October 2024 by ABC Keystone

A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair

Chair-Elect

1st

2nd

Secretary

Treasurer

2023

Robb

Jeff

Roger

Scott

Michael

Brian

Ken

John

Anthony

Patrick

Lee

Jan

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Technology is coming to Keystone!

BY: JOHN LEHMANN

As members of ABC Keystone, we have access to an extensive range of resources, including training, networking, and political advocacy events. From golf outings and tailgates to clay shoots, and peer groups, there are countless opportunities for engagement.

While all these events are valuable, nothing will compare to the upcoming Construction Technology Conference on October 22, 2024. ABC Keystone is at the forefront of the industry by being one of the few chapters to host this type of event, and we will execute it at a level that few can match. We owe a special thanks to Matt Abeles, VP of Innovation and Technology at ABC National, and his team for their pivotal role in driving our technological advancements as an association.

This all sounds great, but let’s unpack the significance of it and why every Keystone member needs to be there. The construction industry continues to evolve exponentially. In the past, it may have seemed like an annoyance to some, but there is no denying that our companies and our people are facing new challenges with fewer people to resolve them, whether in management or the field. We must find new ways to drive execution and efficiency, reduce risk, and achieve maximum profitability.

The good news is that ABC Keystone is bringing all of this to you in one incredible event. Here’s what you can expect:

• Industry-leading keynote speakers discussing cutting-edge technological advancements.

• A technology panel featuring ABC National experts to explore the numerous benefits of technology and AI that can support you today.

• A showcase of products and sponsors providing tools that could greatly benefit your company—at the very least, you’ll gain valuable insights.

• Relevant content to help you determine which technologies fit your needs, along with guidance on implementation and execution.

• Sessions tailored for all levels of your organization—executives, project managers, design/build and marketing teams, HR, field staff, accounting, and safety professionals.

• Opportunities to apply for our first-ever technology committee, set to launch in 2025.

We’re witnessing an interesting shift in the relationship between contractors and technology companies. These companies are now proactively engaging with us, adopting a partnership approach that enhances our experience from implementation through to ongoing support and utilization. Additionally, ABC National has developed valuable content and tools to help member companies identify their technology needs and pathways to success.

Regardless of your company’s size or whether you’re a trade or general contractor, there’s technology available for you. You don’t know what you don’t know, so I strongly encourage you to attend and bring your team. If you discover just one product that simplifies your work, it will be worth your time. At the very least, you’ll leave with a wealth of information.

I looked forward to see you there.

FROM THE CEO/ PRESIDENT

Planning for 2025 and Beyond

BY: G. DAVID SLOAD

As we approach the end of 2024, it's time to begin planning for 2025 and beyond. This year marks the conclusion of our 2022-2024 strategic plan. While we don’t reinvent the wheel every three years, we take the time to evaluate what’s working and identify new opportunities that lie ahead. Our 2025-2027 plan began with a strategic planning session held on September 18th and 19th.

First, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the board members, committee chairs, members-at-large, and staff who participated. Your insights and ideas are vital to ensuring we create a member-driven plan that helps our members thrive and keeps ABC Keystone a member-focused chapter. Here’s a preview of what’s to come:

Our mission remains: “ABC Keystone leads, champions, and serves the construction industry.”

The four pillars of the strategic plan are:

Advocacy

Providing unwavering support for free enterprise and open competition.

Safety & Wellness

Promoting a strong culture of safety and wellness for members and their employees.

Education & Workforce Development

Emphasizing emerging technologies and employee growth.

Business Development

Offering engaging opportunities throughout the Keystone footprint.

During the session, we began outlining goals and strategies within these pillars. In the coming months, committees will refine these strategies and develop tactics to achieve the goals. Once this work is complete, the framework will be presented to the board for approval. The 2025-2027 plan will be introduced in January by our 2025 Chair, Guy Kingree, at the all-committee kick-off.

