Kathy Abernethy
Brett Anderson
Nevin Cooley
Co-Worker Activities Committee
Rick Dickerson
ECO Task Force
Kathy Frey
Lisa Fulginiti
Good Measure Award Committees
Carolyne Jordan
Michelle McCann
Jim McCary
David Nice
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Stephanie Reese
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
John Sandy
Lucinda Santiago
Robin Stauffer
Terry Warco
Laurie Watson
1. Tony Porter (HSSI) plays his guitar.
2. Greg High (HCL) emerges from the dunk tank.
3. Jeff Good (HCGL) and his wife.
4. Rebecca O’Marrah (HHL), talent show co-host.
5. David Nice (HCL) recommends a cold drink.
6. Jeff Sterner (HSSI) with his granddaughter.
7. Suzanne Morris (HCL) and Marcia Moores (HCL).
8. Harold (HSSI retiree) and Della Mae Frantz.
9. Ray Nieves (HCGL) and his grandson.
10. Amy Martzall (HCC) with her daughter.
11. Sam Brown (HCGL retiree).
12. Brenda Keller (HHL) and her niece.
13. Darryl Gordon (HCL), talent show co-host.
14. Chuck (HSSI) and Bonnie Ortega.
15. Mike Buchter (HSSI) with his son.
16. Tim Powell (HCL) at the keyboard.
We recently completed yet another round of the Co-worker Satisfaction Survey, and results are just now beginning to be analyzed and disseminated throughout the organization. A big thanks to everyone for your participation and for your honest and candid feedback. Please know that we take this information very seriously and your input is extremely valuable as we work to better understand what we are doing well and what areas still require improvement.
The High Philosophy has long been our set of guiding principles for conducting ourselves both at work and in our community. At this time of year as we again receive feedback from our co-workers, I am reminded that we still have work to do to achieve the standards that we established for ourselves many years ago. The High Family and the Executive Committee pledge to continue to work toward achieving our benchmarks, and while there are areas where we score well, you can be assured that we intend to do all that we can to move the needle on the items that still do not meet our standards.
With great sadness we recently had to say good-bye to a retiree and fellow co-worker who was a living example of The High Philosophy in many ways. Ron Mellinger, a friend and former High Steel Structures’ Supervisor, died in a construction accident while volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity work site. Ron provided his service with Habitat twice a week and was recently named volunteer of the year for the organization. He was an exceptional individual who treated co-workers with great respect and got the job done – a selfless man for whom I could not have had more admiration.
“. . . to lead and achieve results, we must first listen to and care about others.”
Like many current and retired High ® co-workers, Ron Mellinger was a living example of The High Philosophy in his kindness, graciousness, and giving spirit, not because of the principles that we established as a blueprint to guide us, but because these principles were innate in him, as they are in us. I believe that Ron died the way he lived, motivated and able to accomplish goals for the sake of others for whom he cared deeply. He lived a life that provides inspiration, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
In his book, You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader, author Mark Sanborn explains how each of us can be a leader in our daily lives and make a positive difference. Leadership is shown through our everyday actions and the way we influence the lives of those around us. Mr. Sanborn points out that the qualities that genuine leaders share include:
Acting with purpose.
Caring about and listening to others.
Looking for ways to encourage the contributions and development of others, rather than focusing solely on personal achievements.
Creating a legacy of accomplishment and contribution in everything they do.
Ron Mellinger understood the importance of leadership and the notion that to lead and achieve results, we must first listen to and care about others. Albert Schweitzer summed it up when he said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
I am continually proud of our High team, and the loss of Ron provides a profound reminder for me to reinforce just how grateful my family and I are for each and every one of you. It is also a good time to reflect on just how important it is for us to continue to be vigilant in watching out for each other’s safety in the work that we do every day. We must continually strive to maintain a safe environment in which to work, and we must constantly aim for a goal of zero workplace accidents.
A heartfelt thanks to all of you who invest of yourselves to care for your families, contribute to the leadership and achievement of our various companies, and find the time to go the extra mile and volunteer for the sake of those in your community whose basic needs are not yet met.
High® continually strives to maintain the highest ethical standards in all transactions, a principle established in The High Philosophy and set forth in the Code of Business Conduct. All co-workers are expected to conduct business in compliance with all legal requirements and in an ethical manner.
