April 2025_Spokesman

April 2025

A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

ABC KEYSTONE LEADERSHIP 2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board

Guy Kingree, III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Chair-Elect

Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.

1st Vice Chair

Ed Engle Smucker Company

2nd Vice Chair

Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors

2 Message from the Chair

Secretary

Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company

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Treasurer

Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group

5 Tech Connect

Immediate Past Chair

John Lehmann Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

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2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PROUDLY PUBLISHED

BY ABC KEYSTONE

From the CEO-President

Ask An Attorney

9 Construction Wars 12 Safety Summit 14 Advocacy Update 15 Calendar of Events 17 New Members 19 Merit Shop 21 Anniversaries

Corbin Beittel

Warfel Construction Company

Jeff Bright

Offit Kurman

Steve Conway

Pyramid Construction Services, LLC A Quandel Company

Aimée Deraco

Brubaker, Inc.

Scott Duke

The Witmer Group

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.

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.

Scott Wengrenovich

Murray

G. David Sload, President-CEO

Manheim Office 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545

Howard Office 898 N. Eagle Valley Rd. Howard, PA 16841 Harrisburg Office 800 North Third St., Suite 407 Harrisburg, PA 17102

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR TOTAL HUMAN HEALTH COMMITTEE A Vision of Change BY: GUY KINGREE

The construction industry continues to face a silent crisis—one that affects the lives of countless workers and their families every day. Suicide rates among construction workers are alarmingly high, with studies showing they are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, and six times as likely to die from suicide than from a work-related injury. Additionally, substance abuse and mental health struggles continue to impact job performance, safety, and overall well-being. Recognizing these challenges, ABC Keystone is proud to introduce the Total Human Health Committee (THHC)—a dedicated initiative aimed at providing critical resources for our over 600 member companies and their employees.

The mission of the THHC is simple yet profound: to offer support, education, and guidance on mental well-being, suicide prevention, and substance abuse recovery. While many large organizations have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support their workforce, smaller construction firms often lack access to these vital services. ABC Keystone aims to bridge this gap by becoming a trusted resource where struggling individuals can find direction, support, and hope. Through partnerships with mental health professionals and industry experts, the THHC will provide the framework for guidance to those seeking help, ensuring they are connected with the right professionals and support systems.

The idea of the THHC is not to serve as a counseling service but essentially to create a structure at ABC Keystone that will act a gateway to help, ensuring that any employee—regardless of company size—knows where to turn when in crisis. Additionally, the THHC will work to raise awareness within the construction industry, breaking the stigma around mental health struggles and encouraging open conversations about well-being and self-care.

Through workshops, training sessions, and online resources, the THHC will empower our members with knowledge and proactive strategies to identify warning signs, provide peer support, and create healthier workplaces. The impact of mental health challenges in our industry cannot be ignored, and it is our collective responsibility to change the statistics. By fostering a culture of care and resilience, ABC Keystone and its members can take meaningful steps toward a future where mental well-being is prioritized just as much as physical safety.

The launch of the Total Human Health Committee marks a significant step in ABC Keystone’s commitment to not only building structures but also building stronger, healthier communities. We invite all members to support this initiative—whether by participating in discussions, sharing resources, or simply being an advocate for change.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our workforce, ensuring that every construction professional has the support they need to thrive.

Be on the lookout for further information about ways to get involved, events, training, etc. all related to Total Human Health. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our workforce.

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Build Your Team.

Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC Keystone.

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.

ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

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FROM THE CEO/ PRESIDENT KEYSTONE EXPANDS ITS FOOTPRINT BY: G. DAVID SLOAD

In just two and a half years, the Keystone Chapter expanded from 10 counties to 33 by incorporating the 23 counties of the former Central PA Chapter. By the end of 2024, Keystone was asked to bring Fulton and Franklin counties into its fold following the merger of the former Cumberland Valley Chapter and the West Virginia Chapter. This newly merged chapter is now known as the Appalachia Chapter.

With this expansion, the Keystone Chapter now serves 35 counties across Central PA, stretching from the Maryland border to the New York border. This broader footprint opens new opportunities for the chapter while also offering enhanced access to resources for members in these areas. We plan to introduce additional events and educational programs to these regions to ensure access for all members.

