Thank you for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Rick Bennett
Mike Brenneman
Nevin Cooley
Mike Fruin
Jamie Gartley
Greg High
Carolyne Jordan
Mike Kennedy
Deb Kupres
Rhonda Kurtz
Michelle McCann
Tina McGinnis
Wendy Millhouse
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Stephanie Reese
Elaine Richard
Kelly Roeder
Laurie Salzmann
Mike Schirmer
J. Seroky
Robin Stauffer
Kelly Tetkoskie
Sue Weniger
HSSI First Aid Team: A Tradition Of Caring For Co-Workers
HCGL Produces And Erects Concrete For Ohio Healthcare Facility
HHL Breaks Ground On Its Thirteenth Hotel
Teamwork Leads To Improved Efficiency And Safety
HIGH SL Is The Right Innovation For Wright Manufacturing
High Beamers: 35 Years And Still Going Strong
High Adds A New Company To The Mix
President Profile: John “J.” Seroky, HCGL
A History Of Promoting Wellness At High
The S. Dale High Family Foundation Awards College Scholarships They Give Good Measure!
Ryan P. Rosenberger, Senior Maintenance Mechanic, HCGL, Denver, PA
Dennis L. Miller, Layout A, HSSI, Lancaster, PA
Nelson R. Zimmerman, Over-The-Road Truck Driver, HTL, Lancaster, PA
High Technology High Honors High Awards
United Way Day Of Caring: No Trash Left Behind
Proudly Supports Lancaster-Based First Response Team Of America
See this, and past editions of High Spirit, on High Home! On The Cover: On The On The Cover: On The The Ray Rice, Lawen Griffith, and Andy Diener have each served on High Steel Structures Inc.’s First Aid Team for more than four decades. Read about the team in the green hard hats on pages 3 and 4.
High gives First Response Team of America a home base in Greenfield Corporate Center. See pages 16 and 17 to find out how this group helps communities after disaster strikes.
High Spirit is published as a service to co-workers, retirees, and their families. Submissions, comments, and suggestions are welcome and should be submitted to:
Laurie M. Newmoyer, Editor lnewmoyer@high.net (717) 293-4479 Fall
Editor’s Note: The following excerpt is part of a speech given by Greg High, on behalf of The High Family Council, at a management meeting held in October. We thought it would be appropriate to share this message with all co-workers.
As High® co-workers, all of us are asked and encouraged to be innovative leaders. In the workplace, at home in our communities, in our places of worship, and wherever we may serve, we are called to bring our ideas and our energy to the table to help influence positive change.
To better understand innovative leadership, we need look no further than S. Dale High, Chair of the Board of the High companies. As we highlighted in the Spring/Summer issue of High Spirit , Dale recently celebrated 50 years of service with High. This is a tremendous milestone, and we congratulate him on reaching it. His innovative leadership helped build the former High Welding Company into a growing, multi-faceted organization with deep community ties.
But what if Dale had not provided so much vision, drive, and innovation to get us where we are today? What if, instead of being excited by creativity, innovation, and new ideas, he had relied only on building trustworthy relationships? I think we can all imagine what today might be like for each of us if Dale and the outstanding team of co-workers at the time had not been so focused on establishing and executing a vision and culture that embraced innovation and change.
As members of the third generation of the High Family to have the privilege of working here, Steve, Sue, and I reflected on the possibilities. We recalled the stories of how our grandfather, Sanford High, would fix bicycles for the neighborhood kids for free after a long day of working in the welding shop. We wondered – what if?
What if the Company went that direction instead of expanding from welding repair into bridges and beyond? What if the Company became a bicycle repair shop instead? Certainly, it would have meant a different direction for every co-worker now employed at High.
And things continue to change and grow. Last year, we completed a significant change in the governance structure of the High companies. Through the past year, more changes have been felt across our businesses. New leaders have joined the team. Investments have been made. Operations have been streamlined and improved.
Change is happening. That is, change for the better. This coming year, we plan to build on that change as part of our 100-year vision.
Our shared High culture is built on The High Philosophy, which in the 1980s, my father, S. Dale High, and many co-workers helped to establish on paper . . . and several of those coworkers are still working here today.
