The Merit Shop Spokesman - March 2022 - ABC Keystone

Merit Shop The

March • 2022

Spokesman A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

Celebrate Women in

Construction Week!

March 6-12

ABC Keystone Welcomes Inclusion, Diversity The Great Resignation... & Unity Committee

17

A Great Opportunity

2

ABC Keystone Leadership 2022 Executive Committee:

CHAIR of the BOARD – Keith Eldredge, CPA, RKL

CHAIR-ELECT – Steve Conway, Pyramid Construction Services, Inc., a Quandel Enterprises Company

1st VICE CHAIR – John Lehmann, Poole Anderson Construction, LLC 2nd VICE CHAIR – Guy Kingree, Warfel Construction Company SECRETARY – Steven Kearns, James Craft & Son, Inc

TREASURER – Timothy A. Kershner, CPA, Walz Group

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR – Cleo Weaver, Delainco Realty, LLC

2022 Board of Directors:

Robb Beiler, Quality Buildings LLC Jeff Bright, Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants Roger S. Brubaker, Meadow Valley Electric, Inc. Douglas M. Dvorchak, Murray Ed Engle, Smucker Company Joe Finkey, Martin’s Flooring, Inc. Brian Floyd, Gunn-Mowery, LLC Wayne Fuhrman, The Witmer Group Michael B. Funck, Wohlsen Construction Company Ken Funk, Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc. John H. Hykes II, B&B Integrations David H. Oblender, Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. Jon Sensenig, Speedwell Construction, Inc. James Stephens, CFSP, 11400 Inc. Bethany Tesché, Houck Services, Inc. Jan L. Wagner, Wagman Construction, Inc. Thomas O. Williams, Esq., Reager & Adler, P.C.

G. David Sload, President-CEO

ABC Keystone | 135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 653-8106 | abckeystone.org 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: Kristi Pronovost Director of Marketing & Communications ABC Keystone kristi@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106

Connect with ABC on Social Media! @ABCKeystonePA LinkedIn.com/company/abckeystone/ @ABCKeystone @ABCKeystone

Merit Shop The

Spokesman Contents

2 Message from the Chair 3 Message from the President-CEO 5 Celebrate Women in Construction Week!

6 Apprenticeship at ABC 7 New Members & Anniversaries 8 Member Spotlight 9 Young Professionals Spotlight 10 Young Professionals Perspective 11 Spring Regionals 13 Economic Breakfast Photos 15 Support Future Professionals!

17 NEW! IDU Committee 18 Career Development at ABC 19 Advocacy Update 20 STEP Members 21 Member News

The Great Resignation

....A Great Opportunity

T

he pandemic has changed how people view their personal and professional lives. A description used to describe our current time is “The Great Resignation.” People are changing careers, where they live, and some are even deciding to retire early. Many people I know are making those decisions and significant changes.

With the pandemic changing the way we live, work and play, we need to adapt. Before the pandemic, construction was staring at a large hole in the workforce. We were wondering where we were going to find that next generation of workers. With people reassigning their career choices, it is now time for us to get out and tell the story about the great career one can have in the construction industry.

I have learned that contractors take great pride in their work.

For those that may not know my story, I grew up in a family of construction workers. My grandfathers and uncles would always talk about the jobs on which they were working and the issues they faced on each. They loved driving us around and showing us the work they had accomplished. And to this day, when I pass certain jobs, one of them being the Walt Whitman bridge in Philadelphia, I remember the stories and the sense of pride they had working on that bridge.

I have one owner with whom I work who tells me his father explained to him, "Learn a trade, and you will never go hungry." He learned to be a concrete worker, and today he owns a successful construction company. He tells me he is earning more money than he could have ever imagined as a child.

Isn’t this the story we need to tell about construction? Learn a trade, have a great career and have pride in what you do for a living. Help build your city, town and neighborhoods. What better calling could there be for a career?

ABC Keystone is helping with this call to a career in construction by meeting with schools and talking about these opportunities. One of the exciting workforce development events that ABC Keystone puts on each year in March to highlight careers in construction is “Construction Wars.” For those who may not know what this is, it is three days of hosting 200 middle school students in an interactive career exploration

A Message from the Chair

event with hands-on activities providing the students with an understanding of the many possible career paths available in the construction industry.

Another exciting event is ABC National's Craft Competition to be held March 16. I’m looking forward to traveling to the National Competition in Texas to cheer on our members. It is exciting to see people showing off the trades they've learned. They have been educated by some of the best instructors in all of ABC’s apprenticeship programs.

