Thank you for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Kathy Abernethy
Alicia Allamena
Jim Cunningham
Danielle DeGroft
Mark Fitzgerald
Liz Ford
Kyle Gaskill
Nancy Hamilton
Greg High
Steve High
Carolyne Jordan
Dino Kondos
Mary Kreider
Lisa Masters
Dave Nicholas
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
J. Seroky
Fritz Shaak
Jim Shirk
Mike Shirk
Caroline Singh
Robin Stauffer
Winter 2016 On The Cover: THEN AND NOW On The Cover: THEN AND NOW On The Cover: THEN AND NOW On The Cover: THEN AND NOW
Celebrating 85 Years: 1931 - 2016
HAL Expands Its Multi-Family Portfolio
High Way Express: Taking the Show on the Road
HHL Breaks Ground for a New SpringHill Suites
Lasers: The Future of Concrete Production
Bridge Design Recalls 1920s Style
We Are Getting Health-ier at High!
CAC the Halls!
Executive Committee Profile: Sanjay Guglani
President Profile: Russell D. Urban, HHL
They Give Good Measure!
Daryl B. Thomson, Systems Engineer, HCL, Lancaster, PA
Dana L. Lowery, Utility Operator A, HSSL, Lancaster, PA
HCG Team Participates in Historic Leadership Experience
High Honors
Co-Workers and Retirees Give Generously to United Way
March of Dimes Names S. Dale High Its Person of the Year
Delivering a Truckload of Respect
The S. Dale High Family Foundation Awards Grants
HCC Makes Miracles Come True
The S. Dale High Family Foundation Recognized for Historic Preservation
Sanford High and the High Welding Company team at the Lemon Street property in 1931; the second and third generations - the Calvin and Dale High families - at the Lemon Street property during a Monument Dedication Ceremony in October 2015.
High Spirit is published as a service to High® co-workers and 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
See this, and past editions of High Spirit, on High Home!
Congratulations to the entire High team on an outstanding 2015. Together, we stepped up investment in our teams and businesses for the future, while simultaneously delivering great financial results in the year. In what has been a very sluggish economic environment, we have been focused on strengthening our capabilities and value creation for customers across all of our businesses. The investments we are undertaking are unquestionably having a positive impact, and will for a long time to come.
The next three pages summarize just some of the big highlights for the year. I would need many more pages to fully cover all of your great accomplishments during 2015, but I hope it gives you a strong sense of the many exciting activities underway, and how much progress we are making across many dimensions.
On a personal note, I have really enjoyed my first year at High, particularly meeting many of you and learning about our businesses. Some of my personal highlights include:
Visiting more than 30 High locations in 8 states;
Meeting with many High customers and more than 35 community leaders;
Being inspired countless times by co-workers living The High Philosophy and Giving Good Measure; and
Having a lot of fun with co-workers in the process.
I really get energized by working with great people who care deeply about making a positive impact, and there is no shortage of opportunities to do that here. Every day we have a chance to help businesses, co-workers, and communities be successful. It is not always easy, but we take those challenges head on. It is an honor to be here. Thank you for supporting me in my first year.
I speak for the High Family, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee when I say that we are all very proud of what you accomplished in 2015, and are looking forward to 2016 and beyond.
Another highlight from 2015: Meeting Frosty the Snowman at CAC’s (Co-worker Activities Committee) Jingle Bell Breakfast.
High Steel Structures is leading the industry in an innovative, longer lasting coating.
High Concrete Group re-entered the Mid-Atlantic market in a big way!
(Tappan Zee Bridge)
High Steel Structures met all delivery dates with high quality.
High Concrete Group embedded over 280,000 individual tiles in its precast concrete panels.
High Steel Service Center completed a business process redesign that will help change the game in the industry.
High Steel Structures produced its first cable-stayed bridge since 2004.
High Transit acquired a new 13-axle self-steering trailer to serve even more customers.
Many High Steel Service Center customers (like Boss Precision and Case New Holland) realized more benefits from our stretcher-leveled products.
High Associates, High Construction, and Greenfield Architects helped the PA College of Health Sciences find a new home in Greenfield Corporate Center.
High Associates broke ground on Phase IV of the Bentley Ridge apartment community. High Construction is building it.