Our Code of Business Conduct, adopted by the Audit Committees of High Industries Inc. and High Real Estate Group LLC, established a procedure for co-workers to report known or suspected breaches of the Code of Business Conduct. Our open door policy recommends that co-workers first approach their supervisor with any issues or concerns. If a co-worker does not feel at liberty to discuss his or her concerns with his or her supervisor or Officers of the Company, an additional avenue for confidential reporting is available. The Audit Committees, as subcommittees of the Boards of Directors, have established an internal procedure to review and, if appropriate, act on reported concerns.
If any co-worker wishes to report a concern, he or she may do so in confidence by calling a toll-free hot line. The telephone number is (877) 614-4442. Calls will generally be answered by a bilingual operator who will gather the information. If an operator is not available, callers will be prompted to leave a message describing their concern. Callers may elect to remain anonymous if they desire. The information will be passed to the appropriate Audit Committee Chairman. It is the intent of the Audit Committees to address issues related to the Code of Business Conduct through this toll-free hot line. Other issues may be more effectively addressed by more relevant processes. Refer to Company bulletin boards for the posting entitled “Where to Turn” for contact information on specific issues.
The Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) awarded Grand Prizes to two precast concrete structures fabricated by High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL). The competition recognizes excellence in conception, originality, and applicability of concrete in the built environment.
HCGL was awarded a Grand Prize in the Architectural Concrete/Precast Cladding category for the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (pictured on page 4). This $175 million, 425,000 square-foot, 18-story urbaninfill project blends contemporary styling with a historic streetscape, preserving a Beaux Arts-era limestone façade, and integrating adjacent colonial period buildings. The architect was Cooper Carry of Atlanta, Georgia, and the general contractor was Reynolds Construction of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
A second Grand Prize was awarded to HCGL in the category of Precast Concrete Building Systems for the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks Landing Parking Garage (pictured above), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Constructed along with two dormitories across the street from the main campus, this new 135,000 square-foot, six-story garage honors and interprets the school’s rich gothic architectural tradition. Burt Hill of Philadelphia was the architect, and Shoemaker Company of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, served as construction manager.
The Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD) presented Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson, Inc. (JMT) with the Outstanding New Multi-Span Bridge award for the Gay Street Bridge. Located in Phoenixville Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the bridge was fabricated and erected by High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) during 2008 and 2009.
This bridge was also awarded the 2009 Project of the Year in the category for projects with a total construction cost greater than $10 million by the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Delaware Valley Region.
Congratulations and thank you to all HSSI coworkers who contributed their talents and skills to this award-winning project.
Michael T. Bresch Assistant Supervisor
High Transit LLC Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominated by Robert G. Urban, Jr.
Earlier this year, magnet machines and components were purchased and needed to be installed on travel lifts that are used to lift and move girders and plates. Mike determined where each component was to be installed on the travel lift, added shelves to hold them, and wired the equipment, along with a generator to operate the magnet, so the unit would work properly. This was a complicated project which Mike took on and completed in such a way that the equipment looks and operates as if all of these components were factory-installed.
Mike volunteers his time and talents, assisting with the cleaning and loading of equipment for High® events, as well as the annual MakeA-Wish Truck Convoy. In addition, he assisted a local fire company with the restoration of an antique fire truck. He has even been known to help co-workers in need with their vehicle repairs.
Mike takes on every challenge in a professional and innovative manner. His attention to detail and dedication make him a truly worthy recipient of the Good Measure Award.
The Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square recently celebrated one year of operation. Since the official ribbon cutting on June 18, 2009, the integrated facility has been host to more than 850 events by more than 300 different organizations. More than 300,000 people have been through its doors to attend events or stay at the hotel.
Additionally, two dozen new restaurant, retail, and service businesses have opened in the Downtown core and Northwest quadrant of the city since the facility’s opening.
We are thrilled to recognize this one-year milestone, and look forward to many exciting years ahead for the facility, and for continued growth in Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) has introduced a new web site for architects, general contractors, and building industry professionals. The site, www.highconcrete.com, provides important information and tools for planning, designing, and constructing buildings with precast concrete.
Notable features include a 3D model viewer which visitors can use to explore recent parking garage projects HCGL has engineered using Tekla Structures building information modeling software. The site also allows users to sort and select from a range of over 500 concrete colors, textures, and finishes, provided through the courtesy of the industry group Precast/Prestressed Concrete
Institute (PCI), of which HCGL is a member. Other important site features include downloadable Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) details, interactive cut sheets, and specifications that visitors can customize with their own project information.
