Thank you for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Kathy Abernethy
Rick Bennett
Rick Dickerson
John Hayden
Greg High
Carolyne Jordan
Lisa Masters
Michelle McCann
Dave Nicholas
Elaine Richard
Kelly Roeder
Laurie Salzmann
George Savant
Jennifer Soto
Robin Stauffer
Bob Wentzel
Derry Young
❖ HCGL Debuts Technically-Advanced Concrete
❖ First HIGHSL Stainless Sheet and Plate Customer Realizes Panel-Flat Benefits
❖ Tappan Zee Bridge Contract is the Largest in HSSL History
❖ Montgomery House is a Historic Event Venue
❖ Twelve Competitors Set the Example for Better Health
❖ She Gives Good Measure!
● C. Denise Elliott, Marketing Representative HAL, Westbury Mews, Summerville, SC
❖ High Honors
❖ HSSL’s Plant Four Goes Paper-Free
❖ Embracing the Power of Sustainability
❖ Upgrades Make Building Better Than New
❖ ECO Task Force Hits the Road
❖ United Way 2013 Campaign Results
❖ HCC Demonstrates “Canstruction” Skills
❖ High Co-Workers Spread Holiday Cheer
● High Associates Ltd.
● Bentley Ridge
● High Hotels Ltd.
❖ The S. Dale High Family Foundation Supports the Arts
Steel Structures LLC’s
Read about it on page 8.
As we begin 2014, it is important to pause and reflect upon the accomplishments of our organization during 2013. As many of you know, I had taken the opportunity at the last two High Forums to issue prescriptions to all co-workers at High®. My prescription for 2013 was to be positive, prepared, proactive, participative, performance-focused, and profitable. I am pleased to report that it appears that all of you have been following this prescription. As you review the results I am about to share, see if you can recognize how each of those prescription items is playing out in our performance.
Brian W. LaBorde
At High Steel Structures LLC (HSSL), several major accomplishments stand out.
Brian W. LaBorde joined the team as the newest President of HSSL, bringing with him a career of experience in fabrication innovation and process improvement. After almost a year of preparation and in a participative alliance with another steel fabricator, HSSL was successful at being awarded a 50,000-ton project for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, the largest contract in the history of the company. As a result of this contract award, $11 million in capital improvements and facility expansion were approved for the Williamsport Plant, and 60 new positions were created within HSSL to help execute the contract. Together with the other contracts that were successfully obtained during 2013, HSSL ended the year with its highest backlog ever. HSSL was also called upon in the Spring of 2013 to help with an emergency repair of the I-81/Route 322 Interchange that was destroyed by a tanker fire. In the true spirit of “Giving Good Measure,” the I-81 “Git-R-Done” project was initiated and completed in record time with all steel set in place prior to Labor Day. This project garnered significant press coverage which reflected the positive attitude of our company.
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) also saw the arrival of a new President with John “ J.” Seroky. J. brings a combination of extensive experience in marketing and sales, and a deep appreciation for the role of major subcontractors in the construction industry. The team at HCGL successfully completed the Phase II improvements at the Batch Plant in Denver, Pennsylvania, while making numerous improvements in the organization of the overall facilities to support greater efficiency of operations and safety and substantially improve financial results. The team in Springboro, Ohio, made major headway in the fabrication of the Christ Hospital project, and completed the year with zero recordable incidents. 2013 also saw the ongoing implementation of the SAP software systems, the introduction of increased mobile technology in the areas of material handling, and revenue growth at StructureCare that exceeded plan.
High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) continued its focus on increased sales, expanding its market share by 11 percent in 2013. This was accomplished during a year in which the overall steel service center industry saw almost no growth. Recognizing the impact that the economy has had on some of its major competitors, HSSCL also continued to pursue new customers. Since 2010, HSSCL has developed 525 new or reactivated customers, totaling $65.7 million of sales during those four years. Building on its investment in the stretcher leveler that was introduced in 2012, HSSCL expanded sales in Virginia while opening a new territory in southern New York. In August, HSSCL became the first service center in our geographic market to utilize the stretcher leveler on stainless steel sheet and plate. In 2014, the team is looking to apply the same stretcher leveler processing to aluminum sheet and plate. In the area of continuous process improvement, HSSCL embarked upon a new ERP system improvement initiative, which is targeted to be completed by the end of 2014.
