Celebrating Career and Technical Education Excellence
2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair of the Board Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.
Chair-Elect Ed Engle Smucker Company
1st Vice Chair Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors
2nd Vice Chair Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company
Secretary Aimée Deraco Brubaker
Treasurer Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group
Immediate Past Chair Guy Kingree, III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Albright High Construction Company
Corbin Beittel Warfel Construction Company
Jeff Bright Offit Kurman
Kevin Eshleman SLC Excavating, LLC
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
Stephanie Titus Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company
Kevin VanPelt S&T Bank
Jan L. Wagner Wagman Construction, Inc.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
THIS ELECTION CYCLE DEMANDS OUR VOICE
BY: STEVEN KEARNS
I must admit it. After the drama of the 2024 election, I was worn out. Yes, it was a victory for the Merit Shop and possibly the best outcome that we could have hoped for, but it was a long and arduous process. I needed a reset. I needed to step away from all the letdown and broken promises of the past. Well… 2025 did not help those efforts.
But here we are. We’re entering what appears to be another highly contested election year, where once again, the scale could tilt in favor of the labor unions if we stand idle and let the opportunity pass us by. So, I’m choosing to stand up with a renewed purpose and fight for our industry and our members. I hope that you’ll join me.
Here’s the good news: We don’t have to do it all by ourselves. In fact, the teams at ABC Keystone and National have us covered with the expertise needed to navigate the constantly changing political landscape.
Our Board of Directors is committed to keeping the financial pipeline flowing. It continues to set aggressive fundraising goals for State & Federal PAC, the Free Enterprise Alliance, and the Advancing the American Dream Fund. We had great results in 2024, let’s repeat that this election cycle!
At ABC Keystone, we know how important it is to identify and support our in-state candidates. Our Director of Government Affairs and the Government Affairs Committee do a phenomenal job of identifying and vetting candidates who can run competitive races.
Both teams (Keystone and National) are also busy identifying key issues that will impact merit shop contractors. There’s a lot out there, some good and some bad.
Please consider downloading the ABC Action App (if you have not already). This application provides immediate alerts of the aforementioned legislation and curated position statements that you can send to your representatives with a tap of your mobile device.
If you are looking for more information on key issues, fundraising, or how to get involved, please reach out to Jim Willshier, ABC Keystone's Director of Government Affairs, at jim@abckeystone.org. Join me, and together, we can make a difference this election cycle.
TOPIC: Change Orders in Politics: What’s Coming for PA in 2026?
Presenter: Jim Willshier Director of Government Affairs
Explore key policy issues under consideration and their potential impacts on the construction industry.
See page 14 for dates and location information.
Career and Technical Education
Month®, or CTE Month®, is "a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country."
What is CTE?
Career and technical education, or CTE, is education that directly prepares students for high-wage, highdemand careers. CTE covers many different fields, including health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, architecture, construction, hospitality, management, and many more. CTE encompasses many different types of education, from classroom learning to certification programs to workbased learning opportunities outside the classroom.
The Keystone Chapter celebrates our CTE partners and students pursuing these high-demand careers, including our apprenticeship classes. For more information on ABC Keystone's educational pathways, please reach out to Randy Doxzon at randy@abckeystone.org
FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO IS THE 2026 ELECTION THE MOST IMPORTANT EVER?
BY: G. DAVID SLOAD
Isn’t every election supposedly the most important ever? For over twenty years we’ve been told the next election will determine everything important in our lives. Unfortunately, things continue to change and with change comes the desire to regulate. From ABC’s perspective, 2026 state elections are crucial because the results lead to potential over regulation and the basic survival of our members’ businesses.
WHY? Over the last few cycles of state legislature, we have experienced split government. With a Democrat-led House and a Republican-led Senate, bills that are detrimental to the construction industry have fortunately been stopped in the Senate. Essentially, with a split legislature nothing gets done. In some cases, nothing getting done is better than bad legislation. So, what is changing this year?
Two major shifts are happening that will impact the passage of non-business friendly legislation. The first is the numbers in the House. Our recon indicates we stand a chance of losing more seats to the Democrats allowing them to increase their numbers. In addition to this change, we are seeing several Republicans fall in line with bad legislative initiatives while abandoning ABC-led initiatives. The reason for this has nothing to do with policy and everything to do with money. Once elected to the House, rather than representing constituents, representatives are told their number one priority is to protect their seat and raise funds for their and other members’ elections.
