April 2024
Monthly Publication of
A
ABC Keystone
2024 Executive Committee:
Chair of the Board John Lehmann Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
Chair-Elect Guy Kingree
1st Vice Chair Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.
2nd Vice Chair Ed Engle Smucker Company
Secretary Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors
Treasurer Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group
2023 Chair Steve Conway Pyramid Construction Services, LLC A Quandel Company
2024 Board of Directors: ABC Keystone Leadership Contents
Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company
Jeff Bright Offit Kurman
Roger S. Brubaker MVE Group
Scott Duke The Witmer Group
Joe Finkey Martin’s Flooring
Michael L. Fiore Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Brian Floyd EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Ken Funk Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
John H. Hykes II B&B Integrations
Anthony Leer Leer Electric, Inc.
Matthew Shehan Benchmark Construction Company, Inc.
Patrick Snyder First Commonwealth Bank
Lee L. Summers, Jr. C Mechanical Services
Jan L. Wagner Wagman Construction, Inc.
Nora Brooks Weder mulá group
Scott Wengrenovich Murray
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: Rebecca Wolf Director of Marketing & Communications ABC Keystone rebecca@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106 G. David Sload, President-CEO ABC Keystone | 135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 653-8106 | abckeystone.org 2 3 5 7 8 9 15 11 18 21 17 19 Message from the Chair From the Desk of G. David Sload Founding Member Spotlight ABC's Top Performers 2024 2024 National Craft Competition Construction Wars Member Spotlight Apprenticeship Update #ABCMeritShopProud Anniversaries New Members Calendar FOLLOW US: @ABCKeystonePA @ABCKeystone LinkedIn/company/abckeystone/
John Lehmann President, Poole Anderson Construction
TOGETHER, WE CAN WIN IN 2024
We have seen some incredible force majeure-type challenges in the last few years and we’re all trying to predict what the next threat will be. Though we don't know for sure, there are a few creeping up to start thinking about that will keep us on our toes:
• Material quality issues. We already have shortages and delays, but recently, other challenges are creeping in (Example: thin brick panels cracking and disintegrating before installation.) This could be an indication that the vendor was pushed on schedule and has manufactured outside their quality control protocol, or it could be the result of a shortage of skilled labor. Utilizing a good quality program can help mitigate the issues, but delays could still arise from it.
• Interest rates. We can anticipate interest rate reductions, which on the one hand is a good thing and will reopen opportunities for work. However, reductions will inevitably put further pressure on an already strained labor force as well as increase the potential for material shortages, cost increases and delays. It further exasperates schedule issues. We need to be knowledgeable, so we can educate our clients and build cost and time into the projects.
While it would be nice to have a crystal ball to predict the future, it's a better idea to prepare by building a welltrained, informed team. Keystone has one of the best ABC training programs in the nation, and offers a wide range of courses, apprenticeships, peer groups, and other informative events. Here are some of the highlights that Keystone Offers:
• 11 Apprenticeship Programs that include:
Assembler
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Carpentry
Craft Labor
Plumbing/ Pipefitting Heavy Equipment Operator
Electrical HVAC
Masonry
Plumbing
Roofing
Sheet Metal
• 123 Career Development Courses with everything from blueprint reading to superintendent training.
• A new Nittany Valley HR Peer Group
• Hot Topic Seminars coming soon to include “Improving Payment & Cash Flow.”
There is no doubt ABC Keystone has done a tremendous job in providing all the tools and resources necessary to put our companies in a position to succeed. It is up to all of us individually and collectively to take full advantage of these opportunities and make sure we are informed and engaged, so we can win in 2024 and it starts today!
2
OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR SHAPIRO
Dear Governor Shapiro,
The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Keystone Chapter, representing 30,000 Pennsylvanians in the labor workforce in 33 counties, must respond to your March 2024 announcement regarding Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). We recognize your strong support for labor organizations. However, we believe there can be an opportunity to build in Pennsylvania using both union and non-union employees. We must remind you that nearly 90 percent of all construction employees have made the choice not to join a union, so your continued comments and now stronger policy principles neglect an overwhelming majority of workers. In short, your stated policy direction focuses on a minority of the workforce while also ignoring the needs of nearly every worker in Pennsylvania. This also comes at a time when there is a growing worker shortage in Pennsylvania and the nation.