“The main purpose of the site is to inspire and inform designers,” says Gary Graziano, an architect and Vice President of Marketing for HCGL. “We want to empower designers and make it even easier for them to take full advantage of the efficiency, speed, and sustainability of today’s precast.” Visitors can also sign up for HCGL’s popular Concrete Innovations and Answers® seminars and box lunch programs, which are held throughout the MidAtlantic and Midwest; a complement of American Institute of Architects-registered on-line learning programs is planned.
We welcome co-workers to visit the new web site and extend our thanks to all who have worked diligently to ensure this successful site launch.
The High Industries Inc. dream team of High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) and High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) has scored two major bridge projects in its first year of collaboration. These High® companies have been chosen to supply 770 tons of structural steel and 114 NEXT (bridge double-tee) Beams for the New York State Department of Transportation’s Kew Gardens Interchange contract. In addition, 421,000 square feet of precast deck panels will also be supplied for the Tappan Zee Bridge deck replacement project. Combined, the two contracts total $18 million.
Anne M. Howett
Accounts Payable Clerk II High Company LLC Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominated by Timothy E. Guhl and Debra A. Hornberger
Due to illnesses and vacations, the third week of February found the Accounts Payable Department shortstaffed. Regardless of staffing levels, it was clear that vendors needed to be paid.
Without missing a beat, Anne, the only Accounts Payable co -worker available that week, took on the work of four people. Raising her work rate from a usual 15 invoices per hour to nearly 30, and working more than eight hours of overtime, Anne ensured that vendors were paid on time.
This is not an effort that would typically be noticed outside of the Accounts Payable Department. Vendors expect to be paid on time; but on that particular week, they had no idea that Anne was the one person who made that happen. It is an unseen and extraordinary effort such as this that is the mark of Good Measure.
A A W W ARD RECIPIENT ARD RECIPIENT
The Hampton Inn-York Team
High Hotels Ltd.
York, Pennsylvania
Nominated by Laurèl F. Rolle
In early 2010, Central Pennsylvania was hit with two major snow storms. The first storm hit the York area on a Friday night, dropping about a foot of snow. Roads were closed, leaving hotel staff stuck at home. Connie Bare, a Room Attendant who lives nearby, walked through the snow to the hotel and single-handedly performed the work of the entire Housekeeping Department.
Closed roads also meant there were no restaurants open where hotel guests could eat. Because the Hampton Inn serves only breakfast, there was not enough food on hand for lunch or dinner. A few coworkers trudged through the snow to a nearby store. After purchasing enough food for all and loading it into a shopping cart the store had allowed them to borrow, they headed back to the hotel. As they approached the hotel property, they needed to cross an unplowed
continued on page 7 . . .
“These projects are excellent examples of a great collaborative effort between HSSI and HCGL,” remarks Jeff Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of High Industries Inc.
“We are off to a great start, and greater possibilities lie ahead for the team.”
The High Bridge Team grew out of the economic downturn. As building construction declined in recent years as a result of the recession, transportation construction remained steady, and the two companies joined forces to explore opportunities for HCGL to expand its product line into the bridge industry. The outcome of market research narrowed the team’s focus to two products: the NEXT Beam, a new bridge superstructure design which is a precast/prestressed concrete double-tee for bridges with a 30- to 90-foot span length, and precast concrete bridge deck panels.
HSSI’s established reputation in the bridge industry combined with HCGL’s engineering and production expertise in fabricating double-tee’s for parking garage construction, make the NEXT Beam uniquely suited to the two companies’ strengths.
HSSI is taking the lead in sales and marketing for these bridge projects, and HCGL is responsible for estimating, engineering, fabrication, and project management.
NEXT Beam is a pioneering effort for the team, with members championing the product, which originated in the Northeast, into the Mid-Atlantic states. Together, Ronnie Medlock, HSSI’s Vice President of Technical Services, and Ken Baur, HCGL’s Director of Research, Development, and Technical Sales, successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to gain approval for the use of NEXT Beam in the state. Meetings with project owners in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey have also resulted in approval for use of the beam in future projects in those states.
With the increased emphasis in the bridge industry on accelerated bridge construction, the outlook for market share growth of
NEXT Beams and precast deck panels is very positive. As a result of the High Bridge Team’s work, these two bridge products have the potential to become a major product line for HCGL.