We are proud of those representing ABC Keystone, and I want to wish each participant the best of luck. See page six for a listing of the Keystone Chapter's competitors.

ABC National and ABC Keystone continue to be leaders in construction education and career development for our members by encouraging and providing training to all who are interested in a career in construction.

ABC is providing a path to a better life to those who wish to earn a good living for hard work. This is how our country was built.

“

Learn a trade, and you will never go hungry.

Keith Eldredge, CPA 2022 Chair of the Board RKL keldredge@rklcpa.com (717) 843-3804

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Back to the Future A

s we watch today’s headlines unfold before our eyes, we begin to wonder, "Haven’t we been here before?" I have said many times that we can’t live in the past, but we need to learn from the past. Based on the current state of affairs all around this country, I’m not sure our politicians have learned anything from the past.

Let’s take a journey back to the late 70’s. In 1976, Jimmy Carter was elected President and was set to put the USA on a new course post-President Richard Nixon and the infamous Watergate scandal. The country was ready to put crooked politics behind them and move on with the leadership of a fine, upstanding man from Georgia. Some will say Carter was probably one of the most honest men to hold that office.

As the Carter years progressed, things began to unravel quickly. Inflation grew to the highest level in decades.

As a result, mortgage rates soared. I was offered my first mortgage on a house I was buying at 14.5%. Gas

3

Hear from the President-CEO production was down causing higher prices and shortages.

We could only buy gas on certain days based on the last number on your license plate, and then you waited in line just to get to the pump. Overseas, we left our embassy in Iran to be overrun and our citizens to be taken hostage.

These fine American people were held from November of 1979 until early 1981.

Does any of this seem familiar? We’re enduring the highest inflation in decades. Gasoline prices go up weekly.

Americans are left behind in Afghanistan. Will our current inflation lead to higher interest rates? Will all of this slow the construction industry down? Time will tell. But there’s one more way we’re reliving the past. Let’s go back to 1950.

1950 was a time when ABC was founded. Seven contractors from Baltimore wanted the right to be able to bid on and win work that was only set aside for union contractors.

This began a movement that would over the next twenty

years sweep across the country. After 72 years, who would have thought we would go back to those days? On February 4, 2022, President Biden signed an executive order requiring all Federal construction projects above $35 million dollars be done with a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). In other words, those projects are to be done using union labor. The President has decided to discriminate against the more than 87% of construction workers that choose not to be union.

So, what’s my point? Plain and simple, elections have consequences, and you and your employees need to be engaged in the process. It took the leadership of President Reagan to get our hostages home, to stabilize the economy and to put us back on a path to prosperity. Unfortunately, we have three more years until the end of this failed administration. The upcoming mid-term elections give us the ability to take back the House and Senate. If we do, maybe we can neutralize Biden’s next three years until we can elect a pro-people President.

This year we elect a new Governor along with State House and Senate members. The Governor’s race is crucial for our industry, because if you think Governor Wolf was bad for business, just imagine a Governor Shapiro. ABC Keystone will continue to provide you, the members, with position papers and issue advocacy on the candidates to help you navigate the very crowded field of people running for office.

In closing, like the very beginning of ABC’s existence, you the members, need to “Get into politics or get out of business.”

Your business and your employees depend on it.

“

...elections have consequences, and you and your employees need to be engaged in the process.

G. David Sload President-CEO dave@abckeystone.org (717) 653-8106

Don't Let Your

Membership Benefits Lapse!

The Keystone Chapter membership directory is in production! Members renewed for 2022 by March 31, 2022 will be listed in the 2022 edition.

Be sure your company makes the list!

Renew Today!

https://abckeystone.org/renew/ ABC Keystone Membership benefits expire 3/31/22

4

Celebrate Women in Construction Week!

March 6-12, 2022

Did You Hear the News? ABC Keystone's All 'bout Construction Girls Camp is happening again this summer, June 13-16. The camp will be grant-funded through the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board.

Watch for more information in the months ahead and stay tuned to our social media channels March 6-12 to hear from some of our female apprentices about their journeys on their careers in construction paths.

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6

Apprenticeship at ABC

Best of Luck to Our National Craft Competitors!