High Construction Company (HCC) and Greenfield Architects Ltd. (GAL) collaborated on a variety of projects. GAL designed the TownePlace Suites for High Hotels Ltd. (HHL), which is now under construction by HCC and –in spite of the challenging winter weather conditions – is on schedule. GAL also designed a field office for Cabot Oil & Gas, and HCC is in the process of constructing this new facility. GAL designed an addition to HSSL’s Williamsport Plant, and HCC broke frozen ground to begin construction of the expansion in support of the Tappan Zee Bridge project. In Lancaster County, GAL and HCC were also successful in acquiring a design-build contract for a distribution facility for Quality Bicycle Parts. GAL continues to expand its services with work for Voigt and Schweitzer’s new galvanizing facility in Memphis, Tennessee, a
new cooler warehouse and office for Turkey Hill Dairy, and ongoing work for Messiah College. HCC completed work on Chesapeake Energy’s facilities, the Highspire Turnpike Plaza, The Circular dining room at The Hotel Hershey, Aussie and The Fox restaurant, and Trop Elite Equipment’s facility. Backlog for 2014 includes the Overlook Town Center, Integrity Bank, The Oaks Shopping Center, the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design apartments for Lancaster Newspapers, and the new Plymouth Meeting maintenance facility for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) posted another strong year, exceeding plan in both revenue and profitability. Satisfaction scores were outstanding; every property exceeded brand average, and 50 percent of the portfolio placed in the top 20 percent. A new TownePlace Suites by Marriott broke ground in September in the Rossmoyne Business Center, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and is slated to open in the Fall of 2014.
High Associates Ltd. (HAL) had a very profitable year. Several large dispositions took place, including the sale of the Mill Creek Square Shopping Center and the Palmerhouse apartment community. Taking advantage of the low interest rate environment, several significant refinancings were completed, and the occupancy of the core portfolio was increased, with particular improvement at Parkland Center in Sarasota, Florida. The multi-family portfolio also continued to perform strongly, with occupancies averaging over 95 percent, and above budgeted growth in the net operating income achieved. At the end of the year, the new Senior Vice President for Acquisitions/Residential, Brad Mowbray, joined the team and will focus on the implementation of the recently-approved strategic plan for growth in the multi-family portfolio.
High Environmental Health & Safety Consulting LLC (HEHSCL) marked its first full year with a new name and in its new location. To increase sales volume, a dedicated sales function was added with a focus on placement of safety professionals in companies and on job sites. Throughout 2013, HEHSCL added new clients and continued to service existing clients, all while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
under construction by High Construction Company, High Hotels Ltd.’s 13th hotel, a TownePlace Suites in
Throughout the year, co-workers in the Shared Resource Units (SRU) provided support for many activities, as well. 2013 saw some changes in the leadership of the Accounting Group; Karen Biondolillo assumed
her role as Vice President and Controller for High Industries Inc. (HII), and Beth Valen assumed her role as Director and Controller of High Real Estate Group LLC. Both of these transitions were accomplished smoothly, given the efforts of both individuals and their previous experience with the High organization. The entire Accounting team continued to support the many projects underway in the operational companies for both HII and HREGL, and joined forces with the Information Services team to further implement SAP at HCGL, engage in the early analysis of the ERP program at HSSCL, and complete the strategic asset plan at HREGL. All three of these are examples of critical information management systems required to enhance and sustain the effective performance of our operating companies. Information Services also was heavily involved in further expansion of the use of mobile devices to gain greater functionality. During 2013, several projects were implemented to leverage mobile technology, providing a reduction of the time and effort it takes to complete computer transactions and to retrieve information. This included efforts in labor collection, entry of SAP transactions, and access to documents in the Cloud.
