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
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 Enterprises Company
Aimée Deraco Brubaker
Scott Duke The Witmer Group
Michael L. Fiore Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Brian Floyd MPB Insurance & Risk Management
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.
Wengrenovich Murray
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A YEAR OF IMPACT, GRATITUDE, AND MOMENTUM
BY: GUY KINGREE, III
As I close out my year as Chair, I find myself reflecting on the incredible momentum, progress, and unity we’ve built together. This year has been nothing short of exceptional, not just because of our initiatives, but because of all of you, our members, who brought them to life. Your engagement, support, and belief in the merit shop philosophy have made 2025 one of the most meaningful and impactful years in our Keystone’s history.
This year began with the rollout of our Total Human Health Committee, an initiative that has quickly become a defining achievement for our chapter. The mission was embraced wholeheartedly by our membership, supporting efforts around mental well-being, suicide prevention, substance abuse awareness, and overall care for the whole worker. The commitment shown throughout the year reflects a cultural shift in our industry, one that places human well-being on equal footing with physical safety. It has been inspiring to witness this level of compassion and unity across our membership.
Our membership growth this year was equally impressive. As of the middle of November, ABC Keystone now proudly represents 680 member companies, up from 660 last year — a continued sign of strength and trust in our association. Even more notable is our already impressive, 2026 member retention rate. At 49% to date, we’ve surpassed both last year’s retention (48%) and the 10-year average (48.5%). This growth and retention speak volumes about the value our members see in the training, advocacy, networking, and leadership opportunities that ABC Keystone provides. Let’s continue to keep that rolling!
It isn’t just our membership growth numbers that saw an improvement this year. Our events and training programs saw remarkable increases as well. In total, 3,617 professionals attended our events, including WakeUp Calls — an increase from 3,410 last year. We delivered 150 Career Development offerings, training 1,700 individuals, up from 123 offerings and 1,600 trained last year. Our Safety programs were equally strong: 40 offerings reached 735 workers, compared to 400 trained last year, reflecting a major increase in engagement with our safety initiatives. These numbers represent more than participation — they represent our members’ commitment to learning, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.
Workforce development remained a cornerstone this year as well. We celebrated 117 apprentice graduates this spring and are currently training 566 active apprentices across all trades. These future leaders will shape our industry for decades to come. In addition to our apprentices,
we continue to inspire the future generation through programs like Construction Wars and Girls Camp. This year’s Construction Wars sessions welcomed 229 students in the spring and 254 in the fall, supported by more than 170 combined member volunteers — a tremendous year-overyear increase in volunteer engagement. Girls Camp also returned this year after a hiatus, introducing 13 young women to the trades with the support of 35 female volunteers. These efforts, planting seeds that will grow into long, meaningful careers in construction, would not be possible without the support of all of you.
Finally, our advocacy efforts continue to shine. Keystone successfully stopped six major legislative threats, including attempts to expand prevailing wage, impose PLAs on economic development projects, advance misclassification bills, expand RCOs, and introduce unfavorable best-value mandates. This year’s six key blocks were strategically critical for merit shop contractors across the Commonwealth. Our proactive, offensive approach continues to ensure that your voices are heard — and protected — at every level of government.
As I reflect on all these milestones and achievements, what stands out most is not the numbers themselves — but the people behind them. None of this happens without ALL OF YOU. Your enthusiasm at events, your investment in training, your willingness to mentor, volunteer, and advocate, and your belief in this association have made this year unforgettable for me personally. Serving as your Chair has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the kindness, trust, and support you’ve shown throughout 2025.
As we look ahead to a new year and new leadership, I remain confident that Keystone’s best days are still in front of us. This year proved once again that when we work together — as a united membership committed to excellence, safety, opportunity, and human well-being — there is nothing this chapter cannot accomplish.
Thank you for making this year remarkable. Thank you for making it meaningful. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Chair. It has been an honor I will carry with me for the rest of my career.
Guy kingree, III
FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO
DATA CENTERS — BOOM OR BUST?
BY: G. DAVID SLOAD
Pennsylvania’s new focus is Data Centers, which are supposed to help bring business to PA. There is talk of over 30 of these centers popping up in the commonwealth, though the reality is that there will probably be around five that get constructed. They’re being touted as bringing an additional tax base to give added juice to school districts, municipalities, counties and the State. Sounds great, right?