Building trustworthy relationships and being innovative leaders. Through innovation, we can become an even stronger, more competitive and sustainable family of companies. On behalf of the High Family, I thank you for your efforts and perseverance, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
This past Summer, Nevin Cooley, Chief Executive Officer of High®, met with a few of the fourth generation High Family members. During the meeting, Nevin explained the differences between ownership, management, and leadership. Lindsay, Austin, and Gavin enjoyed learning more about the Company and getting to know Nevin a bit better.
Left to right: Austin High, Gavin High, Nevin
The High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) First Aid Team has a long history of being “Each Other’s Keeper.” The tradition began in 1969 when Lawen Griffith, HSSI Utility Operator, was the only co-worker providing first aid care and training. Raymond “Ray” L. Rice, Fabricator, and Andrew “Andy” S. Diener, Jr., Material Handler, came on board in 1971, the year the First Aid Team was officially founded.
This is only a drill! Members of the First Aid Team respond to a mock injury during the annual triage.
In the early 1970s, there were 19 members. First Aiders were required to complete 25 hours of training, consisting of 10 hours of Standard First Aid, and 15 hours of Advanced First Aid. The most frequently-treated injuries were cuts to hands and arms.
Today, the HSSI First Aid Team boasts a total of 44 members; 34 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and 10 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Training has become more demanding, with a requirement of 40 hours in Emergency Medical Response and eight hours of CPR/ AED Training. The First Aid Team is prepared to respond to accidents and treat injuries, whether minor or serious, at a moment’s notice. This could include administering basic first aid, performing CPR, using an AED, opening a co-worker’s blocked airway, and even treating snake bites! To keep their skills sharp, members participate in an annual triage where they ‘treat’ co-workers for a variety of simulated medical emergencies and injuries in staged scenarios. During its history, First Aid Team members have come and gone; however, Lawen, Andy, and Ray have provided this valuable, and sometimes lifesaving, service to HSSI co-workers for more than 40 years each. In addition, Lawen has trained
co-workers from around the High ® organization so they are able to aid others in need of medical attention.
Thank you, Lawen, Ray, Andy, and the entire First Aid Team, for your dedication to the health and safety of others. You show respect for the dignity of co-workers and their families by helping to ensure that, when an injury or illness occurs on the job, immediate and appropriate care is close at hand.
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) is producing precast concrete components for a new Orthopedic and Spine Center (OSC) at its Springboro, Ohio, plant. Christ Hospital's new, 381,000 square-foot healthcare facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, is scheduled for completion in 2015, and will provide orthopedic, spine, and sports medicine treatment options for patients.
The overall design will provide patients with a tranquil therapeutic environment. The exterior blends the existing hospital buildings and historic neighborhood, while reflecting the innovative and modern treatments available at the new OSC.
HCGL was awarded the $6.7 million contract by Messer Construction Company, Cincinnati. Erection of 960 precast pieces began in October 2013. The project was designed by Chicago, Illinois-based Skidmore, Owens & Merrill, with local design representation from Champlin Architecture's Cincinnati office. Additional consulting services were provided by Cincinnati’s THP Limited.
High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of its 13th hotel, a TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Slated to open in the Fall of 2014, the 120-room hotel will be the newest addition to the Rossmoyne Business Center in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
TownePlace Suites was recognized as the #1 mid-price, extended-stay hotel brand by Business Travel News for the past two years, as well as the #1 extended stay brand in the JD Power 2013 hotel guest satisfaction index. Ideal for the self-sufficient, extended-stay guest, the property will feature spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites with full-size kitchens, as well as separate
living/working and sleeping areas. Guests will work and relax in modern suites that feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, adjustable work spaces with built-in shelves and lighting, free Wi-Fi and HD-TV, as well as Marriott’s luxurious new bedding. Other features include a complimentary breakfast, business center, “In a Pinch®” market, indoor pool, and a fitness room.
