July 2025_Spokesman by ABC Keystone

A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

LEADERSHIP

2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair of the Board Guy Kingree, III

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Chair-Elect Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.

1st Vice Chair Ed Engle Smucker Company

2nd Vice Chair Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors

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 A MID-YEAR REFLECTION AND A GRATEFUL LOOK AHEAD

BY: GUY KINGREE, III

As we pass the midpoint of the year, I’m filled with sincere gratitude and pride when I reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together as members of ABC Keystone. The strength of our association lies in the dedication, passion, and resilience of our members, and the first six months of 2025 have been a testament to that. From job sites to board rooms, our collective energy continues to drive positive change for the merit shop and the construction industry as a whole.

ABC Keystone has continued to lead the charge against government-mandated Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Responsible Contractor Ordinances (RCOs) that limit fair access to projects and stifle growth. Through our government affairs efforts, member mobilization, and strong relationships in Harrisburg and D.C., we continue the fight to ensure that merit shop values have a seat at the table—and a strong voice in the conversation.

We’ve also taken bold steps toward supporting the whole worker with the launch of our Total Human Health Committee. This initiative is already beginning to shift the narrative around mental well-being in the trades, creating resources for companies of all sizes to address suicide prevention, addiction awareness, and personal wellness. It’s a powerful reflection of who we are—not just builders of infrastructure, but builders of people.

Our training programs remain second to none. With robust offerings in safety, leadership development, and craft education, ABC Keystone continues to set the bar for workforce readiness and professional growth. We’ve also enjoyed incredible member engagement at our networking events—from the Economic Breakfast to Meet the Generals to most recently our Golf Outings—where relationships deepen and partnerships form. These gatherings are more than just fun; they are vital threads in the fabric of our association.

As we look forward to the next six months, I’m confident our momentum will only continue. We will keep fighting for free enterprise, expanding our educational reach, and building a culture where safety, wellness, and professionalism thrive. Thank you for your trust, your time, and your unwavering support of ABC Keystone. I am honored to serve as your Chair and even more honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with each of you in this incredible journey.

FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO

TRUMP & SHAPIRO ARE THEY WALKING IN THE SAME DIRECTION?

BY: G. DAVID SLOAD

As we know, Governor Shapiro has encouraged his department heads to consider the code for implementing Project Labor Agreements (PLA's) on State-run projects. When writing this article, ABC Keystone is awaiting a ruling on a suit against a PLA placed on a PA Department of General Services project in Harrisburg.

On June 12, the Trump administration said it would continue to enforce former President Joe Biden's discriminatory, anti-competitive policy mandating project labor agreements on federal construction projects of $35 million or more.

This decision cannot be reconciled with the president's philosophies of merit, fairness and nondiscrimination because it inhibits fair and open competition and prioritizes special interests over taxpayers and workers. It also doubles down on an unfair, wasteful, policy that inflates costs and delays critical construction projects, including those important to the defense of our country.

By effectively excluding 89% of the Pennsylvania construction workforce that does not belong to a union from nearly all large-scale federal construction contracts, PLA's create ongoing confusion and legal uncertainty, which will result in unnecessary delays and cost increases to critical national security projects needed to protect our border and rebuild our military. This includes land ports of entry and military bases.

The administration tacitly agrees that PLA mandates make construction more expensive, specifying that a contract that costs 10% more because of fewer competitive bids with a PLA is okay. The result is that taxpayers will get nine miles of highway instead of 10 with a PLA mandate that limits the number of bidders.

Make no mistake, this decision directly contradicts the president's agenda, which, until now, has focused on promoting merit and cutting waste for the benefit of American taxpayers. The Trump administration should do the right thing and rescind the illegal, anti-competitive Biden mandate and replace it with a policy that promotes fair and open competition.

Fair and open competition works because it preserves worker choice and gives contractors the freedom to choose whether to enter into a PLA. Ultimately, it is about merit and nondiscrimination.

Every qualified contractor should have the opportunity to build America. The Trump administration should immediately rescind this PLA mandate executive order. We need members to engage with State and Federal legislators to push back on these discriminatory practices. As we continue to say, "Get into Politics or Get Out of Business."