The Treasury Department was busy in the early part of the year completing new arrangements for our credit lines, as well as our transition of the company’s surety provider from Chubb Group to Zurich NA. In addition, an improved insurance certificate tracking process was defined, and financing for the new TownePlace Suites was secured.
In a joint effort of the Treasury, Legal, Accounting, and Operations teams, a new company was created. High Structural Erectors LLC (HSEL) became the home of the combined Field Operations from HSSL and HCGL. This new company provides greater operating efficiencies and the opportunity for cross-training of co-workers. The Legal and the Tax Groups also combined efforts to restructure High Steel Structures as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This restructuring improved and streamlined the way taxes can be handled on the company’s balance sheet, and gained greater efficiencies in state income tax compliance.
Co-workers on the Human Resource Services team were also extremely productive in 2013. Under their leadership, we saw participation in the Biometric Screening portion of our Health Management Program increase to 87 percent. 119 tobacco users quit their habit, and 35 percent of our co-workers took proactive steps to improve their health through participation in the various health challenges throughout the year. As previously noted, there were several
significant recruitment efforts completed during the year, including the two new Presidents within the HII SBUs, and the Senior Vice President within HREGL.
The continued corporate-wide focus on safety resulted in a 50 percent reduction in day-away cases during the year, and a significant reduction in our workers’ compensation-incurred costs. Five hotels were able to achieve a zero recordable incident rate. In addition, HSSCL and HCGL’s Springboro, Ohio, plant also achieved zero recordables for the year, and on February 7, 2014, HCC completed a year without a recordable. The first Co-worker Satisfaction Summit for leadership was held to emphasize the importance of co-worker satisfaction and the participative response of our organizations to the suggestions provided by coworkers in the annual survey. In addition, over 400 co-workers attended 401k Retire Secure one-on-one meetings to help ensure that they are proactively planning for their future. Lastly, the Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) provided numerous activities, including movie nights, bus trips to the zoo and a NASCAR race, a fishing trip, Jingle Bell Breakfasts, Hershey Park discount tickets, and the High Cup golf outing.
I hope you can see the many results of our prescription as clear evidence that our companies are maintaining a positive, prepared, proactive, participative, performance-oriented, profit-generating focus for the future. The prescription that I gave for 2014 during the latest High Forum deals with innovation, and includes: be curious; inquire; challenge; experiment; collaborate; and commit. I look forward to next year’s annual report, and a review of the effects of this prescription, as well. Thank you for all you have done to contribute to the progress and successes of 2013, and best wishes for the accomplishments we will achieve in 2014.
High Concrete Group LLC’s (HCGL) Denver, Pennsylvania, headquarters facility is now operating one of the premier precast automatic batch plants in the country. An extensive upgrade last Fall has automated key processes, introduced new cost efficiencies, and reduced errors, waste, and inventory variances associated with manual processes.
A cross-functional team led by Rick Dickerson, Director of Continuous Improvement, based the recommendation on best practices from the United States and Europe. The new system utilizes state-of-the-art computer technology to dramatically increase the measurement accuracy and control of free moisture in the process. The high degree of control permits minute adjustments that substantially improve strength, color, and finish. The system will also allow HCGL to expand its use of self-consolidating concrete in both structural and architectural products.
Batch
Operator,
As part of the upgrade, the team added a new silo for slurrified silica fume which is added to high-strength mixes. Only the second of its kind in the country, the equipment dispenses material with virtually no tolerance. It simplifies work for demanding applications such as NEXT Beam double tees for the new Kew Gardens bridge.
In addition, the system frees the existing silo for the introduction of fly ash to mixes, a first for HCGL. Fly ash is a waste stream material that lowers costs while improving the workability and durability of precast concrete. A new low pressure air system feeds the cementitious powders while keeping oil and moisture out to ensure uninterrupted flow. Recent activities include:
● Development and implementation of a conventional structural fly ash mix for the Robert Wood Johnson parking garage project. This was a reduction in cost of 13.5 percent over the mix previously used.