8 of High Hotels’ 13 properties rated in the top 25% in their respective brands for Guest Satisfaction.
Wegmans announced its plan to anchor the mixed-use Crossings development in Lancaster. OPERATING CASH FLOW +6% Supporting reinvestment in growth.
High Associates launched its multi-family growth strategy.
98% of High Associates’ customers recommend it, and apartment residents rated our communities 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
High Hotels broke ground on a new SpringHill Suites in Mt. Laurel, NJ. High Construction is building it.
Conducted more than 200 private and 14 public training courses. Landed new contracts in servicing of construction and power plant outage projects.
1.8 MILLION square feet of commercial space leased.
OCCUPANCY
better than market in all asset classes.
Launched the first phase of the High Leadership Development Program.
77% of co-workers who participated in biometric screening events met or improved in 4 out of 6 health factors.
As business demands increased, High companies added more than 100 full-time co-workers during the year.
All High websites were moved to a more secure, flexible platform.
Co-workers and retirees impacted our communities by contributing more than $223,000 to United Way.
The Day Away Case incident rate was reduced across the High companies, with 24 locations achieving ZERO Day Away Cases.
The Co-worker Activities Committee (CAC) held more than 15 fun events and programs for co-workers, their family members, and friends.
Recruited Chief Strategy Officer, Sanjay Guglani; Chief Learning and Talent Development Officer, Kathy Prime; and High Hotels’ President, Russ Urban.
The Real Estate Business Management Software was moved to the Cloud and more capabilities were added.
Co-workers contributed their time and talents to a variety of community organizations, including health and human services, the arts, education, economic development, and many others.
1963 1977 1978 1931 1978
When Sanford High opened the doors of High Welding Company on January 1, one can only wonder whether he had any idea of what the future would hold for that small welding shop. Through his persistence in the pioneering and promotion of the welded bridge concept, Sanford laid a solid foundation so that the second generation of the High Family could build upon that success and grow the company.
Dale High joined the Company full-time. That same year, High began its expansion into real estate by forming High Realty Company, predecessor of High Properties. 1963 also marked the establishment of Greenfield Corporate Center, a master-planned business community that was the first of its kind in Lancater County, Pennsylvania. Today, the Corporate Center, which covers 600 acres, is home to the High Corporate Office.
1971
The High Welding Company name was changed to High Steel Structures Inc. Now, with plants in Lancaster and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, HSS is one of the largest girder manufacturers in the United States. Its reputation as an industry leader stems from its development of innovative processes and materials, and for the fabrication and on-time delivery of steel that is consistently superior in quality and fit.
The New New York Bridge over the Hudson River is High Steel Structures’ largest contract to date.
High acquired Kurtz Precast Corporation, predecessor to High Concrete Group LLC. With locations in Denver, Pennsylvania, as well as Springboro, Ohio, and Buena, New Jersey, HCG is one of the nation’s largest producers of architectural and structural precast building enclosures, and is a top producer of precast concrete parking garages, serving customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West.
Lantz Builders, Inc., predecessor of High Construction Company, was acquired. Today, HCC is a leading regional builder, providing commercial construction services.
High Steel Service Center LLC opened its doors. HSSC offers a full line of carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum flat-rolled products, and is also the region’s only supplier for HIGHSL 100 percent stress-free sheet and plate.
This was another year of significant milestones for High. The High Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization, was established by members of the High Family. Known today as The S. Dale High Family Foundation, it continues to give back by providing support to nonprofit organizations in communities in which High companies do business, as well as assisting High coworkers in meeting the costs of college education for their children through its Scholarship Program.
High Associates Ltd. was also formed in 1980. Today, HAL is a leading developer, acquirer, broker, and manager of office, industrial, retail, and multi-family properties, doing business throughout much of the Eastern United States.
High Investors Ltd. was formed as an investment firm offering private real estate and venture capital syndications.
High Hotels Ltd. was formed, and its first hotel, the Hampton Inn-Lancaster, opened the following year. Today, HHL owns and operates 13 hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, with another scheduled to open in the Fall of 2016.
Greenfield Architects Ltd. was formed to perform architectural services for High and others, and provide sustainable design, planning, interior design, and adaptive reuse services throughout the Eastern United States.