Follow the money. Look at campaign finance reports. As one Republican member of the House told me in person, ABC’s legislative initiatives are going nowhere. When asked why, he was quick to say that we don’t give enough money. My response was that we don’t have legalized deductions for our employees. Unlike the union, if our members took money from their employees for political contributions they would be prosecuted.
Turning to the Senate, the Democrats need to turn just two seats to take over the majority. Should this happen we lose all opportunities to block bad legislation AND the Democrats will have the trifecta of running the House, the Senate and the Governor’s office. All bills that were killed last session will be passed and signed into law. These bills include, but are not limited to;
• Expansion of prevailing wage on offsite fabrication
• Misclassification, including criminal penalties
• Statewide Responsible Contractor legislation
• Poorly written Labor Broker legislation
• No chance for ABC’s ratio bill
What does ABC need you to do? Get engaged. Talk to your representatives and senators. Get your employees out to vote. You can’t tell them who to vote for, but you can encourage them to study the issues and to vote. Give to a State PAC that supports pro-business candidates. Work directly with your legislator’s campaign team to help get them elected.
2026 is crucial to Merit Shop companies and their survival. As we always say, “Get into politics or get out of business.” Next month we will focus on the Governor’s race and how, should Governor Shapiro get re-elected, PA will be governed by a part-time Governor.
2026 MOCK CRAFT COMPETITION
Watch local craft competition winners take on their final timed, hands-on practical exam before advancing to the National Craft Competition in Salt Lake City on March 19. This is an excellent opportunity for members, students, and the community to experience registered apprenticeship trades firsthand. We're excited to gather a large crowd at this FREE public event, matching the impressive turnout seen at the national event!
FEBRUARY 27
February 27 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Keystone
APPRENTICESHIP UPDATE
ABC KEYSTONE APPRENTICES HEAD TO NATIONAL STAGE IN CRAFT COMPETITION
ABC Keystone is proud to announce that five apprentices will compete at the National Craft Championships, March 18–20, in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the ABC Convention.
The apprentices have spent years developing their skills and will represent ABC Keystone on the national stage. Their dedication and commitment to excellence reflect the strength of the chapter’s apprenticeship and craft training programs.
The following apprentices will compete:
Chase Burkholder, Plumbing, CMC Inc.
Ron Stuber, Electrical, CPEC LLC
Logan Spahr, HVAC, W.C. Eshenaur and Son Inc.
Ivan Staudt, Carpentry, Pyramid Construction Services LLC, A Quandel Enterprises Company
Logan Lippert, Sheet Metal, James Craft & Son, Inc.
The National Craft Championships bring together top apprentices from across the country to demonstrate their technical knowledge, precision and professionalism. ABC Keystone congratulates these competitors and wishes them the best as they showcase their skills and represent the chapter in Salt Lake City.
L to R: Chase Burkholder, Ron Stuber, Logan Spahr, Ivan Staudt and Logan Lippert
Connect with job seekers ready to start their careers in construction!
TWO TARGETED SESSIONS:
Morning: 9 AM – 12 PM High School Seniors
Afternoon: 2 PM – 6 PM Open to All Job Seekers! ABC Keystone Manheim Office
$25 per person –includes booth space, lunch, and access to interview areas.
Don’t miss your chance to recruit motivated candidates and grow your team. For
CONSTRUCTION WARS
HELP BUILD THE FUTURE AT ABC KEYSTONE’S SPRING CONSTRUCTION WARS
ABC Keystone is gearing up for Spring Construction Wars, March 3–5—and we need our members to make it happen.
Construction Wars is one of our most impactful workforce development events, giving middle school students hands-on exposure to the construction trades. Over three days, students rotate through interactive stations where they build, wire, problem-solve, and work as a team—guided by industry professionals who bring the experience to life. For many students, this is their first real look at construction as a career option.
We Need Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of Construction Wars. Whether you’re in the field, management, safety, HR, or recently retired, your presence makes a difference. Volunteers help run activity stations, talk with students about career paths, and show what working in construction is really like. You don’t need teaching experience—just a willingness to engage, encourage, and inspire the next generation.
A few hours of your time can spark a lifetime interest in the trades.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorships play a critical role in keeping Construction Wars hands-on, high-quality, and accessible to schools. Sponsor support helps cover materials, equipment, and event logistics—and positions your company as a leader in workforce development. Sponsors receive recognition before, during, and after the event, along with meaningful visibility among students, educators, and industry peers.