● Ongoing development of an self-consolidating concrete (SCC) fly ash mix, which should result in a reduction in cost of 4.6 percent over the current high volume double tee mix in use.
● Ongoing development of architectural SCC mixes for future jobs. Current tests yielded favorable results, including easier pouring, easier back finish
application, minimal air voids, overall aesthetic improvement, and minimal patching required when compared to current conventional mixes.
● Development and implementation of a new SCC high strength girder mix resulting in a 9.6 percent cost reduction.
HCGL has also been testing other secondary cementitious materials that would lead to future cost reductions, as well as testing the Cidra AIRtrac (CA) system, which would give operators a real-time visual of where the air content of the concrete is while it is still mixing. This system can be tied into the CA system and viewed on-screen, along with the remainder of the batch process.
York Haven Fabricators in York Haven, Pennsylvania, recently became the first customer of High Steel Service Center LLC’s (HSSCL) new HIGHSL Stainless steel sheet and plate line of products. Rich Washko, general manager for York Haven, describes the material as a “. . . win-win situation, easier for us to process and a better product for our customers.”
A state-of-the-art sheet metal fabrication company, York Haven operates a 50,000 square-foot facility equipped with laser cutters that process, among other things, up to one-half-inch stainless steel. Washko reports that stress-free HIGHSL Stainless does not distort during cutting, a common problem that can stop the system, requiring the operator to manually override the machine or remove warped parts.
Besides error-free processing, HIGHSL Stainless provides weld consistency, improving larger constructions and noticed by York Haven’s customers. In addition, Washko found it far easier to load automated processes such as the automated punching cell. Stainless sheets must be very flat for the machine to load them automatically.
HIGHSL Stainless is the latest innovation from High Steel Service Center’s Red Bud Industries stretcher leveler. Introduced in 2012, the unique capability combines two in-line Bradbury roller levelers, one of which has Bradbury’s eDrive technology. HSSCL’s stretcher leveler produces the company’s 100 percent stress-free sheet and plate products branded HIGHSL—Panel-Flat That Stays Flat®, and is the first of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic.
High Steel Structures LLC (HSSL) partnered with Hirschfeld Industries and was awarded a contract to fabricate steel for the Tappan Zee Bridge, one of the largest new bridges to be constructed in the United States in decades. It will replace an existing deteriorating bridge over the Hudson River north of New York City, which was constructed in the early 1950s.
The Tappan Zee is HSSL’s largest contract ever. To accommodate the volume of steel that is to be fabricated for this project, the Williamsport, Pennsylvania, facility is undergoing a 30,000 square-foot expansion. Design for the facility expansion was provided by Greenfield Architects Ltd., and it is being built by High Construction Company. In addition to the expansion, equipment upgrades and new installations will take place during 2014.
Because of its proximity to the Tappan Zee construction site, the Williamsport Plant is expected to produce about 75 percent of the steel for the project, with the remaining 25 percent to be produced in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, facilities. Finished pieces will be delivered to the job site by High Transit LLC.
HSSL President Brian LaBorde said, “We look forward to working on this historic project, which demonstrates that fabricators in the United States have the capacity and capability to fabricate and deliver the massive quantity of structural steel required for a project of this size – a win for Buy America.”
To support the Tappan Zee project, personnel are being added at HSSL’s Williamsport and Lancaster locations. Co-workers in the Engineering, Project Management, Continuous Improvement, and Human Resources Departments, along with High Transit LLC, will work together to ensure the project’s success.
The William H. Montgomery House has stood on Queen Street in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, since 1804. The striking Federal-style structure recently underwent extensive renovation and, as a venue within the Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center, hosts distinctive events.
The mansion features three floors of flexible, well-appointed spaces for meetings, receptions, dinners, holiday gatherings, and other memorable special events. The intimate, high-end meeting spaces are a perfect complement to the larger hotel meeting rooms. The Marriott began booking events for the facility in late 2013.
Flooded with natural light, the bridal parlor provides cozy seating, fulllength mirrors, and ample vanity space for the bridal party to prepare for the big event.