High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd. was formed. Its team of safety and environmental health experts specialize in safety, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, and governmental compliance.
High Transit LLC was formed. Specializing in heavy-hauling services for the construction and manufacturing industries, HT hauls the loads that most people think cannot be moved. Its fleet includes more than 280 specialized trailers to provide solutions for all types of transportation challenges.
High Structural Erectors LLC was formed, offering field erection services in support of High affiliate construction projects, as well as for infrastructure, commercial, institutional, and industrial customers. Its services include crane operation, site logistics, bridge steel rehabilitation, heat straightening of damaged girders, concrete repair, and emergency repairs.
As we mark the company’s 85th year, it is important to appreciate High’s humble beginnings, and the growth and success to which all co-workers - past and presenthave contributed. Your hard work and dedication have enabled the company to thrive and to provide meaningful employment to generations of families.
High Associates Ltd. has recently taken steps to expand its multi-family portfolio in the Lancaster County market. To facilitate this growth, HAL has acquired a new apartment community, expanded an existing community, and is developing a new multi-family project.
In January, HAL purchased Greenland Village Apartments. This 180-unit community is located at 403 Greenland Drive, and only a short drive from Greenfield Corporate Center. A plan is being developed for enhancements and a higher level of service to residents, and to make the property a greater asset to the community. According to Mark Fitzgerald, President and Chief Operating Officer of High Real Estate Group LLC, “For several years, our Lancaster apartment communities have been operating at occupancy rates that are higher than the industry average. With strong local demand for quality market rate rental housing, High Associates saw an opportunity to acquire Greenland Village Apartments and invest capital to improve the property for current and future residents. This acquisition furthers our strategy to grow the multi-family portfolio.”
The Greenland Village acquisition added 180 units to the High Associates multi-family portfolio.
Bentley Ridge is currently undergoing construction of its Phase IV expansion, adding 42 units, a fitness center with yoga area, and 10 additional garages. The addition of these one-, two-, and threebedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses will bring Bentley Ridge’s total units to 513.
High Properties purchased a 10-acre site at 355 Pitney Road, which is located adjacent to Greenfield Corporate Center, in late 2014. High Associates submitted plans in early 2016 for a proposed development that includes a single four-story building containing 82 upscale apartment units. The fully-elevatored building would have direct access to 23 garage units, plus additional storage areas with bike racks. Other amenities will include a resident lounge and patio, along with a fitness center. The building will feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment units.
The 42-unit
expansion is on schedule for completion in late May.
Many years ago, a program called “The High Way” was developed and presented as part of co-worker orientation. As the company grew geographically, it became increasingly difficult to reach all co-workers.
Enter “The High Way Express,” an updated and streamlined program that educates co-workers about the High Family, the history of the company, The High Philosophy, the High family of companies, and the role of co-workers. Presenters are
Greg High, Chair of The High Family Council and Vice President of Corporate Culture, and Jeff Sterner and Mark Fitzgerald, Presidents and Chief Operating Officers of High Industries Inc. and High Real Estate Group LLC, respectively.
The High Way Express is being presented to co-workers regardless of their length of service or work schedule, and all co-workers will eventually have an opportunity to attend. “Little by little, we are working our way through the High companies. We offer these sessions ‘round the clock, so I have gained a great appreciation for co-workers who are awake, let alone working, at 1:00 in the morning,” said Greg.
The hour-long sessions end with a question and answer period, and give coworkers an opportunity to share their remembrances of the company’s founder, Sanford High, and of High in the early days. With more than 30 sessions under his belt, Greg has gathered some new and interesting stories and information from longtime co-workers. Here are some of his favorites:
My father also used to work here at High Steel. He had a very hot temper, and one day he decided he had enough and said that he quit. He grabbed his tool box and went home. Soon there was a knock on the door. He opened the door and there stood Sanford, who said, "Come on, grab your toolbox. We're going back to work." My father picked up his toolbox and went back to work.
Sanford used to walk through the Plant at all times of the day and night. One night he came by and said "I haven't used one of those welders for a long time. Let me give it a try.” He got started, but either didn't let the sand/flux start flowing first, or it wasn't working correctly. The bright spark surprised him and he jumped back, saying, "Okay, that's enough of that," and left.