If you couldn’t participate in September, there’s still an opportunity to contribute through our committees. If you're not yet on a committee and would like to join, reach out to the chapter office, and we’ll get you signed up. Remember, this is your association, and your input remains critical to the success of the Keystone chapter.

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.

APPRENTICE UPDATE LOCAL CRAFT COMPETITION WINNERS

On September 21, ABC Keystone proudly hosted its Local Craft Competition, showcasing the exceptional skills and talents of young craftsmen in our region. The competition was a testament to the dedication and hard work of these future leaders in the construction industry.

The Local Craft Competition is more than just an event; it’s a commitment to promoting the significance of skilled trades and encouraging the next generation to explore careers in construction. By showcasing local talent, ABC Keystone aims to strengthen the community's appreciation for quality workmanship and the vital role it plays in building our infrastructure.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s competition:

Logan Hersh, Plumbing – James Craft & Son, Inc.

Nickolas Gockley, Carpentry – Warfel Construction Company

Carter Rohrer, Electrical – Brubaker, Inc.

Avery Rhine, Sheet Metal – James Craft & Son, Inc

Jacob Gelsinger, HVAC – Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

These talented individuals will represent ABC Keystone at the National Craft Competition during the ABC Convention in Las Vegas on February 26, 2025. Their achievements not only highlight their skills but also serve as an inspiration to other young professionals in the industry.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your hard work and commitment to excellence truly embody the spirit of craftsmanship that ABC Keystone champions.

Best of luck to our winners as they prepare for the national stage!

Winners (L to R): Logan Hersh, Nickolas Gockley, Carter Rohrer, Avery Rhine, Jacob Gelsinger

Celebrating Careers in Construction Month: Why This Industry Matters More Than Ever

BY: Randy Doxzon, Director of Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Resources

Careers in Construction Month is a time to celebrate the hardworking professionals who build and maintain the world around us. From tradespeople to project managers, construction experts are the backbone of our infrastructure, turning blueprints into reality by laying foundations, raising walls, and adding the finishing touches that complete every project.

Skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters bring the hands-on expertise needed to get the job done right, while project managers ensure everything runs smoothly, overseeing budgets, timelines, and resources to keep projects on track. Their combined efforts make construction possible.

Construction is more than just building structures—it's about building careers and communities. As the industry grows, it offers opportunities to learn valuable trades, develop lifelong skills, and make a lasting impact. Whether it's a home, school, or highway, construction professionals create the spaces that support us all.

This month, we take time to recognize and thank those who dedicate themselves to this vital work. The future of construction is bright, and the next generation of builders will continue shaping our world for years to come.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

Together we can highlight the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in construction. Students can learn about the advantages of a fulfilling career in this field with your help. ABC Keystone challenges both industry professionals and educators to foster valuable connections this upcoming October during careers in construction month to help solve the workforce shortage.

Learn more about ABC Keystone's Apprenticeship Program at WWW.ABCKEYSTONE.ORG/APPRENTICESHIP/

ADVOCACY UPDATE

ABC Keystone PAC’s Endorsed Candidates

BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

As Election Day approaches on November 5th, ABC Keystone is excited to announce our endorsed candidates. Following a thorough evaluation by our Government Affairs Committee and ABC PA PAC, these candidates have been chosen for their alignment with the merit shop philosophy and dedication to the construction industry.

Our endorsement process includes detailed assessments of both incumbents and new candidates. For incumbents, we review their voting records and positions on critical issues relevant to ABC and our members. New candidates participate in a comprehensive process that includes a questionnaire on merit shop principles, followed by an interview with our committees to confirm their commitment to representing your interests.

This non-partisan approach ensures we support candidates who genuinely advocate for you and our industry. It’s important to note that endorsements are not guaranteed; some incumbents were not endorsed due to votes contrary to the interests of ABC members.

