for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Kathy Abernethy
Karen Biondolillo
Joel Deibler
Joy Dickson
Stacie Eberly
Kurt Engel
Jeff Fisher
Melissa Gaulden
Shannan Givler
Erika Glass
Darryl Gordon
Angie Hessen
Steve High
April Homerski
Durelle Leaman
Aidalis Lopez
Lance Lorah
Lisa Masters
Tina McGinnis
Ronnie Medlock
Dave Nicholas
Mindy Nolt
Jane Owens
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
Lucinda Santiago
Mike Shirk
Robin Stauffer
Kennedy Watkins
On the Cover
The S. Dale High Leadership Center recently opened. Read about this beautiful new facility on pages 5 and 6.
High Spirit
A Message From The Chief Executive Officer
Strategy Update: High Real Estate Group LLC
Industry Leadership
The S. Dale High Leadership Center: A Catalyst for Bringing People Together
Summer Internship Program at High
High Launches New Employee App
CAC Pulls Out All the Stops for a Fun-Filled Summer Festival
HSS Celebrates Completion of Fabrication for the New NY Bridge
The Impact of OSHA’s Updated Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard
HSSC Earns Recommendation for ISO 9001:2015 Certification
HAL Acquires Four Apartment Communities in Central Pennsylvania
HCC Wraps Up Fulton Bank Renovations
HHL Holds Grand Opening Celebration
2017 Steel Day Fall Open House
Acquisition Expands HHL’s Presence in Ewing, New Jersey
HCG Enhances Client Experience Using HoloLens Technology
HIGHSL Stretcher Leveled Aluminum Provides a Superior Solution
The S. Dale High Family Foundation Awards College Scholarships
HCG Tops Off Verizon Project
GMA Grand Prize Winners Announced During the 2017 High Forum
They Give Good Measure
Cheri A. Henry, Administrative Coordinator, HTL, Lancaster, PA
Arthur W. Weaver, Permit/Escort Coordinator, HTL,, Lancaster, PA
Ryan G. Garner, Utility Operator, HSS, Lancaster, PA
Carlos A. Ortiz-Rivera, Utility Operator, HSS, Lancaster, PA
Scott T. Petersen, Senior Architectural Designer, HCG, Denver, PA
Nominate Outstanding Co-Workers for the Good Measure Award
High Honors and Awards
Environmental Stewardship
ECO Task Force Holds Two Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up Events
Community Commitment
High and Lancaster Science Factory Provide Fun Learning Experiences
2017 United Way Campaign Exceeds Expectations
Co-Workers Unite for a Day of Caring
High Hosts Summer Learning for Teachers and School Counselors
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Strategy Update: High Real Estate Group LLC
As a reminder, below is a list of our five key strategic priorities across the High companies. In this issue I’d like to go deeper into the second key strategic priority – successfully execute and grow our real estate pipeline – and provide an update on where we are against the goals we established at the 2015 High Forum.
This priority requires that we successfully deliver on current investments while filling our funnel with new opportunities. At the 2015 High Forum, we laid out the following stretch targets:
DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF MULTI-FAMILY UNITS BY 2020
I am pleased to announce that Brad Mowbray and the High Associates Ltd. Residential team are about half-way towards accomplishing this goal, having locked in 1,000 more units. Roughly 600 of these units were acquired since 2015, and about 400 are under construction or recently completed. Additionally, we have a robust pipeline of new development opportunities.
MULTI-FAMILY IS GROWING:
One aspect of the growth strategy we would like to further tap into is acquisition of properties in attractive markets outside of Central Pennsylvania.
Mike Shirk
MULTI-FAMILY ACTIVITY KEY
Acquired
Opened
Under Way
ADD EIGHT NEW HOTELS BY 2020
We are locked in on five new hotels already. During 2017, High Hotels Ltd. acquired a Courtyard by Marriott in Ewing, New Jersey, and opened two new SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotels – one in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, and another in Pennsylvania‘s Saucon Valley. With another two hotels under construction, including the Penn Square Marriott addition led by Tom Smithgall, we are making great progress towards achieving this goal! Russ Urban and the Hotels team are working hard to ensure each of these investments are successful, while leveraging our proprietary market model to help find new opportunities.
HIGH HOTELS IS GROWING:
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
In the midst of all this growth, it is critical that we pay extra attention to maintaining a very high level of quality and service in all our hotels. We have also been investing to upgrade many of the hotels in our current portfolio.