“We are excited to add the TownePlace Suites brand to our growing portfolio,” said Michael Fruin, President and Chief Operating Officer of HHL. “We already have two very successful hotels – Hampton Inn-Harrisburg West and Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West – in the Rossmoyne Business Center, and this new product will allow us to attract the loyal Marriott extendedstay traveler.”
HHL breaks ground for its thirteenth hotel, scheduled to open in Fall 2014.
The architect for the project is Greenfield Architects Ltd. and High Construction Company is the general contractor. High Associates Ltd. currently owns 11 buildings in Rossmoyne Business Center.
High Steel Structures Inc.’s Plant Three South Bay team achieved a 25 percent efficiency improvement on its PA-1110170-5 project, a Northern Southern Railroad bridge that spans the Monongahela River in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Problems in the fabrication of “I” girders for this bridge arose because the web – the steel used for the vertical portion of the girder – was not flat. The cause of this defect is the steel mill’s 100-year-old process, which is not sophisticated enough to ensure the flatness required by American Welding Society (AWS) bridge code.
To find a solution, a team led by Supervisors Jim Stoner and John Harris brainstormed ideas with other co-workers from both the Lancaster and Williamsport Fabrication bays to find a method to flatten the web. The team’s solution was to use a 25-ton hydraulic ram to push the web flat where the stiffener and web are welded together.
A hydraulic ram was used to push this 14foot web flat so it could be welded to the stiffener.
This innovative approach has increased efficiency and allows co-workers to perform the work more safely. Great work, team!
High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) customer Bill Wright, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wright Manufacturing, Inc., is an innovator. In 1981, he started a lawn maintenance company. Later, he designed and began the manufacture of Grass Gobbler™, the industry’s first and best-selling all-steel grass catcher and, over time, developed CLIP™ (Computerized Lawn Industry Program), a routing program that could handle the increased volume of this fastgrowing business.
In 1993, Wright sold the software and lawn maintenance divisions in order to focus on manufacturing lawn equipment, and began development of a mower on which the operator stands, rather than sits, while mowing. In 1997, production began on the Wright Stander®, a mower that is highly maneuverable and requires less trailer space when being hauled from job-to-job.
When Wright partnered with John Deere to produce a commercial mower in 2012, they sought components that would meet John Deere’s high quality standards. HIGHSL® Panel Flat that Stays Flat sheet and plate was perfect for the mower body. Claudio Paz, Wright Manufacturing’s Laser Operator, stated, “The material lies extremely flat and has no movement during cutting.” Dave Martin, Cut and Bend Manager, stated, “While flatness is critical, we also see advantages on the bending side. The material has hardly any kickback.” HIGHSL can be processed much faster in laser cutting and bending operations, and improves the quality of the finished product.
By offering the proven technology of HIGHSL, on-time delivery, a just-in-time program, and excellent customer service, HSSCL and Wright Manufacturing have built a strong and trustworthy relationship. The result? HSSCL has become Wright’s sole supplier of flat rolled products.
2013 marks the 35th anniversary of the High® retiree group, the High Beamers. Founded as a means to keep retirees connected to the Company and to each other, activities are held monthly. Perennial favorites include the All-Member Birthday Party, a luncheon with games and cake, and the Summer Picnic for which retirees contribute a covered dish, play Bingo and other games, and socialize.
According to a 1985 edition of High Spirit, there were bus trips and walking tours, plus plenty of luncheons, sometimes with a guest speaker or in conjunction with a tour, and sometimes just to chat and reminisce. Today, participants enjoy many of these same types of activities, but the destinations change regularly.
Early on, the late Gene Haatainen Wagner led the group and, upon retirement from the Benefits Department, became a High Beamer. Today, Jane G. Owens, High Company LLC Administrative Assistant and Corporate Office Front Desk Receptionist, leads the group. She is assisted by newcomer Carolyne M. Jordan, Corporate Revenue Manager for High Hotels Ltd., and Jennifer L. Simmons, Corporate Benefits Administrator, who was a past event coordinator of High Beamers activities.
In 2013, Beamers have enjoyed luncheons with speakers from High Transit LLC, and with Greg High from The High Family Council. They have also seen the musical, South Pacific , at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, toured the historic Ephrata Cloister, and participated in bus trips to the American Helicopter Museum, the Quecreek Mine Rescue Sight, and the Flight 93 Memorial.