"Over the past three months, ABC Keystone's National Craft Competitors have been taking practice written exams and working on their practical hands-on skills in preparation for the National Craft Championship Competition (NCC) in San Antonio on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. We wish all four of our competitors the best of luck as they represent ABC Keystone, their employers, and themselves at this event. Attending the National Craft Competition and seeing our apprentices competing with the best in the country is a highlight of my job. It is a great opportunity for these young men, and I know they will do their best."

ABC Keystone's NCC Team:

- Cindy DeWire, ABC Keystone Director of Apprenticeship

(Pictured left to right)

• Joe Mazzur, Plumbing, Brubaker, Inc. • Jeremy Landis, Electrical, Meadow Valley Electric, Inc. • Michael Harker, Carpentry, Wohlsen Construction Company • Andrew Speicher, HVAC, W.C. Eshenaur and Son, Inc.

Attention

Contractors!

Build Your Apprenticeship canTeam! help you!

• Create your own

workforce

through formalized training

• Increase

productivity, safety, and profits

• Expand your workers’

knowledge base

• Bid work more

competitively

For more information: abckeystone.org CindyD@abckeystone.org cindyd@abckeystone.org

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Welcome to ABC's Newest Members!

Thank you for your support of the merit shop mission!

Best Line Equipment Company Dalton Johnson, Full Line Sales Representative 6700 Allentown Boulevard Harrisburg, PA 17112 ph. (717) 540-7867 djohnson@bestline.com Sponsor: John H. Hykes, II, B&B Integrations

eciConstruction, LLC

William Eichelberger, Vice President & CFO 124 West Church Street Dillsburg, PA 17019 ph. (717) 638-3000 wpe3@ecigroup.us Sponsor: Don Rogers, MidState Mechanical & Electrical, LLC

Keystone Gun-Krete, LLC

Quarry View Building Group

Melendez Contracting, LLC

T&J Giftland Trophies

Will Finkey, Sales & Estimating 4435 Oregon Pike Ephrata, PA 17522 ph. (717) 768-3641 will@keystonegun-krete.com Sponsor: Joe Finkey, Martin's Flooring, Inc. Castor Melendez, Owner 1007 Cornerstone Drive Mount Joy, PA 17552 ph. (717) 669-9740 cmelendez@melendezgc.com Sponsor: Wayne Fuhrman, The Witmer Group

JEM Group, LLC

Christopher Wise, Controller 214 Senate Avenue Suite 302 Camp Hill, PA 17011 ph. (717) 238-7709 cwise@jemgroup.net Sponsor: Wayne Fuhrman, The Witmer Group

Laurel Charney, Office Manager 695 Hartman Station Rd Lancaster, PA 17601 ph. (717) 283-4870 lcharney@quarryview.net Sponsors: Robb Beiler, Quality Buildings LLC & Elmer Zook, Quality Buildings LLC Vivienne Miller, President 1223 North George Street York, PA 17404 ph. (717) 845-4434 awards@tjtrophies.com

WYK Associates, Inc.

James Swiger, President, Owner 205 Washington Avenue Clarksburg, WV 26301 ph. (304) 624-6326 james@wykarchitects.com

View a searchable membership directory at abckeystone.org!

Download the mobile app at the App Store or Google Play!

Happy Anniversary!

Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in March 2022!

30 Years:

Protech Mechanical Contractors, Inc. 15 Years:

High Construction Company

5 Years:

Boger Concrete Company J.G. Graybill Plumbing, Inc.

1 Year:

SACA/Tec Centro Sahd Metal Recycling Vernon Bitzer Associates, Inc 77

Member Spotlight

Best Line Equipment

Tell us about your company!

Best Line Equipment offers equipment rental, sales, service, and parts from locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With over 35 years of experience, we are an authorized dealer of major industry manufacturers including Bobcat®, Doosan, JLG®, Dynapac, Hustler, Stihl® and many more.

Our professionals are dedicated to helping our customers find exactly what they need and are there to help with whatever they need in the future.

How did you enter the construction industry?

Dalton Johnson

Outside Sales Representative Best Line Equipment djohnson@bestline.com (717) 599-4313 (cell) www.Bestline.com

Dalton: After graduating from York College of PA and bouncing between jobs for a year, I entered the equipment rental industry and immediately fell in love with the equipment, the people, and the culture. I am entering my fifth year in the industry (one year with Best Line Equipment), and I enjoy helping contractors get the equipment they need.

Johnny: After working in the beverage business for 28 years, the company at which I worked was sold. A close friend got me very interested in the rental equipment world. For me, being in sales PLUS working outside at the jobsites makes the day fun and very educational. Every day is a learning experience.