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) has expanded its fall 2010 Concrete Innovations and Answers® continuing education seminar series to venues in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Designed for architects and other construction industry professionals, the courses focus on sustainable precast concrete products and technology.
Registered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), these seminars allow architects to earn their full year’s requirement of Sustainable Design credits, along with 3.5 other credits.
“Precast can make unique contributions to sustainable projects,” says Gary Graziano, AIA, HCGL’s Vice President of Marketing. “These seven all-new AIA-registered courses explain recent trends, technological advances, and practical design approaches in precast that can help designers fulfill their visions for people, planet, and prosperity. It is essential for professionals to stay current with the latest information; therefore, seminars are a key part of our marketing effort. We are especially pleased with this year’s sustainability series because it is a natural fit with the High® Green Initiative.”
. . . continued from page 6
section of the parking lot, making it necessary for them to carry the fully-loaded shopping cart through the snow. Once safely back, they set about preparing dinner for grateful guests.
The second storm was predicted and well-publicized, so many coworkers stayed overnight at the hotel in order to keep it operating. Pantry co-workers laid in food supplies and took on the task of preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Co-workers crossed department lines to ensure extraordinary customer service.
Once the storm passed, the area had been blanketed with nearly three feet of snow. Once again, the Hampton Inn-York team pulled together to clear sidewalks and assist guests in digging out and deicing their cars.
Good Measure has seen many individual awards, and several small group awards; but, this is the first total team GMA ever presented. This display of camaraderie and dedication is a testament to the commitment this team has to providing Good Measure!
The 2010 series spotlights sustainable design in precast façades and enclosure systems, and are co-sponsored by BASF, Essroc Italcementi Group, Glen-Gery Brick, JVI, and Lehigh White Cement.
William R. Mankin
Chief Fabrication Planner
High Steel Structures Inc.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominated by Richard Voloshin, Jr.
When it comes to pulling the team together on a bridge project, Bill is the team captain. He reviews drawings and prints, and develops a game plan to fabricate and set up complex pieces, sometimes during his personal time. Explaining the process ‘play-by-play’ to Supervisors and Operators, he ensures that all have a complete understanding of the job. On particularly complex jobs, he will create a visual aid by building a detailed scale model of the project using various materials.
Bill keeps the well-being of the team at the forefront. He has designed fixtures and rigging so that complex heavy pieces can be fabricated and moved safely and efficiently.
He consistently goes beyond the scope of his job, providing support to Fabrication, Engineering, Estimating, Field Operations, Quality Control, and Yard operations. Bill’s extensive knowledge of bridge building, which he willingly shares with others, has been invaluable to HSSI, and makes him deserving of a Good Measure Award.
On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) rolled out the red carpet for guests attending the Grand Opening celebration of the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Ewing, New Jersey. Local Chamber of Commerce dignitaries, government officials, and representatives of Marriott International joined Keith Komon, the hotel’s General Manager, and Frank McCabe, HHL President, in the official ribbon cutting ceremony. The ribbon, lined with one hundred dollar bills, was then donated to the fire companies servicing the Ewing Township community. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception and jazz ensemble, and were invited to tour the new 134-room facility.
Co-workers from other HHL properties pulled together to assist with the event. Boomer, the Trenton Thunder’s mascot, was also on hand to generate excitement among the young and young-atheart.
The Ewing SpringHill Suites officially opened its doors in May of this year, joining the more than 250 SpringHill Suites nationwide. It is one of the first in the brand to feature the latest
prototype design with a contemporary and innovative new look designed to calm and refresh travelers.
The addition of the SpringHill Suites brings the HHL portfolio to 11 properties with locations in Annapolis, Maryland; Middletown, New York (2); and Lancaster (2), York, Mechanicsburg (2), Wilkes-Barre, and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
GOOD MEASURE GOOD MEASURE A A W W W W W ARD RECIPIENT ARD RECIPIENT
Christopher S. Miller Safety Consultant
High Safety Consulting Services LLC Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Nominated by Joseph A. Vagneli
While stopping at a fast food restaurant, Chris noticed that a man in a booth was slumped over. People nearby said he had been combative and rude. As Chris checked his condition, he found the man to be unresponsive. Due to an obstructed airway, he was also having difficulty breathing. Chris went into “EMT mode”, providing assistance until an ambulance arrived. His initial assessment - low blood sugar - was correct. Had Chris not cleared the victim’s airway, the situation might have taken a fatal turn.