A co-worker had purchased an all terrain vehicle and was showing it to coworkers outside the shop. Sanford said, "Let me try that thing out." He hopped in and proceeded to drive it up the steep steps from Plant Two to the upper Yard. This
co-worker said he would never forget it! (Obviously this happened before we had a robust safety program in place!)
Sanford said he would never ask anyone to do anything that he wouldn't do himself . . . and he often did do things that, for safety reasons, he didn't feel 100 percent comfortable letting someone else do.
One co-worker remembered Sanford starting a volleyball tournament outside of Plant One (now the plate storage yard) for co-workers. When a player was injured, Human Resources said there would be no more volleyball. Sanford turned to co-workers and said, "Don't listen to them. We're still playing." (Eventually, Human Resources, backed by good legal advice, won this battle, resulting in the formation of the Co-worker Activities Committee. So we continue to find other ways to have fun as a team!)
In December, High Hotels Ltd. broke ground for a SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel, located in the Laurel Corporate Center in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. This hotel will introduce the hotel brand’s latest progressive design, which features contemporary decor, along with comforts like luxurious bedding and enhanced food and fitness choices to make travel more enjoyable for today’s discerning traveler.
The hotel will offer 135 spacious studio suites featuring dedicated work spaces, a separate soft seating area with a comfortable trundle-style sleeper sofa, flat screen LCD television, luxurious bedding, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Other features include a complimentary breakfast buffet, indoor pool, outdoor patio and fire pit, guest lounge offering lite fare and beverages, a meeting facility, a 24hour fitness center, and a 24-hour convenience market.
This project is HHL’s second hotel development in New Jersey, and its 14th hotel overall. It is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2016.
A rendering of the SpringHill Suites hotel under construction in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey.
High Concrete Group LLC is taking precast production to the next level. For a decade, technology has been a big part of its Engineering Department through the use of Tekla 3D modeling; however, only recently it has begun taking advantage of some of the technology available for production. A laser system, which deciphers information from the engineering plans, was installed high above the beds. It shines the shape of the reinforcement or embedments onto the forms, eliminating the need for blueprints or tape measures on the shop floor. The goal is to reduce set-up time by 30 percent, and reduce errors and training time by up to 50 percent.
High Steel Structures LLC was awarded a contract to fabricate 950 tons of steel for the Greenfield Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This new bridge will replace a deteriorating 94-year-old structure that was dropping debris onto Route 376 below, even injuring a motorist in 2003. The old structure was imploded in late December, and the new bridge is being erected in its place. In keeping with the arch design of the original bridge, a new state-ofthe-art steel open spandrel arch is being built on the existing alignment. The bridge incorporates elements of the old bridge by salvaging and incorporating the decorative urns and pylons built in 1921. It will also provide improved accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.
HSS’s Engineering Department completed drawings in January, and two arch ribs went into production in Plant Two’s South Bay, the Paint Bay, and Yard. According to Mike Kennedy, Senior Project Manager, “The arch has created many
challenges for the team, with one of the biggest being welding the base plate to the arch box beam. The arch box is three feet wide and four feet high, with a base plate that is more than four inches thick. The Planning and Continuous Improvement teams devised a plan to safely accomplish this task.”
Completion of the bridge is scheduled for 2017.
High co-workers continue to take steps toward health-ier lifestyles. The results of all your efforts tell a very encouraging story for the health of our population.
Participation rates in the 2015 health screenings were strong. 94 percent of all co-workers and 80 percent of benefit-enrolled coworkers participated in the biometric screening event. For the first time, spouses who were enrolled in the benefit plan also participated in the screening, and their rate of participation was 72 percent.
Our High Health Management Program partner, Cooper Wellness Strategies, reported significant progress in the health of our population overall. Yearover-year, there was improvement in 8 out of 9 clinical risk factors.
77 percent of all High co-workers met or improved in four out of six health factors, and qualified for the preferred health care contribution rate. As a population, co-workers showed flat or improved results overall in five of the six factors. According to Cooper, High co-workers notched the biggest improvements in three areas (for cohort group since 2012):
Prevalence of co-workers with moderate or high cholesterol ratio (good cholesterol/ total cholesterol) decreased by 22 percent.
