MID-YEAR UPDATE ON ABC KEYSTONE

With 7 months officially in the books, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on ABC Keystone’s accomplishments in 2023. As I wrote in my first message of the year, ABC Keystone sets annual goals around our strategic plan and the staff and board track the progress monthly to ensure the goals are met to the best of our ability.

Retention of membership is a bellwether for the health and well-being of the organization. Engaged members that feel they are receiving value tend to remain committed. I am happy to report that this year, our retention is 90.3%, the 3rd year in a row that we have been able to stay over the 90% mark.

Coupled with retention, we are always striving to add new members to the organization. As of the end of June, new membership was at 28, on track for another growth year. The summer months are generally slow for growth, but membership continues to grow at a reasonable pace. Board members and members at large continue to sponsor peers in the industry, allowing for growth and new opportunities.

Educating and influencing the youth in our region about the abundance of opportunity in our field of work is imperative to the success of all our businesses. ABC continues to grow our articulation agreements and pre-apprenticeship programs in the surrounding school districts. Currently we have 42 partner agreements in place, surpassing our goal of 40 for the year. In conjunction with garnering interest in the industry, ABC Keystone celebrated its 50th Anniversary Apprenticeship Graduation, graduating 98 journeymen to the industry.

2023 Accomplishments

• RETENTION is 90.3%, the 3rd year in a row

• MEMBERSHIP on track for another growth year.

• 42 PARTNER AGREEMENTS

Surpassing our goal of 40 for the year.

STEP participation is at a recent high, with 23.3% of our contractor members enrolled in STEP, which is 70% of our 30% contractor participation goal. As I’ve mentioned in the past, safety is arguably the most important element of our industry. Though it is disappointing to see that we are likely not going to hit our goal, it’s encouraging to see that more members are starting to see the value in the program and taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance their culture of safety.

Event attendance and member involvement in educational classes is up from 2022, with 3,659 participants to date. This is a key indicator that our members are engaged, and the organization is offering the right mix of opportunities. Heading into late summer and early fall, we have some great events such as the Clay Shoots, Summer Mixer, and Tailgate Party to mention a few. If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to register for these events.

Lastly, we have hosted over 25 State legislators at ABC events to date. Remaining connected to our legislators in Harrisburg is key to ensuring that our voice is heard. We continue to garner support from our friends in the legislature as well as local county commissioners and representatives alike. With issues such as PLAs, RCOs, licensing bills, and anything else construction related, it is imperative that we continue to foster these relationships.

As you can see, ABC Keystone is having once again another very successful year. I want to thank all our members and industry partners for their support and willingness to engage on a united front.

• STEP PARTICIPATION is at a recent high

• EVENTS & EDUCATION 3,659 participants to date

• CONNECTED TO OUR LEGISLATORS

25 State legislators at ABC events to date.

HOW DO WE MEASURE UP?

When we look at the achievements of the Keystone chapter, how do we know how good we are? One way is to compare ourselves with the other 67 chapters nationwide through a process called "Chapter Accreditation."

All chapters are required to go through an intensive accreditation process with ABC National. At the conclusion, you earn a 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, or 4-year accreditation. Since the accreditation process began, Keystone has always received a 4-year accreditation, also known as a “High-Performing Chapter.” Due to Covid, the last time we were through the process was in 2017. So how does Keystone stack up in 2023?

This year's process was more intense, with no bonus points as in the past. The staff began working on the process after the first of the year, knowing we would be sitting in person for our accreditation in July of this year. This year's approach focused on the following five areas: Chapter & Financial Management, Leadership Development, Membership, Program & Services, and National Participation.

After sitting down with staff from National ABC, our Board of Directors was informed that we would receive a 4-year accreditation. We acquired a score of 1060 points out of a possible 1120 points. Our breakdown was as follows:

We can achieve this goal because of YOU, the members, a working board of directors, and a dedicated staff. Keystone has never been less than a "High-Performing Chapter," and we need to continue to work to maintain this status. You, the members, are the drivers. The board is the strategic planner based on member input, and the staff is an operational tool to make it happen.

I thank each of you for what you do to advance the merit shop philosophy and your work, promote ABC and advance the entire construction industry. Together we will continue to be successful and maintain the Keystone "IT" factor.