High Spirit
Thank You
for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit:
Ross Ansel
Rick Dickerson
Kathy Frey
Frank Fox
Lisa Fulginiti
Darryl Gordon
Tim Guhl
Greg High
Steve High
Suzanne High Schenck
Carolyne Jordan
Michelle McCann
Tina McGinnis
Laurie McKay
David Nice
Dave Nicholas
Rebecca O’Marrah
Jane Owens
Elaine Richard
Fran Richards
Kelly Roeder
Laurie Salzmann
John Sandy
Fritz Shaak
Robin Stauffer
“Up Close - And Sometimes PersonalWith 3G”: An interview with Steve High, Greg High, and Suzanne High Schenck, begins on page 1.
UP CL UP CL UP CL UP CL UP CLOSE OSE OSE OSE
- And Sometimes Personal -
WITH 3G WITH 3G WITH 3G WITH 3G WITH 3G
In its 80 th year, the High® organization is still a familyowned business. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with members of the third generation (3G) of the High Family – Steve High, Greg High, and Suzanne High Schenck – over lunch. I got to do the “Oprah” routine and ask them some questions about our Company, their family, and even some personal stuff. We thought their answers may be of interest to the readers of High Spirit
David A. Nice, Manager
Organizational
Development
and Training High Company LLC
Mr. Nice Guy: What is your job or role at High and what exactly do you do?
Greg: I wish I had a short answer to that question! My role is Vice President of Ownership Strategic Planning for The High Family Council. I work with the ownership group, otherwise known as The High Family Council, to develop long-term strategic plans for the Family, which is often described as our “100-Year Vision”, and integrate those into the long-term strategic plans for each High Company. I also serve on the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, the newly formed Investment Committee, and I chair The High Family Council and The S. Dale High Family Foundation Board. These roles are great opportunities that allow me to grow and add value to the business while working with many wonderful people, including my brother, sister, stepmother, and father – otherwise known as Steve, Sue, Sadie, and Dale.
Steve: I started High Safety Consulting Services Ltd. in late 1997, and that is how I fill most of my time. I enjoy teaching and helping to solve safety and health issues. In my role, I have the opportunity to see how different companies operate. I am also involved with The High Family Council, The S. Dale High Family Foundation Board, and the Company Boards of Directors. I enjoy wearing different hats, which keeps me very busy.
Sue, Steve, and Greg share family memories.
Suzanne: I chair The High Family Assembly which consists of the ownership group, their spouses, and fourth generation (4G) family members, 11 years and older. The purpose of the Assembly is to help keep our family connected and to provide family members with updates about the business. And, by the way, at current
David Nice asks the tough questions.
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count, there are 10 members of the fourth generation! I also serve on The S. Dale High Family Foundation Board and The High Family Council.
Mr. Nice Guy: What items do you think are most critical now, and in the future, for the Company to succeed for another 80 years?
Greg: Each High Company has its own business plan, and execution of that plan is critical; however, there are additional items that we believe will also help to ensure our success as a Company. A key element for all High Companies is The High Philosophy and the corporate culture. The Company has made great strides in making the culture something that we can see and measure. We plan to work with the Boards of Directors, the Executive Committee, and each co-worker to build upon the incredibly rewarding culture that has developed over the past 80 years. In addition, we are working on ownership and governance transition to help position the Company for success well into the future.
Steve: I agree, Greg. We have said that how we do business is the most important part of why we want to continue to be a family in business. Part of this is The High Philosophy; part of this is fostering a positive work environment; and part of it is giving back to our community. Greg has been instrumental in his role in helping to coordinate and move 3G forward in defining our vision for the future. A combined vision, good governance, and proper estate planning are critical to continue to move the organization forward.
Suzanne: Our grandfather once said, “Lay down a good weld and always give good measure.” By “good weld,” I believe he meant to do a good job for the customer from a product standpoint, regardless of what business you are in. By “give good measure,” I believe he meant to deliver exceptional co-worker and customer satisfaction through exceptional service to the customer. A company that has happy co-workers and satisfied customers not only survives, it thrives.
Mr. Nice Guy: Okay, here’s the classic family company question — we all love our families, but it’s hard to imagine working with brothers and sisters, not to mention one’s father. How do all of you do that and remain sane?
Greg: Ah, yes, how do we do that? I know, for example, that you have to live in the present. For the most part, I forgive my brother for the time he tried to flush my head down the toilet. The water in the bowl was clean, so it was not that bad (I’m kidding!). We each have a great deal of respect for one another now (after some fun teenage years and crazy stories of sibling rivalry that are mostly forgotten, or cannot be printed here in case our mother or father reads this).
Steve: Sorry about all that Greg! While I often instigated things when we were kids, we actually get along very well today. I think perhaps our biggest challenge is being too nice! We
David enjoys a laugh with Greg, Sue, and Steve.
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have worked as a family on interpersonal communications. Sue has been a champion of helping us look at how we communicate and interact with each other. We are trying to be authentic in our communications. Over the past number of years working much more closely with Greg and Sue, I’ve developed a great appreciation for their unique skills. As a team, we each bring a little different perspective, and when we meld (or should I say “weld”) these together, we really have a unique and strong combination of skills.