While attending and participating in a public hearing in Archbald, PA, I heard several concerns regarding noise, water usage and electrical consumption. The designers shared that with new technology noise is no longer a factor, and with closed cooling systems the amount of water consumption is greatly reduced. The President of PPL assured the audience that PA has the best electrical grid in the nation and that they are prepared to serve this new industry.
With all these assurances and the potential economic benefit why would anyone protest them coming to PA? To be clear: workforce and employee stripping! Several trade companies have reported their employees are already being contacted by the union. Unfortunately, many of the developers of these data centers have turned to the unions to provide the large workforce needed. Private developers have the right to build their project as they see fit, but what they fail to realize is that the union benches are empty and currently they are bringing in workers from out of state. To meet the developers’ demands the unions need to reload. They have no plans to organize existing companies. They’ll just strip you of your employees. The proposed Lancaster data center, when fully under construction, will require over 300 electricians. The closest union hall has under 150. We are already seeing members lose employees to the union. The union is offering $70.00/hour wages plus benefits. They have a training center in Lancaster and are offering job hiring fairs in December.
As an employer, what can you do? Be careful in how you communicate. You may want to have a discussion with ABC or your labor attorney prior to any employee communications. If you as a company are in an area where these data centers are proposed, you may want to attend public meetings and raise your concerns on how they may destroy local businesses by virtue of having their employees stripped away. The big question that no one can answer: will the potential short-term cycle of construction to an area improve or destroy the independent contractor community?
ABC Keystone is here for you!
Beginning in January, we’ll be hosting Hot Topic Seminars on this topic that will deliver timely, expert-led insights to keep you informed and equipped with actionable strategies to support your company.
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
ADVOCACY UPDATE
FOCUS ON PA IN 2026
BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
The coming year will put Pennsylvania in the national spotlight. The state will host major events—including the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, FIFA World Cup matches and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania’s political landscape will be equally pivotal, though far less celebratory. This could be the year the state shifts firmly from purple-red to blue and elevates Gov. Josh Shapiro’s ambitions as a potential future White House contender. The trend follows last year’s Democratic sweep in local elections and continued fallout from budget decisions in Harrisburg.
Next year’s midterm elections add another layer of uncertainty. While midterms traditionally favor the party opposite the president, voters remain divided on the economic and personal issues they care about most.
As we enter the new year, Pennsylvania will again find itself at the center of political battles as lawmakers position themselves for the ballot and debate how to navigate the next budget cycle. For ABC Keystone members, this means nearly every major issue—state revenue, infrastructure, data center development, basic education funding and more—will directly affect the construction industry.
In 2026, sitting on the sidelines is not an option. The challenges ahead will require active engagement. As we often say: participate in the political process through ABC’s government affairs efforts, or risk being on the menu.
INAUGURAL GALA & ANNUAL MEETING
JANUARY 9, 2026
• Kick off the evening with a networking mixer, followed by a four-course dinner with colleagues and industry peers.
• Take part in an engaging program featuring ABC Keystone’s Annual Meeting.
• Celebrate the 2026 Board of Directors.
• Honor Steven Kearns, James Craft & Son, Inc., as the 2026 ABC Keystone Chair of the Board.
Yorktowne Hotel 48 E Market St. York, PA 17401 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
2025 EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS
A Night of Excellence: Honoring the Year’s Outstanding Merit Shop Work
The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) gathered the region’s construction community on Nov. 6, 2025, for the 36th annual Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim. The event highlighted notable projects completed by ABC Keystone members over the past year and recognized achievements in craftsmanship, innovation and project delivery.
The event's top honor, the Project of the Year (POY) Eagle Award, is presented to a project that demonstrates exceptional community impact, strong client satisfaction, notable design features and overall distinction. This year’s award went to Leonard S. Fiore, Inc., for its renovation of the Scholar Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pa.
Entered in the Renovation Over $5 Million category, the project stood out for its technical complexity and attention to architectural detail. The renovation modernized the property while maintaining its character, earning high marks from judges for both design approach and execution.
For Leonard S. Fiore, Inc., the recognition reflects the work of a team committed to highquality construction and the principles of the merit shop philosophy. ABC Keystone congratulates the Leonard S. Fiore, Inc., team and all of the Eagle and Merit Award winners. The Scholar Nittany Lion Inn renovation now joins a long list of projects honored through the EIC program, underscoring the impact of ABC Keystone members on the region’s built environment.
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Brent Miller Jewelry Store
Commercial $2 to $10 Million
Kessel Construction, Inc.
Quench Tank Pit Foundation
Industrial Under $2 Million
Conewago Enterprises, Inc.
