Thank you for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Kim Aus
Nevin Cooley
Danielle DeGroft
Tom Duxbury
Darryl Gordon
Mark Fitzgerald
Carolyne Jordan
Mike Lorelli
Lisa Masters
Michelle McCann
Josh Murry
Mike Murry
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Stephanie Reese
Elaine Richard
Jeff Ross
Laurie Salzmann
Lucinda Santiago
Fritz Shaak
Mike Shirk
Robin Stauffer
Sue Weniger
HHL’s Newest Property is the Talk of the Towne!
A New Generation of Steel Bridges Connects Southwestern Pennsylvania Communities
Annual Jingle Bell Breakfasts Spread Holiday Cheer
HSSL Lancaster Facility Earns OSHA VPP Star Recertification
HTL Banks on the High Reputation
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Is Coming to Greenfield Corporate Center
HIGH SL Innovation Helps an Important HSSCL Customer Grow Its Business
Good Measure Award: A Revitalized Program to Drive Results
They Give Good Measure!
Paul L. Colley II, Fabricator Jeffrey L. Francis, Jr., Utility Operator
Christopher M. Montgomery, Utility Operator Shawn A. Myers, Leadperson
Charles D. Peterson, Painter Timothy A. Schelb, Painter
Drew L. Snyder, Blast Clean Operator Melvin R. Stryker, Painter
Chance A. Wesley, Fabricator Frederick N. Winter, Maintenance Mechanic HSSL, Williamsport, PA
Robert C. Grasser, Commodities Engineer, HCL, Denver, PA
Maynard R. Cassell, Lead Telecom Technician, HCL, Lancaster, PA
High Honors
High Awards
Environmental Stewardship...........15
The High Companies Sustainability Report: Commitment to the Environment
United Way Giving Increases “Silent Symphony” Plays in Lancaster HHL Co-Workers Show They Care Building a Bridge in the Community
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
As we start another year, it is always important to pause and reflect upon the accomplishments of our family of companies, and to recognize and celebrate the important milestones and activities that have occurred. Since we ended 2014 in the midst of a CEO leadership transition, I thought it only appropriate to have Nevin Cooley provide the highlights from last year, as you will be hearing a lot more from me in the future. Following are Nevin’s thoughts on the major accomplishments that occurred throughout our businesses . . .
Nevin D. Cooley
As we reflect on all that was accomplished in 2014, I am grateful to have this last opportunity to share some of my thoughts and observations with you, and to highlight what I feel are some of the more noteworthy team accomplishments.
At High Steel Structures LLC (HSSL), several major accomplishments stand out. Fabrication of the Tappan Zee bridge replacement project began in 2014, the single largest project in the history of High®. As a result of this job, Plant Three in Williamsport was expanded to add improved process automation, and a significant number of new co-workers were hired and trained in order to accommodate this expansion. Replacements were also hired for a number of long-tenured co-workers who retired in 2014. High Transit LLC (HTL) played an important role in shipping the first loads of the Tappan Zee bridge in November. An unfortunate fire occurred at HSSL Plant Two due to a power failure in July; however, thanks to a tremendous collaborative effort to get HSSL back in operation quickly, the Plant was only shut down for a week before production resumed. Allin-all, it was a successful year for HSSL, with great improvement in working capital levels and reductions in the cost of production re-work.
High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) had many opportunities to celebrate success in 2014. HCGL experienced improved safety performance, with only half as many incidents in 2014 as in 2013, and one quarter as many as 2012. The Springboro Plant was incident-free for two straight years, and the entire Company was incident-free for more than 100 days. The total cost of quality improved in 2014, as did turnover, thanks to the teams challenging the status quo. Voluntary attrition for salaried and hourly co-workers improved significantly over prior years. Co-worker engagement improved in all nine areas scored, and project performance improved, with all projects booked and closed in 2014 showing favorable performance to estimate.
