High Spirit
Thank You
for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit:
Kathy Abernethy
Rick Bennett
Nevin Cooley
Rick Dickerson
Steve Evans
Kathy Frey
Michael Fruin
Lisa Fulginiti
Greg High
Steve High
Carolyne Jordan
Melanie Lutz
Michelle McCann
Jim McCary
Tina McGinnis
David Nice
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
John Sandy
Tom Smithgall
Robin Stauffer
Jeff Sterner
Laurie Watson
On The Cover:
1. The Orchard Ridge Apartments team (see High Awards, page 11).
2. Lancaster Newspapers’ Lancaster Central West Parking Garage (see article on pages 7-8).
3. Bentley Ridge Apartments team (see High Awards, page 11).
4. The William Montgomery House, Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania (see article on page 10).
5. Kimberly Rudis at the entry to Premier Self Storage (see High Awards, page 11).
6. Lancaster General Health’s Healthy Weight Management Center (see article on pages 7-8).
7. Greenfield Estates Apartments team (see High Awards, page 11).
8. Lebanon Valley College’s Stanson Hall (see article on pages 7-8).
9. Courtyard by Marriott, located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (see article on pages 7-8).
10. Ronnie Medlock receiving an AISC Achievement Award (see High Achievements, page 11).
You Are The Key To The Company’s Future
Editor’s Note: The following excerpt is part of a speech given by Greg High, on behalf of the High Family Council, at the annual High Forum held in October. We thought it would be appropriate to share this message with all co-workers.
Profit, Planet, People. Industry Leadership, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Commitment. The focus of my comments will be People and Community Commitment.
Our marketing language focuses on Community Commitment – and that is perfect for an external audience. The High® commitment to the communities in which we do business is real and solid; however, let me talk about you. The preservation of the High culture is not just a tribute to my grandfather, and the commitment that the current Family Council has to The High Philosophy is not just about continuing Calvin and Dale’s legacy.
My family members and I have a great deal of pride in our family enterprise. It is bigger than us. The culture that you all have helped to build, based on trustworthy relationships and innovative leadership, is more than symbolism. It is the true key to our future. Who we are is as important as what we do or how well we do it.
Who we are is as important as what we do or how well we do it.
We have a long history of providing a safe, positive work environment for all coworkers. Safety is at the heart of that basic respect and dignity to co-workers and their families. Based on observation, experience, and a decade of survey data, safety is at the top of what High co-workers believe in, feel confident about, and have optimism for. Our safety culture is genuine.
The question becomes: How can we get to that same grassroots, bottom-to-top, top-to-bottom commitment and belief in the other elements of our core philosophy? The philosophy and the culture continue to be the key drivers of the High Family Council’s 100-year vision. If we slow down or lose our focus during difficult business years, like the present, then it is not a real commitment. We must continually strive for open communication, where new ideas are encouraged and everyone feels appreciated and respected. The High Family Council and the
Greg High, Dale High, Suzanne High Schenck, Sadie High, and Steve High.
senior leadership team truly believe that we can get there, not just on safety and basic respect, but on recognition and rewards and team work.
All of us prefer to work for a good company. Better yet, you would be excited to work for a really great company. Nobody at High wants to be average. The High Family Council’s view of people and culture is basically just that – we want to be well above average – great, even. Great means it is all about improvement. Continuous improvement means that we are always working on being a great place to work.
To be one of the best, you have to measure how you are doing. Our safety and OSHA statistics tell us how to improve health and safety. Our productivity numbers tell us how to improve our operations and efficiency. Quality measurements track our consistency and adherence to the customers’ needs. The Co-worker Satisfaction Survey is also vital because it suggests how to make the kind of changes we need to move our culture forward.
So the three-part puzzle of a sustainable future is Profit, Planet, and People.
Our High Philosophy helps to create a workplace culture that cares for our people and fills them with pride. In fact, as we have heard both internally from you, and externally from customers, our culture has become a chief competitive advantage. It is right up there with our core knowledge of building bridges, buildings, hotels, and parking garages.