Prevalence of co-workers with moderate or high HDL cholesterol decreased by 27 percent.
Prevalence of co-workers with moderate or high systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings decreased by 16 and 28 percent, respectively.
143 co-workers and 11 spouses took advantage of Health Coaching with Andi Dean. Of those who have participated in the biometric screening since 2012, 24 percent saw a decline in their total cholesterol, 23 percent saw a decline in their LDL cholesterol, and 20 percent experienced a smaller waistline.
Also worth noting: claims for co-workers with two or fewer risks are 45 percent lower. Clearly the program is making a positive difference in the lives of our coworkers and those they love. For 2016, High has identified a renewed focus on reducing obesity and improving nutrition as a path forward to a health-ier you.
Each holiday season, CAC (Co-worker Activities Committee) holds its annual Jingle Bell Breakfasts in Lancaster and Williamsport, Pennsylvania. These fun events give coworkers a chance to take a break from the busyness of the season, relax, and spend time with family and friends.
The Lancaster event was held on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at Yoder’s Restaurant in New Holland, with approximately 690 co-workers and family members in attendance. Mike Shirk and Greg High were on hand to greet attendees. Everyone enjoyed a hot breakfast buffet, and families received a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. In addition, each child received a gift card and candy bar. Participants were entered into a drawing for one of seven gift baskets that included VISA Gift Cards or Fulton Theatre tickets, as well as CAC Bucks and other items.
Frosty the Snowman (Jim Whitlaw Shirk, HT) paid a visit, as did a few of Santa’s elves, Kylie Gantt (daughter of High’s Aidalis Lopez), Emily Simmons (daughter of High’s Jenni Simmons), and Emily’s friend, Meghan Clishman. Children also enjoyed balloon sculptures and face painting.
In Williamsport, more than 130 co-workers and family members attended the Jingle Bell Breakfast on Sunday, December 6, 2015. Attendees were treated to a hot breakfast, and children had their photos taken with Santa. Coloring pages and crayons were also placed on the tables for kids (the little ones and the big ones) to express their creativity.
Thank you to CAC members for organizing these fun events for coworkers and their families to enjoy. You are a gift that keeps on giving all year long!
Sanjay Guglani joined High, filling the newly-created position of Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, he will lead High’s corporate strategic planning process, and provide direct support to specific high priority business unit issues. “I look for ways to grow High,” said Sanjay. “These opportunities can be through improving or building upon our current capabilities, or through new business acquisition.”
Born in India, Sanjay speaks Hindi and, with encouragement from his parents, he learned English at a young age. He earned a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, and went on to earn a Masters degree in Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire. Prior to joining High, Sanjay worked for Carpenter Technology, Reading, Pennsylvania, where he served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development.
“I have worked for many large public companies, and High is different; better. The culture at High is pervasive.” Sanjay continued, “There is a strong commitment between High and its co-workers that is not found at most other companies. Decisions are made with a balanced approach to meeting short-term goals, and investing for the long term, and that has enabled High to weather economic downturns.” Sanjay explained that the average life span of a business is 35 years. “High has thrived for over 85 years. That is quite impressive!”
Sanjay and his wife, Vimmi, live in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. They have two sons; Ansh, a junior at Penn State studying Electrical Engineering, and Gaurav, a junior in high school. Sanjay enjoys spending time with his family, kayaking with his sons at nearby Marsh Creek State Park, visiting National Parks to hike and camp, and watching movies. During his hour-long commute to work, Sanjay likes to talk to friends and family, or listen to podcasts like National Public Radio’s Wait Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me!
Sanjay has lived all over the world, but prefers America, saying, “There are many countries with beautiful cities, clean streets, and friendly people. In addition to all that, America is a free country. There is nowhere else like it!”
The opportunity to lead High Hotels Ltd. represents the pinnacle of Russ Urban’s 36-year career in the hospitality business. A self-proclaimed workaholic, he relishes figuring out ways to grow companies. As HHL’s new President, Russ is challenged with directing the growth of the company, while maintaining its integrity and position as a premier operator of Marriott and Hilton hotels.
Russ’s interest in working for High was sparked by its culture. “The culture here is the best I have ever seen! High is led by smart people who have strong opinions, but who are also respected and respectful. They are willing to put their egos aside in order to get the job done.”