High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) continued its commitment to increasing sales, embracing a strategy of differentiation to expand its market share at twice the rate of the broader service center industry. It also began processing stainless steel over the new stretcher leveler in 2014, branding this as HIGHSL Stainless, adding real value to its customers who produce products using high grade stainless. Much work was also done to convert HSSCL to a new SAP platform. This project is not so much a software conversion project, but rather a total overhaul of antiquated and inefficient processes. Taking advantage of what modern ERP systems can do, this will not only improve efficiency, but will deliver more favorable returns to shareholders and, at the same time, improve interaction with customers.
High Construction Company (HCC) saw the arrival of a new President with Richard L. Stoudt, Jr. joining the team in August. Rick brought extensive experience to High, having served as Senior Operations Executive with L.F. Driscoll, and employed with Turner Construction Company for over 30 years, working in various roles from job site superintendent to general manager. HCC and Greenfield Architects Ltd. (GAL) collaborated on a variety of projects throughout the year, including the Overlook Town Center on Fruitville Pike, two additional travel plazas for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission – North Midway and Valley Forge – as well as the Plymouth Meeting Maintenance Facility.
High Hotels Ltd. (HHL) posted another solid year. Strong revenue at most of the hotels in the portfolio helped off-set challenges from the sprinkler system failure that occurred in April at the Homewood Suites hotel in Reading. Customer satisfaction scores were good with every property exceeding brand averages. A new TownePlace Suites by Marriott experienced a strong opening in October in the Rossmoyne Business Center, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and several additional hotel development opportunities were identified for future growth in 2015.
High Associates Ltd. (HAL) demonstrated strong leadership in a very busy year. In addition to managing the existing portfolio, work on the expansion of the Bentley Ridge apartment community continued, completion of 20 garage units at Greenfield Estates occurred, and the team secured land for the development of a multi-family project along Pitney Road. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences was secured as a tenant for the former Bosch building, and we are thrilled to welcome this impressive institution to Greenfield Corporate Center. Lastly, the third and final building was acquired along East King Street in downtown Lancaster, allowing for a new hotel annex to be designed and built adjacent to the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.
High Environmental Health & Safety Consulting LLC (HEHSCL) increased its focus on safety and health project placements, with an emphasis on providing temporary technical staffing for construction and industrial-related projects. HEHSCL added staff for improved marketing of its classroom-based sessions, which resulted in delivering well over 200 training events for clients, with more than 2,500 individuals in courses ranging from one to 40 hours in length. Over 150 assessments for exposure to biological, chemical, or physical hazards (i.e. noise, non-ionizing radiation, ergonomics) were also conducted.
Throughout the year, co-workers in the Shared Resource Units (SRUs) provided support for many activities, as well. Accounting Services reorganized to more
TownePlace Suites by Marriott-Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is number 13 in High Hotels Ltd.’s portfolio.
Co-workers spent a day on the greens during the CAC-sponsored High Cup golf outing.
closely align accounting functions with operations, including support for the sales of the Quorum, Charlotte Highland, and Mill Creek Square properties, development of the new TownePlace Suites hotel in Harrisburg, the property improvement plan at the Homewood Suites hotel in Harrisburg, and the insurance claim and property improvement plan at the Homewood Suites hotel in Reading.
Information Services completed the migration of SAP to a new operating system and database, which was the first upgrade of the system’s hardware since initial implementation in 2006/2007. Migration of the MRI system from an on-premise system to a hosted cloud-based system began in 2014 and continues in 2015. The upgrade of multiple network and Wi-Fi systems for High Hotels Ltd. occurred, as did the upgrade of the Business Objects system in order to support the continued development of Data Warehouse reporting services. And finally, implementation and initial roll-out of a new training/ learning management system to support all types of on-line training and learning content for the business units was completed.