Over the years, the faces have changed. What does not change is the camaraderie the Beamers experience, and the friendships that are forged between the retirees and their spouses. They truly live The High Philosophy by respecting the dignity of co-workers and their families, supporting each other in times of need, celebrating as the occasion merits, and just enjoying each other’s company!
On October 1, 2013, High Structural Erectors LLC (HSEL) became a new High® entity, and is a High Industries Inc. affiliate. The Company combines the field operations capabilities and expertise of High Steel Structures Inc. and High Concrete Group LLC, and is under the supervision of Paul Lipinsky, Vice President.
HSEL supports High affiliates’ construction projects, as well as those of third-party infrastructure, commercial, institutional, and industrial customers. HSEL also coordinates with High Transit LLC to bring supermover capabilities to projects.
HSEL specializes in the erection of structural steel and precast concrete, architectural precast, and cladding, and differentiates itself by having the expertise to handle large and complex projects. Services include crane operations, site logistics, bridge steel rehabilitation, heat straightening of damaged girders, concrete repair, and emergency repairs. The Company has AISC, welding, crane, PCI and other certifications and licenses. Its market area includes the East Coast and Midwest.
ser·en·dip·i·ty [ser-uhn- dip-i-tee]
noun: good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the job he wanted.
For J. Seroky, being given the opportunity to lead High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) was serendipitous.
J. credits his wife, Nicole, for bringing clarity to the career move to HCGL. As he interviewed for the President’s position, he spoke with her about the job. Nicole asked him to stop focusing on the business and to tell her about the people and the Company’s culture. In those conversations, J. realized that he and High® were the right fit. “I have worked for a small, privately-held company, and for a very large, multi-national company; bigger is not always better. At HCGL, I saw an opportunity to make a positive impact very quickly. I was impressed with the commitment of the High Family to invest in changes that would improve the Company’s operations, and that of the HCGL team to implement those improvements. They care about the business and are in it for the long-term. This is exactly the kind of company I wanted to work for!”
Born in northern New Jersey, J. was raised in Tampa, Florida. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in Desert Storm. “I was the guy with the antennae (i.e. target) on my back, calling in artillery fire. I learned it, did it, and taught it. I also learned that it is important to establish discipline in everything you set out to accomplish.” J. states that his Army experience carried over into his career. “Discipline is contagious; once co-workers prove they are disciplined in one area, it carries over and has a positive impact on other areas of the business.”
After leaving the Army, J. enrolled at the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelors degree in Economics. He also holds a Masters degree from Hough Graduate School of Business at the University of Florida with a focus on finance, economics, and marketing.
J. likes to golf, and is looking forward to learning to fly fish. Nicole, who previously had a successful career in real estate, is pursuing volunteer opportunities with local non-profit organizations. Together, they enjoy travelling and visiting their two adult sons: Andrew, who lives in Iowa with his wife and their six-month-old daughter; and Derek, who recently graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Engineering and is living and working in Washington, D.C. The Serokys are in the process of building a home in Lancaster County. “In my previous job, I commuted weekly from Florida to Atlanta or Houston, and was only home on weekends. I am looking forward to living close to work and to spending more time with Nicole.”
Growing up in Florida, J. witnessed many space shuttle launches. “I was always amazed at how much thrust and acceleration it took in order to break through the Earth’s gravitational pull and, once in space, how little fuel it took to maneuver. I look at the challenge of leading a new business in the same way; we will expend most of our energy to escape the pull of the way we did things in the past.”
With a great management team and committed co-workers in place, J. sees a bright future for HCGL. “Co-workers remember HCGL as a strong Company. Our job now is to make HCGL worthy of enduring. These co-workers are up to the challenge, and are willing to make the changes necessary for the Company’s success.” With such a positive outlook, it would appear that J.’s career move is serendipitous for High, as well!