A complete list of PA ABC PAC’s endorsed 2024 candidates is found below:

Attorney General – OPEN Seat

Dave Sunday

State House Candidates

Marc Anderson (open seat), House District 92

Mike Armanini, House District 75

Scott Barger (open seat), House District 80

Jamie Barton, House District 124

Kerry Benninghoff, House District 171

Stephanie Borowicz, House District 76

Bryan Cutler, House District 100

Joe D’Orsie, House District 47

Sheryl Delozier, House District 88

Russ Diamond, House District 102

Torren Ecker, House District 193

Mindy Fee, House District 37

Wendy Fink, House District 94

Jamie Flick, House District 83

Mark Gillen, House District 128

Barbara Gleim, House District 199

Keith Greiner, House District 43

Seth Grove, House District 196

Rich Irvin, House District 81

Mike Jones, House District 93

Tom Jones, House District 98

Rob Kauffman, House District 89

Dallas Kephart, House District 73

Kate Klunk, House District 169

Tom Kutz, House District 87

David Maloney, House District 130

Steve Mentzer, House District 97

Brett Miller, House District 41

Dan Moul, House District 91

Clint Owlett, House District 68

Chad Reichard (open seat), House District 90

David Rowe, House District 85

John Schlegel, House District 101

Louis Schmitt, House District 79

Perry Stambaugh, House District 86

Joanne Steh, House District 107

Michael Stender, House District 108

Tim Twardzik, House District 123

Cindi Ward (open seat), House District 103

Eric Weaknecht (open seat), House District 5

David Zimmerman, House District 99

State Senate Candidates

Dave Argall, Senate District 29

Lynda Schlegel-Culver, Senate District 27

Dominic DiFrancesco, Senate District 15

Cris Dush, Senate District 25

Dawn Keefer, Senate District 31

Wayne Langerholc, Senate District 35

Scott Martin, Senate District 13

Doug Mastriano, Senate District 33

Gene Yaw, Senate District 23

For endorsements related to congressional candidates and the presidential race, including Donald Trump, we rely on ABC National and their federal PAC.

We strongly encourage you to engage with these candidates, learn about their positions, and make informed choices at the polls. Make sure to vote and encourage others to participate—your involvement is crucial now more than ever.

What do our members say?

"As a C.O.R.E. sponsor, we show our commitment to ABC while gaining recognition for EPIC. The C.O.R.E. flex dollars encourage deeper engagement through social events, programs, and sponsorships. With various levels available, companies of any size can find a suitable category. If you’re not a C.O.R.E. sponsor yet, now’s the time to join!"

REGISTRATION

7:15 am – 7:30 am

TIME 7:30 am – 9 am

OSS Health (Host Venue) York, PA

Sponsored By: McConkey Insurance & Benefits OCT 16 NORTHEAST REGION

EHD (Host Venue)

Wyomissing, PA

TOPIC: "The Day the Construction World Stood Still"

How the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright Decision will affect Construction Industry Regulation from the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division; OSHA; and the NLRB.

For decades federal agencies enjoyed wide latitude in creating and enforcing regulations. The Supreme Court’s recent Loper Bright decision however, put back in the courts’ hands the final say on interpreting laws about the scope of agency authority. This Wake-Up call will discuss the Loper Bright decision’s contours and its impact on how OSHA, DoL’s Wage and Hour Division and the NLRB govern the construction industry, with focus on these topics:

• Pre-Loper Bright deference to agency interpretations of their statutory authority;

• The basis for the Loper Bright decision and the scope of its ruling;

• Loper Bright’s impact on challenges to OSHA citations and future regulations; federal prevailing wage and hour compliance, enforcement, and litigation; and permissible labor organizing activities.

• Whether Loper Bright will alter how Pennsylvania regulatory agencies restrict businesses.

Presenting Panelists:

Tom Davies

Partner, Harmon & Davies, P.C.