Born and raised in California, Russ has come a long way from making Fribbles® at Friendly’s, his first job. After graduating from Cornell University, he built an impressive resume that includes building a hotel-focused brokerage firm, redeveloping a resort in Bermuda, performing feasibility studies for institutional owners and entrepreneurs, operating his own management company, and helping Marriott roll out its initial generation of Courtyard hotels. As a result, Russ is as comfortable analyzing markets, running investment analyses, and solving construction problems as he is with creating and directing strategic growth and developing his team. “The goal is to increase the portfolio to 25 hotels by 2020,” said Russ. “Currently there are 13 properties, and another is scheduled to open in 2016. This goal is ambitious, but attainable, and will require teamwork at all levels.”
Russ and his wife, Catherine, relocated from Colorado to Lancaster in early February. They have four children; three sons who live in Manhattan, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, and a daughter who attends college in upstate New York. “My family is my passion. We really enjoy spending vacations and holidays together.”
A self-described foodie, Russ is pleasantly surprised by the quality of Lancaster County’s restaurants. “The level of sophistication of the food at some of the local restaurants is on a par with those you would find in large metropolitan areas.” He is also an aspiring opera singer and had considered it as a career, but said that earning a living trumped that passion. Russ recently went in search of opportunities to perform, and auditioned for the Lancaster Chamber Singers. He was accepted on the spot. Finally, Russ became an avid runner at age 50, and has run several marathons, half-marathons, and many rigorous mountain trail runs. “Scenery and camaraderie are key for me when determining where to run.”
Deepak Chopra said, “The highest levels of performance come to people who are centered, intuitive, creative, and reflective - people who know to see a problem as an opportunity.” This is Russ’s mantra, and is reflective not only of his career, but of his personal aspirations and family life, as well.
DARYL B. THOMSON, Systems Engineer
NOMINA
NOMINA NOMINA NOMINA
Daryl is responsible for assuring that servers are up and operational, and that data is backed up so that files can be retrieved. As personnel and responsibilities have changed during his 17-plus years of service, he has met the challenges of supporting new server platforms head-on.
Daryl has worked countless weekends, nights, and holidays to perform upgrades and configuration changes, verifying and rerunning back-ups, and performing other maintenance that is critical to keeping the servers operating without issue. During a power outage in the Corporate Data Center, Daryl was chiefly responsible for getting approximately 80 servers back on line within just a few hours, demonstrating his expertise and knowledge of the server infrastructure. This outage went largely unnoticed by users, and had little or no impact on business units.
Valuing our customers and meeting their needs.
“Right the first time” – High quality products and services.
High
NOMINA
When High Steel Structures LLC began building box girders for the Ohio River Bridge at its Lancaster Plant, these very complicated bridge members required someone with special expertise to help co-workers understand their fabrication. Dana was instrumental in explaining their construction and helping co-workers to successfully complete the work, and even spent a month working the third shift to train new co-workers. When fabrication of these pieces began at the Williamsport Plant, Dana volunteered to travel there to assist co-workers on-site.
When he was needed a second time, Dana gladly returned to resolve some remaining issues and keep this project moving.
His involvement did not end there! Project Management needed support at the job site in Ohio, and Dana was once again dispatched to assist the crew and answer technical questions.
KEY POINTS OF THE HIGH PHILOSOPHY:
Valuing our customers and meeting their needs.
Respecting the dignity of all co-workers and their families.
“Right the first time” – High quality products and services.
In November 2015, members of the High Concrete Group LLC leadership team took part in the renowned U.S. Army War College Battlefield Seminar Program in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The program is designed to help coworkers in management roles develop key skills that result in individual and company success. Areas of focus included leadership style, communicating leader vision, empowering trusted agents, transforming tactical success into strategic effect, and much more.
Held on the historic Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, the program offers lessons derived from “fascinating (and sometimes poignant) human experiences from the battlefield,” and examines how human triumphs and losses can be applied to the modern leadership experience.
J. Seroky, HCG President and program attendee, said, “At each stop along the way, we learned how the assumptions, biases, styles, and choices of these leaders resulted in either triumph or tragedy in battle. The program drove home how our business decisions, both individually and collectively, have an impact on co-workers, and ultimately affect attitude, performance, and the bottom line.”