Suzanne: Growing up with two older brothers was interesting. I can’t believe we got through our upbringing without burning the house down – of course, nothing I had anything to do with . . . boys will be boys! Our parents would sit me in the middle of the back seat if we went anywhere in the car so that there would be a “buffer” between the boys. Let’s just say I learned how to duck pretty well! We do really get along well today, and like Steve said, we all have different strengths to pull from one another. We often joke that the three of us together make up a “Dale.”
Mr. Nice Guy: Do the views of 3G differ much from the views of 2G with regard to the future and, if so, how?
Steve: Through work with a number of family business consultants, 3G defined a vision that we believe would work best for the future. Initially, our plans represented some changes that were different from how 2G saw things. As we continued to work together, we came to a full alignment of vision. I believe that we are all working toward common goals with everyone completely on board. I must say that I appreciate Dale’s willingness to help initiate the process, support the family in defining its future, and having the foresight to know this work is critical for the continuation of the organization. Suzanne: I do believe each successive generation will want to put their own mark on the Company, and I think that is good; however, we have a common foundation of values and a philosophy that has not changed over the past 80 years, and I don’t anticipate that they will change a lot in the next 80 years. Our values form the basis of who we are, and serve as guideposts to help us reach our goals.
We often joke that the three of us together make up a “Dale.”
-Sue High
Sue, Steve, and Greg at the beach.
Greg: For many years, 2G and 3G have been working closely to continue to define, plan for, and shape the future of the Company. Like any family, we certainly have our differences, but we have always been able to discuss those differences and reach alignment on those key elements that will drive the future success of our Family and the Company. As Steve said earlier, we really do recognize that we are much stronger as a team than we are individually and that helps to drive us forward . . . with a strong sense of purpose and passion.
Mr. Nice Guy: Getting back to the next generation, how old are the oldest 4G family members? Who is the youngest?
Steve: I am sure I am not old enough yet for this to be possible, but my daughter, Rachel, is in her second year of college in New York City, and I have two teenage boys — Spencer, age 16, and Nicholas, who is 14.
Greg: My oldest daughter is Lindsay; she is 18 and will be attending college next year. Austin is 15, Gavin is 11, Lauren is 6, and Paige is 5.
Suzanne: My oldest is Madison, who is 7. Ryan is 4.
Mr. Nice Guy: How might things be different for them and the Company in the future?
Steve: We have worked hard on trying to make sure that we have a Company and governance structure that will work for a diverse and larger family. The structures we have established now should work for many generations, while providing individual freedom.
Greg: As the Company and our family continue to grow, we recognize that some family members may have a desire to work for the High Companies and others may have no interest at all. We embrace that as a family and we want each family member to choose a career path that they truly enjoy and that they will be successful in, regardless of what that may be. At the same time, we want to educate them about what it means to be good stewards with regard to having ownership in a business that has deep roots in the family.
Suzanne: We look forward to educating the next generation further about the history of the Company and the many challenges that the entire Company has faced and overcome during its 80-year history. This is something that the Family Assembly has been working on. Also, Dale has had several educational sessions with 4G members.
Mr. Nice Guy: As you plan for the future, are there specific companies that you are using as a guide?
Greg: Yes, in fact, we have met with leadership at Steinman Enterprises and the Clemens Family Corporation. The Steinman organization is primarily known for Lancaster Newspapers and has other diversified business holdings including coal and food service. The Clemens organization is involved in Hatfield Meats, transportation, and now retail development. Both of these family companies have been in existence for over 100 years and have survived several generational transitions. We were impressed with the structures and processes that have been put in place at these companies.
Steve: More recently we have been meeting with two other families who have family businesses. These individuals are also going through generational transitions. It is interesting to compare notes and discuss various issues with them.
Suzanne: The S. Dale High Center for Family Business at Elizabethtown College has provided us with a way to connect to other family businesses in the area. This has been a
tremendous learning opportunity for us. We have also attended family business seminars at Wharton and, as Steve mentioned, have been meeting with a smaller group of family businesses from Maryland and New York on a regular basis.
Mr. Nice Guy: Are there things that 3G is trying to avoid? Problems to avoid?
Steve: The worst thing that could happen is that the ownership group gets into significant disagreements. While we don’t expect to agree on everything, we all understand how important it is to keep open communications and to peacefully disagree, while supporting the overall decisions. I think we are also trying to think about how we integrate future generations through ownership education. There are many important pieces to making the High Companies work, and we won’t be able to understand them all. The High Family will need to rely on the Boards of Directors, the Executive Committee, management, and all co-workers.
Greg: We have read countless stories of family businesses failing in the third generation. Most of these failures are caused less by the health of the business or industry and more by family disagreements/discord. We all recognize as a family that communication and the ability to resolve conflicts within our family is critical to the health of our family, and it can also have a ripple effect on the business.
Over the past number of years working much more closely with Greg and Sue, I’ve developed a great appreciation for their unique skills.
