July 2025_Spokesman

July 2025

A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

ABC KEYSTONE LEADERSHIP 2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board

Guy Kingree, III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Chair-Elect

Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.

1st Vice Chair

Ed Engle Smucker Company

2nd Vice Chair

Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors

2 Message from the Chair

Secretary

Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company

4

Treasurer

Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group

5 MSTRC Scholarship Winners

Immediate Past Chair

John Lehmann Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

7

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PROUDLY PUBLISHED

BY ABC KEYSTONE

From the President-CEO

All 'Bout Girls Camp

10 Emerging Leaders Spotlight 11 STEP Recognition 12 Advocacy Update 13 Calendar of Events 14 New Members 15 Merit Shop 17 Anniversaries

Corbin Beittel

Warfel Construction Company

Jeff Bright

Offit Kurman

Steve Conway

Pyramid Construction Services, LLC A Quandel Company

Aimée Deraco

Brubaker, Inc.

Scott Duke

The Witmer Group

Michael L. Fiore

Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

Brian Floyd

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

Ken Funk

Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.

John H. Hykes, II

B&B Integrations

Anthony Leer

Leer Electric, Inc.

Michael Metz-Topodas

Saul Ewing LLP

Patrick Snyder

Peoples Security Bank & Trust

Lee L. Summers, Jr.

C Mechanical Services

Kevin VanPelt

S&T Bank

Jan L. Wagner

Wagman Construction, Inc.

Scott Wengrenovich

Murray

G. David Sload, President-CEO

Manheim Office 135 Shellyland Rd. Manheim, PA 17545

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

The Merit Shop Spokesman is published 12 times a year by Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter.

Articles of interest, member news, press releases, and advertising placement requests may be submitted to the editor: Rebecca Wolf Director of Marketing & Communications ABC Keystone rebecca@abckeystone.org | (717) 653-8106

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 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.

2

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."

4

Build Your Team.

Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC Keystone.

The construction industry is constantly evolving. To stay relevant, companies must continually grow their talent. ABC Keystone understands that making employee development a priority within a company culture ensures the team remains well-informed on industry trends, recent developments, and best practices.

• Create your own workforce through formalized training.

• Increase productivity, safety & profits.

• Expand your workers' knowledge base.

• Bid work more competitively.

Contact us today to learn more today.

ABCKEYSTONE.ORG

13 3

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

Samuel Davis

Commercial Construction Engineering Iowa State University

Luke Moser

Civil Engineering York College

Nathan Parkes

Adriana Krause

Construction Management Pennsylvania College of Technology

Residential Remodeling Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Noah Seidel

Residential Remodeling Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

6

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 7

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.

8

9 7

JUSTIN BAKER

ESTIMATOR/CAD BIM COORDINATOR, CMC, INC.

Q: 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.

Justin Baker

Estimator/CAD BIM Coordinator

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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

10

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.

Take the first STEP! Apply Today!

Ensure employees are returning home safe to families and loved ones every day. Submit your STEP safety self-assessment in as little as 30 minutes! There is no cost to participate.

WWW.ABC.ORG/ABCSTEP

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 12

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY

AUGUST

7/9

Time Management Part of the Professional Development Series

8/5

Construction Estimating Principles & Application

7/16

Behavioral-based Interviewing Part of the Human Resources Management Academy

8/5

7/16

Bluebeam® Courses: Free Launch Webinar

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

8/6

Providing Quality Customer Service Part of the Professional Development Series

7/23

CQM-Certificate Testing

8/6

7/31

Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group

Bluebeam® Reading Construction Documents

8/7

Essential Rigging & Crane Signaling Practices

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

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

Bluebeam® Baseline Basics

8/13

Bluebeam® Material Takeoff & Estimates: Basics

8/14

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

13 7

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

Pierson Computing Connection, Inc. Tim Blanch, Director of Operations

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

10 Long Lane, Suite 100 Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

www.transworldpa.com

(717) 796-0493

(717) 303-5050

www.pierson.it

hpatel@transworldpa.com

timothy.blanch@pierson.it

Sponsored By: Aimée Deraco, Brubaker, Inc.

Martin J. Braun Company, A Fidelity Company William Moran, Jr., Senior Vice President

Ream Roofing Associates, Inc. Jerry Ginevan, Sales Manager

10820 Guilford Road 7 Enterprise Drive New Oxford, PA 17350 Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 (410) 488-3990

www.reamroofing.net

www.mjbraun.com

(717) 244-8592

bill@mjbraun.com

jginevan@reamroofing.net Sponsored By: AiméeDeraco, Brubaker, Inc.

Briceno Contractor, Inc. Christopher Briceno, Administrator

Hershey Financial Advisers, LLC Niclolas R. Brightbill, Partner

1248 Four Winds Way Essex, MD 21221

120 North Pointe Boulevard, Suite 302 Lancaster, PA 17601

(443) 562-7944

(717) 295-8888

www.bricenocontractorinc.com

www.hersheyfinancialadvisers.com

cbriceno@bciframing.com

nick@hersheyfinancialadvisers.com

Sponsored By: Robb Beiler

Wohlsen Construction Company

Sponsored By: Brian Floyd EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

14

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

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.

15 7

WARFEL CONSTRUCTION RANKS ON ENR’S 2025 TOP 400 CONTRACTORS LIST 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.

#ABCMeritShopProud

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

16

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

30 YEARS Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company 25 YEARS Broderick's Landscape Contracting, LLC 20 YEARS Sentry Fire Protection, Inc. The Motter Agency 15 YEARS Hess Auctioneers, LLC Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe, Inc. 5 YEARS Kilgore Electric, LLC High Concrete Group, LLC Lancaster Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc. 1 YEAR Garrett Electric, Heating & Air Creative Financial Group MKT Metal Manufacturing Synergy Employment Group, Inc. Tabora Painting, LLC TLC Construction & Renovations, LLC Kenefic Sales Associates Wouch, Maloney & Co., LLP 17 7

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

PREMIER SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

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

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.

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

MVE Group M. Potteiger, Inc. Providence Engineering RKL LLP S&T Bank

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

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

Saul Ewing LLP Smucker Company Trout CPA

135 Shellyland Road Manheim, PA 17545

SOUTHWEST REGION

SUMMER MIXER Presented by

AUGUST 19, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM *First pitch thrown at 6 pm.

Altoona, PA

Register at ABCKEYSTONE.ORG