This act of selflessness did not go unnoticed by the restaurant’s patrons. Because Chris was driving the big red truck emblazoned with High Safety Consulting Services LLC’s (HSCSL) logo, a woman contacted the HSCSL Lebanon office to mention how impressed she was with the quick action taken by “the guy from High®” to render aid to the helpless man.
Training people to work safely is what Chris does every day. Putting his skills into action to save the life of a man in distress is what makes Chris an outstanding individual worthy of the Good Measure Award!
Richard V. Dickerson, P.E. . . .
Manager of Strategic Projects with High Company LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, earned the Certified Energy Procurement Certification from the Association of Energy Engineers in May 2010.
Jason M. Petrusic . . . Accountant with High Company LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, earned a Masters of Business Administration degree in June 2010 from Penn State University.
MaryRose Sweitzer . . . Continuous Improvement Project Manager with High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, Pennsylvania, earned the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through Villanova University in May 2010.
High’s Got Talent hosts, judges, and winning contestants: George Callanan (Creative Marketing Group), Darryl Gordon (HCL), Karen Biondolillo (HCL), Tim Powell (HCL), Rebecca O’Marrah (HHL), Abby Briscoe (HCGL), Shane Fees (HSSI), Stephanie Dillard (HAL), and Larry Brown (HCL).
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, High co-workers and their families from Lancaster and the surrounding area came to the Greenfield Corporate Center to take part in the Family Fun Fair. From Bingo to Bouncey Castles, and Health Fairs to Horse and Wagon Rides, the day was filled with great activities for all ages!
A children’s play area included ring toss and other games of skill, along with an inflatable caterpillar and a rock climbing wall. Creative kids could string beads or make spin art paintings.
The dunk tank saw plenty of action as Rick Bennett (HSSCL), Mark Fitzgerald (HAL), Steve Gerber (HSSI), Dean Glick (HCL), Greg High (HCL), Steve High (HSCSL), Jeff Smith (HII), Jeff Sterner (HSSI), MaryRose Sweitzer (HCGL), and Bob Widdowson (HCL) took a dive for the amusement of co-workers.
A Health Fair was held with vendors including Step By Step, Capital Blue Cross, National Vision Administrators, Express Scripts, Delta Dental, Horizon Behavioral Health, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and other area businesses, for a total of 16 booths. Participants were treated to chair massages, and learned about the proper fit of footwear and other helpful health-related information.
Featured during the Fun Fair was “High’s Got Talent!”, where co-workers could showcase their
talents in baking and crafts, as well as a live talent competition. Alisha Mull (HHL) and Laurie Salzmann (HCL) judged and selected the prize-winning bakers: Jim Shirk (HTL Office) took top honors for his Raspberry Ribbon Cheesecake. Second place went to Stephanie Dillard (HAL) for her Chocolate Oreo Dream Cake, and Crissy Anderson (HSSCL) took third place for her Chocolate Oreo Cake.
Rhonda Kurtz (HSSI), and Jim Shirk (HTL Office) were judges for the Craft Contest. First prize went to April Homerski (HCL) for a scrapbook of a trip to Jamaica. Dave Bolin (HSSI) placed second with an acrylic painting of orchids, and Laurie Newmoyer (HCL) took the third place prize for a hand-quilted patchwork throw.
The live talent competition featured eleven acts, and was emceed by Darryl Gordon (HCL) and Rebecca O’Marrah (HHL). A panel of judges included Larry Brown (HCL), Karen Biondolillo (HCL), and George Callanan (Creative Marketing Group, a HAL tenant), who offered comments and feedback on the performances. Those attending the show were then asked to vote for their favorite act via text message. Results are as follows:
First Prize:Stephanie Dillard (HAL)
Vocal - “A Broken Wing”
Second Prize:Shane Fees (HSSI) and Abby Briscoe (HCGL)
Guitar and Violin - “Swim the Channel”
Third Prize:Tim Powell (HCL)
Keyboard and Vocal - “The Way It Is”
Whether you are reading a High publication, report, or an e-mail message, you may come across acronyms used to identify a particular High company. If you have ever been mystified by those letters, this is the key:
GAL ..Greenfield Architects Ltd.