One important external benchmark to see how we are doing compared to other companies is the process called “Best Places to Work in PA”.
One important external benchmark to see how we are doing compared to other companies is the process called “The Best Places to Work in PA”. Back in 20012002, we were officially named one of the Best Places to Work in PA. When we challenged ourselves again in 2007, unfortunately we did not make it. In 2011, we have decided to again participate in Best in PA. We know that business conditions are tough; but we also know our desire to get there is strong, so you will hear more about this as we get into next year. You may hear references to it as we work on our internal survey data in the action planning process.
During his High Forum address, Greg High announced that the company will participate in “Best Places to Work in PA” in 2011.
Steve, Suzanne, and I feel an extra responsibility to sustain our culture and help to keep all stakeholders engaged in that process. After all, there is nothing more illustrative of sustainability than one generation trying to make things a little better for the next generation.
In 2011, we have decided to again participate in ‘Best Places to Work in PA’.
This brings us back to the triple bottom line:
Our culture serves our people;
The people keep improving and innovating for continued prosperity ; then,
Our organization and our family have the ability to do our part in the community and for our planet.
That is the sustainability quest, and it is worth our best efforts – from the Family Council, to senior leadership, and to all our co-workers! As an entire organization, we do indeed Give Good Measure! And as the survey says, “I am proud to work for High.” I strongly agree!
The High Family Foundations Commit To A Future Of Philanthropy
The High Foundation was formed in 1980 by Sanford, Calvin, and Dale High as a philanthropic, non-profit organization whose mission was “to contribute to make this world a better place.” In its 30-year history, the Foundation has been faithful in its practice of supporting capital building projects, primarily in the categories of education, religion, health and human services, and cultural enrichment. In the mid-1980s, third generation family members joined the Board of Trustees. In more recent years, the Board modified slightly the Foundation’s mission to “making a difference in the lives of those most in need in our community.” Most recently, its focus was on creating affordable housing and eliminating homelessness.
Throughout the years, the S. Dale High Family and the Calvin G. High Family have worked on long-range planning, which includes philanthropy. As the High families grow and the broad range of philanthropic interests evolve and expand, both families agree that it is the appropriate time to establish two new philanthropic organizations for future generations.
Therefore, on September 1, 2010, “The S. Dale High Family Foundation” and “The Calvin and Janet High
The S. Dale High Family Foundation: Greg High, Dale High, Suzanne High Schenck, Sadie High, and Steve High. Not pictured is Robin Stauffer, Executive Director.
Family Foundation” were established to succeed The High Foundation. Going forward, the tradition of stewardship will continue to grow. The two foundations will continue to cultivate a commitment to philanthropy through future generations.
Greg High serves as Chair of the Board of The S. Dale High Family Foundation, and Robin Stauffer serves as Executive Director. The S. Dale High Family Foundation will continue to fund and administer the High Scholarship Program for the benefit of dependent children of High® co-workers.
Rick High serves as Chair of the Board of The Calvin and Janet High Family Foundation. Robin Stauffer is providing administrative coordination during the transition.
Should you have any questions concerning this transition, please contact Greg High at ghigh@high.net or Robin Stauffer at rstauffer@high.net or Rick High at rhigh@high.net.
Equal Employment Opportunity And Affirmative Action
It is the policy of High® to fully comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action laws and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Executive Order 11246, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and any other State, Federal, or local law relating to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Further, High provides equal employment opportunities to all co-workers and applicants for employment, and ensures that all personnel actions, such as recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, recall, company-sponsored training, education, tuition assistance, social and recreational programs, and other Company relationships with co-workers, are administered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Calvin and Janet High Family Foundation: Calvin High, Janet High, Rick High, Cheryl High Beckford, and Linda High Bomberger.