To help prevent confusion about event locations and registrations, we’ve decided to divide our expanded area into three regions: North, Southwest, and Southeast, as shown in the map below. Additionally, we will refer to office locations as a defining factor, rather than regions. The Nittany Valley office will now be called the Howard office, the main office will be known as the Manheim office, and the government affairs office will be designated as the Harrisburg office.

We’ve already held our winter wake-up meetings in each of the three regions, and we have numerous events scheduled throughout the entire area. Members are welcome to attend events in any region, and we encourage everyone to connect with members across the chapter’s footprint. The success of the Keystone Chapter over the past 65 years has been built on strong member engagement, and we believe this new approach will further enhance the experience for all our members.

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TECH CONNECT HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROJECTS AND PROFITS FROM TARIFFS BY: SABRINA MISKELLY, DOCUMENT CRUNCH

“This is a very risky time, and it's important that you understand what’s going on in the contracts that are already under construction. Who is responsible for the implications of these tariffs?” asked Josh Levy, construction attorney and CEO/Co-founder of Document Crunch, to hundreds of industry professionals during a recent webinar.

It’s a question on everyone’s mind. The rapidly changing U.S. tariff policies are creating uncertainty in our industry, and construction companies need to move fast to protect projects and profits. Where do you start?

Check your contracts. We’ll tell you exactly what to look for below. But first, a quick overview: How Will Tariffs Affect Construction Projects?

Right away, you'll see: • Price hikes on materials like steel, aluminum, lumber, appliances, and flooring • Supply chains slowing down as materials become harder to get • Disrupted buying cycles and delivery schedules Down the road, we might see: • Foreign suppliers adjusting operations to keep U.S. customers • Suppliers giving up on the U.S. market altogether • More domestic production, though building U.S. supply chains will take time • U.S. suppliers raising prices due to higher demand Who Gets Stuck with the Bill?

General contractors often shoulder the most significant financial impact of tariff increases. Under fixed-price contracts, GCs typically assume the risk of construction material cost increases while managing relationships with both owners and subcontractors/suppliers.

What to Do Right Now • Look at all your existing contracts • Talk with owners and subs about changing costs ASAP • Work out risk-sharing plans with your project partners • Consider different suppliers and materials, if possible • Stay informed and stay ahead of potential issues What Should You Look for in Your Contracts?

Most standard contracts don't directly address tariffs. These issues can be buried within hundreds of pages of contracts and documents. Here’s what to look for: 1. Price Adjustment Clauses allow for price adjustments in response to material cost fluctuations caused by tariffs. These clauses can ensure that partners, such as suppliers and subcontractors, share the risk of unexpected cost increases.

2. Force Majeure Clauses can cover unexpected tariff-related disruptions to the supply chain. This clause can detail alternative sourcing strategies and agreed-upon response plans in case of material shortages.

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FREE

3. Delay Remedies are important as time and/or cost adjustment mechanisms. Tariffs may price contractors out of purchasing certain materials and may require them to spend more time trying to find alternatives. Having a contractual right to seek additional contract time and/or contract sum will prevent the contractor from falling behind schedule.

4. Insurance and Performance Bond Provisions need to protect contractors from financial risk.

When tariffs disrupt supply chains, schedule delays can lead to performance issues that increase exposure under performance bonds. Contractors need to negotiate indemnification clauses that protect against unforeseen risks that impact bond obligations and financial guarantees.

5. Notice Requirement Clauses need to include detailed, explicit steps that help the contractor secure entitlements if material costs increase.

Requirements need to allow for the time and circumstances to submit notice if tariffs impact the project supply chain.

6. Change in Law Provisions need to explicitly identify tariff-related cost increases as a reimbursable change. This clause is often written too broadly, and it takes legal intervention to prove specific circumstances, like tariffs, are covered.

While it’s certainly possible to tackle your contracts on your own, there are also construction-specific tech tools out there to help.

“We believe in being a great partner, and being a great partner doesn't just mean standing together when the times are great. It also means standing together through the uncertain times,” adds Levy.

Have an idea for Tech Connect? We'd love to feature your article, contact: Rebecca Wolf | rebecca@abckeytone.org (717) 653-8106

SERIES A Davis Bacon/Prevailing Wage Hot Topic Seminar Series APRIL 8 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wage Classifications Uncovered: Stay Compliant & Competitive

APRIL 29 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Davis-Bacon Fringe Benefits: Retirement, Self-Funded Medical & Unfunded Plans Manheim Office 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545

Sign up for this free event!

ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

ASK AN ATTORNEY ARBITRATION IN A CONSTRUCTION DISPUTE: Pros and Cons

BY: MATTHEW CHABAL, III, ESQ | SAXTON & STUMP LAWTERS AND CONSULTANTS

I am often asked if it is better to pick arbitration or litigation as the mechanism for resolving construction disputes. The difficulty in selecting one over the other is that the choice must be made before the dispute arises – in fact, before the contract is signed and the project starts. Here are some things to consider.

Pros of Litigation Appealability. The flip side of the finality of an arbitration award is that one is stuck with an incorrect decision. An arbitrator can be wrong on the facts or make an incorrect legal ruling, and there is no recourse. A court can be “corrected” on appeal.

Pros of Arbitration It’s faster (usually). Lawsuits can take years – months and months of pleadings, discovery, motions, and waiting to get on a trial list. Arbitration dispenses with complex pleadings, discovery is usually limited, and motions are less common, resulting in an accelerated schedule.

Comprehensive evidence and discovery. While the limited discovery in arbitration can lead to cost savings, it can also result in surprises during the hearing or the inability to obtain critical evidence. The litigation discovery process reduces those concerns.

It's cheaper (most of the time). The truncated timeline usually means an overall lower cost for arbitration.

But unlike lawsuits in which the judge and jury are “free,” arbitrators can charge fees that exceed the hourly rates of the parties’ attorneys and experts.

Some cases require multiple arbitrators (e.g., American Arbitration Association Rules call for one arbitrator on claims under $1 million and three arbitrators for claims over $1 million).

Arbitrators are knowledgeable about construction.

The parties have some say in who will decide the case and can look for arbitrators with experience in relevant fields like construction law or engineering. In complex cases, the specialized knowledge may be the difference between a right and wrong answer.

Tighter reins on the parties. A court has established rules and procedures that generally keep litigants on track and establish a clear course to resolution (albeit often a long course). The rules can lessen abuses of the process.

Judgment based on the law. Judges and juries are bound to follow the law, which is spelled out at trial and in opinions on motions. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand the reasoning behind an arbitration award, especially when the arbitrator is not required to explain the decision.

Pretrial motions can dispense with a trial. There are times when pretrial motions, although time consuming, can resolve a case without a trial and ultimately save time and money.

Confidentiality. Arbitration proceedings are private, allowing sensitive information to be kept out of public view. Conversely, the entire record of a court case may be open to the public.

Flexibility. Parties to an arbitration are usually able to agree on procedural rules, allowing for a more tailored process compared to the rigid structure of litigation.

Finality. Typically, arbitration awards are final and cannot be appealed, providing immediate closure.

But that doesn’t mean it’s always best to go to arbitration.

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www.saxtonstump.com

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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. For the first time, they also had an opportunity to try their hand at heavy equipment operation by using a mini excavator.

Represented schools in Cumberland, Dauphin Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties included: • Dallastown Middle School • East Pennsboro Middle School • Cocalico Middle School • Dover Middle School • The Janus School • Lancaster Mennonite Middle School • Lancaster Lebanon IU 13 • The Learning Station Co-op Lititz • La Academia Partnership Charter School • South Eastern School District • Lititz Christian • Elizabethtown Middle School • Garden Spot Middle School • Conestoga Valley • Milton Hershey • Cocalico • Manor Middle School • Swatara Middle School • Marticville Middle School • Eastern Lebanon • Ephrata Middle School • Donegal Middle School 9

• Eagle View Middle School

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 Randy Doxzon, Director of Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Resources. 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, and learned about refrigeration and heavy equipment.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

MASONRY STATION SPONSOR

PLUMBING STATION SPONSORS

SHEET METAL STATION SPONSOR

ELECTRICAL STATION SPONSOR

CARPENTRY STATION SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSOR Samaritan Consulting Group

HARD HAT SPONSORS

ABC Keystone Construction Wars would not be possible without the help of our volunteers and generous member sponsors, who provide not only their time, but hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, t-shirts, construction materials, and lunches.

If you would like to be a part of Construction Wars, please get in touch with Randy Doxzon at randy@abckeystone.org.