Andrew Levy

Esquire, Partner

McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC

Michael Metz-Topodas

Partner – Construction Group, Saul Ewing LLP

"I really appreciate the concept of the “Wake-up Call” meetings. They’re scheduled early in the morning, which prevents them from disrupting the rest of my day. The topics have consistently been relevant and valuable, the locations have been convenient, and the meetings are efficiently timed, allowing me to gain useful insights and still arrive at the office by 9 a.m." – Tony Forlizzi, Sheet Metal Specialists, LLC

For More Information Contact: Mike Bachman, Director of Membership at mike@abckeystone.org

ASK AN ACCOUNTANT

BY: JEREMY PEACHEY PARTNER | MCKONLY & ASBURY

www.macpas.com

(267) 238-4775

Maximize Your Savings: How Recent 179D Deduction Changes Increase the Value of Energy Efficient Improvements

Since its inception on January 1, 2006, the 179D deduction has provided taxpayers with a significant tax incentive for making energy efficient improvements to commercial buildings. Up until now, the primary types of buildings eligible for the tax deduction are newly constructed commercial buildings, or government owned buildings. Recent revisions to the tax law allow for expanded eligibility of the 179D deductions related to energy efficient enhancements to also include older buildings. These revisions also allow for buildings owned by tax exempt entities, Indian tribal government entities, and certain Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to qualify for the 179D deduction.

Prior to tax years ending on December 31, 2022, to qualify for the 179D deduction, the energy efficient improvements must have reduced the overall annual energy and power costs of the building by 50%. The three eligible categories of energy building systems improvement costs were interior lighting, HVAC/hot water systems, and building envelope systems. If 50% energy savings were achieved for a given system, a total deduction equal to $0.63 per square feet of qualified building property installed could be realized. Any given building could achieve a maximum of $1.88 per square foot of qualified 179D deductions if all three

of the described systems were installed and met the energy savings thresholds. Under changes recently passed in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the energy savings threshold was reduced to 25% overall energy cost savings. The lower limit of energy savings now allows for improvements to older buildings, which may not have been able to reach the previous 50% threshold, to now potentially qualify for the 179D deductions. If energy savings of at least the 25% threshold are met, the deduction will be $0.54 per square foot. For every 1 percentage point above 25% of energy savings, an additional $0.02 per square foot of deduction is available, up to a maximum of $1.07 per square foot. In addition, an enhanced deduction is available for taxpayers who employ labor at the prevailing wage rate and apprentice skilled labor for the location of the building project. The deduction threshold begins at $2.68 per square foot if the prevailing wage and apprenticeship qualifications are met as part of the construction contracts. A maximum deduction of $5.36 per square foot is possible if the prevailing wage and apprenticeship qualifications of the contract are met.

The taxpayers who have the greatest potential to benefit from the expanded 179D deductions are those in the construction industry, most notably Architectural firms, Design Build Contractors, and various Engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil. Taxpayers working with building owners in the tax-exempt space will need to act quickly in order to secure the applicable 179D deductions available. The available deductions are on a first come first serve basis, so careful planning and scheduling will be necessary during the project bidding process to apply for and secure the qualifying 179D deductions.

The Construction Management Association (CMA) is a student-run organization at the Pennsylvania College of Technology that focuses on careers in construction management. CMA aims to impact the college experience for its members by providing educational opportunities to complement the CM curriculum, facilitating volunteer and service opportunities on campus and in the community, providing peer support and encouragement, coordinating industry and alumni networking, and through teambuilding and social interactions.

Our Penn College ABC Team competed at the Construction Management Competition (CMC) at the ABC Convention in Kissimmee, Florida, in March, where they placed third in Estimating and Project Management while also being recognized as the 2023 ABC Student Chapter of the Year! In recognition of the extensive programs and activities, the award came with a trophy, a cash award, a trip to DEWALT’s Training and Development Center, and an all-expenses-paid trip for four members to the ABC Legislative Conference in June. Thank you to all the ABC members who sponsored and supported our team!

With the start of classes in mid-August, CMA has been busy with many activities, including participation in the Freshman Scavenger hunt, organizing a group event for the Little League World Series, organizing a wiffle ball tournament with an industry sponsor, conducting weekly construction management tutoring sessions; running the annual Safety Gear Sale as well as the CMA Clothing sale fundraiser; and holding several picnics and social events. Upcoming activities include participation in the ABC Keystone Trap shoot in the Nittany Valley, career fair move-in assistance, the CM Career Mixer, the CMA Family Thanksgiving Dinner, and much more.