Family Business Center Celebrates 15 Years
The S. Dale High Center for Family Business at Elizabethtown College celebrated its 15-year anniversary on September 23, 2010, at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, with a salute to family business giants. Dale was acknowledged for his role in bringing together representatives from Elizabethtown College and the local business community in 1995 to create a center for family business to fill a recognized need. Throughout its 15-year history, the Center has dedicated itself to bringing the best available resources to family businesses in south-central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Dale with Mike McGrann (left), Executive Director of The S. Dale High Center for Family Business, and Dr. Ted Long (center), President of Elizabethtown College.
Today, The S. Dale High Center for Family Business is one of the largest and oldest resource organizations for family businesses in the United States.
HSSCL Commits To Policy Deployment and
Continuous Improvement
During the 2009 Strategic Planning process, High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) was introduced to Policy Deployment. The majority of HSSCL co-workers had never heard that term, and just a handful recognized it as a process that was successfully implemented by High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) and High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) to help them execute their strategic initiatives and support their continuous improvement process.
Rick Dickerson and Frank Ike have been instrumental in the introduction and facilitation of Policy Deployment at HSSCL. Rick and the HSSCL Continuous Improvement Steering Committee meet every other week for 90 minutes to ensure the plan is being executed and that actions have been taken to sustain improvement.
The process began in November 2009 with a Value Stream Mapping event. A group of HSSCL’s key co-workers gathered for three days to map out and analyze current processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and outline the ideal future state based on removing all possible barriers to increased productivity.
After implementing an extensive list of “Just Do Its” to achieve immediate improvement, a number of Rapid Improvement Events (RIE) were conducted to address specific opportunities for improvement. At the end of September, eight Rapid Improvement Events had been successfully completed, and two more were scheduled for the balance of 2010. In November, co-workers conducted a three-day SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) event, utilizing the expertise of a highly recognized productivity consultant. HSSCL, HSSI, and HCGL co-workers attended.
Using Production Control Boards at the three coil processing lines, productivity barriers were identified and removed. This resulted in an increase in equipment run time and tons produced per shift, and reduced coil restocks. In addition, a number of other operating efficiencies were implemented to help reduce operating costs per ton. This positions HSSCL to offer more competitive pricing, and helps the company grow its volume and improve return on total capital.
Thank you to everyone at HSSCL for embracing Policy Deployment and the Continuous Improvement Process, and for understanding that these are important tools that will aid in the execution of the company’s 2011- 2014 Strategic Plan and fulfill the Vision and Mission.
HSSI’s Annual Fall Open House Boasts Record Attendance
On September 23 and 24, 2010, High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) hosted current and future bridge industry professionals with full-day events promoting the use of structural steel in bridge design. With more than 300 guests, this was the largest of the four Fall Open House events HSSI has hosted. It is held annually in conjunction with the American Institute of Steel Construction’s nationwide Steel Day celebration, which this year boasted 8,000 people nationwide attending 195 events hosted by AISC members.
During the HSSI Open House, each day began with technical presentations at Harrisburg Area Community College’s Lancaster Campus. At noon, a picnic barbecue was held on the lawn at Plant One. After lunch, tour groups were led through the HSSI Lancaster fabrication facilities by co-workers from the Engineering, Estimating, Sales, Project Management, and Fabrication Departments.
Engineering students from six area colleges and universities attended Student Steel Day on Thursday, September 23. Presentations
HSSI’s Mike Schirmer (in the green shirt) with his tour group.
Steve Gerber with his group touring HSSI’s Detail Bay.
were tailored to the student audience and featured speakers from HSSI’s Sales and Marketing Department and the National Steel Bridge Alliance. Topics focused on career opportunities in the steel bridge industry, steel as a sustainable bridge material, and introductions to efficient steel bridge design in the steel fabrication process.