-Steve High
Suzanne: In addition to communication on the business side, we all know that communication as a family is just as, if not more, important to ensure that we continue to stay close as a family. There are many demands pulling each of us in many directions every day, but we always make the effort to slow down and take time for our family. We support each other during the challenging times in our lives and we celebrate with each other during the good times.
Mr. Nice Guy: In the future, would ideas for new business ventures be likely to come from management to the Family, or vice versa?
Steve: I believe this could occur in either direction. Because the Companies are closer to the action, they should have the best insight on what new products or services would be valuable to our customers. In the future, strategic planning at the family level could establish an interest in a new business. In all cases, we would rely heavily on the Board and management to help vet any new initiatives or ideas that developed at the family level.
Suzanne: As a family in business, I believe we have always embraced new innovations and business opportunities that show great promise for being successful in the future. I don’t see that philosophy changing.
Greg: We are currently more focused on growing the existing businesses and not out looking to add new business ventures to the Company portfolio; however, that does not mean that we would not
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The Third Generation
pursue an opportunity if we saw a fit for the Company. Any new business venture idea could come from any source and the idea would be fully evaluated to see if it provides an opportunity for High.
Mr. Nice Guy: Are any of the 4G “high-tech” kids? What kind of interests appear to be in the next generation?
Greg: This is a great question for Steve. While my kids embrace technology, his kids are taking it to another level! My oldest daughter, Lindsay, is considering nursing. She has been accepted to several colleges and universities and is in the process of making her choice. My other kids have some ideas of fields that may interest them; however, they are continuing to explore this further. My two youngest recently listed jobs they might want to have and appearing on the list were police officer and President of the United States!
. . . communication and the ability to resolve conflicts within our family is critical to the health of our family, and it can also have a ripple effect on the business.
-Greg High
Steve: My boys are very technology-oriented. My youngest taught himself several computer languages. He and his brother started a company called Silver Chip Interactive. They have developed two apps which are available for the iPhone and iPad. My older son does all the graphics and my youngest does the coding. They have several websites that they created and are up on the very latest in technology developments. In fact, my son was often summoned to fix computer issues in his school. More recently, he developed an iPhone application for Technology Student Association which is now being readied for distribution to individual state chapters. My daughter is enjoying her second year at NYU.
Suzanne: I love asking my kids what they want to do when they grow up. Let’s see . . . Madison wants to be a rock star (umm . . . no) or a veterinarian (although I’m not sure why . . . she doesn’t even seem to like animals that much!) Ryan wants to be a train conductor. Next week will probably bring a new set of answers.
Mr. Nice Guy: Are there kinds of businesses that the family knows they do not want to do? Steve: While there are some types of businesses that would definitely not be a fit for us, the biggest concern we would have is owning a business which isn’t conforming to The High Philosophy’s principles of ethical and fair relationships.
Greg: Yes, we want to be involved in businesses that are uplifting to society and are in keeping with The High Philosophy. We also want to be involved in businesses that have a good relationship with all co-workers and that demonstrate the kind of corporate culture, industry leadership, and community commitment that make all of us proud.
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Suzanne: Of course we want to operate successful businesses; however, sometimes there are factors outside our control that don’t allow us to continue to be the best sponsor of a particular business. For example, anyone who knows me well knows that I have a passion for food and cooking. So certainly I was disappointed when we sold High Food Services Ltd.; however, it was clear at the time that this was the best decision for all involved due to the size and scale of the competitive threat that was entering our marketplace. We are invested in our Companies for the long-term, but need to be vigilant and respond appropriately to changes in our market.
Mr. Nice Guy: If there is one thing that you hope co-workers get out of this interview, what is it?
Steve: That there is an exciting future for the High Companies. The governance will look different than it did in the past, but it will be a structure that will serve us well into the future.
Suzanne: The sense of pride that we have in them for what they are accomplishing every day and appreciation for the tremendous effort, talent, and commitment it takes from everyone to operate a thriving business.
Greg: That you are appreciated and are recognized as a very important part of this Company! It takes a group of committed co-workers, Board members, owners, and executive leadership focused on the future to succeed in the next 80 years.
The second, third, and fourth generations of the High Family (2009).
Dressed as The Cat In The Hat, Genie Hendrick spoke in Seuss-like rhyme about her hotel’s commitment to safety.
From Hard Hats To The Cat In The Hat: Safety Summit Goes With The “Flo”
On March 2, 2011, the High ® Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department hosted its annual Safety Summit to recognize the outstanding safety performance of a number of High’s businesses and properties.
Fritz Shaak, Director of EHS, opened the program with 2010 safety highlights. Randy Bare from High Concrete Group LLC’s (HCGL) Springboro, Ohio, plant, offered “secrets” to safety success – envision, communicate, diligence, and patience.
With no OSHA recordable incidents in over a year, it is evident that Springboro’s plan is working well.