Co-workers on the Human Resource Services team were also extremely productive in 2014. Under their leadership, we saw participation in the Biometric Screening portion of our Health Management Program increase to 88 percent, 74 percent of co-workers met or improved upon four out of six key health indicators, and a good number of co-workers took proactive steps to improve their health by participating in the various health challenges throughout the year. The team was also instrumental in the CEO transition and on-boarding that occurred in the latter part of the year. And lastly, the Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) provided numerous activities, including movie nights, a bus trip to the zoo and to a Washington Senators baseball game, a fishing trip, Hersheypark discount tickets, and the High Cup golf outing, to name just a few.
As I close my last CEO message, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all you have done to contribute to the progress and successes of 2014, and to personally extend best wishes for the accomplishments that I know you will achieve in 2015.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for High Hotels Ltd.’s (HHL) newest property was celebrated in grand fashion. Local dignitaries, business professionals, guests, and High® co-workers gathered together on December 3, 2014, to mark the official grand opening of the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel in the Rossmoyne Business Center on Harrisburg’s West Shore.
“Taste of the Towne,” the hotel’s grand opening event, was held in collaboration with several local businesses. Guests enjoyed samples of locallybased products from Brittle Bark and Psycho Cupcakes, to local wineries and the sounds of Harrisburg’s own award-winning folk music band, Mountain Road.
“Incorporating a sampling of the Mechanicsburg market into the event is the perfect concept for the TownePlace Suites brand opening in that our extended-stay guests enjoy connecting with the community,” noted David Jacobs, General Manager. “They like to get to know the neighborhood and want to feel like a ‘local’ instead of a ‘visitor’.”
TownePlace Suites was recognized as the #1 extended-stay, mid-price hotel by Business Traveler-News for the last two years. Ideal for the self-sufficient, extended-stay guest, the hotel features spacious studio and one- and two-bedroom suites with full-size kitchens, as well as separate living/working and sleeping areas.
The hotel’s fitness center features lots of natural light and encourages guests to keep up with their exercise routines while traveling.
The 120-room hotel is the 125th business within the Rossmoyne Corporate Center, and is the third hotel in HHL’s portfolio to be located there. The architect for the project was Greenfield Architects Ltd., and the general contractor was High Construction Company.
PennDOT has initiated several replacement projects for river crossings in Southwestern Pennsylvania that have reached the end of their life spans, and High Steel Structures LLC is supplying Brayman Construction Corporation with structural steel for two of these projects.
Located about 14 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the Hulton Bridge spans the Allegheny River between the suburbs of Oakmont and Harmarville, Pennsylvania. Designed by a team led by Gannett Fleming, the new Hulton Bridge is being constructed directly upstream of the existing bridge and will include four eleven-foot lanes, a four-foot median, and six-foot shoulders on each side of the roadway, and a sidewalk on the downstream side of the bridge. HSSL fabricated an estimated 6,152 tons of steel for the project. There were 128 beam loads and numerous miscellaneous loads transported from HSSL’s Williamsport and Lancaster fabrication facilities. Ninety-five percent of the beams were reloaded on a barge and transported out to cranes waiting to hoist them into position.
Steel erection was completed in January, when the final 60-foot-wide, 283foot-long, 1,200-ton section was strand jacked into position. Construction of the bridge deck began in March, with the project on track for completion in October 2015.
The Masontown Bridge carries SR 21 over the Monongahela River and Norfolk Southern Railroad about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Replacement of the bridge was recommended in a 2000 transportation study which cited the age and the design of the existing structure, as well as the increased traffic on Route 21, as reasons for replacement of this circa 1920 bridge.
The new $49.6 million, 1,700-foot, four-lane, seven-span plate girder bridge, designed by SAI Consulting Engineers, is being constructed just north of the old bridge, and requires 4,425 tons of structural steel. Brayman Construction began the first of two construction phases in 2011. Phase I was finished in
August of 2014 with the completion of the two westbound bridge lanes. On September 27, 2014, the old bridge was imploded into the Monongahela River, making way for construction of Phase II.