G&S Foods
Industrial Over $25 Million
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
Bucknell University Pascucci Student Athlete
Training Center
Institutional $2 to $10 Million
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Medical Office Building Addition & Renovation
Healthcare $2 to 10 Million
Pyramid Construction Services, LLC
A Quandel Enterprises Company
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
3rd Floor Phase Five
Healthcare $2 to 10 Million
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Emergency Department Expansion
Healthcare Over $25 Million
Wagman Construction, Inc.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Hollidaysburg Upgrades
Renovation Under $1 Million
Wagman Construction, Inc.
Asbury Bethany Village Dining, Fitness, & Brain Health
Renovation $1 to $5 Million
Warfel Construction Company
Boardroom Renovation
Renovation $1 to $5 Million
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Scholar Nittany Lion Inn
Renovation Over $5 Million
Warfel Construction Company
Knowledge Park Redevelopment
Renovation Over $5 Million
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
202 Queen Apartments
Residential New Multi-Unit
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
The Alistar Apartments
Residential New Multi-Unit
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Strasburg Schoolhouse Apartments
Renovation Multi-Unit
Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Mary’s Health and Fitness
Pre-Engineered Buildings
Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.
Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company Fire Station & Event Center
Pre-Engineered Buildings
Warfel Construction Company
Harrisburg Facility Behavioral Health Renovation
Medical Renovation Over $5 Million
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Erie SR 19 Peach St
Public Works/Infrastructure
Pyramid Construction Services, LLC
A Quandel Enterprises Company
Veterans Grove Tiny Home Community Community/Public Service
Wohlsen Construction Company
Fieldcrest - Dining Hall
Woodworking Under $150,000
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Brent Miller Jewelry Store - Woodworking
Woodworking Over $150,000
Smucker Company
Brent L Miller Jewelers
Interior Finishes Over $150,000
Schlouch Incorporated
Ephrata Intermediate School Athletic
Field Improvements
Miscellaneous/Special Projects
Quality Buildings, LLC
VOPA Tiny Homes and Community Buildings
Community/Public Service
MERIT AWARDS
Ames Construction, Inc.
Diamond Credit Union - Cumru Township Branch
Commercial $2 to $10 Million
High Construction Company
AC Hotel by Marriott
Commercial $10 to $25 Million
Wohlsen Construction Company
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Hershey #811071
Commercial $10 to $25 Million
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Beaver Stadium East Renovations
Institutional Under $2 Million
JEM Group, LLC
Mount Saint Mary’s University Coad
Science Building
Renovation Over $5 Million
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Hillman Cancer Center Fit Out
Healthcare $2 to $10 Million
Wagman Construction, Inc.
Hamilton Health Center
Healthcare $2 to $10 Million
Warfel Construction Company
Centerville Family Medicine New Location
Healthcare $2 to $10 Million
Warfel Construction Company
Southwood Psychiatric Hospital
Behavioral Health Expansion
Healthcare Over $25 Million
CCS Building Group
Tel Hai Lakeview Renovation
Renovation Under $1 Million
CCS Building Group
Made Bistro and Bar
Renovation Under $1 Million
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
PSU Berks Tully’s Dining Hall Renovation
Renovation $1 to $5 Million
CCS Building Group
Lakes Corridor Renovations Renovation Over $5 Million
CCS Building Group
Meadow Ridge Renovations Renovation Over $5 Million
High Construction Company
UGI Lehigh Valley Operations Center Renovation Over $5 Million
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
Misericordia University Occupational and Physical Therapy Renovation Renovation Over $5 Million
Project of the Year Finalist
Project of the Year Finalist
MERIT AWARDS
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
Alvernia University CollegeTowne Campus Phase 2
Renovation Over $5 Million
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
The Vistas at Fox Hill
Residential New Multi-Unit
Pyramid Construction Services, LLC
A Quandel Enterprises Company
TLC Cornerstone Renewal
Residential New Multi-Unit
Wohlsen Construction Company
West Campus Student Housing
Residential New Multi-Unit
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
Riverfront Park Abutment Protection Public Works/Infrastructure
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
ECMS 100555 Potter SR 6 Section 626 Public Works/Infrastructure
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Columbia Co. SR 80, Section 203 ECMS #119747
Fishing Creek Embankment Repair Public Works/Infrastructure
Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Chestnut Street Community Center Community/Public Service
CLARK, Inc.
Clinic for Special Children HVAC $250,000 to $1 Million
CLARK, Inc.
