Thank you for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Kathy Abernethy
Jim Cunningham
Danielle DeGroft
Neil Donley
Rick Dickerson
Liz Ford
Mike Fruin
Laurèl Rolle
Carolyne Jordan
Michelle McCann
Mike Mumper
Mike Murry
David Nice
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Stephanie Reese
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
John Sandy
Kari Semple
Fritz Shaak
Robin Stauffer
Chuck Weyland
Justin Wingenfield
Becoming A Healthier
Next Year, Take More Of Your Paycheck Home
HSSCL Introduces HIGHSL Panel-Flat for Laser Customers
Architectural Precast Extends Hospital’s Image Of Community
Down By The River
HTL Expands Services Without Compromising Safety
Problem Resolution Spurs Friendly Competition Among Hotels
Top Awards Presented At The High Safety Summit
Soaring Cantilever Showcases Architectural Precast
CAC Cooks Up More Fun Events!
HCGL Clads Binghamton Residence Halls
HCC’s Energy Solutions Group Thinks Thermally
Sustainability For Health
He Gives Good Measure!
Sabahudin Jusic, Utility Operator A, HSSI, Lancaster, PA
High Honors - High Awards
High Hotel Earns ENERGY STAR Certification
Co-Workers Take The ECO Challenge
High Honors Mother Earth With A
High Co-Workers Race Against Racism
Canstruction Competition Uplifts The Community HHL Team Builds Homes And Relationships
We wish to begin by applauding those of you who have expanded the dialogue on health within the High organization. Health is a big issue that has a large ripple effect on everyone, and it starts with each of us. As we reflect on life, there are many things that we often take for granted. Our health is one of the most critical items that is often overlooked and often not attended to until it is too late.
Here at High® , we do not want anyone to take their health for granted. We care about you and your health, which is why we have supported the organization in its efforts to become a healthier workplace. We see the positive results from living a healthier lifestyle, not only for you, but for your entire family, the people you work with, and your community, as well.
We applaud the senior leadership team for taking the steps to bring health to the forefront of each of our minds. We also applaud the many co-workers who have attended smoking cessation classes, started exercising, started eating well, and those who have resolved to live an overall healthier lifestyle. Healthy co-workers are happier, put less strain on our healthcare system, have fewer healthcare expenses, and produce less healthrelated stress and financial stress on their families and co-workers. If you have already started to live healthier . . . Congratulations! It will pay big dividends in the future and it is something you can take great pride in today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life.
Living healthier is just one way that we continue our focus on sustainability as an organization. There are many components to the sustainability effort and in order to track our progress in this area more closely, the senior leadership team decided to compile our many activities and accomplishments in an annual Sustainability Report. This Report will feature the following areas of focus:
Co-workers Safety Community Environment
Purpose through Service and Success: Dedicated to providing high quality products and services to customers
Living healthier is just one way that we continue our focus on sustainability as an organization.
You may be involved in some or all of these areas of sustainability, either at work and/or at home. Sustainability is clearly a team effort across the entire organization, as well as across the entire world. We hope that you will take a few moments to review some of the highlights of the Sustainability Report, which can be found on the High website, or by requesting a hard copy from the Corporate Marketing Department.
As we measure our success in these areas in the year ahead, let us take pride in what we are able to accomplish for the good of ourselves, our families, our coworkers, our communities, and for future generations who will inherit this earth. Thank you for joining us in this effort which helps to reinforce The High Philosophy and helps each of us to positively affect our world.
May 2, 2012, marked the 70 th birthday for S. Dale High, Chair of the Board of High Industries Inc. and High Real Estate Group LLC. Born in Lancaster County, Dale was the youngest of the three sons born to Sanford H. and Erma D. High.
1963:Dale and his brothers, Calvin and Donald, and their father, Sanford, formed High Realty Company, a new land development company, marking the start of High’s expansion into construction and real estate.
1971:High Welding Company was renamed High Steel Structures Inc.
1973:Dale is named Executive Vice President and General Manager.
1974: Development began for Greenfield Corporate Center.
1976:High Realty Corporation was formed.
1977:Kurtz Materials Corporation was acquired, including Kurtz Precast Corporation, predecessor of High Concrete Group LLC.
High Industries Inc. was formed. Dale was named Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
1978:Lantz Builders, High Construction Company’s predecessor, was acquired.
High Steel Service Center LLC opened.
1980:High Associates Ltd. was formed.
