The Keystone Contractor Fall 2023

The Magazine of the Keystone Contractors Association

Construction Career Resources Abound

Fall 2023

Latinos Helping Workforce Branding vs.

Advertising The Building PA Podcast is on the Rise

THE

OPENING WORD Howard Bernstein President, Keystone Contractors Association

As the construction industry struggles to find workers, like every other industry, contractors are considering all options. A growing bright spot in Pennsylvania’s workforce development efforts has become our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Yes, language is a barrier for our Spanish speakers, READ MORE >>>

When I took over the Keystone Contractors Association in the fall of 2016, I had plans to grow the association by introducing new ideas that were innovative and different for our members. I wanted current, past, and future members to say, “That’s my team.” I approached the KCA Board with many ideas, and collectively we would determine what could stick to the proverbial wall and what would not. This approach led to some great things that the KCA is doing today, such as the Building PA Podcast READ MORE >>>

THE KEYSTONE CONTRACTOR

UPCOMING EVENTS >>>

INSIGHTS from the Executive Director

Jon O’Brien, Keystone Contractors Association

Construction Career Resources Abound Stop us if you’ve heard this story before. Construction firms nationwide are feeling the pinch of the nation’s inability to prepare workers for blue-collar careers. Demand is high, but supply is low.

The latest data paints a sobering picture. A recent survey from the Associated General Contractors of America found that 88% of firms with job openings are struggling READ MORE >>>

Latinos Helping Workforce It’s no secret that Hispanic people form a major part of the backbone of the American workforce. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Hispanics in the workforce is expected to have increased by about 7.4 million from 2018 to 2028. BLS adds that approximately 3.4 million construction workers in 2018 were Hispanic or Latino. In Pennsylvania alone, the Hispanic population accounted for 7% of the construction workforce in 2020, according to the Center for Construction and Research Training.

READ MORE >>>

Branding vs. Advertising Building a Strong Foundation in the Construction Industry In business, particularly in the highly competitive construction industry, “branding” and “advertising” are often used interchangeably. However, these two concepts serve distinct purposes and impact a company’s success differently.

Contractors who understand the differences between branding and advertising are well-positioned to do both successfully.

READ MORE >>>

The Building PA Podcast is on the Rise

Sometimes, big ideas start in small places. Two ordinary guys walk into a coffee shop. In a casual conversation over a cup of Joe, they kick around up the idea of starting a podcast that would reshape the entire discussion about Pennsylvania’s construction industry. READ MORE >>>

THE KEYSTONE CONTRACTOR

The Keystone Contractors Association is a Pennsylvania commercial construction trade association dedicated to improving the construction industry by focusing on safety, education and training, labor relations, community service, career development, and government relations.

BECOME A KCA MEMBER AND ENJOY THESE BENEFITS keystonecontractors.com

VALUABLE MEMBER SERVICES: Education and training, career development, safety, labor relations, community service, and government relations.

KCA AFFINITY PROGRAMS: Your company and employees can take advantage of an extensive array of discounted services and products. We often hear members say the total dollar amount saved from these discounts offsets their annual membership dues!

ONLINE RESOURCES: Weekly toolbox talks, equipment recalls, "members only" wage rate information, monthly safety campaign calendar, and much more!

NETWORKING: Construction industry social events, webinars, podcasts, virtual educational sessions, and improving project outcomes group discussions.

MEMBER AWARDS PROGRAMS: KCA recognizes the state's most innovative, safest, and communitybased construction companies and professionals. Our prestigious awards include: The Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award; The KCA Top Young Leader Award; and, The KCA Annual Safety Awards!

Join now and gain access to valuable resources, benefits, and services that can help your company in today’s marketplace.

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