April 2024

April 2024

A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

ABC Keystone Leadership 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

Contents 2

Message from the Chair

3

From the Desk of G. David Sload

5

Founding Member Spotlight

7

ABC's Top Performers 2024

8

2024 National Craft Competition

9

Construction Wars

11

Apprenticeship Update

15

Member Spotlight

17

New Members

18

#ABCMeritShopProud

19

Calendar

The Merit Shop Spokesman is published 12 times a year by Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter.

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Anniversaries

Articles of interest, member news, press releases, and advertising placement requests may be submitted to the editor:

FOLLOW US:

2024 Board of Directors: Robb Beiler Jeff Bright Roger S. Brubaker Scott Duke Joe Finkey Michael L. Fiore Brian Floyd Ken Funk John H. Hykes II Anthony Leer Matthew Shehan Patrick Snyder Lee L. Summers, Jr. Jan L. Wagner Nora Brooks Weder

Wohlsen Construction Company Offit Kurman MVE Group The Witmer Group Martin’s Flooring Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc. B&B Integrations Leer Electric, Inc. Benchmark Construction Company, Inc. First Commonwealth Bank C Mechanical Services Wagman Construction, Inc. mulá group

Scott Wengrenovich

Murray

G. David Sload, President-CEO

ABC Keystone | 135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 653-8106 | abckeystone.org

Rebecca Wolf Director of Marketing & Communications ABC Keystone rebecca@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106

@ABCKeystonePA LinkedIn/company/abckeystone/ @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 Electrical Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings HVAC Carpentry Masonry Craft Labor Plumbing Plumbing/ Pipefitting Roofing Heavy Equipment Operator Sheet Metal

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• 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!

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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.

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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

SAFETY SUMMIT Presented by:

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

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)

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ABC.ORG/TOPPERFORMERS

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.

2024

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

Brandon Hanna

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.

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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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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.

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

"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.

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 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.

The Witmer Group

PLUMBING STATION SPONSORS Brubaker, Inc. HAJOCA Corp.

SHEET METAL STATION SPONSOR James Craft & Son, Inc.

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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 11 7

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.

As verified by ABC National as of April 2024

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

Take the first STEP! Apply Today!

Ensure employees are returning home safe to families and loved ones every day. Submit your STEP safety self-assessment in as little as 30 minutes! There is no cost to participate.

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 13 7

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.”

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.

NO COST, ABC MEMBER SEMINAR

GETTING PAID:

Improving Payment & Cash Flow

(The Lawyer's Perspective)

APRIL 17, 2024

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL

ABC Keystone 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545

For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, Please send your Ask An Accountant to rebecca@abckeystone.org

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DAN CREMINS

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER dan.cremins@deltaww.com (845) 549-8645 www.delta-americas.com

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.

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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.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! JVI Group, Inc. Roger Drake Director of Sales & Marketing

Thermotech, Inc. Chris Moore, President/CEO 3820 Hartzdale Drive Camp Hill, PA 17011

8210C Carlisle Pike York Springs, PA 17372

www.thermotechhbg.com

www.jvigroupinc.com

(717) 234-4500

(717) 416-0060 rdrake@jvigroup.com

chris.moore@thermotechhbg.com Sponsored By:

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

Eric Bowman, Remco, Inc

Viega, LLC Michael Ross District Sales Manager 28 Crest View Carlisle, PA 17013 www.viega.us (717) - 448 - 8456

Pennsylvania Petroleum Association BluSky Restoration Contractors Don Mumma Caleb Madison Director of Training and Business Development Manager Workforce Development 232 West Main Street, Suite 112 911B South Eisenhower Blvd.

Leola, PA 17540 Middletown, PA 17057 www.goblusky.com/locations/ www.papetroleum.org lancaster-pa/

mike.ross@viega.us Sponsored By: Mike Snyder, H.B. McClure Company

(717) 939-1781

(800) 266-5677

dmumma@papetroleum.org

caleb.madison@goblusky.com

Sponsored By:

Sponsored By:

Mike Snyder, H.B. McClure Company

Melissa Tucker, Lancaster Stormers

Bruce L. Jones Contractor 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 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

APRIL

ABC KEYSTONE EVENTS

4/15

Electricity for Refrigeration & HVAC

4/16

Negotiating for Win-Win Outcomes - Part of the Leadership 2.0 Series

4/16

Bluebeam® Revu for Administrative Professionals - Virtual Course

4/17

HOT TOPIC SEMINAR – Getting Paid: Improving Payment & Cash Flow (The Lawyer’s Perspective) - Hybrid Event

Employment Laws, Compliance, and Minimizing Risk - Part of the Human Resource Management Academy

NO COST, ABC MEMBER SEMINAR

4/17

- 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

NITTANY VALLEY OFFICE

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4/18

Spring Mixer - Nittany Valley

4/18

The Power of Communications Part of The Power of People Series - Hybrid Event

4/23

Adult AED, CPR & Basic Medic First Aid

GETTING PAID:

Improving Payment & Cash Flow

(The Lawyer's Perspective)

APRIL 17, 2024

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL

ABC Keystone 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545

Career Development Education, Safety Training & Networking

MAY

JUNE

5/1

Successfully Navigating Change - Part of the Professional Development Series

6/5

Conflict Management - Part of the Professional Development Series

5/2

Rough-Terrain Forklift Training

6/6

5/7

Developing High Trust Teams - Part of the Leadership Development Series

Golf Outing at Iron Valley Golf Club Presented by: United Rentals

6/11

5/9

Smart & Connected Presented By: Watts & Vernon Bitzer Associates Inc. NO-COST MEP Engineer Event

Understanding Financials for Non-Accountants - Part of the Leadership Development Series

6/11

Construction Technology Conference

OSHA 10-Hour Construction

6/17

All ’bout Construction Girls Camp

Job Descriptions, HR Recordkeeping & Reporting - Part of the Human Resource Management Academy

6/19

ABC KEYSTONE EVENTS

5/10 5/15

- 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

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

REGISTER TODAY! ABCKEYSTONE.ORG 20

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in April 2024!

45 YEARS Hursh Painting Co., Inc. 35 YEARS Centre Concrete Company

5 YEARS York P-B Truss, Inc. Direct Advisors, A Division of HUB Retirement and Wealth Management

15 YEARS DeRock Electric Company

1 YEAR

10 YEARS

MODLOGIQ, Inc.

Elite Plumbing Heating & AC, LLC

DIG Prevention Consulting Morrison Geothermal, LLC S&T Bank

BUILD YOUR TEAM!

• Create your own workforce through formalized training.

• Increase productivity, safety & profits.

• Expand your workers' knowledge base.

• Bid work more competitively.

ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

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