Agriteer
HVAC $1 to $5 Million
Berg Construction, LLC
Longwood Gardens - Longwood Reimagined Sitework Over $250,000
Quarry View Building Group
Patriot Academy Dais Woodworking Under $150,000
Quality Buildings, LLC
Exton Knoll Woodworking Over $150,000
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
Houston Run Floodplain Restoration Miscellaneous/Special Projects
Quality Buildings, LLC
Princeton (SEAS) Miscellaneous/Special Projects
Quarry View Building Group
Quakertown Adaptive Reuse Barn + Horse Barn Miscellaneous/Special Projects
Wohlsen Construction Company
Enola New Car Shop Office Miscellaneous/Special Projects
Project of the Year Finalist
Project of the Year Finalist
Professional Perspectives ASK AN ATTORNEY
BY: VERONICA L. MORRISON, MCNEES WALLACE & NURICK LLC
DOES TIME RUN AGAINST THE KING?
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court considers whether municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions are subject to Pennsylvania’s statute of repose
Case Overview
On October 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard oral argument in the Clearfield County v. Transystems Corporation, et al. case that was certified for appeal earlier this year.
In this case, Clearfield County discovered what it alleges is a major defect in the roof installation of the Clearfield County Jail (the roof deck was missing a specified bond beam). Construction on the jail was completed 44 years ago, around March 4, 1981, when the Certificate of Occupancy was issued, but the defects were only discovered recently when the county began a renovation project on the jail.
In a typical construction defect case, Pennsylvania’s 12-year statute of repose would indisputably bar any claim against the contractors and design professionals involved in the project 12 years after the date of completion. However, in this case, the county raised the doctrine of nullum tempus occurrit regi, or “no time runs against the king,” to argue that the statute of repose does not apply to bar this action brought by the county related to the alleged defect.
Broader Significance
The case, which followed closely on the heels of Aloia v. Diamant, another case dealing with the statute of repose that was certified for appeal by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court earlier in the year, has garnered significant attention in the construction and design professional communities.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for contractors and design professionals who work on public projects, potentially subjecting them to liability forever for defects related to such projects. In addition to creating uncertainty and discouraging interest in public projects, nullifying application of the statute of repose on public projects (here, in the context of municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions) could make it nearly impossible for contractors and design professionals to get necessary insurance and other required coverages for these projects.
Key Questions Before the Court
The argument, held before all seven judges of the Commonwealth’s highest court, was animated and thoughtprovoking. Two questions emerged as central issues for the Court’s consideration.
First, did the project meet the second prong of the two-part test set out in 1939 by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in City of Philadelphia v. Holmes Electric, which dictates when the courts will find that statutory time limitations do not run against municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions?
That prong requires that the public owner prove that “the suit was brought to enforce an obligation imposed by law as distinguished from one arising out of an agreement that was voluntarily entered into by the political subdivision.” The county argued that, because it is constitutionally and statutorily required to set conditions for bail, it has an implied obligation imposed by law to house detainees, which, in this case, required it to build a jail.
Further, it argued that the construction defendants had a duty imposed by law to ensure the safety of the jail. The construction defendants, on the other hand, argued that all obligations were voluntarily undertaken by the parties
entering into a contract and were not, in fact, imposed by law.
Both sides recognized this question has been most often answered in favor of the king, i.e., school districts, when addressing application of the statutes of limitation in the context of asbestos cases. However, in those cases, the construction defendant argued, the courts never really addressed the second prong of Holmes, which is required to apply the nullum tempus doctrine.
In an interesting turn of events, the question turned into a which-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg question when the Court began to ask: Do we even get to that question of whether the second prong of Holmes applies if we decide that the doctrine of nullum tempus doesn’t apply to the statute of repose?
A key related question for the Court is which policy trumps: a statutorily enacted policy (the statute of repose) or a court-created policy (nullum tempus). Counsel for Clearfield County argued that the doctrine of nullum tempus has been around longer than the statute of repose and should be applied in this case to allow the county to proceed against the construction defendants. The construction defendants, in turn, argued that the statute of repose is a legislative decision that effectively extinguishes any cause of action the county might have related to the design and construction of the jail and, therefore, obliterates any possible application of the doctrine to an action subject to the statute.
What Happens Next
It is never decided in argument how the Court might rule. Any lawyer who has been in this position knows that you may think a ruling is going one way based on the questioning, only to see the opinion go the other way.
In this case, however, one thing remained consistent for both sides, that counsel were arguing before a “hot bench.” The Justices were highly engaged and asked difficult and thought-provoking questions which point to what is sure to be an interesting and thoughtful opinion.