You state that PLAs should not outright discourage or encourage non-union contractors. Your statement is disingenuous because it neglects the function of a PLA, which is to force a non-union worker to participate in a union if they want to work. Any non-union contractor selected to do work under a PLA would not be able to use their own workforce as long as they are non-union. Instead, they will be compelled to use union labor or become a union shop. A construction worker that wants to work can only start work under a union contractor or be forced to temporarily act as a union member. The only other alternative is to be unemployed -- which is not much of a choice. If a non-union construction worker goes along with a PLA, they are then forced to continue to be part of the union OR lose all the payments made towards the union pension when they end employment on the PLA project. To create a system where most of the workforce (open shop employees) has to make payments into a labor organization’s pension system that is not portable for the employee is absolutely state-endorsed wage theft.
We ask that you read and respond to this letter with the same spirit that you espouse when you say you want to get things done, want a “people-powered Commonwealth” and encourage more reaching across the aisle for bipartisanship. Please reach out to those of us that represent the employees you are impacting with this policy direction for PLAs. Please don’t just work in the echo chamber of the labor organizations that may laud these announcements. They are not representative of all workers.
To truly understand how this affects the employees that ultimately are the subject of such PLAs, we request responses to the following:
• In reading your press statement and letter to state agencies, we are unclear to what capital projects you envision applying PLAs. In the midst of state budget negotiations that include an incredible number of capital projects – will all those under the capital budget be subject to this direction for state agencies?
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• How exactly will the Department of General Services (DGS) “partner” with other state agencies?
• How will you reach out to the thousands of merit shop contractors and non-union construction workers to understand how this monumental shift in procurement will work and affect them? It is fragmented and confusing to expect that answer to be included in each individual PLA when there is clearly an overarching policy vision driving this approach.
We recognize that you have a strong commitment to Pennsylvania’s labor organizations which will not change. We ask these questions and raise these points as there are more Pennsylvanians you have an obligation to communicate with and govern to advance Pennsylvania’s prosperity. If we can have a deeper conversation or provide more insight to our questions please contact our Government Affairs Director, Jim Willshier (jim@abckeystone.org).
Sincerely,
G. David Sload President and CEO
1952, Glenn O. Hawbaker and his wife Thelma founded a small excavation company to serve the State College area. Initially, they contracted with local builders, over time they grew and expanded and it was officially incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1965.
Today, GOH operates multiple aggregate facilities and asphalt production plants, serving private and public sector customers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and southern New York. With over 70 years of experience, GOH continues to expand operations and is dedicated to giving back to the communities where it operates.
We asked Dan Hawbaker how GOH has changed over the past 72 years and how being an ABC Keystone Founding Member has impacted the business.
What do you consider to be your company's greatest achievement?
It has been able to evolve and adapt from its humble beginnings, which involved a single dump truck and dozer, to now being recognized among a prestigious list of industry leaders.
What about your company makes you most proud?
Our ability to assemble a team of highly competent professionals has ultimately enabled GOH to thrive and flourish. At Glenn O. Hawbaker, we take pride in our workforce, which understands the importance and responsibility to take care of our customers and work safely.
What sets your company apart for its competitors?
• Safety culture and performance.
• Flexibility to respond to our customer requests.
• Quality of people that we employ.
• The belief that there isn’t anything that we can’t accomplish as a team.
How has being a founding ABC Member made an impact on your company?
Being a founding member has created a common bond with others who support the free enterprise system.
ABC Keystone's resources, training, and education have created an extremely competent labor pool from which we can employ individuals.
What advice would you offer to potential and current ABC Members?
• Participate actively.
• Join the cause so you can become better informed of governmental issues that have an impact on your business.
• Spread the word.
• Join the team so you can accomplish objectives that otherwise couldn’t be achieved if you were standing alone.
Visit Glenn O. Hawbaker at www.goh-inc.com
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MAY 22
Join us for the most up-to-date construction safety and health information and resources.