Next, co-workers representing areas that earned Safety Circle Awards presented information about their successful safety programs. With the coveted President’s Safety Award at stake – one for the Manufacturing/ Construction group, and the other in the Properties/Hotels group – presenters brought their ‘A’ game, using PowerPoint presentations, video, and other props to make their cases. Presenters spoke about the difficulties posed by the environments in which they work and how they maintain a safe work place, sometimes under very challenging conditions.
Nevin Cooley presented the President’s Safety Award in the Properties/Hotels category to Jessica “Flo” Smythe and David Jacobs, representing the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West, Pennsylvania.
Safety Circle Award recipients in the Properties/Hotels category were:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott-Ewing, New Jersey
Presenter: Greg Werner
Rossmoyne Business Center, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Derry Young
Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West, Pennsylvania
Presenters: Dave Jacobs and Jessica “Flo” Smythe
York Ridge Apartments, Charlotte, North Carolina
Presenters: Leah Connors and Tina McGinnis
Courtyard by Marriott-Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Jeremy Geib
Parkland Center, Sarasota, Florida
Presenter: Beverly Vorhees
In the Manufacturing/Construction category, the Safety Circle Award recipients were:
High Steel Structures Inc., Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Bob Orta
High Steel Structures Inc., Field Operations, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Bob Urban
High Transit LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenters: Kyle Gaskill, Mike Murry, Rick Radcliffe, and Don Reed
High Construction Company, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: “Safety Dave” Bowers
Some presentations were humorous. A Flo look-alike (the television spokesperson for an insurance company), spoke about her hotel’s ‘progressive’ attitude toward safety. Another featured a mock television interview with Dr. Suess’ beloved character, The Cat In the Hat, who spoke in rhyme about the hotel’s safety program. Other presentations were more serious, with details of the challenges and potential hazards of nighttime construction of bridges in the Washington, D.C. area, and a co-worker’s emotional account of how training in CPR – meant to be used on the job – helped her save a family member’s life.
Following the presentations, Executive Committee members went behind closed doors to select winners of the President’s Safety Award. High Steel Structures Inc.’s Field Operations Team earned the award in the Manufacturing/Construction category, and High Hotels Ltd.’s Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West received the Properties/Hotels award.
Congratulations to the President’s Safety Award winners, and to all recipients of the Safety Circle Award. When it comes to safety, you are all winners!
HSSI
Begins Fabrication
Of Milton-Madison Bridge
High Steel Structures Inc.’s (HSSI) Lancaster facility has begun fabricating 8,165 tons of structural steel as part of its $21 million steel fabrication subcontract for the Milton-Madison Bridge. This structure will replace a deteriorating 81-year-old bridge that spans the Ohio River between Milton, Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana. Walsh Construction, based in LaPort, Indiana, is the general contractor for the $103 million project, and is working with the design engineering team Buckland & Taylor Ltd. of North Vancouver, British Columbia, and Burgess & Niple Engineers of Columbus, Ohio. HSSI is partnering with the design-build team on the initial stages of its role in the project, including material procurement and initial shop drawing submittal, concurrent with the design engineers’ completion of the final design of the first phase. “We are proud to
Jeff Smith presents the President’s Safety Award in the Manufacturing/Construction category to Bob Urban, representing HSSI’s Field Operations Department.
contribute to the replacement of the Milton-Madison Bridge and look forward to working with Walsh and the entire project team on this highly complex project,” said Jeffrey Sterner, HSSI’s President.
This bridge will be constructed using an innovative method called truss sliding. “This is design-build at its purest, with multiple disciplines working concurrently with completion milestones that are slightly staggered,” said Sean Pitzer, Engineering Technical Coordinator with HSSI. A new 3,181-foot steel truss superstructure will be constructed on temporary piers downstream from the existing bridge, and then moved using a controlled slide along steel rails to its permanent location on the existing piers, which will be widened and rehabilitated before the move. This method reduces the originally estimated cost by 20 percent and the anticipated 365-day construction-related bridge closure to just 10 days.
For more information on this project, visit www.MiltonMadisonBridge.com.
GAL Takes On Penn Wells Lodge Project
Greenfield Architects Ltd. (GAL) is preparing plans for renovation and an addition to the Penn Wells Lodge. Located in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, this project is GAL’s first in the Marcellus Shale region.
The hotel addition includes new guestrooms, elevator, developed courtyards, and public restrooms. Lobby renovations consist of a mezzanine, monumental stair, dining area, kitchen and pantry, market, business center, and a registration desk with waiting area and fireplace. In addition, the new hotel entrance will include a porte cochere, as well as other improvements to the building’s exterior.
Acting as Principal-in-Charge for the project is Frank Fox. Ross Ansel is the Project Architect/Manager, Wayne Stevens is Designer, and MaryJo Dietrich is Senior Draftsperson. Don White, Designer, is involved in the production of the construction documents.
HCGL Improves Plant Efficiencies
Through the Continuous Improvement Process, High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) is making the production plant more efficient and cost-effective. Teams consisting of seven or eight co-workers focused efforts on planning and set-up of the product, a process that is considered “non-value added” – meaning it has a negative impact on the bottom line. Set-Up Reduction Events resulted in a reduction in the amount of time needed to prepare a job for pouring of concrete, allowing faster change-over, adding value, and making the plant more cost effective.
