for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit:
Sandy Alvarado
Rick Bennett
Bob Cisneros
Rick Dickerson
Neil Donley
Steve Evans
Kathy Frey
Frank Fox
Lisa Fulginiti
Steve High
April Homerski
Michelle McCann
Laurie McKay
David Nice
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Stephanie Reese
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
John Sandy
Robin Stauffer
High ® has a long history of sustainability. To underscore its importance, The High Companies Sustainability Statement has been established to provide a clear and consistent message regarding this commitment. “A Message From The Chair Of The Board,” beginning on page one, provides an overview of High’s sustainability achievements, and is followed by the Statement on page three.
As we celebrate 80 years in business and we reflect on our history, it is clear that sustainability has always been an inherent part of our culture, so much so that it can be found in various forms throughout the guiding principles of The High Philosophy Sustainability has long been a value that we have espoused throughout the High® companies, whether in the quality products we produce, in the long-term relationships we build with customers and suppliers, or in our ongoing efforts to be good stewards of both the environment and our resources.
So you can say that sustainability is not new to the High companies; however, what is new is our commitment to more clearly articulate and incorporate sustainability into our business models and methodology, and into our marketing and branding efforts, as well. To help us further define this commitment, a new document has been adopted for our organization – The High Companies Sustainability Statement – which can be found on the following pages in its entirety.
This document serves as an overarching set of guiding principles for our entire organization and will remain consistent over time — similar to The High Philosophy. Moreover, it will serve as a basis from which to set annual sustainability-related goals for our companies, based on the “Areas of Focus” section of the document, and we will use it to create reports and metrics on our progress. As we continue to take a genuine and holistic approach to sustainability, we not only focus on the environmental aspects, but also on the social and economic aspects of our organization. This approach is known as “triple-bottom-line.”
Defining the framework of the High approach to sustainability, The High Companies Sustainability Statement will also be communicated externally as part of our marketing communication efforts as we continue to build upon sustainability as a key attribute of our organization and each of our companies.
Some of our many achievements related to sustainability include the following:
Four of our companies are now Green PlusTM Certified — High Associates Ltd. (HAL), High Construction Company (HCC), Greenfield Architects Ltd. (GAL), and High Hotels Ltd. (HHL). Green Plus is the Institute for Sustainable Development’s highest level of recognition of dedication to triple-bottom-line sustainability by measuring business, environmental, and community practices;
Our Greenfield Corporate Center is the first property of its kind in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is home to a riparian buffer. This naturalized landscape feature helps filter run-off, contributing to improved health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed;
GAL designed, and HCC built, High Concrete Group LLC’s (HCGL) maintenance facility that earned LEED® Silver Certified status and earned a GreenSite award. HCGL supplied precast concrete products used to create this facility, including thermally efficient wall panels and CarbonCast® double-tees used for the roof;
Our Corporate Office Building (shown below) and HHL’s Courtyard by Marriott in Middletown, New York, have received ENERGY STAR ® certification from the Environmental Protection Agency;
The Green Initiative — our program designed to reduce our companies’ carbon footprint through management of greenhouse gas emissions and an environmentally responsible approach to the processes used to produce and deliver our products and services — has resulted in an 11.3 percent reduction in total regulatory GHG emissions at the end of 2010, as compared to our 2007 baseline;
The Eco Task Force was created as a grassroots effort by our co-workers in response to a successful Earth Day celebration in 2010. This extension of the Green Initiative is focused on promoting the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
HAL deconstructed, rather than demolished, the former Ramada Inn property on Greenfield Road in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the gateway to Greenfield Corporate Center. This green approach allowed the recycling, reuse, and sale of more than 96 percent of the materials and contents of the property.
And we are strongly positioned to help our customers accomplish their own similar goals. We continue to develop and expand our team of professionals who have earned sustainability-related designations and are trained to provide new services. Examples include:
More than one dozen co-workers have earned LEED AP®, LEED Green AssociateTM , or Green Advantage® designations;
We currently have a Certified Carbon Reduction Manager and a Certified Energy Manager; and
HCC introduced its Energy Solutions Group to provide energy benchmarking, audits, and analyses, as well as turnkey energy-saving retrofits, renovations, and new construction. The result is more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly projects and initiatives.
In addition to our own sustainability efforts and achievements, here are just a few of the many examples of how we have achieved success for our customers related to sustainability:
HCC recycled everything that could be recycled as they reconstructed the Pennsylvania Turnpike Plaza in Allentown, Pennsylvania, earning a General Contractor Sustainable Design Award. This type of comprehensive approach to recycling significantly reduces disposal charges and saves landfill space; and
HCGL has created numerous precast concrete products that provide significant benefits to their customers. CarbonCast® concrete sandwich panels are lighter, stronger, and more durable than conventional precast concrete components.
