Celebrating Our Apprentices and the Future of Our Workforce
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
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
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
THE NEXT GENERATION:
CELEBRATING OUR APPRENTICES AND THE FUTURE OF OUR WORKFORCE
BY: GUY KINGREE, III
As fall settles in and the school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible role that education and training play in shaping our industry’s future. Each autumn, new apprentices walk through the doors of ABC Keystone’s training center, ready to take the next step in their careers and join the ranks of the most skilled and dedicated professionals in construction. These men and women represent the future of our industry — a future built on hard work, pride, and the unmatched value of craftsmanship.
At ABC Keystone, we continue to set the standard for workforce development across Pennsylvania. Our apprenticeship programs are second to none, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience and mentorship from some of the best in the business. This blend of education and real-world training prepares our apprentices not just to build projects, but to build careers filled with purpose and opportunity. Each year, we see their dedication and determination firsthand, and it’s inspiring to witness the next generation carry the torch for the merit shop tradition.
In October, we had the privilege of hosting Construction Wars, a signature ABC Keystone event that gives middle school students a chance to step into the trades for the very first time. Over three days, hundreds of students rotated through hands-on learning stations where they built projects, worked with tools, and met real craft professionals. For many, it was their first time picking up a hammer or wiring an outlet—and for some, it may have been the spark that ignited a lifelong passion. Events like this show that our outreach efforts are working. More and more young people are discovering that construction offers fulfilling, stable, and meaningful careers.
The shift in perception around career paths is undeniable. As college costs rise and job satisfaction in traditional office settings declines, the trades are becoming increasingly attractive. Construction offers something unique: tangible results, teamwork, and pride in leaving behind something lasting. Through initiatives like our apprenticeship programs and Construction Wars, ABC Keystone is helping students and families alike recognize that success doesn’t have to mean a four-year degree; it can mean mastering a skill, leading a crew, and building communities that endure for generations.
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Of course, this effort doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes the dedication of our entire membership to mentor, hire, and support apprentices and young workers. Your commitment ensures that ABC Keystone remains a leader in workforce development,— not just for today’s projects, but for tomorrow’s prosperity. Whether you’re training the next superintendent, attending a class, or volunteering at an event, you are playing a direct role in shaping the future of our industry.
As we head into the close of another productive year, let’s celebrate the incredible work being done to strengthen our pipeline of talent. Our apprentices, our educators, and our members together represent the very best of what ABC Keystone stands for: opportunity, excellence, and community. With continued investment in education, leadership, and Total Human Health, we aren’t just building structures— we’re building people. And that’s the most important foundation of all.
2026 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BREAKFAST
FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO
TECHNOLOGY…ARE YOU ON THE CUTTING EDGE?
BY: G. DAVID SLOAD
Let’s start by saying I think the most probable answer to this question is “no.” The fact is that no matter how long you have been in this industry or how long you may continue to be in this industry, technology and how it is used will change. When I started in this industry computers were mainly used for accounting and billing. We needed a 10’ x 12” room just to accommodate the hardware being used. Today we wear computers on our wrists.
Our challenge today vs. when I entered this industry is the speed with which things change. We used to have time to accept the changes, learn how to use the new devices and apply their upgrades to be more efficient. Today some technology changes daily. Look at AI. The more it is used, the faster the data and information is updated, which creates more solutions and betterquality outputs.
ABC Keystone is also behind the curve with new technologies. We are learning and trying to keep up. In 2025, we formed the Technology Committee. This first year we were able to connect with vendors and learn what is in the marketplace. On October 22, the committee hosted our second annual Technology Conference. Our Keynote speaker provided interesting, exciting and in some cases very scary information. I came away feeling way behind and recognizing some of our members may feel the same.
So how can we, Keystone ABC, help you stay abreast of these changes? Your input will help us help YOU move your company and employees forward. Are there things you need to know about software and their applications? Is it hardware that is needed? Do you need specific education or training for your employees? As the Technology Committee heads into 2026, they want to understand your needs and provide solutions so that you, our members, can grow and help your employees grow.
We specifically need our contractor members to weigh in on technology. If you are a contractor, consider joining the Technology Committee. By embracing and utilizing changes in technology you will be more efficient, which in turn will make you more profitable. Let’s be more proactive and less reactive. Let’s embrace the future!
We’re here to help! Let us know how the Technology Committee can support your company by filling out this quick questionnaire.