Many may think that co-worker wellness is a new trend here at High®; however, its beginnings go back to 1993, when High’s first Wellness Committee was established. Twenty years ago, Michael “Mike” J. Newmoyer, now an Engineering Technician for High Steel Structures Inc., started and chaired the Committee under the supervision of S. Kathleen Shivery, now retired, from the Corporate Benefits Department. Jennifer L. Simmons, Corporate Benefits Administrator, was an original member of the Committee, and currently leads the Corporate Office Wellness Committee. Jenni is also a member of the Health Management Program Committee.
This ambitious group hit the ground running. In its first 18 months, the Committee coordinated a workplace weight loss program, regularly distributed healthy recipe cards, started a Walkers Club with goals and prizes, and held a Healthy Breakfast Club early each Friday morning during the summer months.
As Mike indicated at that time, “It is easy to start new programs. It is not easy to keep them running.” Wellness programs require time and dedication on the part of many co-workers. As is evidenced by the Corporate Office’s Committee marking its 20th anniversary, programs can be successful and long-lived. Today, Wellness Committees exist in numerous High companies and locations. In addition, the Health Management Program challenges and encourages all co-workers, as well as their family members, to take positive steps toward better health.
In a 1994 interview for High Spirit, Mike said, “I was always interested in fitness and sports, and thought this program was something the Company needed.” We could not agree more!
A blast from the past: Dale Aulthouse stamps check point cards for Gerry Fulmer and Jackie McConnell (HCL) during a Fitness Walk in 1994. Dale and Gerry are now retired.
The S. Dale High Family Foundation, a philanthropic, non-profit organization, was established in 1980 by members of the High Family. It has a tradition of assisting High® co-workers in meeting the costs of college education for their dependent children through its competitive scholarship program for students who demonstrate admirable academic and volunteer leadership. This year, the Foundation has awarded two scholarships:
Nathan Cummings and Rachel Simmons are front and center. In the back row are (left to right): Dale High, Greg High, Joy Cummings, Kevin Cummings, Jenni Simmons, Sadie High, Suzanne High Schenck, and Robin Stauffer.
Nathan Cummings is the son of Kevin R. Cummings, Residential Maintenance Leadperson with High Associates Ltd. Nathan graduated from Ephrata High School, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Society, Jazz Band, and Board of the Leo Club, which is the Lions School Club. He played baseball and is active in his church youth group. Nathan plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration from Delaware Valley College.
Rachel Simmons is the daughter of Jennifer L. Simmons, Corporate Benefits Administrator with High Company LLC. She graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Lampeter, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Publicist and Treasurer for Student Council, and Captain of Varsity Cheerleading. Rachel is active in the community through her involvement with the Water Street Food Drive, Christmas Eve Project for the Needy, and Highway Trash Clean Up. She is also active in her church youth group. Rachel attends Shippensburg University.
Congratulations, Nathan and Rachel! We wish you success as you venture into the world of higher education.
Denver, Pennsylvania
When a machine is brand new, it typically operates at its peak. So how do you take an older machine and, in only five days, have it running better than new? Ryan Rosenberger did just that!
Ryan assessed the ALAR slurry water processing equipment and determined it was not operating as it should. He began troubleshooting the abnormalities and developing strategies for proper repair and inspection. Ryan assembled a team of coworkers to modify the equipment, write operational procedures, identify and document equipment settings, and create charts to track performance.
Slurry water processing machine throughput has increased by 150 percent and material needed to run the machine has decreased by 50 percent. In the first five days, labor and material savings were in excess of $1,755, with an annual projected savings of $117,000.
Ryan’s efforts were exceptional, as were the results. His work on the ALAR system shows how he gives Good Measure through dedication and a relentless drive to keep improving equipment and processes.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Denny Miller has more than 27 years of experience with HSSI, and his expertise in Layout has proven to be invaluable. Denny has extensive print knowledge and the ability to determine which jobs can be slab welded, even when it involves curved girders. He takes the initiative to check jobs in advance and is able to identify material shortages that could negatively affect the job flow.
Denny is an expert at programming the BUGO, burning equipment that makes complex holes or clips on a web or flange. He is proficient at operating the Total Station, a surveying tool that is used during bridge set up in the Yard to ensure the camber, sweep, and elevations are identical to those required on the job site. When a problem arises on the job or customer site, Denny has changed personal plans in order go to the site to help resolve them.