More than 170 professionals from 50 leading bridge industry companies and organizations attended HSSI’s Steel Day Industry Open House on Friday, September 24. Speakers included representatives from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, The National Steel Bridge Alliance, the design firm Bergmann Associates, and HSSI. Topics included the current state of transportation funding, steel as the sustainable bridge material, the 2009 emergency replacement of Michigan’s 9-Mile Bridge, and efficient steel design and the fabrication process.
An event such as this requires hard work and long hours to plan and execute. Thank you to all co-workers who made this Fall Open House a successful learning experience and promotional event for those who are in, or are planning to enter, the steel bridge industry.
HCC Recognized In ABC’s Annual Excellence In Construction Awards
The work of High Construction Company (HCC) recently was honored across several different categories in the Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Excellence in Construction Awards.
The Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square was recognized with an Excellence Award as top-scoring project in its category— commercial project representing a $25-$50 million contract.
Additionally, Awards of Merit were presented to HCC for its role in the following projects:
Lebanon Valley College, Stanson Hall: Institutional $2 to $10 million
Lancaster Newspapers’ Lancaster Central West Parking Garage: Commercial $10 to $25 million
Courtyard by Marriott-Wyomissing: Commercial $10 to $25 million
The Hotel Hershey (below) – lobby, retail shops, and porte cochere: Commercial $2 to $10 million
Lancaster General Health’s Healthy Weight Management Center: Commercial under $2 million
“I’m always in awe of the commitment and expertise of the team in delivering excellence to our clients,” said Matt Twomey, President of HCC. “Recognitions like these highlight our clients’ visions for their facilities, as well as the level of professionalism necessary to achieve those visions.”
Congratulations to our HCC co-workers for your outstanding work on these award-winning projects.
DC HOT Lanes Project Is A Hot Ticket
High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) is in the process of delivering $85 million in structural steel fabrication and erection contracts for the I-495 Virginia Capital Beltway HOT Lanes project, the company’s largest project to date. The $2 billion, multi-phase highway reconstruction project, aimed at easing chronic congestion in greater Washington, D.C., is a public/private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and general contractor Fluor-Transurban.
The project replaces more than $260 million in aging infrastructure across 14 miles of highway, and includes 58 bridges. In total, HSSI is fabricating more than 23,000 tons of steel plate girders for the project. The ongoing erection of the steel by HSSI’s Field Operations team began in July 2009. The project is scheduled for completion in 2012.
According to VDOT, the I-495 Virginia HOT Lanes Project will deliver the most significant enhancements to the Beltway since its opening. Two new tolled lanes in each direction will operate alongside the existing highway from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road, providing motorists with a faster and more reliable travel option. Buses, carpools with three or more passengers, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles will have free access to HOT lanes. Drivers with fewer than three occupants who choose to use this roadway must pay tolls, which will vary according to traffic conditions.
To learn more about this project, visit the website at www.virginiahotlanes.com.
Middletown Courtyard Lobby Gets A Refreshing New Look
Renovation of the Courtyard by Marriott lobby in Middletown, New York, was completed earlier this year, giving the property a dramatic new look and feel. This colorful new design includes more casual and comfortable seating, expanded food and beverage offerings for breakfast and dinner, a Starbucks coffee bar, multiple
flat screen television displays, and an interactive ‘Go Board’ where guests can obtain news and local information.
High tech and high touch meet high style in this new lobby space that provides the flexibility to work, relax, eat, drink, and socialize in a variety of different seating arrangements. The design also creates more opportunity for hotel coworkers to interact with guests, resulting in higher guest satisfaction and intent to return.
The refreshing business strategy is more than just state-of-the-art products that our guests requested; it is about moving from transactions to connections, and equipping our co-workers with the appropriate tools, enabling them to deliver the best service in the industry.
Mill Creek Square Celebrates Grand Opening
On September 29, 2010, Kohl’s launched the grand opening of High Real Estate Group LLC’s Mill Creek Square. Located on Route 30/Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the community shopping center has added other tenants to its 230,720 square-foot Phase I roster, including Ross Dress for Less, Christmas Tree Shops, Shoe Carnival, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and Hair Cuttery. VerizonWireless Connection is planning a pre-Christmas opening; Hair Cuttery is scheduled to open shortly after the New Year.