The first phase girders were fabricated at HSSL’s Lancaster facilities, and the second phase girders were fabricated in Williamsport. The main span is comprised of 72 girder beams that are over 14 feet high, and are being erected from a barge. The project is on schedule for completion in October 2015.
The Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) spread holiday cheer during its annual Jingle Bell Breakfast (JBB). Held in the Lancaster and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, areas, this event brings co-workers, retirees, and their family members together for great food and lots of fun, and to relax and catch up on the year’s happenings.
In Lancaster, the JBB was held on Saturday, December 6th. Participants enjoyed a breakfast buffet, and children visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, received a gift card, and enjoyed face painting, balloon animals, and posing for photos with holiday-themed characters.
On December 7th, HSSL’s Plant
Three held its JBB at - where else? - the Holiday Inn, Williamsport. More than 100 co-workers and their family members attended. Children visited with Santa and received a gift card and candy cane, and all who attended enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet.
Nancy Hamilton’s (HSSL) granddaughter sleeps through the hubbub during the Williamsport event.
Chip poses for a photo with CAC members April
(HCL),
(HCL), and
Edwards (HAL) at the Lancaster Jingle Bell Breakfast.
The OSHA VPP Star flag was proudly raised at High Steel Structures LLC’s (HSSL) Plant One during a ceremony to mark the Lancaster Facility’s recertification. Held on October 24, 2014, co-workers witnessed the flag raising and were later treated to a catered lunch to celebrate this important accomplishment.
HSSL Lancaster first earned its OSHA VPP Star designation in 1983, and Williamsport earned its first certification in 2007.
The following account was provided by Michael E. Murry, who recently retired from High Transit LLC as Director of Shipping and Fleet Maintenance, with 44 years of service.
High Structural Erectors LLC’s (HSEL) 210-ton crane, driven by Kevin Bloss, Truck Crane Operator, was being returned from a job to the Lancaster facility when it was stopped for an inspection by police officers in a municipality in a nearby county. During inspection, the officers discovered a mistake on the transportation permit, and felt it was severe enough to warrant withdrawal of the permit. Without a valid permit allowing HSEL to exceed the legal weight limit of 80,000 pounds (40 tons), the Company was issued a citation for more than $19,000.
Feeling this was nothing more than a clerical error, High Transit LLC coworkers contacted a State Trooper from the Department of Transportation. The Trooper took a picture of the crane, obtained a copy of the citations and a record of the Company’s exemplary Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) rating, and submitted these items to his director. Within one day, we were contacted and informed the citations would be withdrawn, and that we would be served with a new citation in the amount of $500 for incorrect verbiage on the permit.
This State Trooper has completed hundreds of inspections on High® equipment with the expectation that there will be no mechanical defects or
other issues. Occasionally, he does uncover a problem, and we respond immediately and appropriately to correct it. This has helped us build a solid relationship, and made it possible for us to approach the Trooper to present our case. His past experience with High made him willing to take valuable time to look into the citation and move it up the chain of command when it would have been easier for him to do nothing.
Because my co-workers live The High Philosophy each and every day, the High brand has been established in a very positive light in the community and in our business relationships. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work for such an outstanding organization.
High Properties is pleased to announce that it has entered into a 29.5-year lease with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (PCHS) for 850 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The 213,000 square-foot transaction is for the office and R&D warehouse buildings originally constructed as the North American headquarters for Phillips Communications that are currently occupied by Bosch Security Systems, Inc. To facilitate the transaction with PCHS, the High team was able to relocate Bosch to another building within Greenfield Corporate Center.
The successful completion of these transactions has the potential to be transformative for Greenfield Corporate Center, and was truly a total team effort for High Real Estate Group LLC. Bill Boben, High Associates Ltd. (HAL) Associate Broker, led the lease negotiations with PCHS. Additionally, Rick Stoudt, High Construction Company President, and Frank Fox, Greenfield Architects Ltd. President, provided leadership on the construction and architectural contract negotiations. PCHS will take occupancy of the office building in January of 2016, and the R&D warehouse later that year in June after the completion of substantial tenant improvements. When completed, this facility will bring 1,600 students and 200 faculty members to the Greenfield Corporate Center on an annual basis.