HAL ..High Associates Ltd.
HCC ..High Construction Company
HCGL .High Concrete Group LLC
HCL ..High Company LLC
HHL ..High Hotels Ltd.
HII ...High Industries Inc.
HREGL .High Real Estate Group LLC
HSCSL .High Safety Consulting Services Ltd.
HSSCL .High Steel Service Center LLC
HSSI ..High Steel Structures Inc.
Other performers included Alice Kutz (HHL), vocal; Greg Spaulding (HCC), vocal; Ken L. Eberle and Ken M. Eberle (HSSI), TNT Martial Arts; Jared Nicholas (HHL), poetry reading; Jack Thompson (HSSI), magic; Yartiza Casillas (HHL), vocal; Tony Porter and John Bankus (HSSI), guitar, vocal, and train whistle; and Jason Petrusic (HCL), vocal.
Despite the steamy July day, this event, organized by the Co-Worker Activities Committee, was a big hit. Thank you to all who contributed energy, time, and talent to make this fun family event a great success!
Children enjoyed participating in activities and games, including horse races.
Perched above the water, Steve Gerber (HSSI) taunts pitchers at the dunk tank. Judging from his soggy appearance, at least one co-worker had a good arm!
In July 2010, the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) recognized outstanding structures in its 48th Annual PCI Design Awards. This program honors design excellence and construction quality in buildings and transportation structures that use precast. Of the 136 total entries received from throughout North America, two High® projects were among the 29 structures recognized.
The Lancaster Central West Garage (below) was awarded honorable mention for Best Parking Structures. Located in Historic Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this new structure features precast walls with thin brick and bands of cast stone inserts to integrate with the surrounding nineteenth-century cityscape.
represents a successful collaboration between three High Companies. The architect was Greenfield Architects Ltd., and High Construction Company served as general contractor. The CarbonCast® Double Tees used in this project were manufactured by High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, Pennsylvania, under an agreement with AltusGroup, Inc.
The Lewis and Clark Memorial Towers (right), Hartford, Illinois, received honorable mention in the Best Custom Solutions category. Connected by observation platforms at 50, 100, and 150 feet, the 190-foot towers overlook the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers where Lewis and Clark launched their expedition. KAI Design & Build of St. Louis, Missouri, was the architect, and general contractors were H2K Construction LLC, Alton, Illinois, and Jun Construction, Godfrey, Illinois, for this $4.8 million, 4,220 square-foot project.
The $11.1 million, 151,000 square-foot, parking structure
Now in its thirtieth year, The High Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit organization that was established in 1980 by members of the High Family. Its mission is to make a significant difference in the community’s quality of life by aligning with service organizations to support positive change within areas of identified need in the community.
The Foundation is also proud to assist High® co-workers in meeting the costs of college education for their children through a competitive scholarship program for young people who demonstrate admirable academic and volunteer leadership. This year, The High Foundation awarded scholarships to Athena Mandros of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Kayla Tapia of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. Both students have been awarded $16,000 scholarships, or $4,000 per year for four years. The scholarships were presented at a luncheon held on June 11, 2010, at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.
Athena Mandros is the daughter of Jan Mandros, Interior Designer with High Associates Ltd. A graduate of Hempfield High School, Athena was a member of the marching band, public relations chair of Anchor Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. She is active in the community through her service as a member of the Committee for First Friday for Families. Athena is a volunteer at the Lancaster Public Library, and was communications chair of the Mini-thon in her senior year at Hempfield High School. Athena plans to pursue a degree in Environmental Science from Gettysburg College.
Kayla Tapia is the daughter of Angela Bowman, Assistant General Manager of the Homewood Suites-Harrisburg West. Kayla graduated from Spring Grove Area High School where she was captain of varsity cheerleading. She participated in Envirothon and Science Olympiad, and was a member of National Honor Society in her junior and senior years of high school. Kayla is active in the community through her involvement with Bowl for Kids’ Sake and New Story, and she assisted in coordinating a dinner for charity. Kayla works part-time as a hostess at the Hampton Inn-York, and plans to pursue a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Ursinus College.