1985: Williamsport Fabricators, now HSSI’s Plant Three, was acquired.
1988:High Hotels Ltd. was formed, opening its first hotel in 1989.
1990: Greenfield Architects Ltd. was formed.
1996:High Real Estate Group was formed.
1997:High Safety Consulting Services Ltd. was formed.
2004:High Concrete Group LLC acquired plants in the Midwest.
Dale gained experience with High Welding Company, working second shift in the Plant. He joined the Company full-time in 1963, upon graduation from Elizabethtown College, and asked his father, Sanford, what he was expected to do. Sanford, in the blunt way that Pennsylvania Dutchmen have of expressing themselves, told Dale that he sent him to college so he would know what to do. The sky was the limit for the Company and for Dale’s role in it. This began a long period of growth and diversification for High ®
Dale’s children, Steve, Greg, and Suzanne, joined the Company in various roles, beginning in 1989. They, along with Dale’s wife, Sadie, form The High Family Council, ensuring continuity of leadership for years to come.
Dale currently serves as Chair of the Board. His strong work ethic and his vision for the Company’s future have helped to create an environment in which High is able to thrive and grow, becoming an even stronger family of Companies.
High co-workers have a unique opportunity this Fall to become eligible for savings in 2013. You can get the preferred health care contribution rate through the High Health Management Program, and take more pay home in 2013.
It is as simple as taking a voluntary, confidential biometric screening and health risk assessment. This measurement of key health factors will help you manage your health and help High® manage costs. Best of all, it is free of charge, and provided during work hours at most locations. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor’s office to submit your measurements for you, using a High submission form. You will also need to sign the annual tobacco-free affidavit during open enrollment.
What is measured: LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) are also measured. All data are kept confidentially by a third-party administrator, Cooper Corporate Solutions. Starting in 2013, the first six health factors listed above will be measured annually and used to help set your health care contribution rate.
Why pay the highest health care contribution rate? Do not leave money on the table. Take control of your health and your paycheck by participating in the biometric screening and completing the health risk assessment. Dates will be announced soon.
High needs at least 70 percent participation by co-workers in the biometric screening and health risk assessment this Fall. That is the critical amount that helps predict High co-worker health, and allows the Company to effectively manage health care costs overall. It is also the amount that shows co-workers care about and embrace healthy lifestyles.
How do we get High in the 70s? How about a contest with prizes? Every coworker who participates in the screening, assessment, and tobacco-free affidavit will be entered in a random drawing to win their choice of one of these healthoriented prizes:
Exercise equipment
One-year gym membership
One of ten $50 gift cards to local fitness retailers Keep in mind, the contest is not the only reward for helping to get High in the 70s. Every co-worker will receive the preferred health care contribution rate in 2013 – just for participating.
Contest details were sent in a special mailing to co-workers’ homes. Make this the year you take control of your health. Be sure to participate in the biometric screening and complete the health risk assessment this Fall.
High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) is entering the home stretch on its installation of the Mid-Atlantic region’s first Red Bud Industries stretcher leveler. The new capability heralds HSSCL’s introduction of its newest brand, HIGHSL –Panel-Flat that Stays Flat.
Jim Cunningham stands next to HSSCL’s new stretcher leveler line which will produce HIGHSL – Panel-Flat that Stays Flat.
HIGHSL is carbon steel that has been processed by the stretcher leveler, an innovative machine that precisely stretches the steel beyond its yield point to relieve 100 percent of the stresses introduced at the mill. Eliminating these stresses is critical because they can cause the metal to warp during fabrication.
According to Jim Cunningham, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HSSCL, “For our laser customers, material that stays flat while they fabricate parts increases their efficiencies and reduces scrap so they are more competitive. It also protects their sensitive laser equipment from potential damage.”
The stretcher leveler project has involved resources from High Transit LLC and High Company LLC, as well as HSSCL. The capability is currently in the testing phase and is scheduled to begin production in July.
Earlier this year, the new BJC Center for Outpatient Health opened in St. Louis, Missouri. Clad in architectural precast from High Concrete Group LLC’s (HCGL) Springboro, Ohio facility, the Center establishes a strong branded presence for the hospital on a prominent corner of a popular retail corridor.
“Through an elaborate process of aesthetic choices that considered all-curtain wall and metal panel, the team decided on precast concrete cladding from High Concrete,” says project architect Bob Ducker of Christner, Inc. “We were impressed with the craftsmanship and attention to quality and appearance of the precast. The architectural precast contributed performance, aesthetics, and constructability to the project,” he says.