Eco-Mix® precast concrete mixes help control our carbon footprint by reducing the use of Portland cement, a very energy-intensive product to produce.
Each of us as co-workers and as members of our community play a vital role in sustainability, and it is this ongoing commitment that will serve us well as we move toward our next 80 years as an organization. Thanks to each of you for your contribution to a sustainable future, both within our communities and throughout the High companies.
The purpose of this statement is to provide the framework for driving our goal setting, management, and documentation of progress in all facets of sustainability — social, environmental, and economic.
Core Values
Our commitment to sustainability is guided by the principles conveyed in The High Philosophy.
Our Commitment
Sustainability means taking a holistic approach to the social, environmental, and economic aspects of business and being responsible stewards of valuable resources. It also means helping customers accomplish their own similar goals. Our commitment comes to life through a process of planning, defined actions, measuring progress, and continuous improvement.
Areas of Focus
Co-Workers:
To be one of the best places to work in the communities in which we do business.
Safety:
To be each other’s keeper in assuring a safe work environment.
Every company dreams its dreams and sets its standards. These are ours . . . We are committed to two great tasks:
1.Building Trustworthy Relationships.
Valuing our customers and meeting their needs.
Respecting the dignity of all co-workers and their families.
Energizing teamwork with participative management.
Recognizing and rewarding the accomplishments of our co-workers.
Strengthening our partnership with suppliers.
Contributing to a world of beauty and prosperity and peace.
2.Being Innovative Leaders.
Creating an environment for innovation since 1931.
“Right the first time” - High quality products and services.
Investing profits to secure our future.
“WE GIVE GOOD MEASURE”
Community:
To encourage co-workers to serve within their communities.
To align with our core value of being an exemplary corporate citizen.
Environment:
To improve the condition of the environment, where possible, and continuously work to minimize our effect on it.
To offer products and services that help customers and partners meet their sustainability goals.
Purpose through Service and Success:
To provide valuable partnership and innovative, high-quality products and services that exceed the expectations of our customers and drive our success.
Through our achievements within this framework, we succeed as an organization with greater purpose for our people, our community, and our world.
High Steel Structures Inc.’s (HSSI) Williamsport, Pennsylvania, fabrication facility was recertified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a Star site in the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), OSHA’s highest safety award. On Thursday, June 2, 2011, co-workers gathered for the celebration and official ceremony, which was also attended by Williamsport City Mayor Gabriel J. Campana, Jacque Bell (representing U.S. Congressman Tom Marino), State Representative Rick Mirabito, and State Senator E. Eugene Yaw, who presented a State Senate Proclamation honoring HSSI for its achievement. OSHA Area Director Mark Stelmach presented a plaque, as well as a flag, which was raised to honor the safety program designation.
Mr. Stelmach congratulated HSSI’s co-workers in his address, stating that co-worker commitment is the key to achieving Star VPP status. “VPP is not something that anyone is entitled to. It is difficult to achieve and even more difficult to maintain,” said Stelmach. “You can look at this recertification as an even greater accomplishment than the original, because it is so much more difficult to maintain excellence than it is to achieve it in the first place.”
“We take great pride in maintaining the Star VPP status,” said HSSI President Jeff Sterner. “We are honored for our safety program to be recognized once again by OSHA. As we continue to measure and monitor our safety progress, the ultimate objective is to eliminate all workrelated illnesses and injuries.”
VPP was established by OSHA in 1982 to recognize employers that demonstrate excellence in their occupational safety and health
Raising the flag over Plant Three are (left to right) Rich Campbell, Mike Mitstifer, Belinda Koch, and Tim Varnes.
programs through management leadership and employee involvement in the prevention of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. An early participant in the program, HSSI’s Lancaster facilities first became a Star site in 1983. The Williamsport Plant first earned certification in 2007. HSSI is part of an elite group of worksites – 112 in Pennsylvania and 1,612 nationwide –with a proven record of accomplishment for safety initiatives.
Congratulations to our co-workers for working to achieve recertification. It is only through their commitment to safety that Plant Three has been able to maintain Star VPP status.
In June 2011, Eric M. Lehmayer was appointed by Governor Corbett and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate to serve a four-year term on the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers. The function of the Board is to regulate the certification of real estate appraisers and assessors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and establish and uphold standards of professional appraisal practice.
Eric joined HAL in 1998 and serves as Director of Appraisal Services. He holds the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute, is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and is a LEED AP ®. In addition, Eric is certified as a general appraiser in Pennsylvania, and is a licensed Associate Broker member of the National Association of Realtors® and its state and local affiliates.
With more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, Eric has been called upon to testify in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, Lancaster County Board of View, and numerous boards of assessment appeal. He has served as president of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and is a licensed real estate instructor.