The ornate staircase has been meticulously restored. The inset shows the mansion’s fine woodwork details.
Top: The first and second floors feature comfortable gathering areas with soft seating and fireplaces.
Above: The curved wall on the back of the William Montgomery House is a unique feature of the mansion.
Are you taking a healthy step this Spring? You are not alone. These 12 highly motivated co-workers are leading the way as contestants in the Get HealthIER Challenge, and may be just the inspiration you are looking for.
Selected by Cooper Consulting Partners, each is sharing the ups and downs of his or her journey to better health with all High® co-workers. Look for their stories and motivations, follow their food and exercise logs, and learn from their successes and setbacks. Ultimately, only three of these contestants will take home prizes, but everyone who participates in this 12-week program will be a winner when it comes to bettering their health.
Competing for better health and prizes are:
George G George G George G George G George G. Burnley . Burnley . Burnley . Burnley
Senior for High Concrete Group LLC Concrete
Senior Engineer for High Concrete Group LLC
Senior for High Concrete Group LLC
Senior Engineer for High Concrete Group LLC
Denver Denver Denver, P ,, P Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Lose weight and improve biometric screening results. Live to be 80 years old.
Coleman J Coleman J Coleman J Coleman J J. Clary . Clary . Clary . Clary Clary
Leadperson for High Steel LLC
Leadperson for High Steel Structures LLC
Leadperson for High Steel LLC
Leadperson for High Steel Structures LLC
Leadperson
Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster, P ,, P , Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Eat a healthier diet and lose weight. Develop and maintain a regular exercise routine.
Jasmine O Jasmine O Jasmine O. Gates . Gates . Gates
Guest
epresentative for High Hotels epresentative
epresentative for High Hotels epresentative for High Hotels
for
SpringHill Suites, Ewing SpringHill Suites, Ewing SpringHill Suites, Ewing SpringHill Suites, Ewing Ewing, New Jersey , Jersey , New Jersey , Jersey Jersey
My Motivation: Lose weight and improve biometric screening results. Be a healthy and active mother to her three year-old son.
Sally J Sally J J. Marshall . Marshall . Marshall . Marshall
Operations Coordinator for High Concrete Group LLC Operations for High Concrete Group LLC Operations Coordinator for High Concrete Group LLC Operations for High Concrete Group LLC
Springboro, Ohio Springboro, Ohio Springboro, Ohio Springboro, Ohio Ohio
My Motivation: Reduce risk of developing diabetes. Be a healthy wife and an active mom to her year-old daughter.
Charissa E Charissa E Charissa . Merrill .
Cost Control Coordinator for High LLC
Cost Control Coordinator for High Company LLC
Cost Control Coordinator for High LLC Control
Cost Control Coordinator for High Company LLC
Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster, P ,, , Pennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Lose weight and improve biometric screening results. Develop a healthy lifestyle that will carry her through retirement.
Clarissa D Clarissa D D. Morgan . Morgan
Utility Operator for High Steel Structures LLC
Utility Operator for High Structures LLC for Williamsport, P Williamsport, P Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Develop healthy eating and regular exercise habits. Be the grandmother who plays kickball and catches fireflies with the grandkids.
Harry A Harry A Harry A Harry A A . Nash . Nash . Nash . Nash .
Design Engineer for High Concrete Group LLC
Design for High Concrete Group LLC
Design Engineer for High Concrete Group LLC
Design for High Concrete Group LLC Concrete
Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver, P , P , P , P , Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Lose weight and exercise to increase physical stamina. Be able to run and play with his son.
Jennifer L L Jennifer L L . Simmons . Simmons . Simmons . Simmons .
Corporate Benefits Administrator for High Company LLC Administrator for High Company LLC
Corporate Benefits Administrator for High Company LLC Administrator for High Company LLC
Lancaster Lancaster, P , P , P , P Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Lose weight and eliminate diabetes medication. Be healthy and alive to witness exciting milestones in her college-age daughters’ lives.
R R R R . Sue Thomas . Sue Thomas .