The $50 million, 320,000 square-foot project is registered for LEED Silver Certification.
For approximately six months, Neil Donley, a Technician with High Safety Consulting Services Ltd. (HSCSL), provided safety monitoring for two construction projects along the Susquehanna River. In both cases, the client, G. M. McCrossin, was contracted by PPL.
The first project began in December 2011, with the installation of a trash rack and floating debris barrier in front of the water intakes at PPL’s Brunner Island power plant in York County, Pennsylvania. The second project started in April 2012, and involved new construction and improvements to the boat ramps and docks at PPL’s Pequea Boat Launch along the Susquehanna River at the mouth of Pequea Creek.
The Brunner Island plant is a VPP facility, so safety was paramount to both PPL and McCrossin. The success of the plant project led to another opportunity for HSCSL when the Pequea Boat Launch job came up a month later.
During the construction, which wrapped up in mid-May, Neil braved the elements – cold, rain, snow, mud, bugs, and even a heat wave in April – to help McCrossin complete the jobs safely. Both projects were somewhat out of the ordinary in that they involved work on, and in, the water. In both cases, a drilling rig was used and, for the Brunner Island project, much of the work was done from a barge on the river. But what really made both of these jobs unique for HSCSL was the use of divers. OSHA’s commercial diving standard is not one that is referenced very often, so it was interesting to be involved with that kind of work.
Despite adverse weather conditions and water levels that made work challenging at times, the crews on both projects managed to work safely, allowing Neil the time to admire those beautiful river views.
High Transit LLC (HTL) was established in 2007. Its objective is to meet the transportation and maintenance needs of High Steel Structures Inc., High Steel Service Center LLC, and High Concrete Group LLC. With 13,500 combined loads delivered to customers annually, HTL struggled to level the demand for its services. For example, one week all equipment was engaged, and the next week trucks were left idle.
In 2010, HTL shifted its strategy and began marketing its skills to third parties –companies other than High® –in order to maximize assets, while maintaining service to High customers. During the past two years, this third-party work has taken HTL north to Maine, west to Michigan, south to Texas, east to the Carolinas, and many states in between. The truck fleet travels approximately 2.7 million miles, and the escort pickup fleet travels approximately 2.5 million miles per year, completing deliveries safely and on time.
In 2011, the Federal government established Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA), an initiative to improve large truck and bus safety in order to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities related to commercial motor vehicles. As a post-trip requirement, Federal or State officers complete inspections of drivers and equipment, reviewing engineering drawings, axle weights, securement of the load, and the travel permits, to ensure all documentation corresponds with the specific equipment, driver, and member. Inspections are scored using threshold scores established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), with excessive scores triggering an audit by the FMCSA. These scores are also made available to the public.
During a 24-month period, HTL experienced 230 vehicle inspections and 242 driver inspections. The chart shows HTL’s scores on March 23, 2012.
HTL’s 2012 backlog projects loads ranging from 19 feet wide to 197 feet in length, with weights that will exceed 300,000 pounds. Its professional team of office staff, drivers, equipment maintenance technicians, and supervisors continues to focus on delivery of products, with safety as a primary objective. Even though HTL has achieved outstanding inspection scores, “0” is the ultimate goal!
In a continuing effort to exceed its customers’ expectations, High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) engaged its management teams in a contest focused on problem resolution. In its PR Contest, teams were challenged to post the greatest year-over-year percentage decline in problems experienced by guests, and the greatest increase in problem resolution. The teams to achieve the highest combined improvement within each of HHL’s two regions won a very special prize; eight hours of labor provided by HHL’s President, Mike Fruin, and the Regional Managers.
The winners of the PR Contest were the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West, Pennsylvania, and the Hampton Inn-Middletown, New York.
Mike and his Regional Managers helped to clean guest rooms and bathrooms, cook, fold laundry, and work the front desks. According to Anthony Giannantonio, General Manager of the Middletown hotel, “We greatly appreciated the additional manpower, but I think co-workers felt they are better suited for their current roles.”
The PR Contest was an excellent way to recognize and show support for the positive steps HHL co-workers make to delight each customer every stay. Congratulations to all HHL co-workers for stepping up to the challenge, and especially to the winning teams for your outstanding accomplishments in improving customer service!
Jacobs, Operations Manager, welcomes Laur èl Rolle and Mike Fruin to the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West Team!