We congratulate Eric on this lucrative appointment. It is a well-deserved recognition of his standing among real estate professionals in Pennsylvania.
There has been a lot of excitement this spring and summer at Mill Creek Square. Red Robin, our lead restaurant pad tenant in Phase I, opened in April. It was the Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group’s most successful opening in its chain’s history with strong business continuing into the summer. Highmark Direct opened in June, and Vision Works opened in early July. Leases were signed with Salad Works and California Tortilla; they expect to be open for business in late summer or early fall. Phase I is now 95 percent leased.
Construction of Building B – Phase II was completed. Its anchors, Staples and Petco, both opened in July. The overall community center project, consisting of 286,758 square feet, is now 87 percent leased.
This retail portfolio project was a joint effort of High Real Estate Group LLC’s High Associates Ltd., Greenfield Architects Ltd., and High Construction Company.
In a continuing quest to support the sustainability goals of its customers, High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) has introduced new and improved products:
A new precast mix with a high solar reflectance index (SRI) of 82 is almost twice as reflective as standard gray concrete mixes. This new precast remains cooler than its predecessors and is useful in reducing urban heat island effect, a phenomenon in which built areas are dramatically warmer than surrounding rural areas, resulting in poorer air quality and increased utility costs.
HCGL developed the high solar reflectance concrete mix design with
partner BASF, using 75 percent white cement and 25 percent ground granulated blast furnace slag, a recycled material, for the cementitious content. Local limestone aggregates provided a neutral-colored base.
HCGL has introduced ThinRCor™, a premium polyisocyanurate insulation for use in CarbonCast® and traditional insulated architectural precast enclosure products. Per inch of thickness, premium polyisocyanurate provides the highest available R-value among conventional rigid foam building insulations, allowing HCGL’s wall and cladding panels to be thinner than other wall and cladding designs. CarbonCast Insulated Wall Panels (shown at left) can be produced with expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), or polyisocyanurate (ISO) rigid foam insulation.
In addition, ThinRCor polyisocyanurate foam, frequently chosen for roofing insulation, provides thermal resistance of R-6 per inch thickness. ThinRCor is the first branded insulation for sandwich wall panels from HCGL.
In a parking garage, standing water is the enemy. It can seep into – and eventually weaken – structural joints and corrode the reinforcing steel inside. To mitigate the damage caused by standing water, HCGL has come up with a way to accurately and economically cast drains directly into the corners of new double tee driving and parking surfaces.
Washes, or drainage channels, are also created on the precast members while they are in HCGL’s manufacturing facility, rather than on site, reducing lower-strength field-applied concrete. After the precast members are delivered and erected, plumbers complete the drain connections.
In addition to reducing the cost of on-site labor, HCGL’s cast-in drain bodies eliminate fall hazards created by drilling holes in parking surfaces.
Whether it is utility costs, labor costs, durability of products, or creating a safer work environment for co-workers and others, HCGL is committed to sustainability in all its forms. And that is bound to translate into sustainability of the Company!
Take 1,012 High® co-workers, retirees, and family members, put them in a baseball stadium, add great food, face painting, a strolling magician, a live band, and fireworks, and you have a recipe for the Co-worker Activities Committee’s (CAC) Home Run Celebration! The event was held on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers baseball team. Those in attendance had exclusive access to the stadium from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., including bumper boats, a carousel, and play areas.
During a pre-event visit, Cylo enjoys a bit of lunchtime conversation with HSSI co-workers
Maris Gainer, Dragomir Vitor, and Ray Keys.
Sandy Alvarado (HSSCL) is unable to resist a cuddle with Cylo, who visited High’s Lancaster locations to promote the Home Run Celebration.
A High Steel Structures Inc. crane was parked next to the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, stadium, and was visible for several blocks. The High vintage trucks – a 1929 REO Speed Wagon and a 1938 Dodge welding truck – were parked at the front and rear entrances to the stadium. As participants entered, each received an 80 th anniversary cinch sack with the CAC logo.
Once inside, Greg High, Vice President of Ownership and Strategic Planning, welcomed attendees. During the event, a catered buffet was available for attendees to enjoy.
Lancaster Barnstormers coach Butch Hobson addressed the crowd, mentioning teamwork and its importance in sports and in business. A slide show presentation featuring photos past and present was on display, and an announcer recognized High retirees in attendance. Despite the extreme summer heat, the Barnstormers’ furry mascot, Cylo, made an appearance.
Just prior to game time, Doug Warner, Sales Representative with High Steel Service Center LLC, and his granddaughter, Kylie, threw out the first pitch. Doug’s name was selected at random from all early event registrants to receive this honor. Then, Stephanie Dillard (photo at left), Assistant Community Manager for the Bentley Ridge apartment community – and winner of the 2010 “High’s Got Talent” competition – sang the national anthem.