Director of Sales and Mark Director of Sales and Mark Director of Sales and Mark Director of Sales and Mark and Marketing for High Hotels Ltd.
eting for High Hotels eting for High Hotels Ltd. eting for High Hotels eting for
Courtyard by Marriott, Lancaster
Courtyard by Lancaster Lancaster, P , P , Pennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Lose weight to improve biometric screening numbers. Eliminate medications and beat the risks predicted by family history.
Shawn E E . W . W . W . W Wagner agner agner agner
Leadperson for High Steel Structures LLC for High Steel Structures LLC
Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster, P , P , Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Lose weight to eliminate or reduce the need for diabetes medication. Learn to eat a healthy diet and start an exercise regimen.
Competing for their health only:
Nevin D D Nevin D D D. Cooley . Cooley . Cooley . Cooley . Cooley
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer Executive Officer, High Companies , High Companies , High Companies , High Companies , High Companies
Lancaster P P Lancaster P P Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Improve biometric screening results, establish sustainable lifestyle change, and increase energy level.
John “ “ John “ “ John “J J J J J.” Seroky .” Seroky .” Seroky .” Seroky Seroky
P P P P President, High Concrete Group LLC resident, High Group LLC resident, High Concrete Group LLC resident, High Group LLC Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver, P , P , P , P , Pennsylvania ennsylvania ennsylvania
My Motivation: Improve health, increase energy, reduce stress, and live to be 100. Boost mental health so he can remember the great time he had during those 100 years.
During the 12-week challenge, follow the contestants on the blog and on the Facebook page. Take a few minutes to offer encouragement as these co-workers make the journey to better health. You will find inspiration and ideas to improve your own health!
C. Denise Elliott, Marketing Representative Nominator: Brenda McDonagh
Denise Elliott is a total team player! When Westbury Mews was short-staffed, Denise balanced her time between her regular job location at Plantation Oaks apartments in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Summerville property. When the timing was right, she remained at Westbury Mews permanently, and continues delighting residents and co-workers alike.
Potential residents remark how Denise put them at ease and made their visits informative, fun, and welcoming. Nominator Brenda McDonagh recalled a number of current residents who said that Denise had a direct impact on their decision to lease at the property. Even a company that rates service provided by apartment marketing representatives by posing as prospective tenants awards Denise high marks. In 2013, she was phone shopped 24 times and on-site shopped three times, consistently achieving perfect scores.
Whether showing an apartment, changing air conditioner filters, or racing to an apartment to turn off a stove that a resident had accidently left turned on, she can be counted on to provide excellent service. Denise will pitch in wherever help is needed . . . and always with a smile.
Ann M. Bless, High Associates Ltd.
Ann M. Bless, High Associates Ltd.
Ann M. Bless, High Associates Ltd.
Ann M. Bless, High Associates Ltd.
. . . earned the Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS ) designation from the National Apartment Association (NAA) in September 2013. Ann joined HAL in 2011, and serves as Community Manager for York Ridge apartments, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Daniel R Daniel R . P .. P . Pietropola, High Concrete Group LLC
ietropola, High Concrete Group LLC
ietropola, ietropola, LLC
. . . earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Penn State University in December 2013. Dan joined High in 2007, and serves as Vice President of Construction Services for HCGL in Denver, Pennsylvania.
Michael P Michael P Michael P Michael P P. Pluta, High Construction Company . Pluta, High Construction Company . Pluta, High Construction Company . Pluta, High Construction Company Pluta,
Gregory A Gregory A . Spaulding . Spaulding Spaulding, High Construction Company , Construction Company , Construction
R R R R Robert P obert obert P obert P. W . W . W . W Walsh, High Construction Company alsh, High Construction alsh, High . . . all earned the Health Care Construction Certificate from The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association. Mike joined the company in 2005, and serves as Project Manager. Greg joined HCC in 2006, and is a Senior Project Manager. Bob Walsh joined HCC in 1997, and serves as Vice President of Project Management.