The High ® Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) hosted its annual Safety Summit in March. The summit recognizes outstanding safety performance by numerous High businesses and properties, and culminates in the presentation of The President’s Safety Awards in the Manufacturing/ Construction and Properties/Hotels categories.
Jeff Smith (center) presented the award in the Manufacturing/ Construction category to High Concrete Group LLC’s Randy Bare and Misti Black.
This year’s Summit featured presentations by nine Safety Circle Award winners, identified as those achieving outstanding audit scores, including low or no OSHA recordable incidents. Using PowerPoint presentations, and sometimes props, videos, or television commercial character impersonators, presenters explained how they maintain a safe work environment, and why they deserve the President’s Safety Award.
The Manufacturing/Construction group was represented by:
High Concrete Group LLC, Springboro, Ohio
Presenter: Randy Bare
High Construction Company, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Dave Bowers
High Steel Structures Inc., Field Operations, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Bob Urban
High Steel Structures Inc., Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Tom Hinkle
Representing the Properties/Hotel Safety Circle winners were:
Bentley Ridge Apartments, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Co-presenters: Stephanie
Dillard and Allison Weaver
Courtyard by MarriottLancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Chris Schnee
Hampton Inn-York, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Marci Paniagua
High Associates Ltd., Building
Maintenance and Construction Services, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Presenter: Rob Vasko
Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Presenters: David Jacobs and Jessica Smythe
Members of the Executive Committee convened behind closed doors to determine President’s Safety Award Winners. Taking the title for Manufacturing/Construction was High Concrete Group LLC, Springboro, Ohio. The Properties/Hotel award was presented to Bentley Ridge Apartments, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Thank you all for your attention to safety. You truly are each other’s keeper!
The Millennium Science Complex is a new 292,000 square-foot building designed by world-renowned Rafael Viñoly Architects for The Pennsylvania State University. The complex is the new home of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Materials Research Institute, two of the leading research enterprises in the world, which occupy the two wings. The building is one of a small handful of buildings specifically constructed to support the integration of the physical and life sciences.
The building is clad in soap brick architectural precast panels produced by High Concrete Group LLC’s (HCGL) Denver, Pennsylvania, facility. The red modular brick, in a stack bond pattern, is accented with a recessed, brown brick every eight courses. The resulting banding emphasizes the horizontal lines of the structure.
A signature detail of the L-shaped building is its massive cantilever which soars 154 feet over a plaza and garden at the intersection of the wings at the main entrance. An opening penetrates through the cantilever to allow direct sunlight to reach the plaza and garden. The cantilever signals the forward-looking convergence of the sciences, and functionally isolates a basement beneath the garden from vibration that could disturb sensitive equipment.
So far in 2012, the Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) has held a variety of fun eve nts for High® co-workers and their family members.
In March, CAC offered co-workers from across the High Companies the opportunity to show off their culinary talents in a Chili Cook-Off.
Sixteen Lancaster co-workers participated. Judges included Jeff Sterner (HSSI), Dino Kondos (HCL), Pam Fulmer (HCL), and Mike Savitsky from The Greenfield Restaurant. They awarded Chad Stokes (HCL) first place for best tasting chili, with Lynn Landis (HSSI) and Jeff Fisher (HCL) taking the second and third place awards, respectively.
In keeping with High’s goal for all co-workers to be healthier, there was a “Healthiest Chili” category. Keith Lutz (HSSI) took first place in this category,
With popcorn and drink in hand, Bob Blevins (HCL) and his daughter, Laney, are ready for the movie to begin.
with Danielle DeGroft (HCL) and Mike Fruin (HHL) following up in the second and third place spots. In a People’s Choice category, co-workers tasted and selected their favorite concoction. The winner was Jeff Fisher (HCL).
Others participating in the Chili Cook-Off included co-workers from High Concrete Group LLC, Springboro, Ohio, High Steel Structures Inc., Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, locations.
The Lancaster CAC sponsored a bus trip to Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Participants had an opportunity to visit the National Aquarium to see aquatic creatures and a dolphin show, and to shop, dine, and do as they pleased. This was a fun trip for young and old alike!
June 14 was Movie Night at a Lancaster-area theater, with a 6:30 p.m. showing of Madagascar 3 in 3D. Greg High welcomed attendees, and door prizes were awarded. This popular event sold out two theaters, and was a perfect opportunity for coworkers and family members to enjoy a fun, kid-friendly film.