To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, Rick Dickerson, Manager of Strategic Projects at High, offered the following article - the second in a series - in a recent edition of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce and Industry newsletter:
Sustainability is a much broader concept than simply “being green” or embracing a responsible approach to the environment. Sustainability reaches beyond recycling, managing emissions, and controlling wastes and use of natural resources. As we delve deeper into the concept, we realize that it involves a more holistic approach to the management of organizations, challenging leaders to develop a strategy that balances profits, social responsibility, work-life quality, and community and environmental stewardship for the long-term viability of the organization. Companies are learning that by adopting a sustainability strategy, they are realizing benefits in multiple areas, including the bottom line.
Put most simply, sustainability equates to adopting a strategy that allows you to succeed for the long-term. As Andrew Savitz presents in “The Triple Bottom Line,” sustainability cannot be achieved without a balanced focus on people, planet, and profits. Savitz points out that through the sustainability lens, every action in business can be broken down into two components: impact on profits and impact on the world. The goal of an organization should be to affect both profits and the world positively.
With regard to profits, few businesses have been immune to the recession from which we are emerging. One could argue that without profits, a company cannot make contributions to the betterment of the community, employees, or the environment. Others would argue that sustained profitability cannot be obtained without programs that have positive impacts on employees, community, and the environment.
Is this sounding like a chicken and egg argument? Regardless of which side you support, the fact is that a sustainable approach can pay real bottom line benefits by reducing expenses for manufacturing and commercial sites while influencing the world in a positive, revitalizing way.
Let’s begin with one of the major components of any sustainability plan: energy use. Energy use affects all three components of the triple bottom-line – people, planet, and profit.
Beginning with the profit component, projects and programs to reduce energy use have a direct impact. For example, changing energy use behaviors and raising awareness of energy use is a low-cost approach that can yield high returns. Campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of turning off unnecessary lighting, running heating and air conditioning systems only when needed, using stairs rather than elevators, and shutting down equipment when not in use can have a significant impact on utility bills, in addition to the positive effect the reduction of greenhouse gases has on the environment.
Organizations that use vehicles in their operations can reap benefits by simple tasks such as checking tire pressures routinely (studies suggest that 10 psi under-inflation costs a three to four percent loss in gas mileage). Contests and incentives that reward employees for driving efficiently and extending the number of miles per gallon can stir up the competitive spirit, reduce costs, and benefit the environment.
For manufacturing facilities that rely on compressed air, dividends are reaped from such actions as regular leak audits, verification that pressures are only as high as needed, and shutting down systems when not needed.
While conservation practices are often the least expensive, they can be the most difficult to sustain because of effort required to change old habits. Therefore, improving energy efficiency in conjunction with conservation measures is a common strategy. For example, lighting is often a more significant component of an energy bill than realized. Retrofitting lighting systems is relatively easy and provides quick payback. High-efficiency lighting can use 30 to 50 percent less energy and gives off less heat, which reduces the cooling requirements of your HVAC systems.
Timers and occupancy sensors can ensure the lights are off when not needed. In addition, local distribution companies, such as PPL or Met-Ed, offer rebates and incentives to organizations that purchase equipment such as timers, sensors, and lighting upgrades that improve energy efficiency.
Beyond energy, opportunities for sustainable approaches and profit enhancement lie also in water conservation, materials use, and waste reduction.
For example, at the High companies, we established a program that includes donating our shredded office paper to a local Amish farmer, who re-uses it as animal bedding. This reduced the cost of sending trash to landfills and benefited the environment. Likewise, substituting process materials with more earth-friendly materials often pays off financially. Steel recycling programs change what would have been a costly waste stream into a revenue-generating re-use stream.
It can be argued that initiatives such as these, if taken alone, are just good business practices employed to reduce costs; however, when implemented as part of a holistic sustainability strategy, they create even greater returns.
For example, if enough energy-saving features are integrated into a building properly, not only will the HVAC system be called upon less, but perhaps when it comes time to upgrade that HVAC system, a $30,000 system can handle the need where a $60,000 system would have been required in the past.
As an additional benefit, customers and employees align more strongly with organizations that are committed to the environment. Initiatives that reduce energy use and waste streams and conserve resources demonstrate a commitment to the environment and project a positive corporate image. A recent Green Building report by McGraw-Hill Construction found that 71 percent of tenants who responded to their research want to be viewed as committed to caring for the environment.
A holistic approach to sustainability will provide many benefits. In this article, I have emphasized the profitability benefits. In the future, I will discuss how sustainability initiatives that positively affect environment, employees, and the community yield positive results for organizations.