After the baseball game, participants enjoyed special red and yellow fireworks before the main fireworks show began. During that time, a picture slideshow was on display on the main scoreboard jumbotron. This was a funfilled and fitting way to cap off an event that celebrated co-workers and retirees who helped High achieve 80 successful years in business. Thank you, co-workers –and especially CAC members – for your hard work and commitment in making this a fun event!
In August, the Hershey Trust Company hired High Real Estate Group LLC (HREGL) to assist in an evaluation of potential acquisition of properties in downtown Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Milton Hershey School Trust, is charged with purchasing property for school use and making prudent investment decisions consistent with principles established by Mr. Hershey more than a century ago.
Included for consideration are the original chocolate factory and former Hershey Community Building, built in the 1930s. In addition to their historical significance and potential investment value, these buildings are integral to the Hershey community, and to the school and its students.
HREGL’s role is to provide a market analysis and gather information from other parties to examine environmental and other costs necessary for the adaptive reuse of the properties.
At High Safety Consulting Services Ltd. (HSCSL), requests for services can range from compliance training on fall protection to identifying odd smells in a basement. You may wonder what co-workers are doing with carts full of strange-looking equipment and, in some cases, body parts! Here is a summary of a recent day for HSCSL staff:
Steve High teaches a class on confined space entry to the maintenance staff at a local university. Later, he tests floor tiles for slip-resistance for a floor product manufacturer.
On this “average day”, Cindy Bowers enjoyed a visit from the Lancaster Barnstormers’ mascot, Cylo.
Barbara Rutt loads her companions – CPR dummies – in her car for a trip to a local company. Once there, she trains employees in CPR. Afterwards, she returns to craft a policy on lockout-tagout for a local dairy, and then issues a proposal for training a group in the Marcellus Shale Region.
Lisa Bolin has her hands full as she loads several sampling pumps in her car. Her first stop is a school outside of Philadelphia, which has just completed a mold-remediation. Lisa tests and clears the area. Next, she drives to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) to conduct an ergonomic assessment of a train engineer’s position.
Neil Donley begins his day early to ensure he can visit all of the construction sites on his list by days’ end. At each site, he performs a safety survey. Neil’s travels can take him as far away as northern New Jersey, just outside of New York City. Tomorrow he will conduct forklift safety training for a client.
Cindy Bowers and Sue Smith handle administrative tasks and support consultants while they are on the road. Today, Sue registers two people for an upcoming hazardous materials class and fields calls about other services. Cindy is working on a large project which requires the collection of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for a chemical inventory.
Jack Womer heads off to Carpenter Technology Corporation, as he does twice a week. Once there, he prepares to help roll-out a new physical compliance education program. Carpenter Technology is one of HSCSL’s oldest and largest clients.
Bridget Hofman responds to a call she received yesterday; a potential client in Philadelphia received an order to appear at OSHA’s office. The company has neglected its responsibilities in safety and now finds itself in hot water. Noise monitoring is one of the items on the laundry list, and Bridget develops a plan for dosimetric noise sampling.
Chris Miller receives a call from personnel at a local city office concerned about a property that presents a general nuisance and fire hazard. Chris
responds and conducts a code inspection, and recommends issuance of violations. When he returns to the office, Chris prepares for an upcoming training on hazardous materials response for pharmaceutical-lab personnel.
Jason Kibler only recently joined the HSCSL Team, but already he is busy conducting quantitative respirator fit tests for individuals, using the company’s newly purchased port-a-count tester. On Saturday, he will be training and certifying individuals in SafeLands, an instructional safety program specific to the gas industry.
During any given day, the HSCSL Team never knows exactly what it will be doing next; but these co-workers do know it will involve meeting new people and trying to prevent injuries and illness. This keeps the work exciting and interesting, and is a very important service on which HSCSL’s customers rely. And because they do their jobs well, those ‘body parts’ mentioned earlier are training tools – not real body parts – making this a very good day at HSCSL indeed!
With 30 years of experience in the steel service center industry, Rick Bennett knows the business. Prior to joining High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL), he spent 12 years amassing knowledge in positions that included Inside and Outside Sales, Product Manager, Marketing Manager, and Sales Manager. Rick joined HSSCL in 1992 in Sales and Marketing, and was promoted to General Manager in January 2010. In April of that same year, he was named President.
During his nearly 19 years with HSSCL, Rick has seen many changes in the steel service center industry. “The role of a service center as supplier, processor, and production partner is growing. An emerging trend is the compression of the supply chain whereby manufacturers and end-users purchase fabricated pieces and parts. This presents an opportunity for HSSCL to expand its roll and partner with customers to meet increased demands through process and technology systems integration.” He credits the HSSCL Team for its commitment to the Continuous Improvement process, which has resulted in improved customer satisfaction. Rick adds, “I am extremely proud of my co-workers’ contributions to HSSCL’s success!”