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.

Merit Shop Training & Research Center

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

ABC Keystone Chapter recently awarded scholarship funds to 7 individuals through the Merit Shop Training & Research Center. Awardees either reside in the Chapter’s service area or will attend a trade school, college or university program that is in the Chapter’s service area. All are seeking an education directly related to a construction career.

Applications are reviewed by distinguished industry professionals serving on the Scholarship Selection Committee of the Merit Shop Training & Research Center, Inc. The scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of merit and without regard for the race, color, religion, national origin or gender of applicants.

The Merit Shop Training & Research Center was created by the Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter as a non-profit fund whose mission is to provide financial assistance to students who have chosen construction-related career paths. The Center is funded by members of the Chapter, who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of being proactive in assisting men and women in their preparation for this industry.

ABC Keystone congratulates the 2025 Merit Shop Training & Research Center scholarship winners!

Kevin Brown Construction Management Pennsylvania College of Technology

Collin McCarty Construction Management Millersville University

Luke Moser Civil Engineering York College

Nathan Parkes Residential Remodeling Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Noah Seidel Residential Remodeling Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Samuel Davis Commercial Construction Engineering Iowa State University

Adriana Krause Construction Management Pennsylvania College of Technology

Empowering the Next Generation: ALL ‘BOUT GIRLS

CONSTRUCTION CAMP

The All ‘Bout Girls Construction Camp, presented this year by Benchmark Construction Co., Inc., is a transformative initiative designed to inspire and empower young women to explore careers in the construction industry. This no-cost camp offers girls ages 14–19 a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and insight into the diverse world of construction.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

Held at ABC Keystone’s Manheim facility on June 16–19, 2025, the camp immersed participants in various construction trades through interactive activities. Attendees built take-home projects, participated in team-based challenges, and visited local job sites hosted by construction companies. These experiences enhanced problem-solving skills, fostered teamwork, and provided a realistic glimpse into the daily operations of the construction industry.

Mentorship from Industry Professionals

A cornerstone of the camp was the opportunity for participants to learn directly from women who have established successful careers in construction. Through panel discussions and one-on-one interactions, attendees heard firsthand accounts of career paths, challenges overcome, and the rewards

of working in a traditionally male-dominated field. Commitment to Workforce

Development

ABC Keystone’s All ‘Bout Girls Construction Camp is part of the organization's broader workforce development efforts, which include scholarships, apprenticeships, and programs like Construction Wars. These initiatives are designed to prepare young individuals for successful careers in the construction industry, emphasizing skills development, safety, and professional growth.

Looking Ahead

The All ‘Bout Girls Construction Camp stands as a testament to the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry. By providing young women with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue careers in construction, ABC Keystone is helping to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry.

For more information on the All ‘Bout Girls Construction Camp and other workforce development programs, visit abckeystone.org.

JUSTIN BAKER

ESTIMATOR/CAD BIM COORDINATOR, CMC, INC.

As an Emerging Leader, how has your involvement with ABC Keystone helped you?

As an emerging leader at ABC Keystone, I've built new connections and strengthened existing ones. This experience has highlighted the crucial role of teamwork across the construction industry. Collaborating with others who share similar goals and exchanging knowledge from diverse fields has been both insightful and inspiring. It motivates me to deepen my expertise so I can contribute more and inspire others to do the same.

Tell us a bit about your company and your role there?

CMC stands for Commercial Mechanical Construction, specializing in the installation of plumbing, HVAC piping, and equipment. As an Estimator, my role is to bid on upcoming projects with the aim of securing them, ensuring a steady stream of work for our Project Managers and field personnel. Currently, I’m undergoing BIM training with the goal of eventually leading our in-house BIM Coordination efforts.

What are some of your most significant professional accomplishments to date?

Some of my key professional achievements include bidding my first million-dollar project, securing my first successful bid as an Estimator, and earning several certificates for completing the initial stages of my BIM training.

Who has played the most pivotal role in shaping your career, and why?