Jim Wentz, HAL Associate Broker, led the negotiations with Bosch Security Systems to lease its new 35,000 square-foot location, along with support from HAL’s Tom Clark, Senior Project Manager, and Jan Mandros, Interior Designer.
“We are delighted that Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences has selected Greenfield Corporate Center as its new home,” said Mark Fitzgerald, President and Chief Operating Officer for High Real Estate Group LLC.
“This location gives PCHS room to grow and, due to its proximity to Route 30, Lancaster City, and public transportation, provides convenient access for students and faculty.”
Thank you to co-workers whose dedication and hard work made it possible for PCHS to envision a bright future at Greenfield Corporate Center.
Precision Systems Manufacturing Inc. of Liverpool, New York, is a precision sheet metal fabricator and machine shop supplying parts to original equipment manufacturers. High Steel Service Center LLC (HSSCL) has partnered with Precision Systems, supplying them with “HIGHSL Panel Flat that Stays Flat” stretcher leveled carbon sheet and plate. The HSSCL product is used in the manufacture of commercial lawn mower frames, decks, and body parts that Precision Systems supplies to Ferris Industries, a division of Briggs & Stratton.
Employees of Precision Systems Manufacturing Inc., a valued HSSCL customer, watch their new laser process HIGH SL sheet.
Precision Systems confirms that HIGHSL laser quality sheet and plate is a superior product that outperforms the competition and helps them grow their business. Based on initial trial orders, Precision Systems immediately recognized the benefits of HIGHSL stretcher leveled material. Bill Tousant, manager of their laser department, said, “With the ability to cut at the top speed rated for our laser, we are able to finish more parts faster, and they can be nested closer without heat distortion. We utilize more of the plate and have reduced our scrap rate.” He also acknowledged the advantage of improved surface finish and ease and consistency of bending and forming. In addition, the material maintains its flatness, even during heat treatment of parts, eliminating timely re-work.
This customer appreciates the support provided by HSSCL, and looks forward to continued growth in its laser business with Briggs & Stratton. As Ted Jeske, Precision Systems owner, stated, “Our team is very excited about HSSCL being our supply partner. Briggs & Stratton is very demanding in regards to keeping up with short-notice increases in requirements, and we know that High has our back.”
The Good Measure Award represents the pinnacle of coworker contribution and achievement. This year, the Good Measure award takes on new meaning reflecting the wishes and desires expressed by High ® co-workers. Do your part to make the program a success by recognizing coworkers who are moving us forward. Here are some highlights of the revitalized program:
2015 Goal: 30 Nominations.
Winners receive a net $300 each.
Any co-worker is eligible to make a nomination.
Characteristics of winners are aligned across High companies.
Formalized feedback process ensures “closure” for nominators and nominees.
Winners are invited to the High Forum.
“Recognition of extraordinary performance is a core value of The High Philosophy.”
S. Dale High Chair of the Boards
One Grand Prize winner for High Industries Inc., and one for High Real Estate Group LLC will be announced at the High Forum 2015, each receiving a net $3,000.
New year, new logo, new rules. Nominate a co-worker today!
HIGH STEEL STRUCTURES LLC
Plant Three, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Paul L. Colley II, Fabricator A
Jeffrey L. Francis, Jr., Utility Operator
Christopher M. Montgomery, Utility Operator
Shawn A. Myers, Leadperson
Charles D. Peterson, Painter A
Timothy A. Schelb, Painter A
Drew L. Snyder, Blast Clean Operator
Melvin R. Stryker, Painter A
Chance A. Wesley, Fabricator A
Fredrick N. Winter, Maintenance Mechanic A
Nominator: John T. Weaver II
At High®, our priority is to work safely; however, when things go sideways, it is good to know that co-workers are willing and able to take action to save life and limb. In this case, that is exactly what happened.