Assurance Media, LLC Hursh Painting Co. Benchmark Construction Co., Inc. Pyramid Construction Services, LLC Warfel Construction Company

SAFETY GLASSES SPONSOR

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants Schlouch Incorporated

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SAFETY SUMMIT Presented by:

MAY 21 Join us for the most up-to-date construction safety and health information and resources.

• STEP Recognition • Breakout Sessions • Vendor Booths • Networking Happy Hour

REGISTER TODAY!

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ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

Join us at the ABC Keystone Safety Summit for a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals from across Central Pennsylvania. Our program offers the latest insights and resources on construction safety and health. Engage with field experts, learn from their experiences, and explore new tools to enhance safety on your job sites.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Safety Professionals, Human Resource Managers, CEOs, Operations Managers, and Field Employees.

Break Out Sessions To Keep Your Employees Healthy & Safe Keynote:

Workplace Violence Joe Hileman, Co-Founder and Training Specialist for Blue-U Defense

Session 1:

Changes Under the Trump Administration, Joe Sine, Partner, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC

OSHA Lessons Learned and Most Interesting Cases Kevin Chambers, Director for the Harrisburg Area Office of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

Active Shooter Contingency Joe Hileman, Co-Founder and Training Specialist for Blue-U Defense

Session 2:

Non-CDL DOT Regulations, Andrew Blair, DOT Safety Checkups, LLC Battery Recycling/Proper Disposal Daniel Brown, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority Environmental Compliance Manager

Active Shooter Contingency Joe Hileman, Co-Founder and Training Specialist for Blue-U Defense

Session 3:

VitalCog: Suicide in Construction Training - Part 1 Haley Moyers, Director of Workforce Programs & Initiatives, ABC National

Non-CDL DOT Regulations, Andrew Blair, DOT Safety Checkups, LLC Battery Recycling/Proper Disposal Daniel Brown, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority Environmental Compliance Manager

Session 4:

VitalCog: Suicide in Construction Training - Part 2 Haley Moyers, Director of Workforce Programs & Initiatives, ABC National

Changes Under the Trump Administration Joe Sine, Partner, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC

VENDOR OPPORTUNITES Member Exhibitor Booth – $500 (Includes 1 table, 2 chairs and 2 registrations) Non-Member Exhibitor Booth – $1,000 (Includes 1 table, 2 chairs and 2 registrations) 12 20

2025 Verified STEP Participants As verified by ABC National as of March 2025

Allan Myers

Flyway Excavating, Inc.

Allied Mechanical & Electrical

Gorski Engineering, Inc.

Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.

Hursh Painting Co., Inc.

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Johnston Construction Company

Brubaker, Inc.

Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.

C Mechanical Services

Speedwell Construction, Inc.

CB Construction Services, Inc.

Tabora Painting, LLC

Clark Contractors, Inc.

The Tri-M Group, LLC

CLARK, Inc.

The Tuckey Companies

Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.

Wagman Construction, Inc.

D.E. Gemmill, Inc.

Warfel Construction Company

Dolan Construction, Inc.

Wohlsen Construction Company

E.R. Stuebner, Inc.

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

ADVOCACY UPDATE SUPPORT FAIR APPRENTICESHIPS Join ABC Keystone for a Day on the Hill BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

On Wednesday, May 7th, ABC Keystone will host a "Day on the Hill" in Harrisburg, separate from ABC National’s LegCon event in Washington, DC, which takes place in June. This day will include meetings with state legislators, where ABC members can share their perspectives and, importantly, advocate for apprenticeship programs.

As many are aware, Pennsylvania faces a significant apprenticeship challenge. While there is strong support for the need for skilled workers and positive attitudes toward apprenticeship programs like ABC's, a state regulation restricts the number of apprentices in non-union programs to one for every four journeymen. ABC has worked for decades to change this. In contrast, unions, through collective bargaining agreements, can maintain a 1:1 apprenticeto-journeyman ratio. Our goal for 2025 is to shift the conversation so that all apprentices can compete on a level playing field, fostering growth in construction

across Pennsylvania. We are actively advocating for House Bill 677 and Senate Bill 439 (sponsored

by Rep. Gleim and Sen. Keefer) to implement a fair, objective industry standard, eliminating arbitrary ratios that disproportionately favor any one group.