Christ Horst, one of the Owners of CMC Inc., has been the most influential figure in my career. He has personally invested his time to help me grow as a more skilled and precise Estimator, funded my BIM training, and supplied me with the tools I need to succeed in this field. Despite my limited experience in the construction industry, he has given me an incredible opportunity to advance.

759 Chestnut Street Gap, PA 17527

www.cmcinc.com (717) 442-9890

justin@cmcinc.com

Would you like to be featured in the next Emerging Leaders Spotlight?

Contact: Laura Chanoski laura@abckeystone.org

Justin Baker Estimator/CAD BIM Coordinator

2025 Verified STEP Participants

As verified by ABC National as of June 2025

Allan Myers

Allied Mechanical & Electrical

Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.

Assurance Media, LLC

B&B Integrations

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Brechbill & Helman Constr. Co., Inc.

Brubaker, Inc.

C Mechanical Services

C.M. High, Inc.

CB Construction Services, Inc.

CCS Building Group

CH+N Site Construction, Inc.

Clark Contractors, Inc.

CLARK, Inc.

Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.

Conewago Enterprises, Inc.

Conewago Manufacturing, LLC

D.E. Gemmill, Inc.

DeRock Electric Company

Dolan Construction, Inc.

E.R. Stuebner, Inc.

EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC

Flow Mechanical, LLC

Flyway Excavating, Inc.

Garrety Glass, Inc.

Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.

Gorski Engineering, Inc.

High Construction Company

Hursh Painting Co., Inc.

James Craft & Son, Inc.

John E. Fullerton, Inc.

Johnston Construction Company

Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company

Leer Electric, Inc.

Leo Kob Co., Inc.

Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

MVE Group

Paramount Contracting, Inc.

Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.

Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

Quandel Enterprises, LLC

Quarry View Building Group

RSR Electric, A Viocity Company

Scenic Ridge Company

Schlouch Incorporated

Smucker Company

Speedwell Construction, Inc.

Tabora Painting, LLC

The Tri-M Group, LLC

The Tuckey Companies

Wagman Construction, Inc.

Warfel Construction Company

Wenrich Painting, Inc.

White Rose Interiors, LLC

Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.

Wohlsen Construction Company

Zartman Construction, Inc.

ADVOCACY UPDATE

PA HOUSE TRIES TO SHIFT THE TAX LOAD ONTO TAXPAYERS

BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Legislators continue sending messages to Pennsylvanians that they are willing to support bad policy and seem apathetic about how harmful this is to taxpayers. Last year, the House (and Senate Labor & Industry Committee) passed multiple bills that sent a strong message to employers that they are not welcome in Pennsylvania and that those elected officials consider employers to be bad actors in the community.

It is continuing again with the introduction of identical bills. One of the worst examples is the push to expand the prevailing wage to an unsustainable level—an idea so flawed that even its supporters can’t explain how it would work. While that should be a red flag, it hasn’t stopped anyone from using the same strategy over and over.

This June, the House passed House Bill 846 –a combined 126 democrats and republicans voting together –which will expand prevailing wage to custom fabrication of “nonstandard goods” offsite. For those of you asking questions like what materials are included in prefabrication, where offsite starts in the supply chain, and whether this includes out-of-state or out-of-country, you are more inquisitive than many elected. Then there is the question no one has taken to heart: “How much will this cost the taxpayer?”

Many in ABC know that multiple sources show how prevailing wages increase construction costs up to 30 percent. In fact, this is also why most local government organizations have advocated that Pennsylvania increase the threshold for when prevailing wages affect public projects.

Unfortunately, many in the state legislature are more than comfortable passing these increased costs to their constituents. As public project costs go up, so does the need for more taxpayer spending. The average taxpaying constituent is either completely unaware of this or perhaps has been so worn out and defeated that they just accept that they can only pay more in taxes.

ABC needs to continue leading the charge in educating taxpayers and legislators on the impact of this tax increase. We can start by looking at the “yes” votes on HB 846. Please get in touch with us if one of these legislators represents your work or location. If you know someone in those areas, tell them they will see their taxes increase if this continues. Let taxpayers know before the prevailing wage bill comes due!

Questions about ABC Government Affairs & Politics?