Powered by Our Members
Construction Wars exists because our members step up. Without the generous support of volunteers and sponsors, this event simply would not be possible. Together, we’re investing in the future workforce and strengthening the construction industry for years to come.
If you’re ready to volunteer, sponsor, or support Spring Construction Wars in any way, now is the time to get involved. Your participation matters—and the impact reaches far beyond these three days.
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Choose Your Day(s):
Mon. 3/3/26 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Tues. 3/4/26 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Wed. 3/5/26 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Support Construction Wars and gain visibility while investing in the next generation.
SOUTHEAST REGION NORTH REGION
MARCH 11 MARCH 26
Location: Manheim Office, Manheim, PA
Presented by
Location: Axemann Brewery, Bellefonte, PA
Presented by
Specialty Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Site Designers, and Suppliers: Meet multiple general contractors!
General Contractors will have booth displays set up, giving attendees the opportunity to work the room at their own pace and have one-on-one and meaningful conversations to make connections and grow their network. Register today at ABCKEYSTONE.ORG.
• Showcase your team’s quality work and proficiency.
• Promote your company and build your business.
• Strengthen relationships with industry-leading GC's.
• Gain first-hand information on upcoming projects and bids.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Professional Perspectives ASK AN ATTORNEY
BY: JEFFREY C. BRIGHT, OFFIT KURMAN
A PRIMER ON MECHANICS’ LIEN CLAIM WAIVERS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Waiver of mechanics’ lien claims is an important and frequent issue on construction projects. There are various approaches to lien claim waivers, depending on the type of project and the preferences of the parties. Because of the various types of lien claim waivers, there is often confusion. This article explains the different types of lien claim waivers.
An initial fundamental point regarding mechanics’ lien claims and waivers, is that they are creatures of statute. Each state has its own laws that govern mechanics’ liens and waivers. There is no universal, national law that governs. Instead, each state has its own statutes and interpretation of the law. Additionally, mechanics’ liens generally cannot be asserted against public projects.
Advance Lien Claim Waiver Versus Progress or Final Lien Claim Waiver
One categorical distinction between lien claim waivers is whether they apply in advance of the work, versus lien claim waivers that are executed during the progress of the project and apply to work performed as of the date of the waiver. An “advance” lien claim waiver is executed prior to the work being performed. Accordingly, it waives lien claim rights before doing the work. Most states prohibit advance lien claim waivers. In Pennsylvania, however, advance lien claim waivers are enforceable, but only on specific types of projects, and only if specific requirements are met (more on that below).
In contrast, a progress or final lien claim waiver is executed during the project, or after the work is completed, and it typically clarifies that it applies to the work already performed. The standard approach is to identify a “through date,” which means that the waiver applies to all work performed “through” a certain date. Typically, the “through date” would be a prior date that has already passed, and the lien claim waiver states that it is effective to waive lien claim rights for all work performed up to and including that date. Typically, progress lien claim waivers are executed with each payment application. None of the “through dates” are future dates— which would instead be an advance lien claim waiver. Progress and final lien claim waivers are effective and enforceable.
In Pennsylvania, for advance lien claim waivers to be effective, it must be a commercial project (non-residential), and a payment bond must be posted that covers the project. Also, the advance lien claim waiver is only effective to waive downstream (subcontractor/supplier) lien claim rights. The prime contractor with a direct contract with the owner cannot waive lien claim rights in advance, and the payment bond is posted by the prime contractor (so the payment bond does not cover the prime contractor’s demands for payment).
Conditional Versus Unconditional Lien Claim Waivers
Another categorical distinction in lien claim waivers is “conditional” versus “unconditional.” A conditional lien claim waiver identifies that it is only effective if certain conditions (typically pending payment) occur. Thus, for example, with a conditional lien waiver, it will expressly state that the waiver is “conditioned” on the future receipt of the identified payment. If the identified payment is not received, then, the waiver (even if executed) is unenforceable.
Unconditional lien claim waivers, on the other hand, expressly state that the payment has already been received, and that there are no other requirements or events to occur for the lien claim waiver to be effective. Typically, these lien claim waivers identify themselves with the words “unconditional,” and they often state that the payment identified has been “received in fact,” or “received in hand.” Complications can arise when payment
has not in fact already been received; yet, an unconditional lien claim waiver (stating that payment has already been received) is erroneously executed. Generally, it is fair and reasonable to insist that lien claim waivers accurately express whether the payment has in fact already been made, or whether a conditional lien claim waiver should be used instead, because the payment is pending and not yet received.
