsored by: Gabriel Luber, Lancaster Gift Box
MERIT SHOP PROUD
UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY NAMED A TOP WORKPLACE BY WTOP NEWS
United Electric Supply has been named a Top Workplace 2026 by WTOP News. This recognition from WTOP News adds to United’s history of Top Workplace honors from The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Delaware News Journal, and The Baltimore Sun.
The third-party survey measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection.
“Being recognized as a Top Workplace reinforces the culture we continue to build and sustain together,” said Lindsey Cropper, Chief Human Resources Officer, United Electric Supply. “A strong commitment to our people, communication, and values continues to foster an environment that supports both individual growth and organizational success.”
“This recognition speaks to the foundation our teams have built and the role our employee-owners play every day in supporting customers, driving performance, and positioning the company for continued growth,” said Tony Buonocore, President & CEO, United Electric Supply.
United Electric Supply’s continued recognition as a Top Workplace highlights the importance of our culture to employee-owners. Their team-driven approach prioritizes accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning, enabling employee-owners to grow while contributing to long-term success.
GEO-TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC. (GTA) IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE PROMOTION OF TWO YORK OFFICE TEAM MEMBERS TO ASSOCIATE.
These promotions recognize professionals who have built extensive knowledge, demonstrated strong leadership, and earned the trust of clients throughout their careers. Their advancement reflects GTA’s commitment to developing talent from within and strengthens the firm’s senior technical leadership.
Eric Alvarez joined GTA’s York office in 2005 after graduating from Shippensburg University with a degree in Environmental Science. Over more than two decades with the company, Eric has held a variety of roles across multiple departments and offices. He began as a technician in the Construction Observation and Testing (COT) department before moving into geotechnical and geophysical work, supporting projects throughout the eastern United States. Eric later led GTA’s oil and gas services efforts in northern Pennsylvania, helping expand the firm’s presence into Ohio and West Virginia.
Today, he leads two groups in the York office: the roadway engineering team, which specializes in full-depth reclamation (FDR) and cold-in-place recycling (CIR) projects, and GTA’s oil and gas engineering group, which prepares engineering reports for well pads and landslide evaluations. Known for his commitment to clients and responsive service, Eric continues to expand GTA’s capabilities in emerging markets, including solar energy and horizontal directional drilling. His leadership strengthens GTA’s client-focused services across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Tim Koppenhaver, P.E. earned a degree in Structural Engineering from Penn State University in 2004. Before joining GTA in 2021, he built an extensive career designing steel and concrete structures and performing Special Structural Inspections. A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Tim brings significant expertise in complex steel inspections and structural evaluations. He is also GTA’s only Registered Roof Observer (RRO), providing specialized roofing inspections for industrial facilities.
Tim is widely recognized throughout the company for his technical knowledge and is frequently consulted on structural, roofing, and forensic engineering matters across multiple states. Since taking leadership of York’s COT department, he has helped grow the team while managing major projects and overseeing department operations. His efforts have been instrumental in expanding services and attracting new clients to the York office.
Together, these promotions reflect the growth, mentorship, and technical excellence that define GTA. By advancing professionals who have built lasting careers and client relationships within the company, GTA continues to deliver industry-leading knowledge and exceptional service. GTA congratulates Eric and Tim on this well-deserved recognition.
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in August 2026!