Contact: Jim Willshier jim@abckeytone.org or (717) 653-8106

JULY

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

7/9 Time Management Part of the Professional Development Series

7/16 Behavioral-based Interviewing Part of the Human Resources Management Academy

7/16 Bluebeam® Courses: Free Launch Webinar

7/23 CQM-Certificate Testing

7/31 Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group

AUGUST

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

8/5 Construction Estimating Principles & Application

8/5

8/6

Summer Outdoor Mixer | Southeast Region Presented by Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants

Wrightsville, PA

Providing Quality Customer Service Part of the Professional Development Series

Bluebeam® Reading Construction Documents

8/7 Essential Rigging & Crane Signaling Practices

Starts 8/11

ABC Project Management Institute, hosted by ABC Keystone

8/11 & 8/25

STP: Communication Part of the Superintendent Training Program

8/11

8/13

8/14

Bluebeam® Baseline Basics

Bluebeam® Material Takeoff & Estimates: Basics

Bluebeam® Material Takeoff & Estimates: Advanced

8/19 Bluebeam® for Administrative Professionals

8/20 Employment Assessments Part of the Human Resources Management Academy

8/21 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

8/27 Stop Marketing. Start Communicreating. Part of the Marketing Boot Camp Series

SOUTHWEST REGION EVENTS

8/19

Summer Mixer | Southwest Region Altoona Curve Mixer Presented by Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. Altoona, PA

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Transworld Business Advisors

Hitesh Patel, Managing Partner

3425 Simpson Ferry Road, Suite 201-A Camp Hill, PA 17011

www.transworldpa.com (717) 303-5050 hpatel@transworldpa.com

Sponsored By: Aimée Deraco, Brubaker, Inc.

Martin J. Braun Company, A Fidelity Company

William Moran, Jr., Senior Vice President 10820 Guilford Road Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 (410) 488-3990

www.mjbraun.com bill@mjbraun.com

Briceno Contractor, Inc.

Christopher Briceno, Administrator 1248 Four Winds Way Essex, MD 21221 (443) 562-7944

www.bricenocontractorinc.com

cbriceno@bciframing.com

Sponsored By: Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company

Pierson Computing Connection, Inc.

Tim Blanch, Director of Operations 10 Long Lane, Suite 100 Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 796-0493

www.pierson.it timothy.blanch@pierson.it

Ream Roofing Associates, Inc.

Jerry Ginevan, Sales Manager 7 Enterprise Drive New Oxford, PA 17350

www.reamroofing.net (717) 244-8592

jginevan@reamroofing.net

Sponsored By: AiméeDeraco, Brubaker, Inc.

Hershey Financial Advisers, LLC

Niclolas R. Brightbill, Partner 120 North Pointe Boulevard, Suite 302 Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 295-8888

www.hersheyfinancialadvisers.com nick@hersheyfinancialadvisers.com

Sponsored By: Brian Floyd EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

MERIT SHOP PROUD

EY US ANNOUNCES JIM HORN OF TRI-M GROUP, LLC.AS AN ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR® 2025 GREATER PHILADELPHIA AWARD WINNER

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced that Jim Horn, Chairman of Tri-M Group, LLC., was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award winner. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. For 40 years, EY US has celebrated ambitious entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, impacting communities, and creating long-term value.

Jim Horn was chosen by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs, and business leaders. Judges assessed candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment, and significant growth and impact.

“I am humbled to receive this award and honored to be recognized among the visionary winners in Greater Philadelphia who are shaping the future of business,” Horn stated.

As a Greater Philadelphia award winner, Jim Horn is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2026.

Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

Jim Horn

Warfel Construction has been ranked No. 396 on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2025 Top 400 Contractors list, a nationally recognized benchmark of excellence in the construction industry. The list ranks the largest U.S.-based general contractors by annual revenue. Warfel’s placement reflects the company’s continued growth and focus on building strong, lasting relationships in the communities it serves.

“This recognition isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “It’s about the trust our Clients for Life place in us, the collaboration of our partners, and the dedication of our team who live out our core values every day.”

Warfel extends sincere congratulations to all firms named on this year’s list and is honored to stand among peers driving innovation and progress in the construction sector.