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Philadelphia University. He is a member of the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) and the North American Steel Alliance (NASA), and has attended industry-related training programs at numerous universities. On behalf of High Industries Inc., Rick has volunteered for United Way and recently served six years on the Fulton Theatre Board of Trustees.
Rick and his wife, Cheryl, live in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Their son, Zachary, is a recent Davidson College graduate working in Washington, D.C., and their daughter, Lindsay, is a sophomore at the University of Mary Washington.
Jeff Kurtz (HAL) and Kandy Miller (HSSI) provided players with refreshments while on the course.
The 21st Annual High Real Estate Group LLC (HREGL) Customer Appreciation Golf Outing took place on August 4, 2011. HREGL customers who lease office, industrial, or retail facilities in Pennsylvania are invited to play in this annual event. Over the years, the outing has grown from one course with about 100 players to five courses with more than 500 players. It is the largest event of its kind in Lancaster County.
Upon completion of the scramble-format tournament, all participants gathered at the Lancaster Liederkranz in Manheim, Pennsylvania, for a catered buffet dinner and awards ceremony. This fun day is a great opportunity for High® coworkers to say “thank you” to hundreds of its valued customers.
On Tuesday, June 14, 2011, fourteen students from the Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) at Lehigh University toured the Lancaster plants of High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI). These students are from the University’s junior and senior civil engineering, architectural, mechanical engineering, and computer science programs. Students were given a ‘start to finish’ view of the manufacturing process, including:
Shop fabrication of eleven-foot-deep haunched girders for the Batchellerville Bridge over Great Sacandaga Lake, located in Saratoga County, New York.
Fabrication and yard assembly of a large truss bridge superstructure for U.S. Route 241 spanning the Ohio River between Milton, Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana.
Yard assembly of box girders weighing 230 tons, and measuring ten feet deep by six feet wide by 130 feet long for the I495 Capital Beltway HOT Lanes Project in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Thank you to Tom Wandzilak, Sue Steele, Bob Cisneros, and Welding Engineer Intern Nathaniel Anderton, who assisted with the tours, and to all co-workers for sharing their expertise and helping to make this an interesting experience for the students.
The S. Dale High Family Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit organization that contributes to the quality of life by aligning with organizations to support positive change within areas of identified need in the community.
The Foundation is also proud to carry on its tradition of assisting High® co-workers in meeting the costs of college education for their dependent children through a competitive scholarship program for students who demonstrate admirable academic and volunteer leadership. This year, The S. Dale High Family Foundation awarded scholarships to Clayton Dickerson of Lititz, Pennsylvania, and Huyen Do of Leola, Pennsylvania. Both students were awarded $16,000 scholarships, which provide $4,000 per year for four years.
Clayton Dickerson is the son of Rick Dickerson, Manager of Strategic Projects with High Company LLC. Clayton graduated from Manheim Township High School where he participated in Cross Country and was a member of the Debate Team. He is active in the community by volunteering with the Lancaster Farmland Trust, and is a member of the youth group at Lancaster County Bible Church. Clayton plans to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Penn State University.
and Rick Dickerson.
Huyen Do is the daughter of Thanh Do, Fabricator at High Steel Structures Inc. Huyen graduated from Conestoga Valley High School where she participated on the Tennis Team, Future Business Leaders of America, was Treasurer of the Leo Club, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Huyen is active in the community through her involvement with the Humane League of Lancaster, the New Holland Public Library, and Relay for Life. Huyen plans to pursue a degree in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh.
Congratulations, Clayton and Huyen! We wish you all the best as you venture into the world of higher education.
Nominated by Charles Ortega
Kou Yang is a co-worker committed to getting the job done in a timely, safe, and accurate manner. When it is time for the lunch break, Kou keeps working to complete the job at hand. This enables crane operators to roll girders so that when Kou returns from his break, he can begin another project. At times, Kou will stay past the end of his shift to finish a job – without complaint! His can-do attitude keeps production moving in the Plant!
Kou takes pride in his work, ensuring the job is done ‘right the first time’. He also keeps his work area neat and clean so that it is a safe environment in which to work.
Congratulations, Kou, on being recognized with this award!
Nominated by William H. Linton Jr., Michael E. Schirmer, Douglas D. Shiffler, Rich Voloshin Jr., and Gregory M. Weitzel
With nominations from four co-workers, it is evident that Luke Mowrer gives Good Measure! According to his nominators, he understands shop priorities and keeps the machinery humming! Of particular note is the Farley CNC Drilling/Burning machine; following installation, HSSI initially experienced operational problems. Luke took the lead, studying mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and programming logic, enabling him to create innovative repairs to keep the Farley running.