Set-Up Reduction Events occurred in the following areas:
Weld Shop: 72 percent reduction in change-over time on the robotic welder.
Before: 38.9 minutes
After: 10.8 minutes
Batch Plant: 30 percent reduction in time from request of concrete to arrival at the building.
Before: 42.0 minutes
After: 30.0 minutes
East Building: 30 percent reduction in change-over time on double-T beds.
Before:125.0 minutes
After: 88.0 minutes
West Building: 59 percent reduction in time by using free standing forms.
Before:200.3 minutes
After: 82.1 minutes
The team will continue its efforts to drive costs down in the plant as it focuses attention on other HCGL manufacturing facilities.
Highlands To Add A New Facility
The Gilbertson Group, a family-owned organization specializing in physical and electronic security systems integration, will break ground for a new facility in High Associates Ltd.’s (HAL) Highlands Corporate Center, Coatesville, Pennsylvania. This new facility will consist of 20,000 square feet of warehouse space, and 5,000 square feet of office space.
The groundbreaking will take place in July 2011, with an anticipated Spring 2012 opening.
Greenfield Architects Ltd. is designing the build-to-suit-to-lease project, and High Construction Company will build the facility. HAL will provide development, property management, and tenant care services.
Precast Façade Adorns
Luxury Chicago High-Rise
Lincoln Park 2520, a new 1.12 million square-foot luxury condominium highrise, is making its mark on the Chicago skyline. The project features three classic towers clad in architectural precast panels produced by co-workers at the High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) Springboro, Ohio, plant.
Comprising over 200,000 square feet of architectural precast, Lincoln Park 2520 is one of the largest projects the architecturally-focused Springboro plant has produced. The elegant pre-war-style building features “shoulders” of towers, 21 and 30 stories high, that flank a 39-story central tower, and are topped by a zinc-clad mansard roof.
HCGL created three different concrete mixes to distinguish each of the three towers, creating a visual separation while preserving a consistent limestone block look. The architectural buff colors and medium sandblast finish complement the natural granite and limestone of the two-story base that unites the towers. The stone was cast into the precast panels of the base, which is supported by large columns. Overall, the project is characterized by complicated forms with deep reveals and returns. Residences feature cast-in-place balconies faced with curved decorative precast members.
Lucien Lagrange is the design architect. Walsh Construction Company, a 112year-old family-owned and Chicago-based company, is the general contractor. The HCGL team included: Rick Kammerer, Sales Representative; Paul Heiman, Project Manager; Ryan Gehman, Site Representative; Alan Schnipke, Estimator; and Kevin Iddings, General Manager. Erection of precast concrete began in January 2011, and is scheduled for completion in the Fall. A Spring 2012 opening is anticipated.
Below, Chad Marshall, Chris Miller, Ryan Turner, and Ed Gallman build a new wall panel form.
Above, Rodney Fox and William Blevins put the final touches on a column cover before casting.
CAC Has A Knack For Fun!
The purpose of the Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) is to plan events for High® co-workers and their families to enjoy throughout the year. CAC’s mission is to “Work Hard. Play Hard.” The committee is comprised of co-workers from various High Companies, including: Sandy Alvarado (High Steel Service Center LLC); Carolyne Jordan and Rebecca O’Marrah (High Hotels Ltd.); Mary Kreider and Mike Schirmer (High Steel Structures Inc.); Rhonda Kurtz (High Concrete Group LLC); Kelly Roeder and Kathryn Sylvia (High Associates Ltd.); and Darryl Gordon, April Homerski, Aidalis Lopez, Laurie McKay, and Beth Tippett (High Company LLC).
To fulfill its mission, CAC sponsored two events earlier in 2011 – a screening of the movie “Rango” on Friday, March 4, at a Lancaster County theater, and on Saturday, April 9, a bus trip to Washington D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Other High locations also held a variety of fun CAC-sponsored events including movie nights, special lunches, sporting events, and team-building activities.
If you would like to get in on the fun, mark your calendar for CAC events planned for the remainder of 2011:
Saturday, July 23
Home Run Celebration (Baseball Game and Buffet)
Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Stadium, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Saturday, August 27
High Cup II (Golf ) at Fox Chase, Stevens, Pennsylvania
Saturday, September 24
Fall Bus Trip to New York City
Bus Only or Bus and Luncheon Boat Cruise
Saturday, December 3
Jingle Bell Breakfast, Yoder’s Restaurant, New Holland, Pennsylvania
In addition, from now through June 3, 2011, you may order Hershey Park tickets in advance at discounted rates! For more details and order forms, contact any CAC member.
For additional information on these and other fun events, watch your e-mail or bulletin board, or visit High Home.
Daryl Thomson and his wife enjoy “Rango”.
The Darryl Gordon (HCL) familyDaNasia, Donnie, Dominique, and D.J. - strike a pose at the Washington Monument.