Now one thing remains consistent amongst construction lawyers, contractors, and design professionals: we wait with bated breath and fingers crossed for the Court’s decision which, no matter how it comes out, promises to be impactful in our industry.
New Employee WELCOME TO ABC KEYSTONE
CASSIA ALLAMON
APPRENTICESHIP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
We're excited to welcome Cassia Allamon to the ABC Keystone Team! Cassia is originally from Brazil, where she spent many years working in administrative roles within the medical field. In 2018, she came to the United States through a cultural exchange program to learn English, and during that time she continued her education through professional development courses. She soon had the opportunity to begin building her professional path here, and she is currently pursuing an associate degree in Business Management.
Since then, Cassia has gained experience in medical, military, and legal environments—developing strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have shaped who she is today, and she is excited to bring that knowledge and dedication to her role at ABC Keystone.
What part of your role are you most excited about? I’m excited to see how the Apprenticeship program helps so many people grow in the industry, and I can’t wait to be part of the team and contribute in any way I can.
What is a skill or strength you bring to the team? I’m organized, detail-oriented, and always ready to help others succeed.
What do you hope to contribute to ABC’s mission? I hope to support ABC’s mission by helping keep
everything running smoothly and creating a positive experience for both students and partners.
What drew you to work in the construction industry? I’m inspired by how the industry helps people build strong careers and make a positive impact in the community.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, cooking, and tackling small DIY projects around the house. I’m also always open to trying new things.
STARTS JANUARY 7, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Allan Myers
Allied Mechanical & Electrical
Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Assurance Media, LLC
B&B Integrations
Beaver Concrete Construction
Belfry Builders, LLC
Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Brechbill & Helman Constr. Co., Inc.
Brubaker
C Mechanical Services
C.M. High, Inc.
Capital Coating, Inc.
CB Construction Services, Inc.
CCS Building Group
CH+N Site Construction, Inc.
Clark Contractors, Inc.
CLARK, Inc.
CMC, Inc.
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.
Conewago Enterprises, Inc.
Conewago Manufacturing, LLC
D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
DeRock Electric Company
Detwiler Roofing
Dolan Construction, Inc.
E.R. Stuebner, Inc.
EA Roofing Co.
Easy Does It Drywall, Inc.
Verified STEP Participants
EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC
Flow Mechanical, LLC
Flyway Excavating, Inc.
Garrety Glass, Inc.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.
Gorski Engineering, Inc.
Hayden Power Group
High Construction Company
Hursh Painting Co., Inc.
James Craft & Son, Inc.
John E. Fullerton, Inc.
Johnston Construction Company
Kessel Construction, Inc.
Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company
Krislee Electric, LLC
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc.
Lebanon Valley Electric, Inc.
Leer Electric, Inc.
Leo Kob Co., Inc.
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
LEW Site Construction, LLC
Martins Flooring
MVE Group
MYCO Mechanical, Inc.
Paramount Contracting, Inc.
Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
Quality Buildings, LLC
Quandel Enterprises, LLC
Quarry View Building Group
RSR Electric, A Viocity Company
S&S Structures, Inc.
Scenic Ridge Company
Schlouch Incorporated
Smucker Company
Speedwell Construction, Inc.
Susquehanna Valley Construction Corp.
Tabora Painting, LLC
The Tri-M Group, LLC
The Tuckey Companies
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
The Witmer Group
Town & Country Electrical, LLC
Vision Mechanical, Inc.
Wagman Construction, Inc.
Warfel Construction Company
Wenrich Painting, Inc.
White Rose Interiors, LLC
Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.
Wohlsen Construction Company
Yoe Construction, Inc.
Zartman Construction, Inc.
Zebby Sulecki, Inc.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
E.E. Biss Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Eric Biss, President 144 Maple Drive Fredericksburg, PA 17026 (717) 820-4671
www.eebiss.com eric@eebiss.com
Sponsored by: Ken Funk, Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
Reclamation Realty, LLC
Santos Rosa, Owner
351 East Poplar Street York, PA 17403 (717) 693-8995
reclamationrealtyLLC@gmail.com
J.A.S. Training & Safety Solutions, LLC
Jeremy A. Saul, Owner 6039 White Pine Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (717) 443-2580
1/30 Bluebeam® Advanced Materials Takeoffs & Estimates Part of the Bluebeam Series
MERIT SHOP PROUD
DOLAN CONSTRUCTION WELCOMES FIRST NON-FAMILY MEMBER INTO OWNERSHIP: INTRODUCING JEFF GARNER AS VICE PRESIDENT
Dolan Construction, a trusted leader in regional construction for nearly five decades, is proud to announce an exciting milestone in the company’s history. For the first time in its 48 years of family ownership, Dolan Construction is welcoming a non-family member into its ownership team: Project Manager Jeff Garner, who will now serve as Vice President.