Completion of a lighting retrofit in the High® Corporate Office, located at 1853 William Penn Way, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was accomplished in 2009. This project included replacing older lights with more efficient T8 fluorescent lights and fixtures. Benefits of this energy-saving project have been examined, comparing the 12 months following the retrofit to the previous 12 months.
While there were many other projects that contributed to energy savings, the lighting retrofit is estimated to have resulted in more than half of the 27 percent reduction. This savings of 506 megawatt hours over the course of the year translates to a reduction of 195 tons of CO2 annually.
This project, along with the conscious efforts by co-workers (i.e. using the stairs or turning off lights and equipment when leaving work areas for extended periods of time), helps the bottom line and is good for the environment.
The 2010 Earth Day Celebration at the High® Corporate Office generated plenty of enthusiasm among co-workers. In fact, a follow-up survey revealed that many co-workers wanted to participate in this type of event more than just once a year! Ideas to further demonstrate our commitment to the High Green Initiative and Environmental Stewardship poured in, and coworkers indicated their willingness to volunteer their time and talents to implement suggestions.
As a result, a 20-member ECO Task Force (ETF) was formed, with Ken Hornbeck (HAL) and Greg Cassel (HAL) at the helm. The ETF’s primary focus is to promote the three “R’s” - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Current initiatives include:
Adding a “Green Portal” to the High intranet, High Home;
Regularly scheduled recycling events;
Energy Conservation Week activities;
Making High a ‘No Styrofoam Zone’;
Annual and/or ongoing community projects that reinforce High’s focus on sustainability;
Lunch ‘n Learn sessions which focus on sustainability, and;
Addition of a “Green Calendar” to High Home, showing a list of ETF events.
While the ETF operates within the Corporate Office, the hope is that these events will generate enthusiasm and spill over into other areas of the Company. Coworkers are strongly encouraged to consider how they might cultivate a commitment to sustainability in their work areas, and in their communities.
April 19, 2010, was a picture-perfect day as Brett Anderson, Shipping/Logistics Manager with High Transit LLC, awoke at 5:00 a.m. to join 26,000 other runners on the starting line at the Boston Marathon.
Brett set the Boston Marathon as his goal in 2008 while rehabilitating his knee following surgery. In his run for charity, he chose to support the Cam Neely Foundation, a Boston organization that funds cancer research and supports families of patients undergoing cancer treatment at the city’s Tufts Medical Center. In all, he raised $3,000 with contributions from generous co-workers and others.
The 26.2 mile race took him along narrow roads that twisted and turned past famous Boston landmarks, including Boston College and Fenway Park. Brett’s wife, Betsy, and daughter, Emily, were there to cheer him on as he finished the race in an impressive 3 hours 51 minutes and 59 seconds. “That last number is important!” laughs Brett, who can legitimately claim that he came in under 3 hours and 52 minutes.
Congratulations, Brett, on a successful run, and thank you for raising funds to support cancer research and to aid families of those fighting this disease.
In May 2010, High Construction Company (HCC) co-workers were in the spotlight to present a donation check during the live broadcast on WGAL-TV of the 26th Annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Telethon. Matt Twomey, President, and Deron Henise, Director of Estimating, presented a check in the amount of $23,295 to benefit CMN and Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Dave Hersey, Senior Project Manager, served as a volunteer in the telethon phone bank.
HCC raised funds for this special cause during its Second Annual Charity Golf Invitational, held in August 2009. With the generous support of the area’s leading subcontractors and commercial construction businesses, HCC has raised more than $38,000 for CMN over the past two years.
In the photo, Matt Twomey (center) and Deron Henise (right) present the check to WGAL-TV personality, Anne Shannon.
In recent years, t here has been much talk about environmental stewardship. At work, at home, and everywhere in between, there are ways in which we all can contribute to a world of beauty. This edition of High Spirit shows just a few examples of coworker commitment to the environment. Whether it is a lighting retrofit project that netted a significant reduction in energy use, or the formation of an ECO Task Force (ETF) with a focus on the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - conscientious coworkers discover new ways to live out The High Philosophy.
Being good stewards of the environment can be as simple as tossing a soda can into the recycle bin, combining errands and planning a route that will save gasoline, or turning off the light when you leave a room.
As you read High Spirit, think about ways you can contribute to a world of beauty and prosperity and peace. Then, put those ideas into action every day!