Staples, the world’s largest office products company, will anchor Phase II of the project. A summer 2011 opening is planned. Red Robin will also join Mill Creek Square, and is slated for a Spring 2011 opening. This 6,184 square-foot, 228-seat restaurant will be the first Red Robin in Lancaster County.
Mill Creek Square is a development of High Real Estate Group LLC affiliates. High Associates Ltd. is the managing agent for Mill Creek Square. Greenfield Architects Ltd. and High Construction Company are providing the project’s design and construction.
Penn Square Partners Is Recognized
For Revitalization
Penn Square Partners and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster were recognized for their work in Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They received a 2010 C. Emlen Urban Award in recognition of efforts put forth on the William Montgomery House façade, as well as a 2010 Community Revitalization Award from the Trust for the development of the integrated Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center facility. Incorporated into the structure of the integrated facility, the circa 1804 William Montgomery House is regarded as one of Lancaster’s finest Federalstyle buildings. It is the only documented local work by architect Stephen Hills, the designer of the first Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The C. Emlen Urban and Community Revitalization Awards were established to recognize private or public sector efforts in the revitalization of historic landscapes and structures. These award-winning projects are particularly noteworthy for their enhancement of streetscapes and the overall quality of life in the community, and demonstrate commitment to the preservation of historic structures.
Raffles Recognizes HTL For Outstanding Safety Performance
At its October conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, Raffles Insurance Ltd. recognized High Transit LLC (HTL) with the Bronze Award for Overall Safety Program Excellence. Based on scores derived from the Raffles Risk Control annual safety report, HTL earned 883 out of a possible 1,000 points.
Raffles provides business insurance for member companies from across the United States. High Company LLC is one of its 276 member companies.
Kyle Gaskill, Brian Reichert, Mike Murry, and Jeff Ross proudly display the award.
High Honors
David M. Crays, Jr., High Steel Structures, Inc.
. . . earned a Master of Information Technology degree in IT Project Management from American Continental University in August 2010.
High Awards
Bentley Ridge Apartments, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
. . . took first place honors for Curb Appeal and for Maintenance Excellence during the Apartment Association of Central Pennsylvania’s Diamond Year Awards Ceremony, held on September 23, 2010. These latest awards mark the tenth year Bentley Ridge has been recognized.
Greenfield Estates Apartments, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
. . . was recognized for the tenth year by the Apartment Association of Central Pennsylvania. On September 23, 2010, they were awarded first place in the Curb Appeal and Star Performer for Overall Excellence categories during the Diamond Year Award Ceremony.
High®
. . . was ranked fourth in the Top 100 Privately Held Companies by the Central Penn Business Journal. The ranking was based on 2009 revenue among privately-held companies in the Journal’s coverage area of Pennsylvania counties, including Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.
Homewood Suites by Hilton-Reading, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
. . . was presented with the 2009 I Am Sales Certification Award at the 2010 Homewood Regional Rally, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The award is based on connecting all hotel activities to the brand’s Sales Philosophy pillars, which are: generating revenue; growing market share; developing and maintaining account loyalty; and driving an extended stay culture.
Orchard Ridge Apartments, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
. . . received an award from the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia during its Best of Living Awards Ceremony, held on September 16, 2010. The Team was recognized in the Maintenance category.
Premier Self Storage, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
. . . was voted “one of the best places to store your stuff in Lancaster County” in the 2010 Lancaster Newspapers Readers’ Choice Awards. The facility, which opened in the Greenfield Corporate Center in 2009, earned runner-up honors.
High Achievements
Ronald D. Medlock, High Steel Structures, Inc.
At its annual meeting in October 2010, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) granted Ronnie Medlock a Special Achievement Award for his work in the bridge industry.