We strongly encourage all ABC members to join us on this day. You can meet with legislators, participate in a press conference with business groups and legislators who support this change, and engage with staff and the public through our Capitol display. This is an educational opportunity to communicate to legislators the urgent need for reform in how Pennsylvania handles apprenticeship programs.

Participation is free. If you're interested in joining us or have any questions, please reach out to jim@ abckeystone.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

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APRIL

APRIL

4/7, 4/14, 4/21 & 4/28 Electricity for Refrigeration and HVAC

4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 & 5/21 Basic Blueprint Reading

4/7

4/17

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

The Power of Communications Part of the Power of People Series

4/7, 4/14 & 4/21 SalesWorks!

4/21 & 4/22 OSHA 10-Hour Construction

4/8

4/21, 4/22, 4/28 & 4/29 OSHA 30-Hour Construction

Wage Classifications Uncovered: Stay Compliant & Competitive A Davis Bacon/Prevailing Wage Hot Topic Seminar Series - Manheim, PA

4/21

Bluebeam® Baseline Basics

4/22

Spring Mixer Southeast Region Penn Medicine Park, Lancaster, PA

4/23

Is AI 4U? Part of the Marketing Boot Camp Series

4/23

Bluebeam® Material Takeoff & Estimates: Basics

4/8

Regional Construction Wake-up Call: Southeast Region - Manheim, PA

4/8

Networking, Referrals & Strategic Alliances Part of the Leadership Development Series

4/8

Setting & Achieving Goals Part of the Leadership Development Series

4/9

HR Accomodations Part of the Building a Better Crew Series

4/23 & 4/24 OSHA 10-Hour Construction

4/9

Human Resources Contractors Peer Group

4/11

Construction Estimating Principles & Application

4/23, 4/24, 5/13/5/14 OSHA 30-Hour Construction

4/11

ABC Keystone Night at Williams Grove Speedway & Tailgate Party Presented by From the Ground Up

4/15

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

4/16

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

4/16 & 4/17 Bluebeam® Reading Construction Documents

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SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

4/24

Bluebeam® Advanced Material Takeoff & Estimates

4/28 & 5/16 STP: Leadership and Motivation 4/29

Bluebeam® for Administrative Professionals

4/29

Wage Classifications Uncovered: Stay Compliant & Competitive A Davis Bacon/Prevailing Wage Hot Topic Seminar Series - Manheim, PA

NORTH REGION EVENTS 4/17

Spring Mixer North Region Rusty Rail Brewing, Mifflinburg, PA

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

5/6

Developing High Trust Teams Part of the Leadership Development Series

5/7

Successfully Navigating Change Part of the Professional Development Series

5/14

Building Accountability Part of the Professional Development Series

5/15

ABC Keystone's Apprenticeship Graduation & Craft Professional of the Year Ceremony Penn Medicine Park, Lancaster, PA Presented by Milwaukee Tool Company

5/21

Job Descriptions, HR Record Keeping and Reporting Part of the Human Resources Management Academy

5/21

Safety Summit Presented by: Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC Manheim, PA

5/27

First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

GOLF OUTINGS 2025 JUNE 5, 2025

SOUTHEAST REGION

JUNE 26, 2025 NORTH REGION

Iron Valley Golf Club Lebanon, PA 17042

Mountain View Country Club Boalsburg, PA 16827

Two flights: 7:30 am & 1:30 pm with Shotgun Starts

12:00 pm Shotgun Start

Register at ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Versatile Crane Rentals, LLC Nicholas Lonkowske, Owner

Blank Rome LLP Daniel Sobol, Partner

3761 Horizon Drive Columbia, PA 17512

130 North 18th Street, One Logan Square Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.versatilecranerentals.com

www.blankrome.com

(717) 875-5343

(215) 569-5673

office@btspropertyservices.com

daniel.sobol@blankrome.com

Sponsored By: Corbin Beittel

Warfel Construction Company

Sponsored By: Gale McLean

Contractor Benefits Group LLC

Butler Restoration Services Matt Butler, Owner

Owens Historic Preservation Services, Ltd. Bobbi J. Owens, Owner

1749 Clearfield Valley Boulevard Dysart, PA 16636

313 East Market Street Freeburg, PA 17827

(814) 943-3871

(570) 637-0098

butlerrestorationservices@gmail.com

owenspreservation@protonmail.com

Sponsored By: Michael Fiore

Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

Sponsored By: Timothy Kershner

Walz Group

Owens Historic Preservation Services, Ltd.