Alicia D. Allamena
. . .earned a Master of Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in December 2015. Alicia joined High Concrete Group LLC in 2014, and serves as Marketing and Product Manager.
Michael T. Bresch II
. . .earned a Master of Engineering Science from Penn State University, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in December 2015. Mike joined High Steel Structures LLC in 2010, and serves as Design Engineer.
. . .earned a Master of Business Administration from Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, in December 2015. April joined High in 2008, and serves as Senior Accountant.
The High 2015 United Way Campaign was a great success, with co-workers and retirees contributing an impressive $223,023. This total exceeded the company’s goal by more than eight percent, and marked an upsurge in giving of more than 18 percent over the 2014 campaign.
While nearly all SBUs realized an increase in dollars pledged, the High Retirees demonstrated their commitment to United Way by more than doubling the amount pledged in the previous year’s campaign.
High Company LLC .........$
High Concrete Group LLC ........$
High Hotels Ltd. ..........$
High Real Estate Group LLC .......$
High Environmental Health & Safety Consulting Ltd..$
High Steel Service Center LLC .......$
High Steel Structures LLC ........$
High Structural Erectors LLC .......$
High Transit LLC ..........$
This year, High Concrete Group LLC conducted a Pacesetter Campaign. This select group of participating companies set challenging fundraising goals and began their model campaigns in August, then announced results before a communitywide campaign kick-off, meant to generate excitement and momentum for other companies. Being a Pacesetter required strong commitment from HCG’s organizers and co-workers, and resulted in an increase in giving of more than 34 percent compared to its 2014 campaign. As an incentive, participating coworkers were entered into a drawing for a car wash by HCG’s President, J. Seroky, and Phoenix Rann, its Vice President of Operations.
High Retirees and Others ........$ 65,430 22,518 29,227 21,063 2,546 6,172 46,311 1,656 4,623 23,477 On a cold December day, J. Seroky (left) was joined by Phoenix Rann (right), to wash the car belonging to the winner of the incentive drawing, Shawn Leed, Mold Shop Carpenter.
Through your generosity, the United Way is able to support agencies that provide services to those in need in communities in which we live and work. Thank you to High’s Campaign Coordinator Carolyne Jordan of High Hotels Ltd., co-workers who assisted with kick-off events and monitoring the campaign, and especially to all who pledged to “Live United.”
S. Dale High was recognized as Person of the Year in the March of Dimes 1st Annual Transportation Real Estate and Construction Awards. This new award recognizes professional achievement and leadership, economic development, and support of mothers and babies.
Dale addressed those in attendance, stressing the importance of working to create great communities. He said, “We all need to re-double our efforts to engage, to collaborate, to lead, to inspire, to commit to make a positive difference in our communities. We need to break out of our partisan camps, we need to back off of our quick judgments, and we need to care deeply about our neighbors - all of them.” Dale continued, “We need to understand the value of maintaining and enhancing our infrastructure as a catalyst to economic growth in our region.”
Thank you, Dale, for your community commitment and leadership, and congratulations for garnering this important recognition.
High Transit LLC co-workers honored the brave men and women who served our Country in the armed forces by volunteering their time and skills to Truckload of Respect, an outreach project conducted and managed by the Truckload Carriers of America. Working with Wreaths Across America, an organization that sponsors a wreathlaying each December at Arlington National and other cemeteries across the nation, Truckload of Respect volunteers picked up 490,000 wreaths from Maine, and delivered them to 1,034 cemetery locations.
Ed Heisey, HT Delivery Representative, transported wreaths to Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Kyle Gaskill, HT Fleet Maintenance Manager, and Dino Kondos, Vice President of Logistics and Supply Chain
Management for High, helped to place wreaths on the graves of the fallen. According to Dino, “Wreaths Across America and Truckload of Respect rely on monetary and in-kind donations, as well as volunteers, to carry out this annual event. Fort Indiantown Gap is right in our own backyard, and this was a very real and meaningful way to demonstrate our respect for those who served our Country, and to show the families that their loved ones have not been forgotten. We were proud and humbled to be a part of this annual event.”