Said his nominator, “Denny has chosen to give the best of his talents and a chunk of his personal time to meet customers’ needs. With road trips, the Total Station, Layout abilities, and print knowledge, he consistently gives Good Measure.”
R.
Nominator: Michael H. Kennedy
When High Steel Structures Inc. (HSSI) was contracted to supply steel for a job in Nebraska, this westward expansion presented a dilemma. Getting loads from Lancaster to a jobsite 1,000 miles away was, to say the very least, logistically challenging!
Nelson Zimmerman stepped up to the plate and took an inspired approach to load optimization, delivery coordination, and routing solutions. He even mapped out the best locations for trucker layovers, ensuring that loads were delivered to the site on-schedule, and providing exceptional service to the HSSI Project Team.
Organizing all of the particulars for a journey of this length with such large loads of steel was no small feat. Through attention to detail, exceptional organization skills, and plenty of hard work, Nelson provided Good Measure by valuing this new customer, meeting their needs, and exceeding their expectations. Said nominator Mike Kennedy, “Nelson’s innovation proved to be instrumental throughout the project, and had a direct and positive impact on the bottom line.”
High Steel Service Center LLC
High Steel Service Center LLC
High Steel Service Center LLC
High Steel Service Center LLC
High Steel Service Center LLC
. . .joined Facebook. Go to http://www.facebook.com/HighSteelServiceCenter to like us, and to keep up with HSSCL’s latest news.
C. Denise Elliott, High Associates Ltd.
C. Denise Elliott, Associates Ltd.
C. Denise Elliott, High Associates Ltd.
C. Denise Elliott, Associates Ltd.
. . .earned the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) designation from the National Apartment Association in August 2013. Denise joined HAL in 2011 and serves as Marketing Representative for Westbury Mews apartments in Summerville, South Carolina.
Jeffrey S Jeffrey S Jeffrey S Jeffrey S S. Fisher . Fisher . Fisher . Fisher . Fisher, High Company LLC , High Company LLC , High Company LLC , High Company LLC , Company
. . .earned a Masters degree in Leadership Development from Penn State University in August 2013. Jeff serves as Safety Supervisor for HCL’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department. He joined High® in 2007.
Jessica N. Hartenstine, High Associates Ltd.
Jessica N. Hartenstine, High Associates Ltd. N.
. . .earned the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) designation from the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia. Jessica serves as Marketing Representative for Orchard Ridge Apartments in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. She joined HAL in 2010.
Brett M. Dombach and R Brett M. and R Ronald L onald L . Kilby . Kilby Kilby, Jr , Jr , Jr., High Associates Ltd. ., High Associates Ltd. ., Ltd.
. . .received first place in the Maintenance Technician of the Year category from The Apartment Association of Central Pennsylvania at its 2013 Best of Living Awards Celebration. The award recognizes an individual or team for demonstrating outstanding maintenance skills and customer service, and promotes a positive image of the apartment community and management company. Brett and Ron serve as Building Maintenance TechniciansSpecialized for Bentley Ridge, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and joined HAL in 1997 and 2012, respectively.
Linford L Linford L . Good, High Associates Ltd. . High Associates Ltd. . Good, High Associates Ltd. . High Associates Ltd. Associates
. . .was elected President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR). One of the most prestigious real estate organizations in the country, SIOR has stringent membership requirements. The one-year term began in August 2013. Lin joined High® in 1978 and serves as Senior Vice President of Sales and Leasing.
R R R R Ronald E onald E onald E onald E onald E . Medlock, P . Medlock, P . Medlock, P . Medlock, P . Medlock, P.E .E .E ., High Steel Structures Inc. ., Steel Structures Inc. ., High Steel Structures Inc. ., Steel Structures Inc. ., High Steel Structures
. . .was presented the 2013 Richard S. Fountain Award by the Steel Market Development Institute’s (SMDI, a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute) Steel Bridge Task Force and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Technical Committee for Structural Design. Ronnie co-founded and leads the AASHTO/National Steel Bridge Alliance Collaboration, a group of steel bridge professionals who have published more than a dozen standards related to steel bridge detailing, shop drawing review, fabrication, inspection, coatings, bearings, erection, and analysis. Ronnie joined HSSI in 2006, and serves as Vice President of Technical Services.