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
NO, VIRGINIA, THERE ISN’T A BUDGET. ADVOCACY UPDATE
BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
As I write this in October, it’s a safe bet Pennsylvania still doesn’t have a state budget — and while federal budget battles and shutdowns are another story, the state’s ongoing impasse has its own causes. We’ve passed the June 30 deadline by months, as anticipated, and the reasons are both political and procedural. Let’s unpack what is happening as we head toward 2026 and what should be the start of a new appropriations negotiation.
Budget stalemates have become routine, reflected in the gridlock seen across other legislation. The House holds a narrow Democratic majority of one seat, while the Senate maintains a two-seat Republican majority. Democrats flipped the House in 2022 and are still finding their footing in setting an agenda. Add to that an ambitious Gov. Josh Shapiro — who carefully calculates every move with an eye toward future elections — and the conditions for compromise are slim.
In today’s hyper partisan environment, collaboration is rare. The core dispute over the budget centers not on policy, but on numbers. Republicans want to hold the line at last year’s $47.6 billion, arguing the state shouldn’t spend more than it collects. Democrats and the governor are pushing for a plan exceeding $50 billion. The difference between those figures, and the lack of agreement on how to cover it, has left negotiations stalled.
As of this writing, there’s little indication of movement before December. The stalemate underscores the deep divisions in Harrisburg — and the relative calm of many lawmakers, who’ve only recently publicly begun addressing the delay amid renewed attention prompted by the federal budget standoff.
One thing is certain: 2026 is shaping up to be an even rockier year in the Capitol as lawmakers seek re-election. In the meantime, stay engaged. Talk with your legislators about the ongoing impasse and what they plan to do to resolve it.
"This was an important event to me because it opened some windows for me."
"I would say that it's a very good opportunity to see more paths for the future."
Present by:
More than 250 middle school students explored the construction industry during ABC Keystone’s Construction Wars, held Oct. 14–16 at the Manheim training facility. The free, handson event introduced students to the skilled trades through activities like wiring circuits, building benches, laying brick, and exploring HVAC systems, guided by member company volunteers. Thank you to our many sponsors, who made the event possible!
"I thought it was a good way to figure out what I wanna do."
NO-COST EVENT Bring a Colleague!
ABC Keystone Workforce Development –
Growing Construction Careers and Connections
Join us for an inside look at ABC’s comprehensive Workforce Development initiatives. Learn how we’re strengthening the talent pipeline—from early career awareness in middle schools and hands-on summer camps to high school programs and partnerships with career and technical centers (CTCs) and higher education institutions. We’ll also highlight our three active college student chapters and the essential role our member volunteers play throughout the process.
Plus, don’t miss a demo of Keystone’s innovative new online Job Board!
PRESENTERS
Bruce Wiest Director of Operations Pyramid Construction Services, LLC A Quandel Company
James Rosman Area Leader Assurance Media, LLC
David Schlosberg Principal EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Brian Fisher Estimator & Project Manager Hursh Painting Co., Inc.
Location Sponsor: Boyer & Ritter LLC
Location Sponsor: Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
ASK AN ACCOUNTANT
BY: LINDSEY HANEY, DIRECTOR, MCKONLY & ASBURY
Managing Sales Tax in the Construction Industry
Sales tax compliance in the construction industry is surprisingly complex. Contractors must navigate the intersection of labor, materials, subcontracting, and varying state tax rules. Unlike retailers, who typically collect tax at the point of sale, contractors often absorb those sales tax costs themselves—especially on materials— depending on the type of job and jurisdiction. Understanding how sales tax applies can make a significant difference in job costing, pricing, and risk management.
In most states, contractors are treated as the final consumers of the materials they purchase. This means they usually pay sales tax on materials at the time of purchase and do not charge sales tax on the completed construction project. For example, when a contractor installs roofing, they pay tax on the shingles when they buy them, and then typically bill the customer without charging sales tax. However, this treatment can be dependent on several different factors and should not be applied across the board, as that can result in a tax bill for amounts that would have otherwise been paid by the customer.
State-Specific Rules
In Pennsylvania, contractors generally must pay sales tax on materials purchased for capital improvement projects to real property (e.g., building an addition, installing HVAC). These projects are non-taxable to the customer, and the contractor eats the tax cost on materials. Work on tangible personal property (property that isn’t permanently affixed to a building) is taxable to the customer. In this case the contractor may use a resale certificate to purchase materials exempt from tax and then charge tax to the customer to remit to the state. Work on real property is also taxable to the customer if it is for maintenance or a minor repair that is not considered an improvement.