It is also appropriate to revise or annotate a lien claim waiver to expressly state that certain claims, disputed amounts, open change orders, etc., are preserved and not waived. This avoids confusion on whether the payment was intended to cover any disputed, open, or unresolved items.
Preliminary Notices of Lien Rights, Construction Notices Directory, and Other Requirements
Lien claim waivers are specific documents that address whether a lien claim has been waived or preserved. Different and separate from lien claim waivers are statutory requirements that must be satisfied in order to preserve or pursue lien claims. Most states, including Pennsylvania, have requirements to notice and enforce lien claims. If you fail to satisfy all the requirements, including timeliness, it is likely that your lien claim will be lost.
Pennsylvania, similar to most states, has certain requirements that must be fulfilled when pursuing lien claims. In Pennsylvania, certain projects may be eligible for registration on the Construction Notices Directory, which is maintained by the Department of General Services. If a project is registered, then, the requirements under the mechanics’ lien law that pertain to the Construction Notices Directory must be followed; otherwise, the lien claim may be lost. One such requirement is to provide (and file with the Directory) early notice of potential lien claim rights.
Additionally, in pursuing a lien claim, certain processes must be followed; otherwise, the lien claim may be lost. In Pennsylvania, as a general rule, if the claim is by a subcontractor or anyone who is not in direct contract with the property owner, then, the claimant must give advance notice to the property owner of the intent to file the lien claim.
Also, any claimant, whether a downstream subcontractor/supplier or the prime contractor must meet specific deadlines in pursuing the lien claim. And the substance of any notices or lien claim filings must fulfill the statutory requirements. Failure to timely notice or file any of the items, or failure to adhere to the substantive requirements, will often result in the lien claim being unenforceable.
These requirements for noticing and pursuing the lien claim are not technically “waivers,” of the lien claim, but failure to follow the rules may result in the same outcome—the lien claim being lost and unenforceable.
JEFFREY C. BRIGHT is a Principal attorney in Offit Kurman’s Construction Practice Group and is active in ABC Keystone, serving on its board of directors. In his multi-state construction practice, Jeff represents contractors, subcontractors, owners, construction managers, design-builders, and design professionals. He is licensed and active in construction law matters in PA, MD, DC, VA, and CA. In addition to handling construction litigation and project disputes, including time impact claims for liquidated damages, delays, or disruptions, he regularly advises on the preparation, revision, and negotiation of construction contracts for various project delivery systems. He can be reached at jeff.bright@offitkurman.com.
BUILD YOUR TEAM WITH ABC
Strength Starts With Your Workforce
ABC Keystone helps contractors build skilled, compliant workforces through registered apprenticeship. We provide the guidance and support you need to succeed—now and into the future.
Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC Keystone.
Create your own workforce through formalized training.
Increase productivity, safety & profits.
Expand your workers' knowledge base.
To learn more about how ABC Keystone can help build your workforce for today and tomorrow contact Randy Doxzon at randy@abckeystone.org.
NO-COST EVENT Bring a
Change Orders in Politics:
What’s Coming for PA in 2026?
Start your day face-to-face with the people shaping construction in your region at ABC Keystone’s Regional Construction Wake-Up Calls. These in-person, early-morning gatherings offer a relaxed, high-impact way to connect with peers, share local insights, and hear timely updates that affect your business—before the workday takes off. Grab a coffee, build relationships, and stay plugged into what’s happening right here in your region.
• Explore current policy issues under consideration and their potential impacts on the construction industry.
• Hear an overview of the upcoming presidential midterm election cycle and how it may be influenced by a sitting governor running for re-election while pursuing a presidential campaign.
• Highlight best practices for advancing policy solutions that benefit workers across the construction industry.
Presented by:
Jim Willshier, ABC Keystone Director of Government Affairs
POLITICAL GROUNDHOG SEES LONGER ELECTION SEASON ADVOCACY UPDATE
BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Pennsylvania’s political season is underway with its usual intensity, compounded by unresolved budget issues and an increasingly complex election cycle. The state budget for the current fiscal year remains unfinished months past its deadline, and debate is already shifting to priorities likely to shape the 2026 budget. That uncertainty is unfolding alongside a highly competitive election environment, as lawmakers seek re-election and leadership positions while working to expand their political influence.
