April 2025_Spokesman

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A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

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

Secretary Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company

Treasurer Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group

Immediate Past Chair John Lehmann Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

TOTAL HUMAN HEALTH COMMITTEE A Vision of Change

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.

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.

FROM THE CEO/ PRESIDENT

KEYSTONE EXPANDS ITS FOOTPRINT

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.

TECH CONNECT

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROJECTS AND PROFITS FROM TARIFFS

“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.

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

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

Sign up for this free event!

ASK AN ATTORNEY

ARBITRATION IN A CONSTRUCTION DISPUTE: Pros and Cons

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• Eagle View Middle School

"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.

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 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.

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

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

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)

2025 Verified STEP Participants

Allan Myers

Allied Mechanical & Electrical

Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Brubaker, Inc.

C Mechanical Services

CB Construction Services, Inc.

Clark Contractors, Inc.

CLARK, Inc.

Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.

D.E. Gemmill, Inc.

Dolan Construction, Inc.

E.R. Stuebner, Inc.

Flyway Excavating, Inc.

Gorski Engineering, Inc.

Hursh Painting Co., Inc.

Johnston Construction Company

Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.

Speedwell Construction, Inc.

Tabora Painting, LLC

The Tri-M Group, LLC

The Tuckey Companies

Wagman Construction, Inc.

Warfel Construction Company

Wohlsen Construction Company

SUPPORT FAIR APPRENTICESHIPS Join ABC Keystone for a Day on the Hill ADVOCACY UPDATE

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!

APRIL

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

4/7, 4/14, 4/21 & 4/28

Electricity for Refrigeration and HVAC

4/7 First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

4/7, 4/14 & 4/21

SalesWorks!

4/8 Wage Classifications Uncovered: Stay Compliant & Competitive

A Davis Bacon/Prevailing Wage

Hot Topic Seminar Series - Manheim, PA

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

4/9 Human Resources Contractors Peer Group

4/11 Construction Estimating Principles & Application

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

APRIL

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 & 5/21

Basic Blueprint Reading

4/17 The Power of Communications Part of the Power of People Series

4/21 & 4/22

OSHA 10-Hour Construction

4/21, 4/22, 4/28 & 4/29

OSHA 30-Hour Construction

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

4/23 & 4/24

OSHA 10-Hour Construction

4/23, 4/24, 5/13/5/14

OSHA 30-Hour Construction

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

Iron Valley Golf Club Lebanon, PA 17042

JUNE 26, 2025 NORTH REGION

Mountain View Country Club Boalsburg, PA 16827

Two flights: 7:30 am & 1:30 pm with Shotgun Starts 12:00 pm Shotgun Start

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Versatile Crane Rentals, LLC

Nicholas Lonkowske, Owner 3761 Horizon Drive Columbia, PA 17512

www.versatilecranerentals.com (717) 875-5343 office@btspropertyservices.com

Sponsored By: Corbin Beittel Warfel Construction Company

Butler Restoration Services

Matt Butler, Owner 1749 Clearfield Valley Boulevard Dysart, PA 16636 (814) 943-3871

butlerrestorationservices@gmail.com

Sponsored By: Michael Fiore Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

Acrisure

Butler Restoration Services

John Szwajkowski, Client Advisor 1265 Drummers Lane Wayne, PA 19087

www.acrisure.com (609) 781-3995 jszwajkowski@acrisure.com

Sponsored By: Kyle Allgood Summit Service Solutions, Inc.

Blank Rome LLP

Daniel Sobol, Partner

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

www.blankrome.com (215) 569-5673 daniel.sobol@blankrome.com

Sponsored By: Gale McLean Contractor Benefits Group LLC

Owens Historic Preservation Services, Ltd.

Bobbi J. Owens, Owner

313 East Market Street Freeburg, PA 17827 (570) 637-0098

owenspreservation@protonmail.com

Sponsored By: Timothy Kershner Walz Group

Owens Historic Preservation Services, Ltd.

TempChek Mechanical

Michael Bergstrom, President 667 Hartman Station Road Lancaster, PA 17601

www.tempchek.com (717) 393-7572

mcbergstrom@tempchek.com

Sponsored By: Michael Callahan Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Paintech, Inc.

Ed Shepeski, Senior Estimator, Northeast Division 920 Matsonford Road Conshohocken, PA 19428

www.paintechinc.com (610) 825-6500

eshepeski@paintechinc.com

Sponsored By: Guy Kingree Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Business Information Group, Inc.

Maura McGowan, Marketing Manager

156 North Sherman Street , Suite 100 York, PA 17401

www.businessinformationgroup.com (717) 854-9983

mmcgowan@businessinformationgroup.com

Sponsored By: Aimée Deraco, Brubaker, Inc.

Fraser Advanced Information Systems

Joe Strauss, Technology Advisor 320 Penn Avenue Reading, PA 19611

www.fraser-ais.com (717) 766-1126

jstrauss@fraser-ais.com

Sponsored By: Guy Kingree

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

From the Ground Up

Trey Chilcoat, Owner

5077 Snyder Mill Road Spring Grove, PA 17362

www.fromthegrounduplandscaping.com (717) 858-7524

trey@fromthegroundup-llc.com

Brechbill & Helman Constr. Co., Inc.

Barb Runyon, CFO 1115 Sheller Avenue Chambersburg, PA 17201

www.brechbillandhelman.com (717) 263-4621

brunyon@brechbillandhelman.com

Activate Your Influence

Rodney Garber, Owner/President 114 East Main Street Mount Joy, PA 17552

www.activatinginfluence.com (717) 492-6711

rodney@activatinginfluence.com

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.”

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.

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

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

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.

Garrety Glass, Inc.

Horst Construction Co.

Hursh Painting Co., Inc

Martins Flooring

MVE Group

Fulton Bank

D.E. Gemmill, Inc.

Hess Auctioneers, LLC

Leer Electric, Inc.

M. Potteiger, Inc.

Providence Engineering

RKL LLP

S&T Bank

Saul Ewing LLP

Paramount Contracting, Inc.

R.A. Walton & Company, Inc.

The Witmer Group

Trout CPA

Company

Smucker

135

APPRENTICE GRADUATION 2025

& Craft Professional of the Year Ceremony

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.

Presented by: MAY 15 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm Penn Medicine Park

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