Other states handle sales tax in their own ways. For instance, in Texas, new construction labor is non-taxable, but remodeling can be taxable depending on whether the property is residential or nonresidential. California taxes certain fabrication labor, while New York exempts capital improvements but taxes repairs. New Jersey also exempts capital improvements but has very specific guidelines on what type of work qualifies. Contractors working across state lines must understand these differences or risk non-compliance.
Other Considerations
Contract Type
The way a construction project is contracted can play a key role in sales tax treatment. With a lump sum contract, the contractor is often treated as a consumer – responsible for paying sales tax on materials and does not charge the customer sales tax. In a time and materials contract, the contractor may be treated as a retailer and need to charge sales tax on the materials—and sometimes the labor—depending on the jurisdiction.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors must also understand their tax obligations, which are often similar to the contractor but have nuances depending on the type of work and overall project. Communication between general contractor and subcontractor can be crucial in ensuring proper tax compliance.
Tax-Exempt Customers
When dealing with tax-exempt customers, such as schools, churches, or government agencies, states vary on whether that exemption extends to the contractor. In Pennsylvania, there is a Building Machinery and Equipment (BME) exemption for contracts with exempt entities that can apply if various requirements are met. The state provides a 54-page Taxability of Contractor’s Purchases for Exempt Entities List which details items eligible for this exemption. There are also exemptions for construction in specific industries, such as manufacturing, but proper paperwork must be maintained to ensure the exemption is honored by the state.
APPRENTICESHIP UPDATE
ABC Keystone Apprentices Head to National Stage in Craft Competition
ABC Keystone apprentices demonstrated outstanding skill and dedication during the Keystone Chapter’s Local Craft Competition, held Friday, Oct. 3, at the chapter’s state-of-the-art training facility in Manheim.
Top-scoring apprentices earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 ABC National Craft Competition (NCC) in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will compete against craftspeople from ABC’s 67 chapters nationwide. The local event was made possible through the support of ABC Keystone’s member companies.
Competitors showcased technical expertise and a strong commitment to safety while completing projects designed to test their hands-on abilities and problem-solving skills. The practical portion, judged by member industry professionals, accounted for 75 percent of each competitor’s total score. The remaining 25 percent of the score is based on a written exam measuring academic understanding and trade knowledge gained through ABC Keystone’s apprenticeship program.
Only apprentices ranking in the top five of their trade class qualified for the competition.
“The Keystone Chapter is proud of the accomplishments of all who competed,” said Cindy DeWire, ABC Keystone’s director of apprenticeship. “Their commitment to excellence as they represented their companies and the chapter was exemplary—a true testament to the focus on quality and safety shown by ABC members.”
Top Scorers Advancing to the 2026 National Craft Competition:
Ivan Staudt – Carpentry, Pyramid Construction Services, LLC, A Quandel Company
Ron Stuber – Electrical, CPEC, LLC
Logan Spahr – HVAC, W.C. Eshenaur and Son, Inc.
Chase Burkholder – Plumbing, CMC, Inc.
Logan Lippert – Sheet Metal, James Craft & Son, Inc.
ABC Keystone extends congratulations to all competitors for their hard work, professionalism, and continued commitment to advancing the skilled trades.
Ivan Staudt Ron Stuber Logan Spahr Chase Burkholder Logan Lippert
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 Contractors, LLC
CLARK, Inc.
CMC, 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.
Verified STEP Participants
EA Roofing Co.
Easy Does It Drywall, 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
Kessel Construction, Inc.
Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company
Krislee Electric, LLC
Lebanon Valley Electric, Inc.
Leer Electric, Inc.
Leo Kob Co., Inc.
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
LEW Site Construction, LLC
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.
NOVEMBER 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM DECEMBER 16, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
JANUARY 22, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
FEBRUARY 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
My Safety Lady, LLC
Donna Yohe, Owner
815 West Moreland Road Willow Grove, PA 19090 (610) 572-3806
www.mysafetylady.com donna@mysafetylady.com
Sponsored by: Michael Metz-Topodas Saul Ewing LLP
Fish Mechanical, LLC
Dennis W. Fisher, II, Owner 545 South 13th Street Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 354-9240
12/17 Employee Orientation, Training, & Development Part of the Human Resources Management Academy
12/17 Bluebeam®: Free Launch Webinar
MERIT SHOP PROUD
FLAGGER FORCE LAUNCHES “PEOPLE AREN’T CONES” CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT THE LIFE-SAVING ROLE HIGH-VISIBILITY YELLOW PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PLAYS IN WORK ZONES
Industry-leading, Safety-Driven®, short-term traffic control company shares how the strategic color of gear can keep both roadway workers and drivers safe.