MAKE THE CROSSINGS AT CONESTOGA CREEK A REALITY
HOTEL
Acquired
Opened
Under Way
The High Real Estate Group team, with the strong support of Greenfield Architects Ltd., High Construction Company, and numerous Corporate coworkers, overcame some very difficult challenges in getting this project over the line. Earlier this year, we broke ground and The Crossings is now under construction. In addition to a 120,000 square-foot Wegmans and 90,000 squarefeet of retail space, The Crossings will include a 127-suite Residence Inn by Marriott and a 258-unit apartment community. This exciting mixed-use project is scheduled for completion in mid-2019.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
FUEL GROWTH THROUGH GREAT PORTFOLIO OPERATIONS AND DELIVER BEST-IN-CLASS QUALITY AND SERVICE
Since 2015, we have committed over $250 million in new real estate investments. Of course it took a great deal of effort in prior periods to cultivate these opportunities, but the ramped-up commitment to growth is clear. Someone once told me that spending money doesn’t equal progress, and I couldn’t agree more. But what I can tell you is we like these investments. We’ve done our homework, done great diligence, and are excited about these additions to our portfolio. This is a strong sign of our willingness to invest and take smart risks to entrepreneurially grow our business!
This level of investment is fueled by excellent cash generation in our core portfolio and by targeted dispositions that free up equity for reinvestment. This takes a lot of dedication by many co-workers in leasing our spaces, filling our hotels, keeping our properties well-maintained and looking great, and delivering extraordinary quality and service every step of the way. The work that Mike Lorelli, Lin Good, Steve Evans, and our entire High Associates and High Hotels team do on a daily basis to earn and retain great customers is critical to ensuring a healthy business and continued growth. While there are always opportunities for further improvement, I am pleased to report that our core portfolio returns and value obtained for completed property sales is right on our 2015 plan. We will report on our quality and service metrics in the next edition of High Spirit when we do a 2017 year in review, but overall it’s clear that the real estate team is executing well, delivering strong occupancy rates and customer satisfaction scores.
Lastly, I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for the support and hard work of all co-workers involved in the growth of HREG’s portfolio. To make this a reality, it takes a strong team, including our many talented professionals in Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, and many others. None of this is possible without your efforts.
For more information, visit the new High App for 2017 High Forum videos and presentations. If you haven’t yet downloaded the app, see page 7 in this issue of High Spirit for instructions.
To all High co-workers, I wish you good health and prosperity in 2018! Mike
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The S. Dale High Leadership Center: A Catalyst for Bringing People Together
Greg High, Chair of The High Family Council, announced the opening of The S. Dale High Leadership Center during a ceremony and reception that was held for community leaders and public officials on Thursday evening, September 28, 2017. The Leadership Center, a gift from the third generation of the High Family— Steve, Greg, and Suzanne High—was built to recognize the entrepreneurship and leadership of S. Dale High over these 50-plus years.
The S. Dale High Leadership Center is home to The High Family Office, which attends to shareholder structure, succession planning, and meeting High companies’ capital requirements, and The S. Dale High Family Foundation. The Center formalizes the High Family’s philanthropic functions, which have grown considerably over the past years and are poised to become an even greater force for humanitarianism in Lancaster and beyond.
“The collaborative efforts and accomplishments of the High companies and co-workers never cease to amaze me,” said Dale High when addressing the guests at the Grand Opening. This new building demonstrates the creativity, the craftsmanship, and the talent of the teams at Greenfield Architects Ltd., High Construction
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Company, and High Associates Ltd., all of whom contributed to the design, construction, and development of this outstanding facility.
Located at 1861 William Penn Way in Greenfield Corporate Center, the 10,000-square-foot Leadership Center is positioned as a gathering place for business and community leaders. The facility includes a state-of-the-art auditorium that seats up to 132, an atrium featuring a pictorial history of the High companies, and conference rooms. It is a dynamic hub of activity -- a catalyst for bringing people together to inspire, share ideas, and help shape our world.
Summer Internship Program at High
High is a diverse company in both business and geography. For this reason, many of the students participating in High’s Summer Internship Program typically do not have an opportunity to interact with each other. To provide this year’s 14 participants with a more comprehensive and inclusive program, managers came together to brainstorm and develop a variety of activities to enhance their experience.
Committee.
During the Summer, the
following opportunities were offered to help interns learn about the company:
• Lunch with Mike Shirk, Chief Executive Officer of High, and Darryl Gordon, Vice President of Human Resources and EEO Officer.
• Tour of High Steel Structures LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
• OSHA 10-hour course offered by High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd.