Each semester, the club plans and organizes a multiple-night field trip to a different location, often larger metropolitan areas like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC., to tour construction sites and interact with professionals from across the industry.

The Fall 2024 trip has been planned for Philadelphia and the surrounding area from October 24th to the

26th. Smaller day trips and even more minor visits to sites near campus are also a regular occurrence.

The Penn College Construction Management Association is excited to be a part of ABC Keystone and looks forward to more opportunities to interact with its membership. If you have an interest in presenting to the group, or know of an opportunity that would help broaden the perspective or ready the next generation of our industry, or have any questions about CMA or the Construction Management program at Penn College, please get in touch with us:

Morgan Littlefield, Penn College CMA President mhl3@pct.edu

Wayne Sheppard, Penn College CMA Faculty Advisor wsheppar@pct.edu

For more information about ABC Keystone's student chapters, please contact:

Randy Doxzon Director of Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Resources randy@abckeystone.org

At ABC Keystone we are committed to supporting student chapters, and we invite your assistance in providing monetary donations, materials, or your time to benefit the Penn College Construction Management program.

www.pct.edu/give/projects/cma

Matthew Ward Founder

151 W. Chocolate Ave Hershey, PA 17033 www.opticsdiagnostic.com (717) 307-7064

MWard @OpticsDiagnostic.com

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

Contact: Cassidy Reed cassidy@abckeystone.org

MATTHEW WARD

FOUNDER, OPTICS DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC

Tell us a little bit about your company.

Optics Diagnostic Solutions, LLC performs inspections on commercial buildings using infrared and nuclear technology..

I started this company a little over two years ago. My role as a founder is to perform infrared and nuclear surveys of commercial flat roofs, expand the company through networking and sales, schedule and coordinate projects, manage projects, and grow relationships with clients.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

My proudest professional accomplishment was when our team performed an infrared inspection on a roof our customer thought needed replacing. We performed the inspection and found that the roof could be restored instead. They expected to spend around $1,000,000.00 on a replacement project and found that they could spend much less. They were able to allocate that money to more building projects.

What’s something unique about your company that others might not know?

An interesting fact about my business is the technology behind what we do. Infrared cameras detect temperature differentials, which helps us find wet or defective insulation in roofs. This technology can help save building owners 100s of thousands of dollars.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by the individuals I have met along my entrepreneurial journey. I have met many great minds and innovative thinkers. The mentors I have met along the way have told me their stories of resilience and determination that help me to see the bigger picture. They have taught me that helping people is the most important thing.

What better way to promote your company than in front of 400 ABC Members? Sponsorships are now available for the 2024 EIC Awards, or place an ad in the highly anticipated Excellence in Awards Program!

Contact Heather Mazur at heather@abckeystone.org Tickets are now available at www.abckeystone.org or by scanning the QR Code.

The Excellence in Construction award ceremony is the industry’s leading competition, developed to honor innovative and high-quality Merit Shop construction projects. The award honors all construction team members, including the contractor, owner, architect, and engineer. Join fellow ABC Members, award-winning contractors, design teams, and project owners, and make this your team’s celebration party! Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

NATIONAL NEWS

Three Benefits of Expanding Professional Development Opportunities in the Skilled Trades

BY: BARTHOLOMEW JAE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

For skilled-trades workers, continuous learning is a career necessity which opens doors to new opportunities by future-proofing their skills—and as construction companies are beginning to embrace digital transformation, it’s more important than ever for their workers to continue to learn about the landscape of new technologies, processes and implementations.