Did You Know?

Best Line Equipment has been family-owned since its founding in 1985 in Muncy, PA.

Johnny West

Outside Sales Representative Best Line Equipment jwest@bestline.com (717) 648-6927 (cell) www.Bestline.com

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Young Professionals

Spotlight Meet Kyle!

Tell us about the role you play in your organization: I am the operations coordinator for CB Construction Services, Inc. Working in a small business, I wear many hats within this position which include estimating, social media, marketing, and human resources.

Why do you wake up and go to work every day?

Going to work each day provides an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It is exciting to watch the fast-moving industry, as well as our company’s position in it.

As a small business, days are very fluid and create an exciting environment to work in.

How has your involvement in ABC Keystone provided you value in your professional life?

For several years, I have predominantly taken advantage of the vast educational opportunities offered by ABC Keystone.

Of these, the Leadership Development Series and the Superintendent Training Series are among my favorites.

Moreover, ABC Keystone also provides a viable opportunity to network with individuals and companies from all corners of the construction industry and related businesses.

What are your hobbies?

Aside from spending my free time with my wife, son, daughter, and two dogs, much of my time is consumed by my newfound love for golf and other forms of staying active. I have been an advocate for health and fitness aiding in overall personal progression that has exponential benefits.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Kyle Lukoskie Operations Coordinator CB Construction Services, Inc. klukoskie@cbconstructionservices.com

Share with us a recent, favorite book: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win

by Jacko Willink and Leif Babin

What was your favorite concert to attend?

My favorite concert that I attended, along with my mother and brother, was an Eric Church concert in Greensboro, NC. Aside from the great concert, the road trip to North Carolina made the experience something that I fondly look back upon.

Young Professionals

Perspective Worker Retention: Why It Matters Most

I

t’s no secret that over the past two years the workforce has declined. More and more workers are finding reasons to move on to another company, industry, or to not return to work at all.

Finding ways to hold on to employees and workers is yet another negative coming out of a global pandemic.

I was fortunate enough to make a transition in industries prior to the pandemic. One of the most important things to me, for which I wasn’t even aware or looking, was a solid work-life balance. This has not only allowed me to spend more time with my growing family but appreciate and respect the company for which I now work.

Discovering your employees’ priorities can not only retain workers, but it also makes your company a destination for other high-qualified candidates.

One of the most important factors in my decision to switch into an unknown industry was the clear expectations that were set from my first initial meeting. I did not leave second-guessing what was discussed or what was to be expected of me. Communication with current or potential workers is a huge component when looking to continue to grow your organization.

by: Joe Beahm Account Manager, Graphtech

“

What I’ve found is that many workers believe the old phrase, “The grass is greener on the other side.” Show your workers why you’re the best place for their talents. Appreciate that they are helping you accomplish your overall goal and recognize their efforts. Don’t take it for granted, as it may take months before a solid replacement can be found. Ensure the employee knows and understands they are part of a team and that their opinions are taken into consideration when collaborating with other members within the organization.

I’m certainly not an expert on retention. I have, however, learned what’s been best for me and have not taken it for granted. Get on a personal level with them, ask about their day outside of work, etc.

Listen to your workers and show them why they’re appreciated!

What I’ve found is that many workers believe the old phrase, 'The grass is greener on the other side.' Show your workers why you’re the best place for their talents.

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2022 Regional Construction Wake-up Call Series

Spring Regionals Open for Registration!

SPRING 2022 Topic: Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ or ‘Bad for Business Bill’

Prepare Your Business for the ‘BBB!’ Southwest Region, 4/20, at OSS Health, York Northeast Region, 4/27, at RKL, Reading

Capital Region, 5/4, at Penn Harris Hotel, Camp Hill Lancaster Region, 5/11, at ABC Keystone, Manheim

Register online: abckeystone.org 11

With: Tom Davies, Esq. Harmon & Davies, P.C.

No Cost to Attend!

Chapter Calendar - Register Today!

March 3/1 - ABC Keystone’s Regional Construction Wake-up Call - Lancaster Region, ABC Keystone (Winter Series) 3/1 - Virtual Design & Construction Technology - Part of the Understanding the Construction Process Series 3/2 - Delegating for Results - Part of the Professional Development Series Starts 3/3 - S uperintendent Training Program (STP) – Leadership and Motivation 3/4 - ABC Keystone’s Apprenticeship Mock Craft Competition - Final Practice Before the 2022 ABC National Craft Competition!