Watch Company bulletin boards for future CAC events, including more Movie Nights, and a New York City Bus Trip during the Labor Day Weekend!
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) completed three new residence halls for Binghamton University’s Newing College in Vestal, New York, in time for the 2011-2012 academic year. The seven-story halls were fabricated by the Denver, Pennsylvania, plant.
The design team had determined that precast concrete provided the right blend of speed, structural sheer capacity, and versatile interior space. According to Christopher Miller, Project Manager with Burt Hill, “Architectural precast allowed a more flexible footprint, minimized structure, and was constructible during cold weather so we could meet an aggressive timeline.”
One residential building (Phase 1) had been completed prior to the start of the Fall semester in 2009. Rising costs and budget
concerns during Phase 1 had caused the design team to consider an alternative system or supplier; however, with schedule as the deciding factor and material costs declining as a result of the slowing economy, the project team stayed with its preferred architectural precast solution and awarded HCGL the contract to build the remaining three residence halls.
The halls are closely placed on the steep campus, and used thin brick veneer to convey a traditional, residential feel. The total square footage is 343,782, with 163,563 square feet of architectural precast and CarbonCast® Insulated Wall Panels. The halls are registered for LEED Gold Certification.
Buildings can experience problems that may not be easily detected during a visual inspection. If left unresolved, these issues can cost thousands of dollars in remediation, energy loss, and damage repair. Moisture from roof and other leaks can allow mold to grow, which may require professional remediation. Energy migration within a building can tax heating and cooling systems, resulting in higher energy costs and reduced system life. Undetected electrical and mechanical issues can lead to failure of the systems.
The Energy Solutions Group at High Construction Company has begun using thermal imaging to spot problems that can occur in buildings and mechanical and electrical systems. In the scans, hot to warm areas appear in the red/orange/yellow end of the color spectrum, and cold to cool areas in indigo/blue/green. By scanning key components, valuable predictive maintenance information is gathered, allowing owners to troubleshoot or be proactive in repairing or replacing systems before a serious failure results in more costly repairs.
Overheating of the electrical breaker (in red) may signal a loose connection, or an electrical overload.
Scans are useful in evaluating existing buildings prior to purchase, as well as maintaining industrial equipment, including motors and bearings, verifying proper operation of new equipment and systems, and maintaining existing electrical distribution equipment. Thermal imaging is a valuable tool for companies, including High®, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding building and equipment repairs and acquisitions.
This article was contributed by Rick Dickerson, PE, Manager of Strategic Projects for the High® companies. It was previously printed in other publications as a way to generously share our thought leadership for the benefit of others.
We all know someone who has made that miraculous turnaround in the quality of their health. My friend John was one of those guys. He would regularly enjoy donuts, chicken wings, and many other less-than-healthy foods. If there were leftovers, you could count on John to finish them off. Nothing concerning food was approached in moderation.
As part of a health-risk assessment at his place of employment, John participated in a coronary risk profile. He learned that he needed to make some major changes in his exercise and eating habits. When John’s spouse saw the results, she enrolled him at a local gym. He modified his diet and began a regular exercise routine. A year later, John weighs 30 pounds less, his cholesterol level is in the normal range, and he looks and feels healthier. John now has more energy, is more productive at work and outside of work, and no longer has the health-risk factors identified in the coronary risk profile.
The wake-up moment came for John when he responded to a wellness incentive t hat offered a discount on his health insurance premium in exchange for completing a simple blood screening. The information he received caused him to make major changes in his lifestyle and ultimately improve his overall heath. It may have even saved his life.
In organizations where sustainability is seen primarily as an environmental or philanthropic issue, rather than a foundational business strategy and part of the corporate culture, you often find initiatives that can be described as islands of success. In contrast, when organizations infuse sustainability as part of the culture, the bottom line is affected by more than just the environmental or philanthropic initiatives. An organization that truly cares about its employees and their well being, and focuses on improving the health of their employees, will see significant benefits to the bottom line.
In John’s case, he realized that he had to make changes before his health situation began to cost him, and his company. Through a low-cost series of tests provided by his employer, he learned that his lifestyle choices needed to change. Unfortunately, not all employees will react this positively or respond in the same way when presented with wellness incentives. As Rosie Ward, a health management services manager for RJF Agencies, stated in her article “Are Corporate Wellness Programs Really Worth It?,” the successful wellness programs are a natural extension of the corporate culture. She goes on to explain that
wellness programs need to be built within a culture where employees know they are valued and there is mutual respect and trust. Without this culture, wellness incentives are perceived as manipulative.