The good news is that many tradespeople already see the value in on-the-job learning and dynamic credentials and are intrinsically motivated to upskill, putting the onus on employers and education institutions to ramp up access to these opportunities. Recently, the National Fire Protection Association released its Industry Trends Survey providing insights on the state of labor, training and technology in the trades. The survey shows that professional development is trending upward, with over half of workers planning to participate in more trainings than last year and 42% planning to increase the number of certifications they earn this year. Of those workers surveyed, 24% also expect to see employers allocate more of their 2024 budgets to training—a cause that workers are clearly ready to embrace.

PREP FOR A DIGITAL FUTURE

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook, sustainable practices and technology advancements are the factors most likely to shape the industry this year. The report notes that the energy and construction industries have been moving more slowly towards digitization compared to other sectors, but disruptive technologies like generative AI are accelerating the pace of digital transformation. It’s becoming clearer to construction leaders that adopting industry-specific digital tools and harnessing the power of certain data can produce a host of positive outcomes, from greener builds to lower costs to increased quality and safety on jobsites.

Yet it’s critical that workers don’t get left behind as the industry fast-tracks its digitalization. As technology integration continues to be a top priority for the trades, workers will need training on how to best leverage these tools in their day-to-day work and the role these solutions play in improving outcomes. The NFPA survey found that the majority of workers are ready to learn—with 70% expressing interest in trying new and diverse tools on the jobsite. Most workers are eager to work in harmony with the innovative technology that will help augment their roles and are open to taking new approaches to historically traditional work.

A COMPETITIVE EDGE

Across the skilled trades, trainings and certifications also play a critical role in shaping workers’ career trajectories and positioning them for long-term success. Unlike other sectors where it’s feasible for workers to complete a standalone, four-year degree and never look back, the hands-on nature of the trades coupled with how quickly techniques and tools are changing necessitates ongoing reskilling and/or upskilling. Certifications are one of many alternative credentials available to tradespeople, whether they’re looking to improve core competencies, gain specialized knowledge, earn more money, make a career pivot or achieve any other goals in between. Over the past few years, there’s been more and more discourse about widening skills gaps and the shrinking shelf-life of certain skills—especially as technology advances faster and faster—resulting in concerted efforts to offer workers diverse learning pathways to help them stay relevant in their fields. In fact, more than 40% of construction workforce growth in the past decade has come from low-skilled construction workers, driving home the opportunity to elevate knowledge in this sector.

Many of the skilled trades are facing pronounced labor shortages, driven by trends like quiet quitting from Gen Z, the great resignation from Millennials or the great retirement from Boomers. In the construction industry specifically, labor outlooks are somewhat of a mixed bag, with some sources pointing to a labor surplus while others paint a different picture, highlighting the urgency to attract and retain workers to meet rising demand. Regardless of whether the labor market is hot or cool, training and upskilling will always benefit workers as they vie for high-demand jobs and aim to display a competitive edge.

With fewer qualified workers to fill open roles across the trades, there’s a long-term need to entice the next generation of workers to consider blue-collar careers—a challenge that’s proven difficult but that the industry is taking steps to overcome. But there’s also a short-term need to ensure the workers who are currently in these roles can keep up with technological advancements and complete projects efficiently and successfully.

IMPROVE WORK AND WORK ENVIRONMENTS

In industries like construction, quality of work is paramount since employees are building the structures where people live, work and play. The NFPA survey found that by reskilling or upskilling, 52% of

workers not only increased their confidence, but 32% also felt safer with the tools and processes being used on jobsites. Additionally, 28% of respondents—up from 25% in 2023—anticipate that digital technologies will boost the overall quality of work by increasing collaboration and communication and improving the accuracy and safety of day-to-day operations.

To keep up with disruption in the skilled trades, construction management needs to consume high-stakes digital training to ensure they are competent in managing construction projects safely and in compliance to avoid costly shutdowns. Management should also provide digital training for workers to improve safety and performance. When employers offer trainings in convenient formats (e.g., asynchronous courses available on mobile devices), they can more efficiently and effectively enhance the skills and performance of their entire workforce at once. They’ll also be giving their workers the desired flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere and at their own pace—making professional development more accessible as employees progress in their careers.