• Breakout Sessions
• Construction Safety
• Vendor Booths
• STEP Luncheon
• Networking Happy Hour
REGISTER TODAY! ABCKEYSTONE.ORG
SAFETY SUMMIT
TOP 250 PERFORMERS
Wohlsen Construction Company (79)
Warfel Construction Company (83)
Quandel Enterprises, LLC (131)
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC (193)
TOP GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Wohlsen Construction Company (40)
Warfel Construction Company (42)
Quandel Enterprises, LLC (64)
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC (109)
Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company (139)
Wagman Construction, Inc. (141)
TOP PERFORMERS WITH SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS
CB Construction Services, Inc. (87)
ABC.ORG/TOPPERFORMERS 7
ABC Keystone competitors were awarded top honors at the 2024 National Craft Competition (NCC). The winners were honored at ABC’s Careers in Construction Awards ceremony during ABC Convention 2024 in Kissimmee, Florida.
The 35th annual National Craft Championships showcased the skills and expertise of nearly 190 of the nation’s best craft professionals in trades such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC, millwright, power line, welding, and more. They vied for top honors in 16 competitions, with skills on display in 12 crafts. Established in 1987, NCC celebrates and recognizes upskilling in construction, draws some of the country’s most talented craft professionals, and highlights the critical role that craft skills training plays in the construction industry.
Brandon Hanna, HVAC apprentice from Haller Enterprises, earned a gold medal for his work at the NCC. “We are incredibly proud of all our ABC National Craft Competition competitors. All the apprentices represented ABC and their companies at a high level. They are the future of this industry, and we are both thankful and proud,” said ABC Keystone President-CEO David Sload.
2024 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPETITON
The 2024 Construction Management Competition featured 26 four-person teams of students from colleges and universities. Pennsylvania College of Technology took home Competitionthird place in both Estimating and Project Management. Additionally, the team was named the 2023 ABC Student Chapter of the Year.
2024
8
Brandon Hanna
A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION
For three days in March, more than 200 middle school students got a first-hand look at careers in the construction industry at the Chapter's Construction Wars. The students had the opportunity for handson work with industry professionals in carpentry, masonry, sheet metal fabrication, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.
Represented schools in Cumberland, Dauphin Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties included:
• Garden Spot Middle School
• Hueskin Middle School
• Allen Middle School
• New Cumberland Middle School
• Crossroads Middle School
• Warwick High School
• Swatara Middle School
• Northern Lebanon Middle School
• Milton Hershey School
• Elizabethtown Area Middle School
• Donegal Junior High School
• Eagle View Middle School
• Cocalico Middle School
• ELCO Middle School
• Lower Dauphin Middle School
• Ephrata Middle School
• Eastern York Middle School
• Marticville Middle School
• School District of Lancaster
• York Suburban Middle School
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"We offer this event to provide middle school students with exposure and awareness of our industry and hopefully spark their interest as they make decisions moving into high school," shared Stephanie Larkin, VP of Education, Safety & Workforce Development. The students created various take-home projects during the event, including a sheet metal toolbox and a wooden bench. Additionally, they wired light bulbs, made a circuit, laid bricks, were introduced to basic safety and CPR, and learned about refrigeration.
Now is the time for students to consider careers in construction. The demand for trade skills grows annually. Average wages for some trades are $70,000 per year, and apprentices participate in earn-while-youlearn programs, allowing them to access educational opportunities while working and potentially graduate debt-free.
ABC Keystone Construction Wars would not be possible without the help of our volunteers and generous member sponsors, who provide hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, t-shirts, construction materials, and lunches. Fall Construction Wars is scheduled for October 15-17, 2024. If you would like to become a sponsor, please get in touch with Stephanie Larkin at stephanie@abckeystone.org.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
STRUCTURAL SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSORS
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
Samaritan Consulting Group
Stevens & Lee
SAFETY GLASSES SPONSOR
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
HARD HAT SPONSORS
Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Galbraith Construction
Hursh Painting Co.
MVE Group
Poole Anderson
Pyramid Construction Services, LLC
Spectra Contract Flooring
Warfel Construction Company
Wickersham Construction & Engineering, Inc.
Wohlsen Construction Company
EQUIPMENT SPONSORS
Cleveland Brothers
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
MASONRY STATION SPONSOR
The Witmer Group
PLUMBING STATION SPONSORS
Brubaker, Inc.
HAJOCA Corp.
SHEET METAL STATION SPONSOR
James Craft & Son, Inc.
THANK YOU
SPONSORS!
10
APPRENTICESHIP UPDATE
ON-SITE HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING AT CLEVELAND BROTHERS
ABC Keystone recently teamed up with Cleveland Brothers for an on-site training with our Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentices. They had the opportunity to gain in-the-seat training with Tom Brady, Application Specialist and Certified Instructor at Cleveland Brothers.