So what is an organization to do when faced with year after year of double-digit increases in health care costs? What steps can be taken when faced with a decision to either eliminate benefits or take dramatic steps to cut the costs?
Sustainability-minded organizations realize that elimination of benefits, or significantly reducing coverage, over the long term will hurt their ability to recruit and retain quality employees and does not align with their core values.
The importance of benefits to employees is highlighted in the results of a recent Mercer Workplace Survey, which reported that nearly eight in 10 employees said benefits are a pivotal reason they choose to work where they do. The same study also found that 91 percent of employees agree or strongly agree with the statement that “getting health benefits through work is just as important to me as getting a salary.”
The first step to addressing health care costs is to evaluate your organization’s culture. Does your organization have a culture that truly values employees, and do the employees see themselves as being valued and supported by leadership? If your organization has this culture, then a wellness program is a natural way for leadership to demonstrate their commitment to employees as a component of a holistic, triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability.
Just as organizations care for their employees by making sure that they have the proper training when operating equipment, have the proper safety protection in hazardous areas, and receive the message that talking on the phone or texting while driving is banned, organizations can help employees become more accountable for their health.
Certainly the benefits of workplace wellness programs are significant. Healthy employees are more productive, have better attendance, and contribute more to the community. Fewer health issues and lower costs — for the employee and the employer — are the result.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health’s Workplace Wellness website points out that worksite health promotion programs save an average of 25 percent of a business’s health care costs. The Wellness Council of America, in their publication “ROI for Workplace Wellness,” states that more than two dozen studies have looked at the financial impact of workplace health promotion programs and many have reported positive return on investment (ROI). They go
on to say that wellness program ROIs hover around a three-to-one return, meaning that three dollars are saved for every dollar invested.
The temptation to embark on a workplace wellness program is great for any company faced with rising benefit costs and the offer of significant savings, but similar to many practices, it must be approached correctly. The required culture and values must be in place. Otherwise leadership is likely to get the response, “Stay out of my private life, this is none of your business.” Even when presented with all the personal benefits th at are possible from such a program, the employee will resist without the right approach and context.
Only when employees see the organization as having a truly caring culture, following these best practices will help ensure the success of a wellness program:
1.Senior leadership needs to promote the program by creating a supportive environment, such as the creation of tobacco-free properties, reducing the availability of high-fat foods and providing healthier choices in vending machines and company food services.
2.Leadership needs to provide funding through offers of individual high-risk interventions, such as smoking cessation, diabetes management, and weightloss programs.
3.Incentives should be made available, such as “biggest loser” contests with awards for participants, and reduced premiums for those who make healthier lifestyle choices and control health risks.
4.Leadership must be visibly involved by helping to hold each other accountable for making healthy choices and participating in healthimprovement activities.
5.Leaders must lead by example.
6.The organization should have a good health-risk appraisal system in place. The employee and the organization need objective measures of their progress.
7.The program requires ongoing measurement and evaluation.
The statistics are telling — close to one-third of the population is obese, two-thirds are overweight, and onefifth of adults smoke despite all the warnings. According to estimates by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States spends 15 percent of GDP on health care, and all other industrialized countries spend between eight and 11 percent. The cost and impact of employees’ health on organizational competitiveness and profitability are huge.
The sustainability of an organization (read: the likelihood of its being here tomorrow) is, in a significant way, a function of the health and wellness of its employees.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Sabahudin
Nominators: Larry A. Rineer and Michael E. Schirmer
So often, it is the way in which a co-worker performs his day-to-day duties that earns him the Good Measure Award. Such is the case with Sabahudin “Sabko” Jusic.
When Sabko transferred from third shift in North Bay to South Bay’s first shift, it was immediately evident that he was a dedicated co-worker. In order to master a new set of complex skills, he would spend his lunch time in the shop to study items that would help him gain a better understanding of the task. On a few occasions, he offered ideas on how to make operations more efficient and profitable.
Sabko builds trustworthy relationships with his co-workers, a key quality of this Good Measure Award recipient. A team player, he never hesitates to jump in to help a co-worker in need. Many have commented how pleasant Sabko is to work with, and how much they appreciate his willingness to lend a hand.