Starts 3/7 - Inspirational Leadership Workshop - NEW! Starts 3/8 - OSHA 10-Hour Construction 3/8 - Attitude Adjustments - Part of the Leadership Development Series Starts 3/9 - Construction Site Layout 3/10 - Construction Risk Management - Part of the Understanding the Construction Process Series 3/10 - ABC Keystone’s Meet the Generals Presented by H.B. McClure Company 3/11 - Competent Person for Fall Protection 3/15 - Motivating Fellow Employees - Part of the Leadership 2.0 Series - NEW! 3/16 - ABC Keystone’s Regional Construction Wake-up Call Capital Region, Penn Harris Hotel, Camp Hill (Winter Series) 3/16 - HR’s Strategic, Operational & Administrative Roles Part of the Human Resources Management Academy Starts 3/16 - Construction Estimating 3/18 - HSI Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 3/22 - OSHA Recordkeeping 3/24 - Electrical Safety: Protection Requirements from OSHA & NFPA 70E 3/25 - Rough Terrain Forklift Training Starts 3/28 - Productive Conflict: Communication, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills Starts 3/29 - A BC Keystone’s Construction Wars - A Middle School Hands-on Career Exploration Event

We Can CUSTOMIZE TRAINING for Your Team's Unique Needs!

April Starts 4/5 - Basic Construction Spanish 4/6 - Competent Person for Supported Scaffold Training 4/6 - Accountability for Results - Part of the Professional Development Series Starts 4/6 - Advanced Blueprint Reading 4/7 - Leading in the Field with Emotional Intelligence - Part of the Field Leader 2.0 Series - NEW! 4/7 - Rough Terrain Forklift Training 4/11 - HSI Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 4/11 - SalesWorks!

4/12 - Networking, Referrals, Strategic Alliances - Part of the Leadership Development Series 4/12 - Apprenticeship - Open House for Educators 4/14 - Construction Agreements and Payments - Part of the Understanding the Construction Process Series 4/19 - Negotiating for Win-Win Outcomes - Part of the Leadership 2.0 Series - NEW! 4/20- ABC Keystone’s Regional Construction Wake-up Call Southwest Region, OSS Health, York (Spring Series) 4/20 - Employment Laws, Compliance, and Minimizing Risk Part of the Human Resources Management Academy 4/21 - Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group (CEO/Owners/Executive Leadership) Starts 4/25 - OSHA 30-Hour Construction 4/27 - ABC Keystone’s Regional Construction Wake-up Call Northeast Region, RKL, Reading (Spring Series) 4/29 - Mobile Elevating Work Platform (Aerial Lift) Training

Register Online: abckeystone.org CONTACT US TODAY! (717) 653-8106

Barbara Holtzapple (Career Development) Kevin Keith (Safety) 12

ABC Keystone’s

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Breakfast

Thank you for attending!

13

View more photos on Facebook!

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Thank you!

Support the

Future of the Industry!

Did You Know?

AmazonSmile gives .05% of your purchases to a charity of your choice. Please consider supporting the Merit Shop Training & Research Center (MSTRC) Scholarships!

Volunteer for All 'bout Construction (ABC) Girls Camp!

Use this link to shop and support MSTRC: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2121806

ABC Keystone's summer camp introducing girls to careers in construction will take place June 13-16, and female volunteers are needed!

Reminder: To donate, you must be on the AmazonSmile website when ordering.

To sign up for one or more volunteer shifts, please contact: stephanie@abckeystone.org Learn more about the camp: https://bit.ly/2022ABCGirlsCamp-Keystone

How to Comply with OSHA? ORDER Your copy of:

OSHA’s 29CFR 1926 Construction Industry Regulations from ABC Keystone!

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- Handy and readily available access wherever you need it!

$27 + Shipping + Tax

Contact Kevin at (717) 653-8106 or kevin@abckeystone.org to place your order.

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Fax: (717) 653-6431or email to lori@abckeystone.org

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Experience ABC’s Premier Education & Professional Development for Future Project Management Leaders!

Week 1: May 16 – May 20, 2022 Week 2: July 19 – July 22, 2022

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Inclusion, Diversity & Unity (IDU) ABC Keystone Welcomes

NEW Committee!