Gov. Josh Shapiro continues to build national visibility, campaigning beyond the state through book tours, high-dollar fundraisers and prominent media appearances as he works to strengthen his long-term political standing. He is expected to face State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, the likely Republican nominee, though her running mate has not yet been determined. It remains unclear whether ongoing political challenges surrounding Shapiro will affect his standing with voters.
At the legislative level, control remains narrowly divided, with Democrats holding the House by a single seat and Republicans controlling the Senate by a two-seat margin. The House continues to serve as the primary battleground as both parties attempt to
gain — or, for Republicans, regain — majority control. That effort is further complicated by a series of announced retirements, including Reps. Bryan Cutler, Mary Jo Daley, Sheryl Delozier, Anita Kulik and Seth Grove.
In the coming weeks, candidates will begin circulating petitions to qualify for the May 19 primary election. At the same time, lawmakers will be drawn deeper into budget negotiations and the political debates that accompany them.
While much remains uncertain, one trend is clear: Pennsylvania’s election season continues to grow longer and move faster than in previous cycles. Unresolved policy issues and the priorities of political donors are expected to play an increasingly prominent role, particularly as lawmakers navigate limited budget resources and heightened concern over the political consequences of key votes.
Download the ABC Action app today!
Stay updated on legislation affecting merit shop policies and receive tailored responses to our legislators.
MARKETING BOOTCAMP SERIES
February 25 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am Stop Marketing. Start Communicreating.
February 25 | 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
Social Media Sucks, But It Works: How to Make It Work for You
March 25 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am Sizing Up Your Digital Footprint
April 22 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am Is AI 4U?
ABCKEYSTONE.ORG
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
2/3 Bluebeam® Revu for Administrative Professionals Part of the Bluebeam Series
2/4 Economic Outlook Breakfast Presented by Northwest Bank Spooky Nook Sports, Manheim, PA
2/4 Virtual Design & Construction Technology Part of the Construction 101 Series Starts 2/4 Project Management
2/5 Excavation & Trench Safety for Competent Persons
2/10 Communication is Everything Part of the Leadership Development Series
2/11 Human Resources Contractor Peer Group
2/12 The Power of Motivation Part of The Power of People Series
2/17 Overcoming Incivility in the Workplace Part of the Leadership 2.0 Series
2/18 Safety, Security, Health & Leaves of Absence Part of the Human Resources Management Academy
2/19 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
2/20 Fall Protection for Competent Persons
2/24 Spring Southeast Regional Construction Wake-up Call Boyer & Ritter, Camp Hill, PA
COURSES & TRAINING
2/25 Stop Marketing. Start Communicreating. Part of the Marketing Boot Camp Series
2/25 Social Media Sucks, But It Works: How to Make It Work for You Part of the Marketing Boot Camp Series
2/26 Confined Space Entry Operations
2/27 Mock Craft Competition Manheim, PA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH MARCH
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
3/3, 3/4 & 3/5
Construction Wars
ABC Keystone, Manheim, PA
3/4 Delegating for Results
Part of the Professional Development Series
3/4
Construction Risk Management
Part of the Construction 101 Series
Starts 3/4
Advanced Blueprint Reading
3/9 Arc Flash & Energized Electrical Work Safety
Starts 3/9
Dynamic Crew Leadership
3/10 Attitude Adjustments
Part of the Leadership Development Series
3/10 Hot Topic Seminar: Navigating Davis-Bacon & Certified Payroll
Attend In-person or Virtual
3/10 Motivating Fellow Employees
Part of the Leadership Development Series
3/11 HR Compliance
Part of the Building a Better Crew Series
3/11 Meet the Generals – Southeast Region Presented by Central Penn Propane, LLC
ABC Keystone, Manheim, PA
Starts 3/12
STP: Contract Documents
3/12 The Power of Understanding Conflict & Games Playing Part of The Power of People Series
Starts 3/13
Field Supervisor Safety Skills –Your Role in Driving This Bus
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
3/16 Rough-Terrain Forklift Training
3/18 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
3/18
HR’s Strategic, Operational & Administrative Roles Part of the Human Resources Management Academy
3/19 Spring Southwest Regional Construction Wake-up Call
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Altoona, PA
3/24 Spring North Regional Construction Wake-up Call Zartman Construction, Inc. Northumberland, PA
3/25 Sizing Up Your Digital Footprint Part of the Marketing Boot Camp Series
3/25 Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Training
3/26 Bluebeam® Revu Intro –FREE Launch Session
3/26 Meet the Generals – North Region Axemann Brewery, Bellefonte, PA Presented by National Jobsite Catering
268 West Beaver Street, Suite 112 Hallam, PA 17406
www.telecomyork.com (717) 840-0264
mnitchman@telecomyork.com
Sponsored by: John H. Hykes II B&B Integrations
Omega ECycles
Reesy Neff, CEO/Founder
35 Trevor Road York, PA 17404 (800) 813-5231
www.omegaecycles.com reesy@omegaecycles.com
Sponsored by: Aimée Deraco, Brubaker
MERIT SHOP PROUD
FLAGGER FORCE PRESIDENT & CEO PARTICIPATED IN JUSTICE SUMMIT ON JANUARY 24
Mike Doner, a national leader in fair-chance hiring and workforce development, shared how businesses can support successful reentry and build the future of work.