It was late in the afternoon, when only a few co-workers were on-site at High Steel Structures LLC (HSSL) Plant Three. One co-worker was blasting
stiffeners in the Paint Bay and, in the process of rolling the piece, heard the chains slip. He tried unsuccessfully to get out of harm’s way, and the plate came crashing down, pinning his leg.
Standing (l to r): Drew Snyder, Melvin Stryker, Shawn Myers, Chance Wesley, Jeff Francis, Fred Winter, and Chris Montgomery.
Kneeling (l to r): Tim Schelb, Paul Colley, John Weaver (nominator), and Charlie Peterson
A “Code Blue” was announced to summon First Aid to the Paint Bay; however, most of the handful of co-workers who were on-site that afternoon immediately ran to the Paint Bay to help in any way they could. What followed was an extraordinary effort by this team to assist this severely injured co-worker. Some lifted the plate from the coworker’s leg, while others provided First Aid to minimize blood loss and to keep the co-worker from going into shock. When the ambulance arrived, coworkers quickly directed emergency personnel to the scene of the accident. To add to the already difficult situation, it was the evening of the Little League World Series Parade in Williamsport, which detoured the path of the ambulance as it had to navigate crowds, traffic, and road blocks on the way to the hospital.
Even though none of these co-workers had First Aid training through High, all jumped in to help without a moment’s hesitation.
Nominator John Weaver, who also assisted the injured co-worker, said, “Their actions exemplify what The High Philosophy is all about. Since none of these gentlemen are First Aiders, they went above and beyond what was required to help a co-worker in need. I firmly believe they saved his leg and his life.”
That is certainly the pinnacle of giving Good Measure!
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Jeffrey A. Good
When High Concrete Group LLC (HCGL) was looking for opportunities to reduce costs, Bob Grasser showed true innovative spirit! To begin with, Bob developed a new design for the DAP, a piece of hardware used in concrete construction, resulting in a cost savings estimated between 15 and 18 percent, or up to $26,000 annually.
Next, Bob designed a tool to measure the dimensional quality of thin brick components used in precast wall panels. Named the “Grassometer,” it was used for the Christ Hospital project to ensure that the thin brick supplied by a vendor met specifications. During the project, Bob managed brick production and quality, the Springboro Plant’s use of the brick, and the work relationship with a supplier, to ensure that quality expectations and delivery schedules were met. The brick came in under budget, required minimal field repair, and resulted in a high-quality project.
Bob also demonstrated leadership by managing through a patent infringement lawsuit and resulting product line sale. He created a purchasing strategy to buy ahead to mitigate price increases that would affect projects already in the pipeline, saving HCGL $14,000. Bob also negotiated a lower price for the product, resulting in an additional $32,000 in savings.
Bob saved HCGL and its customers money, and his leadership and innovation ensures that HCGL produces a quality product worthy of the High® name.
Maynard R. Cassell, Lead
Nominator: Lori A. Dively
If you have ever had the pleasure to work with Maynard Cassell, you already know that it is, well . . . a pleasure! He was nominated for the Good Measure Award because of his cheerful ‘can-do’ attitude during a particularly busy time for the Executive Offices at Rossmoyne.
Tenants were moving in at a rapid rate, requiring Maynard to make frequent visits to Rossmoyne to learn about their telecommunications and data requirements for new installs, as well as for moves within the Executive Offices and the resulting disconnects. Maynard coordinated challenging vendor schedules to ensure tenants had the service they needed when they needed it. In one case, a tenant was so frustrated with a vendor that he decided to switch to another. Maynard went above and beyond what was required of him and did the work the vendor should have done, making two tenants with six offices between them very happy!
Maynard’s willingness to go the extra mile to serve customers shows that he values them and meets their needs; and that is a hallmark of The High Philosophy and Good Measure!