B

By: Barbara Holtzapple, Director of Education

ased on our merit shop philosophy, ABC Keystone strives to make construction a place where everyone can succeed. The new Inclusion, Diversity and Unity (IDU) Committee has been tasked with doing just that. They will be evaluating the current state of the association as well as developing and supporting initiatives that will grow the Chapter in new ways. This will include outreach, community partnerships, educational initiatives and programming designed to make its members, their teams, and our industry more successful.

At last fall’s Strategic Planning session, Inclusion was identified as a strategic goal imperative to the chapter and its members’ success. By directing and supporting initiatives that build inclusive environments within ABC, the IDU committee will help cultivate innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in the industry.

These innovative conditions will then provide hiring and retention advantages, diverse talent, and procurement pools, as well as competitive market advantages for the membership.

How do we define inclusion, diversity and unity?

• Inclusion: a feeling of belonging • Diversity: a variety of people • Unity: an intentional space for people to be themselves while working toward common goals for everyone’s benefit Why should IDU matter to you and your business?

IDU is imperative, not because of social or legal pressures, but because diversity brings organizations new ideas from various backgrounds. This results in greater innovation and creativity.

Organizations that strive to promote IDU principles: • Attract the best talent • Increase productivity • Drive innovation and financial returns • Promote Total Human Health Our IDU Committee is unique in that it is made up of members of each of ABC Keystone’s standing committees as well as at-large 17

members. It is structured this way to allow for dissemination of information as well as for accountability. Initiatives that start in IDU will be implemented in all aspects of the chapter and having liaisons to bring information and reporting both ways will be crucial to its success. Committee members serve as innovators, messengers, and partners for the program.

ABC Keystone’s inaugural IDU committee is led by Co-Chairs: Colleen Gemmill, Vice President of D.E. Gemmill, and Nora Weder, Business Development Director for Warehaus. The Board of Directors Liaison is Jim Stephens, President of 11400, Inc., and the staff liaison is Barbara Holtzapple, Director of Education at ABC Keystone.

Reach out to barbara@abckeystone.org with any questions or to get involved in the committee. It meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30 am at the chapter office.

New

Leadership Education (& Exciting!) in 2022

Education

Update By: Barbara Holtzapple, Director of Education

• Starts 3/7 - Inspirational Leadership Workshop with Mike Greene • Starts 3/16 - Construction Estimating • Starts 4/5 - Basic Construction Spanish • 4/7 - Emotional Intelligence in the Field: Keeping Your Cool When No One Else Does ABC Keystone has some fresh, new courses that provide innovative, interactive, and individualized pathways to team management. It all kicks off in March with the Inspirational Leadership Workshop, Basic Construction Spanish, and Construction Estimating, and then it continues into April with our Field Leader 2.0 course "Using Emotional Intelligence in the Field."

Inspirational Leadership Workshop Facilitated by Mike Greene of IntegrityWorks Coaching Beginning with a comprehensive DiSC profile, this course will help you realize your best communication style, how to begin building your leadership skills, and how to inspire leadership in fellow teammates. It is taught over three weekly, interactive sessions with role-playing, class discussions, and accountabilities to actively apply what you learn - as you learn - for lasting results. Do you want to build vision, gain alignment, and become an effective delegator who successfully executes every time? This is the class for you!

Basic Construction Spanish This class will be taught in two weekly sessions for eight weeks for maximum retention and impact. Held in partnership with Tec Centro, the class is limited to the first 12 registrants. It will feature basic conversational language as well as construction and safety-specific terms. The class is recommended for field leaders and others who work directly with ESL (English as a Second Language) individuals; no prior Spanish classes are needed to succeed in this course.

The classroom experience will be interactive and designed with activities to build confidence and solidify foundational learning. Basic Construction Spanish will meet Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 - 5 pm at ABC Keystone.

Construction Estimating Taught by Tim Sullivan This class makes its ABC debut on March 16. It will meet weekly from 8 am-11 am for six weeks and will introduce the types of cost estimation from the conceptual design phase through the closeout process of a construction project. In addition, the course highlights the importance of controlling costs and how to monitor project cash flow using interactive,

hands-on activities. Topics also include: post contract, cost estimation within a project, cost control methods, close out period, project cash flow, technology trends, program cost estimating, and lean principles.

Field Leader 2.0 Series For those field leaders looking to further their skills beyond and in addition to the Superintendent Training Program, the Education Committee has developed the “Field Leader 2.0 Series,” which will meet four times a year from 7-9 am at ABC. The first topic is "Using Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in the Field: Keeping Your Cool When No One Else Does."