Flagger Force, an industry-leading, Safety-Driven®, short-term traffic control company based in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, with operations across the eastern third of the United States, shared that their President and CEO, Mike Doner, spoke at the Justice Summit in Park City, Utah, on Saturday, January 24, during the same week as the Sundance Film Festival®. The Justice Summit was organized by Rasa Legal, a mission-driven legal technology company dedicated to making criminal record clearance simple and affordable, and featured an impressive slate of national criminal justice policy experts and fair-chance employers.
Doner served on a panel titled Beyond the Background Check: Supporting Successful Reentry and Building the Future of Work. The session was moderated by Shea Zwerver, Program Director for Goodwill International. Prominent national reentry experts from organizations such as the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), Council of State Governments, and The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program spoke alongside Doner. Panelists discussed fair-chance hiring and how businesses can help justice-impacted individuals successfully reenter the workforce and grow professionally.
“Flagger Force is dedicated to developing a workforce that mirrors the diverse communities we serve. This is achieved through hiring people from all backgrounds and experience levels, including formerly incarcerated individuals, who are driven to work hard and want to grow personally and professionally,” said Mike Doner, President and CEO of Flagger Force. “When businesses embrace everyone’s differences and provide an equal opportunity to employment for all it helps to expand talent pools, reduce recidivism, support economic growth, and strengthen communities.”
Through Flagger Force’s comprehensive workforce development program, employees have access to resources that can help them thrive, such as a free GED program, a training and mentorship program, and a 24/7 employee assistance program.
“It was an honor to participate in the Justice Summit and speak alongside respected leaders who are focused on creating proactive dialogues, building critical awareness, and advancing meaningful change in our communities around fair-chance employment opportunities,” said Doner. “I was pleased to share Flagger Force’s firsthand experience as a fair-chance employer and engage in insightful discussions about the programs and strategies organizations are implementing to support people impacted by the criminal legal system.”
Mike Doner President and CEO
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
2026 C.O.R.E. SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSOR
PREMIER SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Aerotek, Inc.
Assurance Media, LLC
Barley Snyder
Cargas Systems, Inc.
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.
SILVER SPONSORS
Associated Products Services, Inc.
Brown Plus
emc CPAs
Fulton Bank
D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS
David Miller/Associates, Inc.
ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
EHD
Garrety Glass, Inc.
Horst Construction Co.
Hursh Painting Co., Inc.
Martins Flooring
Leer Electric, Inc.
McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
Poole Anderson Construction, LLC
M. Potteiger, Inc.
Providence Engineering
RKL
MPB Insurance & Risk Management
Paramount Contracting, Inc.
Remco Inc.
Vision Mechanical, Inc.
The Witmer Group
S&T Bank
Saul Ewing LLP
Smucker Company
Trout CPA
135 Shellyland Road Manheim, PA 17545
BUILD THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION
Sponsor ABC Keystone’s Construction Wars
Why Sponsor?
Your sponsorship supports event materials, equipment, and logistics—while positioning your company as a leader in workforce development with recognition before, during, and after the event and visibility among students, educators, and industry peers through one of ABC Keystone’s most impactful programs.
Construction Wars is only possible because of the generous support of our members. Join us in investing in the future workforce our industry depends on.
Boost your brand’s visibility by sponsoring our spring and fall Construction Wars.