• Tour of High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, Pennsylvania.
• Tour of High Steel Service Center LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
• Tour of The S. Dale High Leadership Center, with an overview by Dale High, along with lunch. Interns made presentations about the projects they worked on during their internships. Interns worked hard, so it was equally important to bring this group together to play hard!
• Escape Room in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
High’s summer interns with the Internship
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• Barnstormers Game at Clipper Stadium, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
• The High Cup Golf Event.
• The High Summer Festival at Clipper Stadium, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Summer Internship Program!
High Launches New Employee App
June 1, 2017, marked the official launch of the High Employee App. This exciting new communication tool provides information in real time, keeping co-workers up-to-date on important company news, projects, videos, and activities, as well as items of general interest, including a co-worker directory, and benefits information and contacts. The app will also be used to communicate weather-related delays and closings, as well as other situations where company operations may be affected.
The High App is available to all co-workers, and enables communication of very detailed content. Urgent messages can be communicated via Alerts and Notifications. In addition, co-workers can “Like” or comment on an app post.
Mobile
Device Download Instructions
• Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search High Company
• Click Get App or Install.
• Open the App and click Join Now
• Enter your Unique Identifier. (This is your 4- or 5-digit co-worker ID number. If yours begins with a zero [0], use only the last four digits.) Click Next.
• Enter your first and last name and click Next
• Enter an e-mail address and click Next.
• Create a password to use on all of your devices. (Your password must meet all requirements. You will see a check mark as each is met.)
• Click Next.
• Select Allow for notifications.
• Click Accept to accept terms of the Privacy Policy for access to the High App.
Web-Based Device Download Instructions
• Go to https://highcompany.theemployeeapp.com/#login.
• Click Register from the window.
• Complete your registration information: First Name, Last Name, E-mail Address, Unique Identifier. (This is your 4- or 5-digit coworker ID number. If yours begins with a zero [0], use only the last four digits.) Click Next.
• Click Register.
• Click Accept to accept terms of the Privacy Policy for access to the app.
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CAC Pulls Out All
the Stops for a Fun-Filled Summer Festival
CAC (Co-worker Activities Committee) held a fun-filled Summer Festival for coworkers and family members at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Saturday, August 26, 2017. Along with some delicious food, there was face painting, manicures, a tethered balloon, a zip line, balloon artists, a helicopter drop, bingo games, and more!
In addition, co-workers performed their amazing talents and competed for cash prizes. High Concrete Group LLC’s Shane Frees kicked off the competition with an original composition played on guitar. Next, Greg Spaulding from High Construction Company serenaded the crowd with some country music. Then, the crowd was dazzled by the magical skills of High Steel Structures LLC’s Jack Thompson. Ivan Miranda showed off his street dance talent, and Erika Glass from High Hotels Ltd, along with her friend Morgan, sang a contemporary song. Rounding out the competition, Francisco Rivera and his sons rocked the stage with street dancing. Winners were determined by audience applause, with Francisco Rivera taking home the top prize!
Late in the afternoon, co-workers from HCG and HSS squared off on the ball field for an old fashioned softball game. HCG won that match and went on to play co-workers from the High Corporate Office. It was a great way to complete a day full of fun, food, family, and camaraderie!
is just a sample of talent contest winner
Boys with balloons. En garde!
Mike Shirk and daughter, Haley, had a great time together!
This
Francisco Rivera’s mad dance moves!
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HSS Celebrates Completion of Fabrication for the New NY Bridge
High Steel Structures LLC completed fabrication of its part of the $3.98 billion New NY Bridge Project, the largest transportation infrastructure design-build project in the United States. On August 18, 2017, a ceremony was held at Plant Three in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to unveil the last girder, freshly painted in the project’s trademark blue color.
The New NY Bridge Project is building a replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge, recently renamed the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, over the Hudson River in New York.
At over $120 Million, HSS’s contract to produce more than 50,000 tons of structural steel for half the approach spans to the iconic three-mile bridge is the largest in the company’s history. “With fabrication complete, we are proud to say that we have hit every engineering and delivery milestone with outstanding quality,” said Jeff Sterner, President and COO of High Industries Inc.
To support the project,
High Steel completed an $11.4 million, 30,000-squarefoot expansion of its Williamsport facility, installed new stateof-the-art
equipment to improve efficiency, and added approximately 200 jobs. The expansion was supported by a $430,000 grant awarded by the Governor and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and was contingent upon High Steel’s winning the contract to fabricate the bridge. High also fabricated New NY Bridge components at its Lancaster facilities.