Becoming more aware of how EQ impacts performance, teamwork, and engagement is the first step to becoming more successful in stressful jobsite situations. Lisa Murray, Director of Human Capital Solutions at Wohlsen Construction Company, will lead the session featuring an interactive roleplaying workshop and sharing of best practices among peers.

Contact Barbara Holtzapple at the Chapter Office (barbara@abckeystone.org or 717-653-8106) with questions, suggestions, to join the Education Committee, or to customize any of ABC Keystone’s Educational courses for your company.

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Advocacy Update The

By: David G. Greineder, IOM ABC Pennsylvania Director of Government Affairs

Silly Springtime Season

is Here

O

19

n February 8, Gov. Wolf released his final budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The $43 billion budget proposal is about $5 billion over last year. Not surprisingly, the governor is again proposing various policy initiatives, including increasing the minimum wage, setting a minimum teacher salary of $45,000, and legalizing recreational marijuana, to name a few. While there are no broad-based tax increases contained in the proposal, the increase over last year is said to be “paid-for” by using all the federal stimulus dollars.

Harrisburg. Knowing the margins will be tight, and we may still have a divided government, we need to be realistic in what we push for, but also be bold in our “wish list.” To that goal, here are some questions to ponder:

As expected, Republican leaders have characterized the proposal as a non-starter. They believe spending down federal dollars to pay for one year’s worth of spending increases will lead to deficits in the out-years. Because the threat of a future recession is looming, Republicans are looking to craft a modest budget that protects taxpayers by balancing cost increases and program needs with growing the Rainy Day Fund.

 What issues will energize our grassroots advocates?  How can we keep it simple?

Every year, the running joke in Harrisburg is the budget will be done “early.” It never happens, and is unlikely to happen this year, unless the campaign season re-districting maps consumes the attention of decision-makers. For now, the legislature is on break until the end of March, allowing time for the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to hold hearings on the budget proposal.

If you would like to read the materials presented at those meetings, you can do so at www.abcpa.org.

As we look to the rest of this year, ABC of Pennsylvania will be collaborating with chapters to develop a new and fresh legislative agenda. We are looking for your input on what ABC should advocate for in

 What are BIG IMPACT policy issues that ABC can LEAD and WIN on?

 What do you want ABC to be KNOWN for?  What issues can be bipartisan and address industry challenges broadly?

If you have any brilliant ideas, please send them my way to davidg@abcpa.org. Lastly, in February and March, ABC Keystone held regional meetings to discuss ABC’s advocacy programming and forecast where Pennsylvania is heading this election cycle.

Welcome to 2022!

If you are not signed-up to receive email alerts, please download the “ABC Action App” from the app store on your mobile device, or at abc.org/abcaction.

Congrats to ABC Keystone's 2022 STEP Recipients!

Diamond:

11400 Inc. Quandel Enterprises, Inc.

Platinum:

Hursh Painting Co., Inc. Leo Kob Co., Inc. Silver:

John E. Fullerton, Inc. Johnston Construction Company M. Potteiger, Inc. Warfel Construction Company

As verified by ABC National as of February 2022 Watch future Merit Shop Spokesman issues for updates!

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Bronze:

C Mechanical Services

Auto/Commercial Vehicles | Identity & Device Protection | Auto Insurance | Hotels | Verizon | Apparel/Uniform | Household Items | Retail | More!

Learn more: abc.org/Membership/Member-Discounts 20

#ABCMeritShopProud ABC Keystone Member Barley Snyder Announces New Hire, Partner & Board Appointment

Emigsville-based YorkHoist and marketing brand manager for Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York.

Barley Snyder is pleased to announce attorney Alexandra E. Otto has joined the firm in its Harrisburg office. Otto will work in the firm’s Trusts & Estates and Real Estate practice groups. She has been working in the legal profession in the Carlisle area since she was 16, first as intern, then as a clerk, and now as an attorney.

Jonathan Demmy was promoted to IT Manager. Jon joined Boyer & Ritter in 2017 as Technology Support Specialist and previously worked as Senior IT Administrator for Essential Enterprise Solutions.

Barley Snyder is also pleased to announce that Matthew L. Guthrie has been elected to the firm’s partnership.

Guthrie’s move to partner became effective Jan. 1. Guthrie is a member of the firm’s Real Estate, Trusts & Estates and Business practice groups. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University.