No matter the job, Sabko always gives 100 percent. He has an outstanding work ethic and will work overtime whenever it is needed. According to Mike Schirmer, “Just spending a day with him, anyone would understand why he deserves special recognition.”
Thank you for your dedication and hard work, Sabko, and congratulations on being recognized with this Good Measure Award!
Robert A. Cisneros, High Steel Structures Inc.
. . .earned AWS QC13, Specification for the Certification of Welding Supervisors from the American Welding Society (AWS). This certification will enable him to participate in HSSI’s Welder Training Program, designed to reduce welding rework costs. Bob joined High in 1996, and is Chief Engineer.
Anne M. Howett, High Company LLC
. . .earned a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from Albright College in May 2012. Anne joined HCL in 2006, and is an Accounts Payable Clerk.
High . . .was honored with the United Way of Lancaster County’s Circle of Honor Award. This award was established to recognize businesses that truly support the mission of United Way, including monetary and nonmonetary contributions. High was one of 59 area companies to receive this honor.
High Concrete Group LLC
. . .was awarded a Grand Prize by the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for the Millennium Science Complex at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania. HCGL fabricated the precast concrete, LEEDregistered structure.
High Construction Company
. . .was named Construction Manager of the Year for 2011 by the American Subcontractors Association Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the (ASACP). The organization recognizes construction firms based on bidding fairness and ethics, equitable contract provisions, safety policies and practices, payment practices, job supervision, scheduling, and subcontractor relations procedures.
Nevin D. Cooley, High Real Estate Group LLC
. . .was recognized by the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Boy Scouts of America, with its Distinguished Citizen Award at its 25th Annual Dinner in May 2012. The award is presented to an exceptional civic leader whose contributions have advanced the quality of life in the community and who exemplifies the values of the organization. Nevin is a longtime supporter of Scouting’s values and an active member of many community organizations. He joined High in 1986, and is HREGL’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Daniel P. Dennis, High Construction Company
. . .was named Estimator of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the (ASACP) at its 14th Annual Awards Gala on April 13, 2012. Dan, a Project Estimator, joined HCC in 2002.
Nicole M. Efko, High Associates Ltd.
. . .was named Leasing Consultant of the Year for 2011 by the Charleston Apartment Association. Nikki, who joined HAL in 2011, is Assistant Community Manager for Plantation Oaks, an apartment community in Charleston, South Carolina.
Kendrea S. Grove, High Hotels, Ltd.
. . .received the Hampton Spirit of Pride Award in April 2012. The award recognizes outstanding service, as well as the recipient’s ability to build relationships with guests, team mates, departments, and the community, and is the most prestigious honor that can be given to an individual within the Hampton Inn brand. A Guest Services Representative, Kee Kee joined the Hampton Inn-Lexington Park in 2010, and became a welcome addition to the High Hotels Ltd. team when the hotel was added to its portfolio in December 2011.
High Hotels Ltd.’s (HHL) Courtyard by MarriottLancaster has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating. It joins three other High® ENERGY STAR registered facilities – a High Associates Ltd. building in Mallard Pointe, Charlotte, North Carolina; the High Corporate Office Building in Lancaster’s Greenfield Corporate Center; and the Courtyard by MarriottMiddletown, New York.
An ENERGY STAR certified facility meets strict energy performance standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (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.
The ECO Task Force (ETF) issued a challenge to co-workers to write stories of how they live the three Rs – Reduce-Reuse-Recycle – in their personal lives. Nine co-workers took the challenge, recounting ways in which they have altered their lifestyles to be more environmentally friendly. After reviewing each story, the ETF named the following winners:
WINNER: John Dougherty, High Steel Structures Inc., CAM Programmer
The Dougherty’s total electric home has10k photovoltaic panels and two hot water solar panels on the roof, and produces more kilowatts than it uses. Their home also has a geothermal heat pump for heating and cooling. They are converting to LED lights, and compost yard and kitchen waste. In the future, John hopes to add an electric mower to his collection of environmentally-friendly gadgets.
RUNNER UP: Diane Good, High Associates Ltd., Administrative Coordinator
Diane says her family was ‘green’ long before ‘being green’ existed. More than 25 years ago, the Goods built a passive solar house (two stories built into the earth, but not covered). They installed solar panels on the roof, and use wood as a primary heat source. Their home also has water-saving toilets and shower heads. In addition, they recycle most household waste, including glass, plastics, metals, aluminum, newspapers, magazines, and Styrofoam, and compost garbage. They have also planted many trees on their property. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all High® co-workers who submitted stories – Robert Bijesse, Nevin Cooley, Simon Elmore, Charles Lowe, John Martzall, Noel Ortiz, and Darryl Thomson – for living greener!