High Steel Structures LLC has implemented a plan to go paperless in Lancaster’s Plant Four. Co-workers on the shop floor can view photos, videos, drawings, production reports, maintenance request forms, material order forms, and many other area and project-specific documents on 39-inch monitors. The monitors allow co-workers to see these documents in a much larger format than before. In addition, Google forms and documents allow faster communication to address issues and needs on the shop floor. For ease of use, information for each job is stored in a virtual ‘binder’ created in Adobe.
The team behind this paperless innovation includes: Mike Brunozzi and Mike Fritz, Fabrication; Chuck Gillenwater and Charlie Shaeffer, Continuous Improvement; and Shane Gillham and Roger Walton, Technical Planning.
For the past four years, Rick Dickerson, Director of Continuous Improvement, has been a regular contributor to Business2Business magazine, sharing his expertise on sustainability strategies and tactics with an audience of C-Level executives throughout Central Pennsylvania. Recently, his ideas were compiled into an e-book that can be downloaded free of charge. Visit high.net today to obtain your copy and get the best of Rick’s thinking and leadership on this important and evolving topic as it applies to business today and into the future.
Building 105 in Rossmoyne Business Center was in need of improvement. Built in 1991, its systems were inefficient and costly to operate, and its Energy Star rating was 37 – less than half the score of 75 needed to be eligible for certification. High Associates Ltd. (HAL), the building’s manager, called in High Construction Company’s Energy Solutions Group (ESG) to look into the matter. To begin, ESG recommended a lighting upgrade. Lamp-and-ballast retrofit kits were installed in existing fixtures, cutting the number of lamps and ballasts in half while improving lighting levels. Upon completion of the month-long project, energy use was immediately reduced by more than 50 percent.
To download the brochure, go to http:// www.high.net/ embracing-the-powerof-sustainabilitydownload.cfm
Next on the list for improvement was the obsolete and inefficient HVAC system, which was becoming increasingly more expensive to maintain. ESG recommended partial replacement of the HVAC systems rooftop units and control systems. Because the upgraded lights produced less heat, smaller, less expensive HVAC units were selected. The system was installed in December 2012, and savings were realized by January 2013. In addition, the new control system can be monitored remotely, enabling the HVAC system to maintain the building at a comfortable temperature.
The significant reduction in energy use resulted in rebates from the energy supplier that supplemented approximately 20 percent of the installation cost of the lighting and HVAC systems. The annual savings from the 50 percent reduction in electricity use will pay for the remaining project costs over the course of the ensuing five years, resulting in a functional and energy efficient building. Not only did HAL realize an attractive return on investment, these improvements also satisfied a long-term tenant!
Jackie McConnell (HCL), Jane Owens (HCL), Stephanie Reese (HHL), Kurt Engel (HAL), Daryl Thomson (HCL), Brian Simmons (HCL), Mike Fruin (HHL), Sonia and Michelle Gallo (HCL), and Chuck Weyland (HCL).
The ECO Task Force (ETF) continues to honor its Adopt-AHighway commitment, holding events throughout the year to keep the Route 30 corridor at Greenfield Road tidy. On October 26, 2013, a team of co-workers and family members hit the road—or at least the side of the road—to pick up trash and debris. Sonia Gallo, daughter of Michelle Gallo (HCL), even spent her seventh birthday on the crew.
Thank you to all Adopt-A-Highway volunteers who make the approach to Greenfield Corporate Center a more pleasant experience for visitors and passersby.
High® co-workers and retirees gave generously in support of the 2013 United Way Campaign. Contributions allow the agencies supported by United Way to provide services that help those in need in the communities in which we live and work. Whether taking part in a kick-off day, pledging contributions during the campaign, or holding a post-campaign celebration, co-workers continue to show their support for United Way year after year.
SBUs that increased giving in 2013 were High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd. and, for the second consecutive year, High Transit LLC. Company-wide, contributions totaled $183,883.
● ● High Company LLC...
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● High Concrete Group LLC
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● High Hotels Ltd.....
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● High Real Estate Group LLC
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● High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd..
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● High Steel Service Center LLC
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● High Steel Structures LLC
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● High Transit LLC....