Governor Names S. Dale High To Advisory Commission
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett appointed Dale High to serve on the newly-created Transportation Funding Advisory Commission. This group is charged with developing innovative solutions to the State’s mounting transportation funding challenges.
Barry Schoch, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary, will lead the commission to explore financial options. “I am grateful to all the commission members for contributing time, knowledge, and insight to help Pennsylvania move toward a new decade of transportation improvements,” said Schoch.
The Commission is expected to present its recommendations by August 1, 2011.
She Gives Good Measure!
HIGH STEEL STRUCTURES INC.
Terry L. Mackey, CNC Parts Fabricator
Nominated by Robert D. Fisher, James D. Hauck, and Raymond A. Keys
When a co-worker is nominated for a Good Measure Award, it is quite an honor; but when a co-worker is nominated by three of her co-workers, you can be certain she is going the extra mile! That is just what happened in the case of Terry Mackey.
As a CNC Parts Fabricator, she will most often be found operating the angle line; however, her skills go beyond the scope of her job to include being able to operate a tow motor, saw line, and overhead crane. Terry willingly works overtime, whether on first or third shift, in order to maintain a steady flow of material to the cross frame area, and always with a pleasant attitude. Following a 12-hour day, Terry still manages to make her family a priority.
One co-worker notes that, in this traditionally male-dominated industry, Terry “out-works most of the guys.” We appreciate Terry’s outstanding work ethic, a hallmark of any Good Measure Award recipient!
Do you know of a High® co-worker or team that gives Good Measure?
Recognize them today! Complete a Good Measure Award nomination form, available from your Human Resource representative or on High Home, and submit it to your GMA Committee Chair, as indicated on the form.
High Honors
Nicole M. Jackson, High Associates Ltd.
. . .earned National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) certification through the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia in November 2010. Nicole is a Marketing Representative with Orchard Ridge Apartments, located in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
Barbara M. Rutt, High Safety Consulting Services Ltd.
. . .earned the CXLT designation by successfully completing requirements of Excel Tribometers LLC for the Certified XL Tribometrist Certification Program in March 2011. Barb began her career with HSCSL in 2003, and is currently a Safety Consultant.
High Awards
John H. Burkholder Jr., High Construction Company
. . .was named a finalist for Project Superintendent of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Central Pennsylvania (ASACP), for the second consecutive year.
Daniel R. Pietropola, High Construction Company
. . .was named Project Manager of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Central Pennsylvania (ASACP). Presented at its 13th Annual Awards Gala, this is the second consecutive year Dan has earned this award.
High Concrete Group LLC
. . .garnered recognition for the DASH Maintenance, Operations, and Administration facility, Alexandria, Virginia, in the 10th Annual Washington Contractor Awards, sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of Metro DC. HCGL was subcontracted to fabricate thermally efficient CarbonCast ® wall panels and precast double tees for the facility, which was designed to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating.
High Construction Company
. . .was presented with the 2010 General Contractor of the Year Award from the American Subcontractors Association of Central Pennsylvania. This is the fourth consecutive year HCC has earned this honor.
High Steel Structures Inc.
. . .received an Award of Excellence from the Maryland Quality Initiative (MdQI) at its annual conference. HSSI was recognized in the Subcontractor category for the project located at the I-95 / I695 Interchange: I-95 from Hazelwood Avenue to King Avenue, and I-695 from Lillian Holt Drive to MD 7. HSSI fabricated, delivered, and erected more than 16,000 tons of structural steel for this project.
High’s
The Sweet Spot:
Is your company part of the new economy?
To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, Rick Dickerson, PE, Manager of Strategic Projects at High ®, offered the following article - the fourth in a series - in a recent edition of Business 2 Business magazine:
The sweet spot, where your sustainability strategy and your corporate strategy maximize both profit and the public good, is the place where your organization should reside.
Taking a sustainable approach to employee benefits, giving back to the community, and managing business by the numbers all have positive effects on the bottom line. Increasing the productivity and efficiency of your employees by incorporating more sustainable practices can have significant impacts on a business. Cost reductions and savings generated by implementing greener practices are also great benefits of a sustainable approach.
However, a corporate strategy needs to go beyond the inclusion of opportunities to improve the profitability of the organization by “greening” the process and maximizing the public good. It needs to forecast and align with real-world customer behavioral changes that are occurring as a result of increased awareness of the importance of sustainability.
Certainly, essential to every business is customer demand for its products and services. Business school classes are filled with numerous case studies of companies that failed to identify a shift in their market and customers’ buying habits and then suffer devastating consequences.
The bottled water industry has received criticism in part because of the waste created by disposable plastic and glass water bottles and the energy required to ship the product. After years of steady growth in sales, the industry is experiencing flattening and declines in sales. On the other hand, the water filter industry and reusable water bottle industry have experienced growth due to being perceived as a greener alternative.
Even Walmart, which touts having “Everything You Need at Unbeatable Low Prices,” is recognizing that the economy values more than just low prices. Their slogan, “Save money. Live better.”, illustrates their realization of this changing belief. In fact, as you drill down into their website, you find statements such as “At Walmart, we see sustainability as one of the most important opportunities for both the future of our business and the future of our world.”