In his new role, Jeff will play a crucial part in overseeing operations, guiding strategic planning, and ensuring project success while managing teams, budgets, and client relationships. He brings a wealth of experience to the leadership team, having managed a wide range of construction projects throughout his career. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Jeff has earned the respect of colleagues, clients, and trade partners alike - embodying the values that have guided Dolan Construction since its founding in 1977.
Beyond his professional expertise, Jeff is deeply involved in the community. He serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Reamstown Fire Company and as a member of the Board of Directors for RDG-Tech LLC, an organization supporting the workforce development and strategic goals of Tec Centro. Outside of work and service, Jeff is a devoted husband and father of three children and enjoys spending quality time with his family.
“Jeff exemplifies the integrity, work ethic, and leadership that define Dolan Construction,” said Patrick Dolan, President of Dolan Construction. “We are proud to welcome him as Vice President and the first non-family member to join ownership. His leadership will help shape our continued growth and success.”
PROTECTING WORKERS: SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION HONORS ZARTMAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. WITH GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL WORKPLACE SAFETY
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker on Monday visited Zartman Construction, Inc. to celebrate the company’s long-standing commitment to worker safety and responsible construction practices. Secretary Walker presented Zartman with a 2025 Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence (GASE), acknowledging the company’s strong safety leadership, impressive injury reduction record, and sustained investment in the well-being of its workforce.
“Across Pennsylvania, employers are demonstrating how thoughtful planning and real collaboration can prevent workplace injuries,” said Secretary Walker. “Zartman Construction is a powerful example of what it looks like when safety becomes part of a company’s identity. Their consistency, preparation, and respect for the workers who bring each project to life show how a safety-first approach benefits both people and the business as a whole.”
“Our entire team has put forth a tremendous effort to make our job sites a safe place. Construction is unique in that every job site is different. At times conditions will change hourly. Anticipating, recognizing and learning from hazardous conditions has been key,” said David Zartman, President of Zartman Construction. “Everyone deserves to go home to family in the same condition they came to work in. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts.”
Jeff Garner
Zartman Construction, Inc., headquartered in Northumberland, is a full-service general contractor with 102 employees. The company has logged more than 1.1 million hours without a lost time claim, reflecting a deep, organization-wide emphasis on prevention and a steady downward trend in injury rates. Zartman maintains a certified workplace safety committee that plays an active role in both planning and daily operations, ensuring safety is integrated into every stage of a project.
Zartman’s approach to safety is grounded in decades of internal leadership, employee involvement, and a willingness to evolve as new technologies and best practices emerge. The company’s certified workplace safety committee provides structure and guidance for safety initiatives, but ownership of safety is shared across every team on every job site.
Among the standout practices that earned Zartman statewide recognition are the following:
• 3D site modeling used to assess risks associated with critical operations and to guide hazard abatement.
• Emergency-ready hardhats that can be scanned to provide personal and medical information to responders.
• A deeply rooted Behavior-Based Safety system that helps reinforce consistent safety habits, contributes to low turnover, and was clearly observed during the on-site visit.
• A long-standing Certified Workplace Safety Committee that has passed two state audits over several decades and serves as a strategic partner in pre-operational project planning.
• Substantial investment in modern safety technology, including the JJ Keller Safety Suite for training, incident management, SDS management, and cross-training for employees at all levels.
• Employee and leadership incentive programs, including the Safe Super Award for supervisors and the peernominated “Nailed It” award recognizing strong safety behaviors.
Since 1997, the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence has highlighted employers with exemplary safety programs that reduce injuries, strengthen partnerships between management and workers, and advance workplace safety across Pennsylvania.
L&I supports safety throughout the Commonwealth through programs such as certified workplace safety committees and the Pennsylvania Training for Health and Safety (PATHS) program. More than 13,000 certified workplace safety committees have been established since 1994, protecting over 1.6 million workers and saving employers more than $900 million in workers’ compensation premiums. The PATHS program provides free, customizable safety training to employers, reaching more than 35,000 participants annually.
For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, please send your press releases to: Rebecca Wolf | rebecca@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in December 2025!