During or after work hours, Luke is available to repair equipment or to train others and answer questions. One nominator noted that, “Luke’s dedication has saved countless hours of lost production time. His knowledge is on a par with factory support!”
Luke treats co-workers like customers, communicating maintenance schedules and keeping them apprised of repair progress. His great attitude, solid work ethic, and willingness to share knowledge with others are excellent examples of Good Measure.
Congratulations on receiving this award, Luke!
Nominated by Thomas A. Hinkle
It has been said that, “If you want something done, ask someone who is busy.” That is the case with Adam Steppe.
An innovative leader, Adam works to apply his knowledge and training of welding in order to improve the HSSI welding processes. He recently suggested changes for the AC Gantry welders that resulted in significant improvements to the weld quality in the splicing area.
Adam will come to work at any time to complete critical welds, enabling HSSI to meet customers’ needs. He continually re-adjusts his work schedule to complete weld certification tests and training for co-workers on all three shifts, enabling co-workers to improve their skills and allowing HSSI to consistently produce superior work.
On top of all that, Adam is the Chairman for The American Welding Society, District 3 Section 105, has judged the Penn College AWS Welding Competition since 2007, and has recently completed his Associates of Applied Science in Welding Technology degree.
Thank you, Adam, for your dedication to co-workers, customers, and community!
High Construction Company was honored by the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) at its 2011 Excellence in Construction Awards Ceremony, held in July. Projects earning Awards of Merit were: Elizabethtown Area Water Treatment Facility (Industrial – more than $2 million); Hickory Run Pennsylvania Turnpike Service Plaza (Commercial$2 to $10 million); Manheim Township Public Library (Institutional - $2 to $10 million); Mill Creek Square Sitework and Buildings (Commercial –$10 to $25 million)
High Concrete Group LLC
was recognized by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) at its 49th Annual PCI Design Awards, held in July 2011. Award-winning projects included: Indiana University Innovation Center, Bloomington, Indiana (Best Higher Education/University Structure); Lancaster Central West Garage, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Honorable Mention – Best Parking System); Indiana University Cook Hall Basketball Facility, Bloomington, Indiana (Honorable Mention – Best Custom Solutions); and the New DASH Bus Maintenance and Operations Facility, Alexandria, Virginia (Honorable Mention – Sustainable Design).
Hildy A. Ide, High Hotels Ltd.
. . .graduated from Leadership Wilkes-Barre, a program facilitated by the Luzerne County (Pennsylvania) Chamber of Commerce, in June 2011. Hildy joined HHL in 2006, and is the Director of Sales and Marketing for its Hilton Garden Inn, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Scott W. Kopp, High Steel Structures Inc.
. . .achieved Level 3 – General Magnetic Particle Inspection certification from the American Society of Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) in February 2011. Scott is a Quality Control Technical Coordinator who began his career with HSSI in 1981.
Karen M. Edwards, High Associates Ltd.
. . .earned the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation from the National Apartment Association. Karen joined High® in 1971, and is a Marketing Representative for the Bentley Ridge apartment community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Constantinos Kondos, High Company LLC
. . .graduated with a Masters degree in Supply Chain Management from Penn State University in July 2011. He also earned a Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) credential from the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL). Dino joined HCL in April as Vice President of Logistics and Supply Chain.
Chad M. Martin, High Steel Service Center LLC
. . .graduated in May 2011 from Penn State University’s School of Business Administration having earned a Masters degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance. Chad joined HSSCL in 2007, and is an Inside Sales Representative.
Ronald D. Medlock, High Steel Structures Inc.
. . .was selected to present a session during May’s 2011 NASSC: The Steel Conference, sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). The session, entitled “What the EOR Needs to Know About Bridge Fabrication”, was presented to steel construction professionals. Ronnie joined HSSI in 2006, and is Vice President of Technical Services.
Michael G. Mumper, High Construction Energy Solutions Group
. . .earned the Certified Carbon Reduction Manager designation from The Association of Energy Engineers. Mike began his career with High® in 2010, and is the Director of Energy Solutions.
Melvin D. Pullen Jr., High Concrete Group LLC
. . .earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology in May 2011. Melvin joined the Company in 2005, and was recently promoted to President of HCGL.
High Associates Ltd. (HAL) recently achieved the Institute for Sustainable Development’s Green PlusTM Certification, the organization’s highest level of recognition. It joins fellow High Real Estate Group LLC companies –Greenfield Architects Ltd., High Construction Company, and High Hotels Ltd. – as Green Plus Certified designees.
Specific sustainability activities that HAL has accomplished are:
HAL includes LEED ®-accredited (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Green Advantage® program-certified professionals.
The company has embraced new operating and construction standards that include progressive, environmentally friendly specifications. PPL Electric Utilities named HAL to its Energy-Smart Business Honor Roll for significantly reducing energy consumption at its facilities.