Tom advised the students on how to improve their operator knowledge of equipment controls, maintenance, inspection, safety, and operating procedures. Some of the equipment used during the demonstration included the Cat® 340 Hydraulic Trackhoe Excavator, Cat 420 XE Backhoe Loader, Cat 262D3 Skid Steer Loader, and Cat 289D3 Compact Track Loader. He also gave apprentices advice as they prepare to enter the workforce. Always remember to be safe because you don't want to hurt yourself or others. Also, don't assume that you know everything; read everything you can get your hands on. Lastly, be sure to enjoy what you are doing. You aren't going to want to do it day after day if it doesn't make you happy.
The Chapter would like to thank Tom Brady and Cleveland Brothers for hosting our Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentices.
For more information on the Apprenticeship Program, contact Cindy DeWire, Director of Apprenticeships, at cindyD@abckeystone.org
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2024 Verified STEP Recipients
Allan Myers
Allied Mechanical & Electrical
Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
C.M. High, Inc.
CB Construction Services, Inc.
CCS Building Group
CH+N Site Construction Inc.
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.
D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
DenTech Industrial
DeRock Electric Company
Detwiler Roofing
EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.
Hayden Power Group
Hursh Painting Co., Inc.
James Craft & Son, Inc.
Leer Electric, Inc.
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
LEW Site Construction LLC
M. Potteiger, Inc.
MVE Group
Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.
Quarry View Building Group
Silvertip, Inc.
Smucker Company
Speedwell Construction, Inc.
Stuebner, Inc.
Susquehanna Valley Construction
Corp.
The Tri-M Group, LLC
The Witmer Group
United Rentals, Inc.
Vision Mechanical, Inc.
Wohlsen Construction Company
As verified by ABC National as of April 2024
Take the first STEP! Apply Today!
employees are returning
loved
your STEP
participate.
Ensure
home safe to families and
ones every day. Submit
safety self-assessment in as little as 30 minutes! There is no cost to
WWW.ABC.ORG/ABCSTEP
ASK AN ACCOUNTANT
By: Daniel Sturm, CPA, CCIFP, Partner
Cash Management to Improve Your Bottom Line
Cash management is the process of managing the inflows and outflows of cash in a business and is particularly important for construction contractors. Long payment cycles, unpredictable expenses, and fluctuating demand all emphasize the need for cash management. A solid cash management strategy and process can help with long-term sustainability and help drive additional income straight to your bottom line, especially in today’s interest rate environment. With guidance from your financial advisor, excess cash can also be invested, creating additional cash flow and income.
Poor cash management can affect the ability to grow, obtain new contracts, pay suppliers, employees, and taxes, and ultimately result in negative net income. There are many strategies that you can implement to improve cash management. Improving cash management is a longterm project that requires an intentional strategy and focus. We have outlined a few cash management strategies below for your consideration. While not an all-inclusive list, we've observed these strategies contribute to the success of many contractors.
Plan ahead. One of the most important steps in cash management is to create a realistic cash flow forecast that projects the expected cash inflows and outflows for a given period. This can help you anticipate and prepare for cash shortages or surpluses, and to adjust spending and borrowing accordingly. A cash flow forecast should be updated regularly and based on accurate data from past and current projects, as well as market trends and customer behavior.
We should emphasize that projections and forecasts apply to more than the business as a whole. This same strategy can and should be applied to capital equipment purchases. Construction equipment is
a major expense for most construction companies. Forecasting cash flows prior to equipment purchases will support your decision-making process. Cash inflow from new equipment should exceed the cash outflow for debt and all other costs associated with the equipment.
Contract payment terms. Contract payment terms are as important as ever, particularly in today’s environment with fluctuating material prices and rising costs. Frontloading payments on contracts can provide significant benefits to your cash management process. This allows you to work on your customers’ dollars, versus your own, for mobilization and other job startup costs. These costs can be significant. Frontloading payments may create a liability on your balance sheet, however, it’s a much better option than using your line of credit or other debt, which only adds to the cost of business. For contracts that are significant in duration, you may have an opportunity to hold excess cash in short-term investments, driving additional investment income to your bottom line.