Butler Restoration Services

Acrisure John Szwajkowski, Client Advisor

1265 Drummers Lane Wayne, PA 19087

667 Hartman Station Road Lancaster, PA 17601

www.acrisure.com

www.tempchek.com

(609) 781-3995

(717) 393-7572

jszwajkowski@acrisure.com

mcbergstrom@tempchek.com

Sponsored By: Kyle Allgood

Summit Service Solutions, Inc.

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TempChek Mechanical Michael Bergstrom, President

Sponsored By: Michael Callahan

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

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Paintech, Inc. Ed Shepeski, Senior Estimator, Northeast Division

From the Ground Up Trey Chilcoat, Owner

920 Matsonford Road Conshohocken, PA 19428

5077 Snyder Mill Road Spring Grove, PA 17362

www.paintechinc.com

www.fromthegrounduplandscaping.com

(610) 825-6500

(717) 858-7524

eshepeski@paintechinc.com

trey@fromthegroundup-llc.com

Sponsored By: Guy Kingree

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Business Information Group, Inc. Maura McGowan, Marketing Manager

Brechbill & Helman Constr. Co., Inc. Barb Runyon, CFO

156 North Sherman Street , Suite 100 York, PA 17401

1115 Sheller Avenue Chambersburg, PA 17201

www.businessinformationgroup.com

www.brechbillandhelman.com

(717) 854-9983

(717) 263-4621

mmcgowan@businessinformationgroup.com

brunyon@brechbillandhelman.com

Sponsored By: Aimée Deraco, Brubaker, Inc.

Fraser Advanced Information Systems Joe Strauss, Technology Advisor

Activate Your Influence Rodney Garber, Owner/President

320 Penn Avenue 114 East Main Street Mount Joy, PA 17552 Reading, PA 19611 www.fraser-ais.com

www.activatinginfluence.com

(717) 766-1126

(717) 492-6711

jstrauss@fraser-ais.com

rodney@activatinginfluence.com

Sponsored By: Guy Kingree

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

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MERIT SHOP PROUD WARFEL CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF VILLAS AT SHENANDOAH VALLEY WESTMINSTER-CANTERBUR Warfel Construction is proud to announce the successful completion of the Villas at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC). This milestone not only marks the conclusion of a significant project but also highlights Warfel’s ongoing growth and commitment to Virginia, underscoring the company’s dedication to its people, culture, and long-term relationships.

The Villas at SVWC In April 2022, Warfel opened its Virginia office to support the Villas project, a $110 million expansion of SVWC’s existing Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This project adds 97 independent living apartments to the Winchester community, consisting of ten Villas that offer an elevated lifestyle for residents. The Villas feature modern amenities, including open floor plans with abundant natural light, large patios, energy efficiency, personal garages, and scenic views of ponds, meadows, and trails.

A Commitment to Community, People, and Quality “Our mission, Clients for Life, extends beyond the projects we work on,” said Steve Davis, Vice President, Virginia at Warfel Construction. “The Villas at SVWC reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality construction while fostering lasting relationships with our clients and communities. We’re proud to be part of this significant development in the Shenandoah Valley.”

At Warfel, community involvement is fundamental to the company’s culture. As part of the Clients for Life mission, Warfel is committed not only to the projects they undertake but also to building strong relationships with the communities they serve. Warfel takes pride in creating a lasting impact by contributing to local initiatives and becoming active members of each community long after the construction is complete. This approach underscores Warfel’s deep commitment to the regions where they build, fostering environments where clients, partners, and residents can thrive.

Growing in Virginia What started as a team of five has grown to over twenty-nine employees in Warfel’s Virginia office. Located at 112 N Loudoun St. in Winchester, the office has transformed from a vacant space into a vibrant hub that has played a pivotal role in supporting the Villas project and building local connections. This expansion is a clear reflection of Warfel’s long-term investment in Virginia and its commitment to hiring local talent.

“We don’t just build buildings; we build relationships,” said Steve Davis. “Our employees have become like family to the residents of SVWC. We take our people-first approach seriously—whether it’s with our team, clients, or the residents we support. We’re proud of the trust and mutual respect we’ve earned in Virginia.”