HAL’s Greenfield Corporate Center is the first property of its kind in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that is home to a riparian buffer. This naturalized landscape feature helps filter runoff, contributing to improved health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
HAL elected to deconstruct a functionally obsolete former hotel property at its Greenfield Corporate Center. As a result, more than 96 percent of the building’s materials were reused or recycled.
On July 27, 2011, Susannah Brouwer visited the High ® facilities as part of the annual assessment that Green Plus conducts for 20 percent of its certified businesses. In a letter dated August 11, Ms. Brouwer stated, “It is readily apparent that High embraces sustainability as a core business driver and that each [High] company we met with has done great work to apply this philosophy to its operations.” She continued, “High Associates’ commitment to sustainability in development, tenant improvements, land management, and employee wellness is forwardthinking and commendable in the real estate industry.”
Mark Fitzgerald, HAL’s President and Chief Operating Officer explains, “Going through the Green Plus certification process was invaluable, as it helped us to expand our triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability – an approach that includes fostering a positive work environment, being responsible environmental stewards, and bettering our community for the generations that follow.”
Visit the website at www.gogreenplus.org to learn more about Green Plus.
Two High ® properties have earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR ® certification.
High Hotels Ltd.’s (HHL) Courtyard by Marriott-Middletown, is the only building in Middletown, and only one of 10 hotels in the state of New York, that is ENERGY STAR certified. HHL
President Frank McCabe said, “High Hotels is committed to providing environmentally conscious options to travelers. We will continue to make robust progress in our strategy of reducing impact on the environment, and will continue to grow the number of facilities in our portfolio that qualify for ENERGY STAR certification.”
Located at 1853 William Penn Way, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the High Corporate Office building (photo on page 2) is one of 103 offices in the state, and one of only four in Lancaster County, to receive the ENERGY STAR designation. Modifications and activities that have contributed to the reduction of energy use at the facility, and have helped earn the designation, include the replacement of lighting with more efficient fixtures, installation of motion sensors and lighting timers, improvements to the heating and cooling system, the use of more energy efficient office equipment, and energy awareness and conservation programs for building occupants.
An ENERGY STAR-certified facility meets strict energy performance standards set by the EPA, using less energy and causing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its peers. To qualify, a building or manufacturing plant must earn a 75 or higher on the EPA’s 1 to 100 energy performance scale, indicating that the facility performs better than at least 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide. This performance scale accounts for differences in operating conditions, regional weather data, and other important considerations.
In a salute to Mother Earth, co-workers around the Company marked Earth Day with a variety of events:
The We Care Committee at the SpringHill Suites by Hilton, Ewing, New Jersey, formed a Green Team, comprised of co-workers from all departments. Under threat of rain, they took to the great outdoors to clean up the Princeton South Corporate Center grounds. With garbage bags in hand, they disposed of trash, and recycled any items they could. The Green Team will continue its
mission to keep the area around the hotel debris-free, and will organize clean-up projects throughout the year.
The High Corporate Office marked Earth Day with a week of special events. Organized by the ECO Task Force (ETF), the week kicked off with document shredding and eScrap recycling. Co-workers were also encouraged to test their green quotient with a High Sustainability Questionnaire. Those who submitted correct answers received an ETF tee-shirt.
At week’s end, co-workers walked to the Calvin G. High Pavilion. Once there, they had an opportunity to sign up for the company’s Adopt-AHighway events, learn about organic gardening and composting, and visit with Captain Compost. Following a delicious catered lunch made with local products, a representative from the Lancaster County Conservancy (LCC) spoke about the mission and works of the organization. Captain Earth also made a dramatic appearance with an appeal to attendees to do their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As co-workers departed, each was given a reusable ETF water bottle.
In addition, a group of co-workers gathered at Windolph Landing, an LCC nature preserve. Working with more than 400 saplings, the team pulled the protective tubes from around them, cleaned away debris, examined the health of the small trees, and replaced them with healthy specimens when needed. This area serves as a riparian buffer for the Conestoga River, helping to increase water quality, reduce pollution, and provide a future wildlife habitat.
Steel Way, the street on which High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) is located, connects the heavily traveled Manheim and Fruitville Pikes. Many other businesses lie adjacent, including a large retail center. With so much traffic, the potential for litter is great. To beautify this area, HSSCL co-workers organized a Steel Way CleanUp. A total of 50 co-workers participated, collecting more than 25 bags of trash.
All of these events helped to build awareness and provide co-workers with useful information and hands-on opportunities to have a positive impact on the environment. To all who participated, thank you!
On May 31, 2011, the High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) General Managers (GMs) and other management members gathered for a regularlyscheduled business meeting. Upon arrival at the SpringHill Suites, Ewing, New Jersey, they discovered that the meeting agenda included a field trip to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK).