In the construction industry, certifications that demonstrate the sustainable or green aspects of buildings and construction methods are becoming more prevalent. Whether it is LEED, Energy Star, or numerous other endorsements, questions arise such as: Are these standards going to become requirements to participate in the construction marketplace? Is this an indication that new
ECO Task Force recently distributed reusable water bottles to co-workers who participated in Earth Day activities.
standards will emerge? Will more tenants and owners put weight not only on the cost to lease or construct, but the cost to operate as well?”
Are socially-minded companies going to have an advantage in your marketplace? When some major companies were discovered to be using child labor, the public outcry was justifiably deafening. Will sustainability practices, or lack thereof, also come under similar scrutiny? If a shift occurs towards requiring sustainable practices, the companies that have prepared will be better positioned when the market turns away from companies with products and services that are not aligned with best practices.
At a minimum, every organization should be considering the effects of a shift towards more sustainable products and services. Will your customers require your organization to be more transparent? Organizations can wait until external pressures, such as the cost of waste disposal, energy, and increasing regulations, force the adoption of more sustainable practices, or they can be innovative leaders. Green products are produced more energy-efficiently and require less energy when they are used by the customer. In addition, they incorporate more recycled materials, consume less water, create less waste, and last longer than the competition.
The chicken and egg scenario is this: If greener products and services were readily available tomorrow in your industry at a competitive price, would customer habits shift dramatically? Would competitors who fail to recognize this shift or take pre-emptive actions go the way of 8-track and cassette tapes? It is important that an organization incorporates in its strategies the adoption or transition to more sustainable products and services, even if the shift has not taken place in your industry, because these shifts are occurring at faster and faster rates in our economy.
Interface is an example of a company that is taking a sustainable approach with a very common product. Interface is a leader in design, production, and sales of environmentallyresponsible carpet. They believe that organizations and individuals are increasingly discovering that companies are “doing well by doing good,” a phrase that refers to doing financially well by doing what is right by the environment. Interface states, “Having a long-term strategy that seeks to protect and preserve the environment for future generations is something that does not take from the bottom line, but rather adds to it.”
These are just a few examples that a paradigm shift is occurring and a new economy is emerging. Whether services that provide restoration and revitalization, or products with life cycle assessments that show smaller carbon footprints, customers are increasingly using a new set of standards in making their purchasing decisions. Organizations concerned with their long-term viability need to be considering these potential changes within their industries and the strategies needed in order to adapt and move to a position of strength.
HCGL’s Denver, Pennsylvania, batching operations.
HHL Earns Green Plus Certification
High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) recently achieved the Institute for Sustainable Development’s Green PlusTM Certification, the organization’s highest level of recognition. The Green Plus program educates and certifies businesses in triple bottom line sustainability within the areas of people, planet, and performance.
Through completion of a diagnostic survey, HHL learned how to use sustainable practices to distinguish itself in a competitive marketplace, increase business, and remain a leader in the communities it serves. HHL was then presented with a customized evaluation of its performance. Having received excellent scores in all areas, HHL became eligible for the certification, and joins fellow High Real Estate Group LLC companies - High Construction Company and Greenfield Architects Ltd. - as Green Plus Certified designees.
To learn more about Green Plus, visit the website at www.gogreenplus.org.
HCGL Installs Water Delivery Equipment
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) has invested in high-efficiency water heating, chilling, and recovery equipment for its Denver, Pennsylvania, headquarters manufacturing operations. The new system delivers water to the concrete batching operations, providing ideal concrete casting temperature throughout the year.
The system scavenges heat from exhaust gases and supplements primary heating in a tank, and redundant burners ensure fail-safe operation. The system significantly reduces natural gas consumption during reheat mode, which occurs during approximately 50 percent of the plant’s wintertime operating hours. In summer, chilled water overcomes excess temperatures of powder products and sand and stone aggregates, and facilitates the use of additional water from HCGL’s innovative water reclamation system. Further, the system will aid in achieving increased consistency in architectural finishes and to meet Department of Transportation concrete mix temperature standards for precast bridge fabrication.
HCGL has set a target of reducing emissions at its Denver facility by more than 18 percent versus its 2007 emissions. The new system conserves precious water and energy, enabling the facility to meet its emissions reduction targets, while setting the stage for growth.
“The state of commercial construction makes this the right time to invest in our future in a sustainable way,” says Rick Scheetz, President of HCGL. The effort is part of the ongoing, multi-discipline Green Initiative at High.
ECO Task Force Makes An Impact On The Environment
In keeping with The High Philosophy, the High ® ECO Task Force (ETF) has provided a number of opportunities for co-workers to make a positive impact on the environment:
On March 29 and 30, 2011, the ETF held a book recycling event. Coworkers were invited to contribute unwanted books, which were then donated to the Lancaster County Library to be sold at their annual book sale in May. This is an excellent example of the ETF’s motto: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Volunteers hit the highway on Saturday, April 16, 2011, for High’s first Adopt-A-Highway clean-up. Members of the Executive Committee were out in full force, working shoulder-to-shoulder with other co-workers and family members, shown in the photo below. They cleaned up a section of Route 30 near the Greenfield Corporate Center, collecting 75 bags of trash. Adopt-AHighway is an ongoing project, with several more clean-up dates already scheduled for 2011.