E E . V . V . V . V Varano, High Associates
arano,
. . .received the second place award for Leasing Professional of the Year during The Apartment Association of Central Pennsylvania’s 2013 Best of Living Awards Celebration. Megan joined HAL in 2007 and serves as Marketing Representative for Greenfield Estates, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
. . .were selected to receive the inaugural 2012 ApartmentRatings.com Top Rated Award. Communities recognized included: Bentley Ridge and Greenfield Estates in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Orchard Ridge, Pottstown, Pennsylvania; Plantation Oaks, Charleston, South Carolina; Westbury Mews, Summerville, South Carolina; and York Ridge, Charlotte, North Carolina. This new annual award recognizes properties with outstanding resident satisfaction ratings as measured on ApartmentRatings.com, with only about five percent of the listed properties qualifying for consideration.
. . .along with Rafael Viñoly Architects, was recognized by PCI (Precast Concrete Institute) with a Design Award for the Millennium Science Complex at Penn State University. HCGL produced the building’s soap brick architectural precast panels in its Denver, Pennsylvania, facility.
. . .was recognized by the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. with the following awards:
Excellence Award for the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts at Messiah College (Institutional, $25 million to $50 million);
Merit Award for the Travel Plaza in Cumberland County (Commercial, $2 million to $10 million);
Commendation Certificates for Lebanon Valley College’s Mund Center (Institutional, $10 to $25 million); and
Phases Two and Three of the Chesapeake Energy complex in Athens, Pennsylvania (Pre-engineered Buildings).
. . .was presented the Employer Award of the Guard and Reserve by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Nominated by Michael P. Brown, HSSI Utility Operator and a Pennsylvania National Guard Staff Sergeant, the award recognizes companies that support co-workers who serve in the National Guard by allowing them time away from work when called upon for service, while keeping their jobs available upon return to civilian life. Mike’s supervisor, Michael B. Schirmer, accepted the award on behalf of HSSI.
. . .earned first place awards for Curb Appeal Excellence, Maintenance Excellence, and Overall Community Excellence at The Apartment Association of Central Pennsylvania’s 2013 Best of Living Awards Celebration.
. . . was voted Runner Up for “Best Apartment Community in Lancaster” in the Lancaster Newspapers Inc. Readers’ Choice Awards.
. . . earned first place awards for Curb Appeal Excellence, Leasing and Marketing Excellence, and Overall Community Excellence at The Apartment Association of Central Pennsylvania’s 2013 Best of Living Awards Celebration.
. . .was recognized by the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia during its Best of Apartment Living Awards Ceremony. The team was awarded third place for Maintenance, and second place for Community Presentation. Orchard Ridge is located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
. . .was voted the “#1 Place to Store Your Stuff in Lancaster” in the Lancaster Newspapers Inc. 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards. Premier opened in 2009 and is located in Greenfield Corporate Center West.
Decked out in work gloves and orange plastic vests, volunteers spent a sunny September Saturday morning beautifying the Conestoga Greenway, a trail along a portion of the Conestoga River in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the United Way Day of Caring. Countywide, approximately 1,800 people participated in the annual Day of Caring.
“The project was appealing because this is such a beautiful area of Lancaster County. It gave us an opportunity to be out in the sunshine and meet people from other organizations who were also helping with the clean up,” said the High ® team coordinator, Michelle McCann (HSSI). Joining her were Mike (HSSI) and Laurie (HCL) Newmoyer, their daughter, Jillian, and Jane Owens (HCL).
According to Mike, “The Greenway trail is used for passive recreation, so there were lots of people walking, running, or biking while we worked.”
“I spend my work day at a desk, so it is nice to be outside,” said Jane. “A few people using the trail even thanked us for helping with the clean up.”
Jillian, a high school senior, has met her school’s graduation requirement for volunteer hours, but continues to participate in the Day of Caring, explaining, “This is a great way to do something positive for the community and spend time with my family. I have a good time with the other volunteers from High, too!”