James D James D James D . Brubak . Brubak er er er er er, High T , High T , High Transit LLC ransit LLC ransit ransit
. . .earned Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Jim joined HTL in 2011, and serves as Logistics Supervisor.
Steven D Steven D Steven D Steven D D . High, High Environmental Health & Safety Consulting Ltd. . High, High Environmental & Safety Consulting Ltd. . High, High Environmental Health & Safety Consulting Ltd. . High, High Environmental & Safety Consulting Ltd. Environmental Safety
. . .earned a Masters of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Steve joined High® in 1989, and serves as President of HEHSCL.
F F F F rederick L rederick L L . “F . “F . “F . “F “F ritz” Shaak, Jr ritz” Shaak, Jr ritz” Shaak, Jr ritz” Shaak, Jr ritz” Shaak, Jr., High Company LLC ., LLC ., High Company LLC LLC
. . .earned Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Certification. This highly respected certification is awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) to individuals who meet eligibility criteria and experience in the safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) discipline, and have passed an examination. Fritz joined High® in 2008, and serves as Director of Environmental Health and Safety.
Miguel A. Villegas, High Concrete Group LLC
Miguel A. Villegas, High Concrete Group LLC A. LLC
. . .graduated from Berks Technical Institute, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, with an Associates degree in Drafting Technology in January 2015. Miguel joined HCGL in 2001, and serves as Drafter.
Ruth M. Devenney
Ruth M. Ruth M. Devenney Ruth M. , High Associates Ltd. , Ltd. , Ltd.
. . .was selected by the Community First Fund (CFF) as the recipient of the James Hyson Advocate Award. For more than a decade, she has been an advocate for small business owners by helping CFF clients identify and obtain business space. Ruth joined High ® in 1980, and serves as Associate Broker.
Group LLC Group LLC
. . .was honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce upon completion of his term on its Board of Directors. The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations. Dale was selected to serve on the Board because of his business achievements, as well as his philanthropic efforts. Dale joined High® in 1963, and serves as Chair of the Boards.
Eric M. Lehmayer Eric Lehmayer Lehmayer, High Associates Ltd. , High Associates Ltd. Ltd.
. . .was elected Vice-Chair of the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers. The Board’s mission is to regulate certification of real estate appraisers and assessors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Eric joined HAL in 1998, and serves as Director of Appraisal Services.
The High Companies Sustainability Report spells out the Company’s commitment to social, environmental, and economic aspects of the business, and lists one area of focus as the “Environment.” The importance of Environmental Stewardship is demonstrated through the ways in which co-workers and the company strive to reduce our impact on the earth and its resources.
In 2010, the Corporate Office Earth Day Committee organized its first celebration, which included an opportunity for co-workers to recycle outdated or broken electronic equipment. Excited to continue the momentum, co-workers organized an ECO Task Force (ETF), which offers co-worker gardens (in partnership with the Wellness Committee), clean-up and recycle events for electronics, coats, eyeglasses, toner cartridges, and books, and participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program.
High Industries Inc. has made strides in this area, as well. For example, High Steel Structures LLC has reduced its Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) emissions, and collects and recycles zinc from overspray in the steel painting process. High Concrete Group LLC and AltusGroup, Inc. co-developed CarbonCast®, a sustainable family of reinforced concrete products that are stronger, lighter, and more durable than conventional precast concrete. High Steel Service Center LLC’s HIGHSL Panel-Flat that Stays Flat helps customers reduce scrap and improve efficiencies.
High Real Estate Group LLC companies have also made positive impacts on the environment. When an older Ramada Inn was acquired, it was dismantled, and 96 percent of the contents and materials were recycled or reused. High Associates Ltd. put the High Corporate Office through a lighting retrofit, netting a 27 percent reduction in its energy use from the previous 12 months. High Construction Company earned a General Contractor Sustainable design award by recycling old building materials for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Plaza at Allentown project.