On April 19 and 20, 2011, the ETF encouraged co-workers to bring old electronic items for its “eScrap” collection. As in past eScrap events, items such as computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices, were disposed of in an environmentallyfriendly manner.
With the high price of gasoline, co-workers who commute to work may be looking for opportunities to car pool with other High co-workers. To aid them in their search, the ETF added a High Car Pool Sign Up on High Home under “Quick Links”. This intranet link also provides you with the latest ETF news, shows gasoline stations and prices by ZIP code, and offers tips to help you reduce CO2 emissions. Check it out!
The April 2011 Adopt-A-Highway crew included (in the photo, left to right):
Jenni Simmons
Kurt Engel
Bob Widdowson
Robin Stauffer
Greg High
Tim and Jackie Guhl
Larry Brown
Jeff Smith
Matt Twomey
Ken Hornbeck
Ralph Smuck
Michael Fruin
Dean Glick
Frank McCabe
Not pictured is crew member and photographer, Carolyne Jordan.
High Co-Workers
- Past And PresentCare For The Community
When it comes to taking action to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work, High® co-workers certainly do their part! Following are just a few of the events in which they participated:
The “We Care” committee from the Hampton Inn-York, Pennsylvania, has sponsored numerous events to benefit the community. In addition to donating items such as food, clothing, and linens, co-workers also volunteer their time to help serve in a local soup kitchen. For the wellbeing of co-workers, “We Care” organizes wellness walks and potluck luncheons.
High Beamers showed their generosity during the Holiday Season. This group, comprised of High retirees and spouses, collected food donations during their December 2010 Holiday Luncheon. Items collected were donated to a Lancaster County food bank.
The Lancaster residential communities of Bentley Ridge, Greenfield Estates, and Eastwood Village sponsored a Holiday Food and Toy Drive during the month of December 2010. Co-worker volunteers went door-to-door (that is 1,075 doors!) to gather items left by residents. In addition, the Orchard Ridge Apartments team held a Holiday Food Drive, picking up donations from 274 homes. Items collected by the residential teams were donated to non-profit organizations.
The Hampton Inn-York “We Care” committee.
Above, the Greenfield Estates and Bentley Ridge Teams pose with items collected from their residents.
The Orchard Ridge Team displays donations received from generous residents.
Eastwood Village’s Tammy Engel with a van full of donated items.
In the High Corporate Office, co-workers from the Tax, Information Services, Treasury, and Legal Departments, along with the High Industries Inc. and High Real Estate Group LLC Finance Groups, made the season a bit merrier for 10 local families. During a Holiday Drive, co-workers were provided with wish lists for these families, consisting of 12 adults and 27 children, and shopped for, donated, and wrapped gifts. Said Tim Guhl (HCL), “Both my car and Andy Halliday’s (HCL) car were filled with gifts. We could not see out the back!”
For the second consecutive year, High coworkers participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl For Kids’ Sake”. Team Long and Team Edwards bowled in the March 2011 event, raising a total of $1,165.
Because “hunger never takes a time out,” the Corporate Office Wellness Committee held a food drive in conjunction with a “Souper Bowl” luncheon. During the month of February 2011, co-workers were encouraged to contribute nonperishable food items, which were then donated to a local food bank.
Thank you, past and present High co-workers, for your generosity in providing support to those in need in your communities!
The S. Dale High Family Foundation Awards Grants
The S. Dale High Family Foundation, like its predecessor The High Foundation, remains committed to its mission of aligning with community organizations to support positive change within areas of identified need. It has been a vital resource to a variety of non-profit organizations and educational institutions throughout the communities in which we do business, and the Board of Trustees continues to focus on projects and services that “eliminate poverty and homelessness in south-central Pennsylvania”.
To that end, the following organizations have recently benefited from the generosity of the High Family:
Crispus Attucks Community Center Manheim Township Historical Society
Ephrata Community Hospital
Friendship Community
Heritage Center of Lancaster
LancasterHistory.org
Lancaster Partnership Program
Samaritan Counseling Center
Southeast Lancaster Health Services
Tabor Community Services
WITF, Inc.
YWCA of Lancaster
“Team Edwards” bowled to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Respecting the dignity of all co-workers and their families
On Saturday, April 30, 2011, more than 50 co-workers, along with their family members and friends, gathered in two Pennsylvania communities - York (below left) and Lancaster (below right) - for the YWCA’s Race Against Racism. This event builds awareness of racism and its negative impact, and raises funds for anti-racism programs.
In addition to impacting their communities in a positive way, participating co-workers were able to fulfill #11 of the 2011 High Wellness Challenge.
Thank you, High co-workers, for organizing and taking part in the quest to end racism!