HCC and GAL Achieve Green Plus Recognition
High Construction Company (HCC) and Greenfield Architects Ltd. (GAL) have achieved the Institute for Sustainable Development’s highest level of recognition — Green Plus™ certification. The Green Plus program recognizes dedication to triplebottom-line sustainability by measuring business, environmental, and community practices. To date, just 36 organizations have earned Green Plus certification. Matthew Twomey, President and COO of HCC and COO of GAL, said, “During the last several years, we have formalized, expanded, and championed our approach to sustainability. As our teams went through the Green Plus™ certification process, we found it informative and inspiring. Michael Mumper, Director of Energy Solutions for HCC, added, “As we continue to chart our course towards incorporating more sustainable products, processes, and services, we look forward to continuing to help our customers accomplish their own similar goals through the green-related facilities, services, and expertise we provide.”
HCC, along with other High® companies, has implemented energy-use-reduction efforts and invested in water conservation devices and practices. These efforts have included lighting and occupancy timers, CFLs, low-power modes of electronics, and reduced flow fixtures. Not only are the High companies making physical changes to their workspaces, they are also promoting employee education of sustainability issues. High regularly disseminates information about a wide variety of sustainability topics and is planning an energy conservation week in January 2011 to further promote behavior changes.
HCGL Sets Its Sites On Green
The Willow Creek Elementary School, located in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, was honored with a GreenSite award. Selected as one of five winners in the Institutional category of the 2010 GreenSite Project of the Year contest, the school is built with thermally efficient CarbonCast® carbon fiber-reinforced insulated precast concrete wall panels, fabricated by co-workers in HCGL’s Denver Plant.
This is the second GreenSite award for HCGL. In 2009, its LEED Silver Certified
Environmental Stewardship
maintenance facility, located on its Denver campus, garnered recognition in the industrial category.
Greensite awards are sponsored by Concrete Construction and The Concrete Producer magazines, and recognize concrete buildings that are built using sustainable design practices. Winners are selected based on factors which include innovative engineering design, techniques, materials or products, cost- or timesaving methods, workmanship, and creativity. This award-winning project will be on display in the GreenSite exhibit at the World of Concrete Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2011.
Hiring, Retention, Productivity, And Sustainability
Is Your Company “Human”? Are Your Co-Workers Engaged? (People Are Asking!)
To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, Rick Dickerson, PE, Manager of Strategic Projects at High®, offered the following article - the second in a series - in a recent edition of Business 2 Business magazine:
If you are the “glass is half full” kind of person, you would probably say that most companies are taking steps to become more sustainable. You would identify projects companies are pursuing as examples of commitments to sustainability, such as installing more efficient lighting, purchasing Energy Star equipment, installing lighting sensors and timers, and using video conferencing more in order to travel less. In fact, many companies are experiencing financial benefits and positive effects to the bottom line from such efforts.
DuPont, for example, can be cited for how their commitment to sustainable growth has translated into a 12 percent reduction in energy use since 1990, while their production has grown by 47 percent, avoiding energy costs of more than $5 billion — an outstanding achievement by any measure.
There is no denying that energy-saving projects have tangible impact and are integral to a more sustainable operation. Sustainability plans and pursuits should include energy reduction and efficiency improvements; but they must also set direction in other areas in order to move an organization toward a more holistic sustainability strategy.
By taking a holistic approach to sustainability, the benefits will also transform the human aspects of a business. The human capital component of an organization is critical to longevity, competitiveness, productivity, and, ultimately, success. Understanding and managing the factors that motivate and engage staff to reach higher performance levels is a key goal of good business leadership.
Elements, such as two-way communications, key performance measures, alignment of goals, accountability, feedback, and compensation, all play a part in co-worker performance management; but equally important is the ability to engage and partner with co-workers in order to allow them to experience a stake in the business and feel more motivated to go that discretionary extra mile for you.