Invoice and collect promptly. Another way to improve cash management is to ensure that invoices are sent to customers (and collected) as soon as possible and that they are clear and accurate. While this seems like a basic strategy, it is not uncommon for us to see significant job costs build on a balance sheet. Monitoring unbilled job costs is critical to cash management, particularly on time and materials projects. You’ve incurred the cost and have a right to payment. Sitting on these unbilled costs may be costing you interest income, or even worse, costing you interest expense on your line of credit. An accounts receivable process that demands accountability of your project managers, or others responsible for billing closes the loop on this process. In the words of Peter Drucker, “what gets measured, gets managed.”
7 13
Manage expenses and inventory. Controlling expenses and inventory of the business is probably the “go-to” item to manage cash. While critical, it’s just one piece of the overall strategy. Contractors should review their expenses regularly and identify areas where they can reduce costs or negotiate better terms with suppliers. You should also monitor inventory levels and avoid overstocking or understocking materials and equipment, which can tie up cash and increase storage and maintenance costs.
Incentivize ALL employees. Creating an incentive plan for all employees can provide a tremendous boost to a cash management strategy. Ask yourself how are my employees motivated to serve our clients with excellence, drive additional billings, collect cash, and control spending. Does the person answering your phone know they have a direct impact on the experience of your customers? Customer experience has a direct impact on your ability to set fees and get paid. You may have an opportunity to redesign current incentive plans to help drive forward a new strategy and mindset where everyone contributes and benefits. One idea is creating cash collection goals and rewarding employees for exceeding those goals. A well designed incentive plan gives all employees an opportunity and motivation to contribute to your strategy.
Education. Last, but not least, the education of your entire organization can have a significant impact on your cash collections, top line revenue and net income. Often, your team may focus on areas specific to their job and lose sight of the big picture. For example, project managers are very aware of budgets and costs impacting jobs they are charged with managing. But are those same project managers aware of all the costs it takes to run your business? We have observed some clients apply administrative fees to each job that cover the general and administrative costs of running the business. It allows the project manager to see that a gross margin of 10% can quickly decrease to 7% or less. Applying an administrative cost to each job may influence contract bid estimates and overall behavior in spending. Especially, if these same project managers receive bonuses based on the bottom-line results. Educating everyone about the business can make a difference, sometimes immediate.
14 14 APRIL 17, 2024 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM ABC Keystone 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545 NO COST, ABC MEMBER SEMINAR ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL GETTING PAID: Improving Payment & Cash Flow (The Lawyer's Perspective) For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, Please send your Ask An Accountant to rebecca@abckeystone.org
DAN CREMINS
SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Tell us about Delta Electronics.
We offer end-to-end solutions that address clients' needs for green buildings for ESG, Sustainability, and Carbon Reduction, as well as creating an environment that promotes occupant Health, Safety, and Security. Founded in 1971, Delta Electronics has grown into a global leader in energy-saving solutions with over 290 locations, including 32 Delta-owned Green Buildings.
With industry-leading brands including Amerlux, Delta Controls, LOYTEC, March Networks, and VIVOTEK as well as Delta Electronics, Delta's Building Solutions has a proven global reputation based on years of experience in LED high-end lighting, automated building management control systems, smart security surveillance, indoor air quality monitoring and more. Our Corporate Mission is to provide innovative, clean, and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow.
How did you get involved with Delta Electronics?
My company, March Networks, was purchased by Delta Electronics in 2022. I served at March Networks as Global Leader of Product Management, having over 25 years of experience in the Physical Security market, but I accepted a position in a newly formed group focusing on the Smart Building Market.
dan.cremins@deltaww.com (845) 549-8645
www.delta-americas.com
What is the best part about the work you do?
Working to help organizations design buildings for a better world for generations to come.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Listen first to understand who your customers are and how to make them successful before offering them any solution.
After work, you'll find me...
Spending time with family, watching a good movie, or enjoying the outdoors.
Did you know???
One of Delta Electronics' strengths is that they are the largest global supplier of switching power supplies, and most PCs have a Delta Electronics power supply.
For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, please send your Membership Spotlight to heather@abckeystone.org.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
JVI Group, Inc.
Roger Drake
Director of Sales & Marketing
8210C Carlisle Pike
York Springs, PA 17372
www.jvigroupinc.com
(717) 416-0060
rdrake@jvigroup.com
Viega, LLC
Michael Ross
District Sales Manager
28 Crest View
Carlisle, PA 17013
www.viega.us
(717) - 448 - 8456
mike.ross@viega.us
Sponsored By:
Mike Snyder, H.B. McClure Company
Bruce L. Jones Contractor Company
Thermotech, Inc.