Each year, The S. Dale High Family Foundation aligns itself with community organizations to support positive change within identified areas of need. This important resource provides funding to a variety of non-profit organizations and educational institutions throughout the communities in which we do business and, in 2015, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees continued its focus on projects and services that seek to eliminate poverty and homelessness in south-central Pennsylvania. Significant growth has also occurred within the Foundation over the past several years, thanks to the continued generosity of Dale High and the High Family. As a result of this growth, the following organizations were awarded grants in the 2015 cycle of giving:
Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster Bright Side Opportunities Center
Clare House Inc. Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services
Ephrata Public Library Franklin and Marshall College - Squash A.C.E.S.
Friendship Community Fulton Theatre
Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
Lancaster Emergency Medical Services Association
Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership Lancaster Science Factory
Lancaster Theological Seminary The Mix at Arbor Place
Mom’s House of Lancaster The Salvation Army of Lancaster County Southeast Lancaster Health Services Tabor Community Services
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology United Disabilities Services
Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital
According to Robin Stauffer, Executive Director of the Foundation, “Our niche has been to contribute mainly to capital ‘bricks and mortar’ projects that add to, or enhance, facilities and equipment for the long-term. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of the High Family, many local organizations and institutions have been able to provide vital services throughout the communities in which we live and work. Our vision is to continue this support for generations to come.”
High Construction Company raised more than $26,000 for Children’s Miracle Network and Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital during its Golf Invitational held at Foxchase Golf Club in Stevens, Pennsylvania. Through seven golf events that were held since 2008, HCC has raised more than $190,000 for CMN.
A committee of more than 15 HCC co-workers plan and implement the yearly event, including three staple co-chairs since the event’s inception: Deron Henise, Director of Field Operations; Amy Martzall, Administrative Coordinator; and Kathy Abernethy, Marketing Coordinator.
In addition to bringing together co-workers, the event has united more than 140 suppliers of goods and services for the construction industry and brought awareness to a worthy cause. Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital is the only Level 1 pediatric trauma center between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. CMN helps to purchase life-saving equipment and support for the hospital.
Additionally, the Children’s Hospital serves more than those needing critical care. “When my seven-year old daughter, Abigale, fell and broke her arm while playing outside, her pediatrician referred me to the Children’s Hospital. I was surprised our local hospital did not offer this type of care for children. That experience made our charity event’s mission truly personal for me,” said Amy Martzall.
With more than 800,000 golf tournaments held in the United States each year, HCC’s event faces steep competition for fundraising dollars, yet it remains distinctive. Industry experts say that the average golf event raises $5,000 with 72 players, and events in the $20,000 to $30,000 are considered high-end.
“Our event is definitely popular and entertaining,” says Deron Henise, noting
that about 100 or more participants enjoy a full day of golf, food, drinks, gifts, camaraderie, networking—and typically, beautiful weather. “But we do not just put on a good show. We are committed to making sure the event raises awareness and money to help sick and injured children.”
In December, a check was presented to Kelly Altland, Associate Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, by Rick Stoudt, H CC’s President. Rick praised his team, saying, “I am proud of the tradition that our team established, and their spirit that continues to drive successful results for this important community cause.”
To follow the event, visit: www.facebook.com/miracles4kids
The S. Dale High Family Foundation was presented with a 2015 C. Emlen Urban Award for Philanthropy by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County during its 48th Annual Meeting in November 2015. The Foundation was recognized for its vision and investment in revitalizing historic buildings in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
One of several individuals, organizations, or companies to receive this honor during the Trust’s 2015 C. Emlen Urban Awards Dinner, the Foundation was chosen for its “assistance to preserve a project by dispensing aid from funds set aside to promote humanitarian purposes through preservation.” Those projects included the Fulton Theatre’s building façade improvement along the King Street corridor, as well as supporting upgrades to the Lark Academic Building at Lancaster Theological Seminary, contributing to LancasterHistory.org’s campus of history capital campaign, and matched funds with an Urban Enhancement Grant to restore the Heritage Center Museum properties, and much more.
Founded in 1980, The S. Dale High Family Foundation is a non-profit organization established by members of the High Family. Its overall mission is to give back by providing support to non-profit organizations in communities in which High companies do business.
Steve High, Trustee of The S. Dale High Family Foundation, was on hand to accept the award.