Increasingly, employers are recognizing that co-workers are looking for jobs in organizations that make a positive contribution to the local or global community. Co-workers work for much more than just a paycheck; they want to be on a winning team and feel like a valued and engaged partner with their company — a company recognized as a good, community-oriented organization. The company brand, authentic from the inside out, becomes increasingly important as a magnet for attracting and retaining top talent and key performers.
With the great momentum and adoption of social media in the age of Web 2.0, it is important to mention that companies no longer have the control they once did over defining their own brand. The proliferation of many news and social media channels, in place of fewer and more centralized channels, means that perceptions of your actions (or inaction) are magnified and communicated in real time, whether you participate or not. Your actions are increasingly assessed and framed by others who have the power to publish their opinions and help define your brand – one of your most important assets – with the click of a mouse.
So it is important to first assess who you are as an organization and develop your sustainability strategy so that your actions and communications are aligned and authentic. This area of sustainability strategy is very much tied to your human resource practices. Obviously, an optimal offering of benefits (such as healthcare, retirement, and education benefits) and fair policies (such as hiring, promotion, and open door policies) will help draw the best people and help build the strongest workforce possible. And with all of these issues assessed and established, it is important to participate in social media in order to benefit from the great opportunity to communicate the more human side of your brand. By embracing the human side of sustainability, you avoid the risk of being branded a greenwasher, or even worse, being a greenwasher.
Put simply, an organization that supports sustainability initiatives will succeed in partnership with its co-workers.
I experienced an example first-hand at a recent event at the High ® companies’ Earth Day Celebration. An awareness campaign and lighthearted contest ahead of the event built anticipation. The event itself involved activities such as an outdoor celebration marking Earth Day, the planting of trees, announcement of an official Adopt-a-Highway commitment, setup of a temporary collection center for recycling electronic waste, hosting of speakers, and distribution of gift bags filled with tools and information to help co-workers be more sustainabilityconscious in their personal lives, as well.
Shovel in hand, Frank McCabe (HHL) is equipped for the High® 2010 Earth Day Celebration Tree Planting Ceremony.
As a follow-up, a survey was distributed – and the response was amazing! Coworkers responded that they wanted this type of event more than once a year. Suggestions poured in with ideas to further demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship, and plenty of people volunteered to help with implementation of the suggestions. The Earth Day Task Force has now been renamed the ECO (Ecology) Task Force, and membership has doubled!
A company can undertake many initiatives to enhance its commitment to the people side of sustainability. Initiatives can include facilitating car pooling among co-workers, organizing volunteer days at local non-profits, providing incentives to engage in wellness activities, requiring the senior management team to serve community organizations, providing educational opportunities, and establishing mentor or internship programs with youth in the community. Many of these initiatives are relatively low-cost and will generate positive regard and goodwill in the community and among co-workers.
While the phrase “happy people are productive people” may be somewhat of an oversimplified cliché, there is an important truth there that is worth reflection. In fact, happy people engaged in their role, and engaged in the larger themes and efforts championed by their organization, enjoy better morale and lower turnover rates. And, most importantly, they are more likely to go the extra mile to become indispensable to your organization – using their unique talents and discretionary energy to create, produce, and inspire other team members and business partners. And who does not want to lead or be part of a team brimming with individuals who fit that description?
Renovations Put The ‘Green’ In Greenfield Estates
Greenfield Estates is undergoing its first major renovation since the apartment community’s completion in 1985. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Greenfield Estates is owned and managed by High Associates Ltd. The renovation project is being overseen by High Construction Company.
In keeping with High’s commitment to the environment, units will be equipped with energy-efficient kitchen appliances, low-flow toilets, and carpet that is recyclable. Units will also receive a fresh coat of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint.
In addition to these environmentally friendly fixes, residents will enjoy new solid maple kitchen cabinets, new bathroom hardware and lighting fixtures, new vinyl flooring, ceiling fans, interior bi-fold doors, and faux wood blinds. By the end of 2010, nearly 100 of the 371 apartments will have been upgraded. Remaining units will be renovated as tenants move out, at an annual cost of more than $1 million.