Giving Back to Shenandoah Valley In addition to providing senior housing, Warfel’s team has actively engaged with the local community. They’ve sponsored events such as the United Way and the Apple Blossom Festival and contributed to various non-profit fundraising initiatives, reinforcing Warfel’s commitment to the region.

Building Trust and Lasting Partnerships Jeannie Shiley, President and Chief Executive Officer at SVWC, shared her appreciation for the collaboration: “Warfel did an amazing job for us. We trust them, respect them, and they trusted and respected us in return.

That’s why we have such a great project completed. Over the last 5 years, I’ve made many good friends, and I believe we’ve earned the respect of our board through this project. It was huge for us, and I know we’ll be their Clients for Life.”

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Looking to the Future “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with the Villas project, but even prouder of the relationships we’ve built here,” said Sheila Snyder, Senior Project Director, involved with the project. “Winchester is a close-knit community, and we have been fortunate to experience that firsthand. This project is just the beginning of our longterm commitment to Virginia and its residents. We treat our work as more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives.”

With the completion of the Villas project, Warfel is continuing to expand its footprint across Virginia, with several projects underway in Winchester and surrounding areas. The company’s commitment to the region remains strong, and Warfel looks forward to contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Shenandoah Valley for many years to come.

“Opening our office in Virginia was a key milestone in our journey, and seeing it flourish is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “We are incredibly grateful for the relationship built with Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, and we’re excited for the future and the positive impact we’ll continue to make in the community.”

SCHAEDLER YESCO DISTRIBUTION EARNS PRESTIGIOUS 2025 USA TODAY TOP WORKPLACES AWARD Schaedler Yesco Distribution is proud to announce that it has earned the prestigious 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners online and at the National Awards Summit in Las Vegas.

"It is an incredible honor to earn this national award," CEO Greg Schaedler said. "One of our most important goals is to ensure our team members work hard and go home happy. I'm pleased we're doing our job well."

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

"Not only does this designation help with recruiting efforts, but it confirms that we are honed in on the needs of our team members," explained Director of Human Resources Emily Schaffer. "It's far easier to retain good employees by offering them what they need to feel safe, successful, and fulfilled. It's significantly more challenging and more costly to recruit new staff."

"Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization's credibility and commitment to a people-first culture," said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage.

#ABCMeritShopProud

For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, please send your press releases to: Rebecca Wolf | rebecca@abckeytone.org (717) 653-8106

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MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in April 2025!

55 YEARS Penn National Insurance Co. 50 YEARS Pennsy Supply, Inc. 40 YEARS Schaedler Yesco Benchmark Construction Co., Inc. 35 YEARS The Tri-M Group, LLC

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15 YEARS Voganville Masonry, LLC Easy Does It Drywall, Inc. 1 YEAR Iron Stag Crane Service Central Penn Propane, LLC Green Kite, Inc. BrandSafway, LLC RETTEW Associates, Inc.

2025 C.O.R.E. SPONSORS SAPPHIRE SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS Acuity Advisors and CPAs, LLP Aerotek, Inc. Barley Snyder Brubaker, Inc. EHD

Garrety Glass, Inc. Horst Construction Co. Hursh Painting Co., Inc Martins Flooring MVE Group

M. Potteiger, Inc. Providence Engineering RKL LLP S&T Bank Saul Ewing LLP

Fulton Bank D.E. Gemmill, Inc. Hess Auctioneers, LLC Leer Electric, Inc.

Paramount Contracting, Inc. R.A. Walton & Company, Inc. The Witmer Group

SILVER SPONSORS Associated Products Services, Inc. Bertz, Hess & Co. Brown Plus C Mechanical Services

BRONZE SPONSORS Commonwealth Fire Protection Co. David Miller/Associates, Inc. ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC Remco, Inc.

Smucker Company Trout CPA

135 Shellyland Road Manheim, PA 17545

2025 APPRENTICE GRADUATION & Craft Professional of the Year Ceremony

Presented by: Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating apprentices and honoring their hard work and dedication as they step into the next phase of their construction careers.

Find out who will be awarded Craft Professional of the Year! Network and mingle at the Lancaster Stormers’ Craft Beer Deck! Tickets include food, soda, water, and live music. Graduates will receive two complimentary drink tickets.

Register Today!

ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

MAY 15

5:00 pm - 8:30 pm Penn Medicine Park 650 N. Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603