Chris Moore, President/CEO
3820 Hartzdale Drive
Camp Hill, PA 17011
www.thermotechhbg.com
(717) 234-4500
chris.moore@thermotechhbg.com
Sponsored By: Eric Bowman, Remco, Inc
Pennsylvania Petroleum Association
Don Mumma
Director of Training and Workforce Development
911B South Eisenhower Blvd.
Middletown, PA 17057
www.papetroleum.org
(717) 939-1781
dmumma@papetroleum.org
Sponsored By:
Mike Snyder, H.B. McClure Company
Andrew Poling, Director of Field Operations
105 Berlin Junction
New Oxford, PA 17350
www.bruceljones.com
(717) 637-8749
apoling@bruceljones.com
Sponsored By: Robb Beiler, Wohlsen Construction Company
AC Elite Painting
Danette Betancourt
Director of Administration
232 West Main Street, Suite 112
Leola, PA 17540
www.acelitepainting.com
(223) 217-1020
danette@acelitepainting.com
BluSky Restoration Contractors
Caleb Madison Business Development Manager
232 West Main Street, Suite 112
Leola, PA 17540
www.goblusky.com/locations/ lancaster-pa/
(800) 266-5677
caleb.madison@goblusky.com
Sponsored By: Melissa Tucker, Lancaster Stormers
17
#ABCMeritShopProud
SWOPE NAMED AS NEW PRESIDENT OF WARFEL, HARTZLER TO REMAIN AS CEO
Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Conlan Swope has been named President. Matthew Hartzler, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer, will take a step back from the day-to-day operation of the business, but remain in his role of CEO.
“Organizational development and planning, as well as a consistent focus on the growth of our employees are foundational to us as we approach strategic thinking,” said CEO Matthew Hartzler. “This transition is intentional and a direct result of several years of thoughtful planning and preparation.” Holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Penn State University, Swope joined Warfel as a project intern in 2008 and was hired as a Project Engineer in 2009. Until he joined the company’s ownership team in 2019, Conlan held a variety of roles in operations including his most recent role of Vice President of Operations.
“Conlan’s dedication to providing our clients with a superior experience at every touch point with Warfel is unparalleled,” said CEO Mathew Hartzler. “His passion for achieving our Clients for Life mission is brought to life each day through his leadership, high-energy approach, results-driven mentality, and the genuine care and concern he has for his people and partners.” “I am excited for Conlan as well as our clients and partners as we begin this new chapter,” said Vice President and Partner, Brett Calabretta. “Conlan’s pursuit of success never rests which translates directly to success for those we serve.”
Existing Clients can expect a smooth transition with no disruption to project work or other experiences with Warfel Construction. Hartzler will still be actively involved in company strategy and direction, along with Swope and Calabretta. “I am truly honored and humbled to continue the rich tradition of serving our clients and communities through Warfel’s Clients for Life mission,” said Swope. “Our team is dedicated to continual evolution when it comes to innovation and our ability to deliver best-in-class solutions at a level that will keep our clients ahead of change!”
SAXTON & STUMP ADDS TRANSPORTATION & TRUCKING ATTORNEY DAVID CHLUDZINSKI
Saxton & Stump is pleased to announce the hire of David R. Chludzinski as senior counsel. Attorney Chludzinski is an experienced litigator who works with commercial motor carriers and their insurers. He is also the third Pittsburgh-based attorney Saxton & Stump has hired in the last year as the firm expands its presence across the Commonwealth.
Best Lawyers named Chludzinski to its 2024 “Best Lawyers in America” list in the Railroad Law category and he was part of the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list from 2012 to 2019. He earned his law degree from Penn State Dickinson School of Law, and he graduated cum laude from Boston College.
The Saxton & Stump Trucking and Commercial Transportation Group represents motor carriers, insurance carriers, manufacturers, shippers, freight forwarders, owner-operators, intermodal carriers, and transportation brokers on transactions, litigation, regulatory compliance, labor and employment, and accident investigations.