Kneeling: Keith Komon and Dave Jacobs.
Standing: Michael Fruin, Anthony Giannantonio, Stefano Delens, Joann Iacono, Laura Goyette, Ben Larsen, Marci Paniagua, Heather Fogle, Lisa Franklin, Stephanie Reese, Chris Schnee, and Chris Shellhammer.
Because TASK’s highest priority is to feed the hungry in the Trenton area, co-workers were ‘tasked’ with preparing and serving the evening meal. According to SpringHill Suites’ GM, Keith Komon, “We serve the businesses in our area, and believe strongly in giving back to the community.”
We applaud these HHL co-workers for extending their expertise and awardwinning hospitality beyond hotel walls to benefit the communities in which they do business.
Co-workers of the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Reading, Pennsylvania, were honored to offer assistance to a local family during a home construction project. Sponsored by the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Berks County’s Restoring Hope Foundation, the project consists of a first floor addition of a master bedroom with a full bath.
According to its website, the mission of the HBA Restoring Hope Foundation is to provide deserving Berks County citizens with construction solutions to address their unique challenges. The Shartlesville couple was chosen as a recipient because of physical issues that prevent access to the second floor of their home. When they needed to vacate their home during a week of the construction, the couple was provided with a complimentary hotel stay by the Homewood Suites hotel.
This is an excellent example of extending The High Philosophy out into the community. To that end, Reading hotel co-workers hope to participate with future building efforts and to sponsor families in need.
With $500,000 donated by the High® companies and High Properties, and a federal grant of more than $2 million, Lafayette Fire Company of East Lampeter Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has begun construction of its new
station. Completion of the station is expected by year’s end. The High organization is the largest land owner in Lafayette’s district, which includes all of High Steel Structures Inc., Bentley Ridge and Greenfield Estates apartments, and most of Greenfield Corporate Center.
“The High organization and this fire company have a long history of partnership,” said Ron Nolt, fire chief. “In fact, the bodies of our 1949 Chevy pumper and 1951 REO tanker were fabricated by Sanford High’s High Welding Company.” Nolt goes on to explain that the chassis of the 1949 pumper, which recently came back to the station and has been restored, mistakenly arrived from the Chevy dealer painted orange instead of the traditional fire truck red. Sanford High matched the rest of the pumper’s body work with the orange of the chassis, and that has been the station’s signature color ever since.
Lafayette applied for and received a federal grant of $2,285,000. Only two other fire houses in Pennsylvania received such grants. Lafayette received the grant in part because the project was shovel ready and also because there is significant traffic safety-related need for relocation off of the Lincoln Highway, where the current station sits. The station also needs additional bays for its equipment. As fire apparatus become more specialized for particular situations, the new station design of five bays instead of the current two will allow each piece to be at the ready during the first moments of a call to respond, rather than needing to use crucial time moving another unit out of its way.
Lafayette Fire Company was founded in 1943. The 100 percent volunteer organization has 70 members trained to respond in a uniquely diverse service area that includes single and multi-family homes, motels, nursing homes, industrial complexes, an amusement park, an outlet center, two colleges, a railway, a large-volume highway, schools, and manufacturing facilities. With an annual budget of $236,545, the company provides protection to more than 13,000 residents and 260 businesses and conducts proactive emergency preplanning for facilities. Its members often are called to serve outside the company’s service area, as the team represents comprehensive preparedness in providing services that include foam fire fighting, water rescue, transportation incidents, hazardous materials response, confined space rescue, and rapid intervention.
In today’s business world, companies often employ marketing experts and graphic designers to create a logo. Color selection is a very important psychological factor in this process; however, when exploring High® history, it becomes apparent that the red, yellow, and black logo came about for more practical reasons. So how did High get its colors?
According to Calvin High, these colors were adopted based on High Welding Company’s first truck – a red, yellow, and black 1929 REO Speed Wagon. A similar truck, often displayed at Company and various community events, is an excellent representation of that truck.
In the Company’s early days when much of
the equipment was purchased ‘used’ and was built by various manufacturers, these colors were not used consistently. Seeing an opportunity to create brand recognition, Calvin asked his father, Sanford High, if he could repaint used equipment in the loosely-established red, yellow, and black color scheme. Sanford agreed, and Calvin began repainting equipment himself. Some co-workers and retirees may remember sanding trucks and cranes to prepare them for a fresh coat of paint.
In 1954, specific shades of red and yellow were selected, and are still in use today. High’s big red tractors, cranes, trucks, escort vehicles, and vans, sporting black bumpers and those distinctive yellow wheels, have long been a familiar sight on highways, job sites, and properties up and down the east coast. These vehicles are ‘rolling billboards’ and serve as a daily reinforcement of the High brand.