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● High Retirees and Others
Thank you to the High Campaign Coordinator, Michelle McCann (HSSL), and High co-workers and retirees for supporting United Way and contributing to a world of beauty and prosperity and peace.
High Construction Company (HCC) coworkers partnered with Fagan Engineers & Landscape Surveyors PC, I.D. Booth Inc., John F. & John P. Wenzel Contractors Inc., and AJH Design, for Canstruction, a designbuild competition that challenges teams to create structures made of canned food.
In its first year of participation, HCC and its partners received the Juror’s Favorite Award for, “Field of Beans: Step Up to the Plate to Fight Hunger,” a tribute to historic Dunn Field Municipal Stadium, home field of the Elmira (New York) Pioneers. The display featured the stadium’s iconic entryway, a representative grandstand area, and a prominent home plate. This and other works were judged and placed on public display at the Aront Mall in Horseheads, New York.
Under construction: “Field of Beans: Step Up to the Plate to Fight Hunger.”
Canstruction creates friendly rivalry among the contestants and helps the community. At contest’s end, structures are disassembled and the food is donated to Food Bank of the Southern Tier. This event is a great way to bring aid and awareness to this important organization that serves the community of Elmira, New York, where HCC has an office.
During the holiday season, High ® co-workers contributed to their communities in a variety of ways. Here are just a few examples:
A few of the Adopt-AFamily participants include (kneeling left to right) Rick High, Kim Long, Steve Evans, Jennifer Soto, and Jim Wentz. Standing (left to right) are Jason Miller, Lucinda Santiago, Jan Mandros, Greg Cassell, Diane Good, Mike Lorelli, Barbara Urban, and Mark Fitzgerald.
L TES TES L TES LTD TD TD TD TD. .. .
High Associates Ltd. (HAL) co-workers were invited to participate in an Adopt-A-Family program. The HAL Team was matched with a needy family, and the sponsoring organization provided family information and wish lists to help guide gift purchases. During the process, HAL co-workers clipped coupons and pooled resources in order to stretch their gift-buying dollars. They were able to purchase lots of great gifts to make the holiday season a bit brighter for a family in need.
The Bentley Ridge team conducted two food drives at the apartment community; one to benefit a Lancaster County emergency shelter, and another to benefit furry fourlegged friends at a local animal shelter. Due to the hard work of the Bentley Ridge team and the generosity of the apartment community’s residents, both food drives were resounding successes.
The Bentley Ridge team ‘pawses’ for a photo at the Humane League.
Left to right are Sam Kirk, Nelson Robles, Brent Dombach, Ron Kilby, Karen Edwards, Allison Weaver, and Stephanie Holden.
High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) made the holiday season a bit warmer for children at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Using kits supplied by TownePlace Suites, the HHL team worked its magic to assemble 100 fleece “Real Giving” blankets. Each child selected a holiday-themed blanket, which they were able to keep even after returning home. According to Michael W. Fruin, President and Chief Operating Officer of HHL, “This project is very meaningful for our co-workers. We all hope the blankets made the children feel even more cozy and cared for.”
The S. Dale High Family Foundation presented a check for $50,000 to the City of Lancaster to help fund the Lititz Pike Bridge public art installation titled, “Silent Symphony.” This spectacular grouping of 42 individual wind sculptures by internationally renowned kinetic sculptor, Lyman Whitaker, will create a memorable gateway into the City of Lancaster. Located in the center of the transportation hub comprised of the new Lititz Pike Bridge and the Amtrak Station, the art will be positioned in one of the most highly visible locations in the city.
This new bridge, located adjacent to the old, deteriorating bridge, is being constructed with steel supplied by High Steel Structures LLC (HSSL). Each girder, weighing 90,000 pounds and measuring 178 feet long, was transported to the job site by High Transit LLC (HTL) in November 2013. This high-profile local project resulted in great press for both HSSL and HTL.
Through its support of the art installation, The S. Dale High Family Foundation demonstrates support of The High Philosophy by contributing to a world of beauty.