For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, please send your press releases to: Rebecca Wolf, Director of Marketing & Communications, at rebecca@abckeystone.org
18
&
Part of the
for
Virtual Course
KEYSTONE EVENTS
VALLEY
Nittany
of Communications
of The Power of People Series - Hybrid Event 4/23 Adult AED, CPR & Basic Medic First Aid 19 APRIL 17, 2024 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM ABC Keystone 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545 NO COST, ABC MEMBER SEMINAR ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL GETTING PAID: Improving Payment & Cash Flow (The Lawyer's Perspective)
4/15 Electricity for Refrigeration
HVAC 4/16 Negotiating for Win-Win Outcomes -
Leadership 2.0 Series 4/16 Bluebeam® Revu
Administrative Professionals -
4/17 HOT TOPIC SEMINAR – Getting Paid: Improving Payment & Cash Flow (The Lawyer’s Perspective) - Hybrid Event 4/17 Employment Laws, Compliance, and Minimizing Risk - Part of the Human Resource Management Academy - Virtual Course 4/17 Reading Construction Documents - Virtual Course 4/17 Advanced Blueprint Reading 4/18 Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group (CEO/Owners/Executive Leadership) 4/23 Spring Mixer Presented By: Barley Snyder 4/26 Mobile Elevated Work Platform (Ariel Lift) Training APRIL ABC
NITTANY
OFFICE 4/18 Spring Mixer -
Valley 4/18 The Power
Part
Career Development Education, Safety Training & Networking
MAY JUNE
ABC KEYSTONE EVENTS
5/1 Successfully Navigating Change
- Part of the Professional Development Series
5/2 Rough-Terrain Forklift Training
5/7 Developing High Trust Teams
- Part of the Leadership Development Series
5/9 Smart & Connected Presented By: Watts & Vernon Bitzer Associates Inc.
NO-COST MEP Engineer Event
5/10 OSHA 10-Hour Construction
5/15 Job Descriptions, HR Recordkeeping & Reporting
- Part of the Human Resource Management Academy
- Virtual Course
5/16 ABC Keystone’s Apprenticeship Graduation & Craft Professionals of the Year Ceremony
Presented by: Milwaukee Tool
5/21 Emotional Intelligence
- Part of the Leadership 2.0 Series
5/22 Safety Summit
Presented By: Cohen Seglias
5/29 Adult AED, CPR & Basic Medic First Aid
ABC KEYSTONE EVENTS
6/5 Conflict Management
- Part of the Professional Development Series
6/6 Golf Outing at Iron Valley Golf Club
Presented by: United Rentals
6/11 Understanding Financials for Non-Accountants
- Part of the Leadership Development Series
6/11 Construction Technology Conference
6/17 All ’bout Construction Girls Camp
6/19 Effective Recruiting & Hiring
- Part of the Human Resource Management Academy
- Virtual Course
6/19 ABC Bluebeam Courses: Free Launch Webinar
- Virtual Course
NITTANY VALLEY OFFICE
6/27 Nittany Valley Golf Outing at Mountain View Country Club
Presented by: United Rentals
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Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in April 2024!
5 YEARS York P-B Truss, Inc. Direct Advisors, A Division of HUB Retirement and Wealth Management 1 YEAR DIG Prevention Consulting MODLOGIQ, Inc. Morrison Geothermal, LLC S&T Bank 45 YEARS Hursh Painting Co., Inc. 35 YEARS Centre Concrete Company 15 YEARS DeRock Electric Company 10 YEARS Elite Plumbing Heating & AC, LLC
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22 DIAMOND SPONSOR SAPPHIRE SPONSOR PREMIER SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS Acuity Advisors and CPAs, LLP Aerotek All Set Tile & Marble Co. Inc. B & B Integrations Barley Snyder Commonwealth Fire Protection Co. ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC Haller Enterprises Remco Inc. CB Construction Services, Inc. EHD Garrety Glass, Inc. Hess Auctioneers, LLC Horst Construction Co.
SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS Associated Products Services, Inc. Brown Plus Fulton Bank D.E. Gemmill, Inc. Leer Electric, Inc. Hursh Painting Co., Inc. MVE Group Martin’s Flooring M. Potteiger, Inc. Providence Engineering RKL Saul Ewing LLP Smucker Company Trout CPA GR Mitchell, Inc. Paramount Contracting, Inc. R.A. Walton & Company, Inc. The Witmer Group
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April 23 | ABC Keystone Axemann Brewery 2042
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