Flagger Force, an industry-leading, Safety-Driven®, short-term traffic control company with operations across the eastern third of the United States, announces the launch of its “People Aren’t Cones” campaign to raise awareness of the hazards employees face in establishing work zones and why their crews select high-visibility safety yellow personal protective equipment (PPE). Work zones are inherently dangerous environments, with setup and teardown posing the greatest risk to traffic control professionals. The strategic choice to wear high-visibility yellow gear helps to distinguish roadway workers from cones, barrels, signs, and other objects, ultimately enhancing safety for both crews and drivers.
“At Flagger Force, we know visibility saves lives. Too often, during lowvisibility conditions or because drivers are distracted, roadway workers dressed in orange PPE are mistaken for construction or traffic control devices, and that confusion can lead to deadly consequences,” said Mike Doner, President & CEO of Flagger Force. “We are committed to ensuring our employees are seen, recognized, and respected on the roadways, which is why we have made the deliberate choice to use full-body, reflective high-visibility yellow PPE. Yellow stands out in fast-moving environments where drivers make split-second decisions, and that visual distinction between a human and a piece of equipment can make all the difference between a life saved and a life lost.”
As one of the first businesses in the short-term traffic control industry to adopt high-visibility yellow gear, Flagger Force’s decision goes beyond regulatory compliance. It is strategic and backed by science. Research shows that bright yellow is highly visible to the human eye and naturally captures attention in both daylight and lowlight conditions. The color is often associated with alertness and caution, which is critical in high-risk work zones. By maintaining consistent visual cues in its work zones, Flagger Force helps reduce driver confusion and improve reaction time. When drivers recognize the company’s distinctive PPE, they are more likely to respond appropriately, keeping themselves and roadway workers out of harm’s way.
The “People Aren’t Cones” campaign will launch on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, across Flagger Force’s key service markets, including Louisville, Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee, and other areas. The campaign will include a range of outreach efforts such as a dedicated landing page, blog series, social media advertisements, and more, aimed at reinforcing the importance of visibility in work zones, encouraging drivers to slow down when they see yellow, and introducing the people behind the brightly colored safety gear.
“We want every individual who works in and moves through our work zones to return home safely every single day. Every life matters, and that is why we are committed to investing in quality safety gear, raising critical awareness within the industry of the positive impacts of high-visibility yellow PPE, and educating community members of the vital role we all play in keeping our communities safe and moving,” said Mike Doner.
To learn more about the “People Aren’t Cones” campaign and explore work zone safety tips for drivers, visit https://flaggerforce.com/people-arent-cones/.
WARFEL CONSTRUCTION PROMOTES DUSTYN RITCHEY TO DIRECTOR OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Warfel Construction is proud to announce Dustyn Ritchey's promotion to Director of Continuous Improvement. In this role, Dustyn will continue leading the company’s Quality Team, advancing initiatives that strengthen project delivery and reinforce Warfel’s commitment to excellence.
Since joining Warfel in 2019 as a Project Manager, Dustyn has contributed to projects across every sector the company serves. In 2023, he helped shape the Continuous Improvement program, which has become a key driver of quality and risk management across the organization.
“Dustyn has consistently demonstrated what it means to be people-first,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “He not only helps us build better projects but also strengthens the relationships and trust that are central to who we are as a company.”
His promotion reflects his leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing people, process, and performance throughout Warfel.
Dustyn Ritchey
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in November 2025!
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
PREMIER SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Acuity Advisors and CPAs, LLP
Aerotek, Inc.
Assurance Media
Barley Snyder
Brubaker
SILVER SPONSORS
Associated Products Services, Inc.
Bertz, Hess & Co.
Brown Plus
C Mechanical Services
Fulton Bank
D.E. Gemmill, Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.
David Miller/Associates, Inc.
ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC
Remco, Inc.
Garrety Glass, Inc.
Horst Construction Co.
Hursh Painting Co., Inc
Martins Flooring
Hess Auctioneers, LLC
Leer Electric, Inc.
Paramount Contracting, Inc.
R.A. Walton & Company, Inc.
The Witmer Group
MVE Group
M. Potteiger, Inc.
Providence Engineering
RKL LLP
S&T Bank
135 Shellyland Road Manheim, PA 17545
INAUGURAL GALA
& ANNUAL MEETING
JANUARY 9, 2026
Don’t miss this celebration of industry leadership and excellence!
• 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.
Yorktowne Hotel 48 E Market St. York, PA 17401 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
• Celebrate the 2026 Board of Directors.
• Honor Steven Kearns, James Craft & Son, Inc., as the 2026 ABC Keystone Chair of the Board.