S. Dale High Receives Founders Award
S. Dale High was recognized with the Founders Award for Distinguished Leadership in Economic and Community Development at the Economic Development Company’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Thursday evening, September 23, 2010. Dale was an inaugural recipient of the award which was established in 2010 to recognize extraordinary contributions of leadership, commitment, support, and service to the economic development and improvement of Lancaster County. Whether by helping to expand job opportunities, increase the local tax base, or improve the overall quality of life, the award honoree has positively influenced and advanced our economic wellbeing at the county, township, borough, or neighborhood level.
Dale was recognized along with Armstrong World Industries Inc., Lancaster Newspapers Inc., John O. Shirk of Barley Snyder LLC, and R. Wesley Shope (posthumously).
HSCSL Fans The Flames . . . And Extinguishes Them!
On Sunday, October 25, 2010, High Safety Consulting Services Ltd. (HSCSL) coworkers Greg Brosey, Safety and Health Consultant, and Steve High, President, participated in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Annual Construction Rodeo to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Fire extinguisher training was the focus of HSCSL’s presentation. Greg filled pressurized extinguishers with water and, with the use of an automated propane-based fire training system, Steve provided participants with hands-on instruction in the proper use of fire extinguishers. Steve explained, “Because most of the participants were young, I reinforced the importance of leaving the house, and not attempting to extinguish a fire. While this training was fun for the children, the goal was to teach adults to use a fire extinguisher effectively.”
A highlight of the event was the landing of the Penn State Life Lion Critical Care
Transport Service helicopter. Participants were also introduced to EDITH – Exit Drills In The Home – a plan which includes preparation for evacuation (such as mapping out an escape plan and running practice drills), placement of smoke detectors, and fire prevention measures.
With nearly 5,000 people in attendance, the Rodeo was a great success, an excellent fund-raiser, and a fun and informative way to recognize October as Fire Safety Month. Thank you, Greg and Steve, for providing this important – and potentially lifesaving – instruction.
Co-Workers Have A Duckie Day For United Way
On Saturday, September 11, 2010, High ® co-workers and family members ventured into uncharted waters for the annual United Way Day of Caring. Volunteers cleaned, sorted, and numbered toy ducks, which are used for Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center’s Rubber Duckie RaceTM and Festival. This event helps to fund Schreiber’s programs which support children with special needs and their families. Through physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy, preschool and day care, recreation, and family support, Schreiber therapists work closely with families to develop programs that help children maximize their ability to function as independently as possible within the community.
The Day of Caring marks the beginning of the Lancaster County United Way’s annual campaign. Companies, organizations, and individuals take part in this event, lending a hand to non-profit organizations and others in need.
Thank you, High co-workers and family members, for volunteering during the Day of Caring. Your efforts will improve the lives of those in our community who are served by United Way Agencies like Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center.
Marcia Moores, Rachel and Jenni Simmons, Jeff Smith, Jane Owens, Greg High, Charlene Kachnoskie, and Robin Stauffer.
Being innovative leaders . . .
The Lancaster Science Factory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, recently debuted a new exhibit, The Truss Bridge, which was made possible by a donation from High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI). Composed of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal elements arranged in a triangular pattern for strength and stability, the truss bridge is the oldest of the modern bridges, and is very efficient at carrying heavy loads. Constructing a bridge using magnetic pieces, children learn engineering and physics challenges. The directions also encourage guests to create different types of truss bridges.
Jeffrey Sterner, President of HSSI, said, “High Steel is one of the nations largest fabricators of steel bridges, providing a great link between the Lancaster community and this important industry. We are pleased to be able to help the Lancaster Science Factory promote this part of our heritage, and make it fun and interactive for young people.”
Left: A truss bridge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, constructed by HSSI.
Right: A truss bridge constructed of magnetic pieces at Lancaster Science Factory’s exhibit.