“While the High team may have been small, its efforts were not.”
Michelle McCann, HSSI United Way Campaign Coordinator
“While the High team may have been small, its efforts were not,” said Michelle. “We picked up numerous bags of trash, plus items like a broken bicycle and a musty futon mattress. We made a positive impact on the community and on the health of the waterway along the trail.”
Tad Agoglia was living the American Dream. With sweat and plenty of hard work, he built a disaster recovery business that made him a millionaire while still in his 20s. But when a tornado struck a town in Kansas, Tad decided he had to help. He left a government-contracted job in Missouri in his company’s customdesigned grapple truck, used to load and haul storm debris, and drove all night. Once there, he began clearing the streets, enabling local emergency responders access to the equipment and gear needed to provide aid to their fellow citizens – all at no charge. This one impulsive and generous act would change his life.
From First Response Team of America’s Greenfield Corporate Center location, Tad Agoglia explains how this hover craft can move over water too swift for boats to navigate safely.
Over the next two years, using his company’s resources and more than $1 million of his own money, Tad continued to volunteer aid to disaster-struck communities. In 2007, he founded First Response Team of America, the only non-profit organization of its kind in the United States. According to Tad, “Disasters happen at a local level, leaving a community’s emergency resources damaged and personnel unavailable to respond. First Response Team’s mission is to be on the scene in those first few critical hours to begin the recovery.”
“Disasters happen at a local level, leaving a community’s emergency resources damaged and personnel unavailable to
respond.”
Tad Agoglia First Response Team of America
Headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, its equipment is housed in Greenfield Corporate Center in warehouse space donated by High® “Having the equipment under cover and protected from the elements enables us to provide a faster response. And when you have been on the road for three months straight, it is great to have a home for the equipment where we can work on it safely.” Tad chose Lancaster as home base for good reason. “There is a strong work ethic and sense of community. The First Response staff is comprised of farmers from Lancaster and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They have the skills to operate heavy equipment, and know what hard work is,” said Tad.
First Response Team relies on high-profile meteorologists from The Weather Channel to inform them of impending severe storms, enabling the Team to deploy to those areas with its fleet of specialized equipment. These forecasts are so accurate that First Response has never experienced a false alarm. Said Tad,
“Earlier this year, we were notified on a Friday of the likelihood of tornadoes forming in the coming days in certain areas of the mid-west. The following Monday - May 20, 2013 - Moore, Oklahoma, was hit. The team was on site within two hours performing search and rescue at a time when the community would ordinarily have been left to fend for itself.”
High is one of many corporate partners which also include Lowe’s, RAM, The Pete Store, Caterpillar, DAS, The Weather Channel, Under Armour, Ledwell Trailer, Lincoln Electric, and Hunter Keystone Peterbilt. Tad explains, “These brand associations give First Response Team credibility with other businesses and individuals, enabling us to continually improve our services. Recently, a supporter at High put me in contact with a Lancaster County fuel oil supplier, Worley and Obetz, who pledged 3,000 gallons of fuel. Contributions of capital, equipment, and in-kind donations are vital in allowing us to continue to provide important services free of charge.”
In October 2012, First Response Team was in Elmira, New York, where an EF-1 tornado knocked down thousands of large trees. Using their highly-powered grapple truck, they removed trees from roadways. High Construction Company has an office in Elmira, so First Response Team has had a direct impact in a community in which High does business. This Fall, the team spent several weeks clearing debris in Colorado, where storms and flooding affected thousands of families without flood insurance. More recently, Tad and the Team headed to Washington, Illinois, where a late-season tornado ravaged the area.
equipment and manpower to assist with search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the Moore, Oklahoma, tornado in May 2013.
What Tad gave up in dollars, he has more than made up for in personal satisfaction. “In the middle of all the devastation, people do not
know where to begin. In those early moments, recovery of a photograph or a family heirloom can bring them joy and a sense of hope. If we can help make that happen, it has all been worth it!”
To learn more about First Response Team of America, visit their website at www.firstresponseteam.org.