More broadly, four High companies - High Associates Ltd., High Construction Company, Greenfield Architects Ltd., and High Hotels, Ltd. - hold Green Plus Certification, and several High® buildings, including some hotels and the High Corporate Office, have been awarded the ENERGY STAR®. And the Greenfield Corporate Center campus incorporates a riparian buffer that contributes to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The High Sustainability Report outlines more ways in which High and its coworkers have committed to the environment, as well as to other sustainability initiatives, and is available at www.high.net/about/brochure/index.cfm, or access it on your smart phone by scanning the QR code.
High® co-workers and retirees gave generously during the 2014 United Way Campaign, posting a modest increase over the 2013 total. Coworkers showed support for United Way by participating in kick-off day festivities and meetings, pledging contributions during the campaign, and holding post-campaign celebrations.
SBUs that increased giving in 2014 were High Steel Service Center LLC, High Steel Structures LLC, and High Company LLC. Retirees also increased giving by nearly $1,200. High Structural Erectors LLC was new to the 2014 Campaign. Company-wide, contributions totaled $187,135.
High Company LLC..................
High Concrete Group LLC...............
High Hotels Ltd....................
High Real Estate Group LLC..............
High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd..
High Steel Service Center LLC.............
High Steel Structures LLC...............
High Structural Erectors LLC (New in 2014) ......
High Transit LLC...................
High Retirees and Others............... 60,052 16,763 27,068 16,047 2,038 6,115 40,442 1,976 5,202 11,432 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Your contributions to United Way helps the agencies it supports to provide services to those in need in the communities in which we live and work. Thank you for your support!
The S. Dale High Family Foundation made a contribution to the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to help fund a public art installation. This spectacular grouping of 42 individual highly engineered wind sculptures, created by internationally renowned kinetic sculptor, Lyman Whitaker, is titled “Silent Symphony.”
The installation is positioned at the center of a major transportation hub comprised of the Amtrak Station, the second busiest train station in Pennsylvania, and the new Lititz Pike Bridge, which carries 28,000 vehicles into the city each day.
“This art installation is really quite impressive,” noted Greg High, Chair of The S. Dale High Family Foundation. “We are pleased to have played a part in bringing “Silent Symphony” to this highly visible corridor into Lancaster City.”
Earlier this year, co-workers on the We Care Committee at the Hampton InnLexington Park, Maryland, assembled more than 100 bags containing personal hygiene items, snacks, a washcloth, and other items, for W.A.R.M. (Wrapping Arms Round Many), a program for the homeless.
W.A.R.M. is supported by local churches that take turns providing dinner, a warm place to sleep, and breakfast for 25 people.
To make the bags more meaningful, We Care Committee members wrote a message of encouragement on each bag. Co-workers had such a great time working together on this project that they are looking for other ways to become involved in the community.
The Millport Conservancy, located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is an 85-acre refuge for native wildlife and plant species. This non-profit organization relies on secure grants and contributions to provide educational programs that promote environmental awareness, maintain existing buildings, and acquire and preserve neighboring properties. Recently, the Conservancy needed to replace a bridge on the property, and looked to High Steel Structures LLC (HSSL) for assistance.
Jeff Sterner, President and Chief Executive Officer of High Industries Inc., kicked off the project by coordinating the bridge design with Logan Myers, a Conservancy member, and ELA Engineering. The project was managed by Josh Murry. Others who played key roles in bringing this project to fruition were the HSSL Estimating team led by James Daub; Bill Weaver and Cody Gorecki in Engineering; Mike Brunozzi and Ray Keys in Fabrication; and High Transit LLC’s Art Weaver.
The new bridge, which spans Lititz Run, provides a safe and secure way for Conservancy members and Franklin & Marshall College and Millersville University students to traverse the stream. Although this job consisted of a mere 5,000 pounds of steel – very small by HSSL standards – this donation was very much appreciated by the Millport Conservancy, and helped HSSL build a lasting relationship in the Lancaster Community.