The bottom line? The future of the skilled trades is digital, so workers and employers alike need to prioritize learning and working digitally in 2024 to ride the next waves of innovation and build a resilient workforce.

Source: Construction Executive Magazine 2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT EVEROUND, LLC

Tell us about Everound, LLC.

ERIK RYBERG

PARTNER AND SENIOR SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT

eryberg@everound.com (717) 312-5890

www.everound.com

Everound is a Pennsylvania-based technology solutions provider founded in January 2021 by Aaron Smith, Anthony Worrall, and me. Our mission was driven by the clear need for Pennsylvania companies to receive more from their technology providers.

We are redefining the relationship between businesses and their tech providers, offering strategic IT leadership, cutting-edge solutions, and a deep understanding of the local business landscape. Our team of experts is committed to delivering exceptional service and results.

How did you get involved in the IT industry?

I began my IT career in 1997 at Brinjac Engineering, where I experienced technology's transformative impact on the AEC industry. From the early days of email and CAD to today's complex digital environments, I've been at the forefront of tech innovation.

Over the past 25 years, I've led teams and organizations through significant digital transformations, including cloud migrations, project

management, risk assessments, mergers and acquisitions, and network infrastructure upgrades. My expertise spans industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and consulting, where I've consistently implemented IT solutions that drive business growth.

In what ways has your participation in ABC Keystone contributed value to your company? As new members of ABC Keystone, we're eager to engage and contribute meaningfully. We're actively seeking opportunities to help fellow members improve their IT efficiency.

We're proud to sponsor the upcoming Construction Technology Conference and look forward to sharing our insights on key IT trends and best practices. Our goal is to foster valuable connections and highlight the critical role of IT in the construction industry.

What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Don't let the fear of failure hold you back. Be proactive and share your ideas, even when you're unsure. Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Smucker's Energy

Keith Landis, Chief Operating Officer 5117 Old Philadelphia Pike Kinzers, PA 17535

www.smuckersenergy.com (717) 768-7777

keith@smuckersenergy.com

Hershey Excavating, LLC

Shawn Buckwalter, Project Manager 1943 Old Line Road Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 664-0084

sbuckwalter@hersheyexcavating.com

Sponsored By: Scott Wengrenovich, Murray

Copperweld Bimetallics

Peter Graser, Director, Codes & Standards 3440 Hallmark Drive SE Marietta, GA 30067

www.copperweld.com (615) 377-4200

pgraser@copperweld.com

Sponsored By: Lawrence L Summers, Jr, C Mechanical Services

Ritz-Craft Commercial (RC2)

Michael Bussiere II, VP of Business Development 15 Industrial Park Road Mifflinburg, PA 17844 www.buildonrc2.com (570) 966-5136 mbussiere@ritz-craft.com

Bohler

Bill Rearden, Principal 1600 Manor Drive, Suite 200 Chalfont, PA 18914

www.bohlerengineering.com (215) 996-9100

wrearden@bohlereng.com

Sponsored By: Guy Kingree, Benchmark Construction Company

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

10/15

MERIT SHOP PROUD

WARFEL CONSTRUCTION OPENS DOORS IN STATE COLLEGE, PA

Warfel Construction is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new office in State College, PA. On September 26th, 2024, the Warfel team and local community members gathered for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new office.

The new facility is a testament to Warfel Construction’s ongoing expansion strategy and dedication to positively impacting their communities. The State College office will enhance support for the area's local team and project operations.

President of Warfel Construction, Conlan Swope, expressed enthusiasm about the new office, stating, "We are thrilled to open our doors in State College. This milestone represents a significant step in our ongoing growth. This expansion will allow us to further support our Client for Life relationships while deepening our community ties."

Warfel’s mission, Clients for Life, guides all relationships and partnerships. This mission ensures the company remains committed to building lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the communities they serve. The new office in State College will operate under this guiding principle, fostering collaboration and trust in every project undertaken.

Warfel looks forward to providing construction management services across the State College community in key sectors including Commercial, Education, Healthcare, and Senior Living Construction.