Venture Lititz, the nonprofit organization that supports the vibrancy of Lititz Borough, has named Barley Snyder partner Maria Di Stravolo Elliott the president of its board of directors. Elliott has been a director on the board for more than two years before moving into her new position this year. Venture Lititz works to enhance and sustain the social and commercial vibrancy of the town’s community, according to its mission statement.

Boyer & Ritter LLC Announces Top 100 People Winner & New Hires Thomas J. Taricani, Principal in charge of the State College office of Boyer & Ritter, made Pennsylvania Business Central’s Top 100 People for 2022. Taricani is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and chairs the firm’s Valuation Advisory Services practice group. He is actively involved in most aspects of a client’s income and estate tax minimization planning including formulation and implementation of sophisticated succession, exit and estate plans.

Kourtney Suder has joined Boyer Ritter as a human resources coordinator. She previously worked as a human resources recruiter and coordinator for Mechanicsburgbased Select Medical.

Melissa W. Hall has joined as a marketing coordinator.

Melissa previously worked as the marketing supervisor for 21

News

CV Services, Inc., Announces Promotion of Barry E. Watts to President CV Services, Inc., Electrical Construction announces the promotion of Barry E. Watts to the position of President.

In addition to his current project management/supervision duties, he will also be responsible for overseeing the dayto-day operations of the company. Mr. Watts has over 24 years of electrical construction experience. He has been part of the CV Services, Inc. team since 2008, acting as Foreman, Project Manager and Superintendent. Myrl A. Hersh will remain with the organization in the position of CEO.

McKonly & Asbury Wins ClearlyRated’s 2022 Best of Accounting Award for Service Excellence For the fourth consecutive year, McKonly & Asbury has won the Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients.

McKonly & Asbury received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 91.8% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 53% in 2021.

R&C Heavy Mechanical, LLC Joins Kinsley Construction, Inc.'s Industrial Division Kinsley Construction, Inc. is excited to announce that R&C Heavy Mechanical has joined its industrial division.

This merger allows the companies to openly share their resources such as manpower and equipment and paves the way for future growth through their combined goals.

Kinsley’s industrial services will now incorporate concrete and asphalt plant relocations and repairs, and a turn-key approach to future projects. In addition, Kinsley’s in-

#ABCMeritShopProud house rebar, structural and plate fabrication resources will increase capacity and service available to R&C Heavy Mechanical’s current clients.

Quandel Enterprises, LLC Announces Family Succession Plan Quandel Enterprises, LLC announces the transition of Gregory Quandel, chief executive officer of Quandel Enterprises; Jerome Urban, president and chief executive officer of Performance Construction Company; and Michael Murchie, executive vice president of Quandel Enterprises and chief executive officer of J. Vinton Schafer Construction, LLC into leadership and ownership of Quandel’s family of companies.

Noble (Bud) Quandel, Jr., who served Quandel Enterprises as chief executive officer since 1977, is transitioning leadership and ownership after a successful construction career of more than 50 years. Bud will remain with the company as an executive chair and member of the board of directors through 2031 to facilitate a smooth transition.

RKL Named One of America’s Best Accounting Firms Forbes Named RKL One of America’s Best Accounting Firms for 2022. RKL is one of 223 most recommended accounting firms in the U.S., according to a new survey released by global media brand Forbes. The CPA and advisory firm is one of only four Pennsylvania-headquartered firms to make the list, which is based upon 4,400 recommendations from tax and accounting professionals and their clients.

paralegal Jessica J. O’Toole. Together, they have formed Saxton & Stump’s Franchising, Licensing and Distribution practice, having previously practiced as Kent Franchise Law Group, LLC, a Stevens & Lee company. The team will continue to focus on partnering with clients on their franchising, licensing and distribution legal needs.

Saxton & Stump also announced a new executive-level position titled Director of Success, and tapped Sara C. Arndt, a business leader with a unique background in legal operations, digital marketing and finance. Arndt previously worked for a Fortune 500 company, The Hershey Company, for more than 15 years in various roles overseeing client service and project management. She is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Did You Know?

You can download ABC Keystone & ABC Member logos! Add them to your website, email signature, ads and more.

Download logo files & information at: http://bit.ly/ABCKeystoneMemberLogos

Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants Franchise Law Attorneys Join Firm & Director of Success Hired Franchise law attorneys Thomas J. Kent, Jr. and Amanda D. Dempsey have joined Saxton & Stump as shareholders bringing with them Jarina D. Duffy as senior counsel and

For inclusion in future issues of the Merit Shop Spokesman, please send your press releases to: kristi@abckeystone.org

22

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