During the week of April 16, 2012, co-workers in various High ® locations coordinated and participated in environmentally-friendly activities in honor of Earth Day.
Co-workers at High Concrete Group LLC’s Denver facility honored Earth Day by planting a tree on the property. Planted in front of the main office on Denver Road, the tree will bring beauty to the landscape for years to come.
The Team at the Hampton Inn-York, Pennsylvania, celebrated Earth Day with recycling competitions, puzzles, and distribution of a tomato plant to each coworker. Co-workers also helped to plant flowers in the gardens on the hotel property.
The Corporate Office ECO Task Force (ETF) kicked off the week’s activities by encouraging co-workers to use the stairs, conserve paper, turn off lights in unoccupied office areas, use refillable water bottles and coffee mugs, and turn off computers and monitors at the end of the work day. In addition, an e-Scrap Recycling Collection allowed co-workers in Lancaster and Denver to recycle electronics, including computers, cell phones, and VCRs. When possible, these items were repaired. Those beyond repair were dismantled, and the components recycled responsibly.
Dripping with trash, Rubbish Man (Chuck Weyland, HCL) is the definition of a walking wardrobe malfunction!
On Friday, April 20, co-workers gathered at the Calvin G. High Pavilion in Greenfield Corporate Center for an Earth Day luncheon and presentation. Speakers cited High’s environmental accomplishments, and guests were treated to a visit from Captain Earth and his arch nemesis, Rubbish Man.
In addition, the ETF partnered with the Lancaster County Conservancy in a treeplanting project. Volunteer co-workers (above) spent a sunny afternoon planting and staking saplings in a preserve in Paradise Township.
While Captain Earth was not able to fly to the Hilton Garden Inn-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, co-workers there did enjoy a visit from his side kick, Recycle Fanatic. Coworkers were treated to lunch, and received a potted basil plant. They also conducted an Earth Day Questionnaire, and a prize was awarded to the co-worker with the most correct answers.
Because it was a rainy day, planting of flowers on the hotel grounds was postponed for a more suitable day.
Thank you, High co-workers, for taking part in Earth Day events, and for your environmental efforts every day!
Dave Somoga’s alter ego, Recycle Fanatic, takes a break after a day of saving the environment.
Pam Fulmer (HCL) hands e-scrap items to Greg Cassel (HAL).
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, High® co-workers, family members, and friends, joined others in the Lancaster community for the YWCA’s Race Against Racism . The purpose of the Race is to build awareness of racism’s negative impact, and to raise funds for anti-racism programs.
Thank you to those who participated in this important event, and to Michelle McCann (HSSI) for coordinating the High team!
Canstruction® is a competition that consists of the design and construction of sculptures made entirely of canned food items. Teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and students develop a design and then construct the sculpture on the day of the event. The sculptures are judged, and a winner selected.
A team, led by High Construction Company’s Justin Wingenfield, was composed of students and mentors from the Lancaster County ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) program. Using Google SketchUp, they created a 3D model of the structure to determine the exact placement and amount of cans required to build the house,
which was based on the Disney-Pixar movie, Up. The model was displayed at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, during the Builders Show. Built using approximately 1,800 cans and noodle cups, this Canstruction project won the “Best Meal” and “People’s Choice” awards.
Upon decanstruction, all the food used to create the sculptures was donated to Regional Food Banks and Pantries of Central PA. Representatives from Carlisle’s Project Share Program are on the Canstruction Committee and see that the food is used where it is most needed.
This is a great way to promote a little healthy competition while helping those in need. Thanks for your contribution, Justin!
In early April, Mike Fruin, President of High Hotels Ltd., seized an opportunity to put HHL’s General Managers and Directors of Sales and Marketing to work for a good cause. While they were in Lancaster for other meetings, Mike ‘volunteered’ his team to perform work for the Lancaster County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The HHL crew helped with various projects, including hanging drywall and painting.
The team had a great time, and enjoyed giving back to the community. On top of all that, they received the added benefit of building camaraderie with co-workers. Nice work!
Mike Fruin and Pat Brogan watch as Kristina Mory, Brenda French, and Carolyn Evans arrive at the job.
Marci Paniagua calls Ben Larsen’s attention to a missed spot.