To commemorate the project, two mini-girders, one of which is shown above, were fabricated and will be on permanent display in a place of honor at the Lancaster and Willamsport fabrication facilities. Each was signed by co-workers who worked for the company during the project’s fabrication.
HSS’s final girder is loaded and ready for delivery by High Transit LLC.
The Impact of OSHA’s Updated Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard
OSHA recently updated its Silica Standards. What is silica, and how does this new standard affect High and our co-workers?
What is Crystalline Silica?
Crystalline silica is a common mineral that is found naturally in the earth’s crust. Quartz, the most common form of silica, is a component of sand, stone, rock, concrete, brick, block and mortar. Simply being around materials that contain silica is not hazardous. Respirable crystalline silica is generated by activities such as abrasive blasting, saw-cutting brick or concrete, and sanding or drilling concrete. These activities create very small crystalline silica particles typically 100 times smaller than ordinary sand found on beaches, and can be inhaled and trapped in the lungs. The primary health risk is from the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. Overexposure to these tiny particles may increase the risk of developing lung cancer and silicosis, an incurable and sometimes fatal lung disease.
Why did OSHA update the standard?
OSHA’s previous permissible exposure limits (PEL) were based on studies from the 1960s, prior to silica being designated as a human carcinogen. These studies were found to be outdated and new studies have shown the need to reduce workers’ exposure to prevent occupational illnesses and diseases. Another reason for the update was to ensure a uniform PEL across all industries.
What is the update and when did it go in effect?
The primary update to the Silica standard is the reduction in the PEL to 50 μg/m³, which is about a 50 percent reduction from the original PEL that was established in 1971. It also mandates that employers use engineering controls and work practices as the primary method to keep exposures at or below the PEL. Typical engineering controls include wetting down saw-cutting operations and using local exhaust ventilation to keep silica-containing dust out of the air and out of the workers’ lungs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like respirators are to be used when engineering and work practice controls cannot maintain exposures at or below the PEL. Employers in General Industry have until June 23, 2018 to comply with the updated standard, while employers in the construction industry had to comply by September 23, 2017.
How does this affect High and its co-workers?
High has both general and construction industry businesses with the potential of generating respirable crystalline silica. High Concrete
To reduce risks associated with silica exposure, workers wear proper PPE.
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Group LLC, High Construction Company, and High Structural Erectors LLC are already working on developing silica exposure control plans that identify silica dustgenerating tasks, and engineering recommendations and work practice controls to reduce co-workers’ exposure. Additionally, High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd. is working with its clients to develop written plans to ensure compliance with the new regulation, as well as providing training and performing respirable silica exposure studies.
High companies are investing in new tools and implementing new work practices to ensure compliance to the new standard. Although the updated standards do not go into effect until June of 2018, the affected High companies are already taking proactive measures to reduce co-worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This is just one more way High promotes the health of co-workers, which is key to being Each Other’s Keeper!
HSSC Earns Recommendation for ISO 9001:2015 Certification
In early 2017, High Steel Service Center LLC embarked upon the significant task of redefining its Quality Management System (QMS). The goal was to become certified to the newest revision of the ISO standard 9001:2015. HSSC’s Continuous Improvement Engineer, Joel Deibler, and its Operations Manager, Randy Horning, worked together to provide the leadership to achieve the process improvement. Initially, they identified aspects of the QMS program that were no longer relevant to the ISO standard or to the quality of HSSC’s products and services.
HSSC’s leadership team met to discuss current issues and opportunities for improvement for its future QMS program. To drive the necessary changes, they developed a partnership with Ledge Inc., a full-service quality management firm. Using a proven approach developed by Ledge, the HSSC team was able to identify key processes, as well as appropriate inputs and outputs, to remove non-value added activities. This included risk mitigation and a clear understanding of the context of the business, which were both requirements for the new ISO standard.
On July 11, 2017, HSSC began an exhaustive three-day audit to the new standard, its first third-party audit using PRI, a management system certification registrar. All the hard work paid off when HSSC passed the audit with zero major or minor non-conformances. The Auditor from PRI recommended HSSC for certification to the ISO 9001:2015 standard. This was a total team effort and accomplishment that reflected the dedication of all HSSC co-workers.
Joel Deibler and Randy Horning proudly display HSSC’s hard-earned ISO Certificate of Registration.
HAL Acquires Four Apartment Communities in Central Pennsylvania
The recent acquisition of four apartment communities in Central Pennsylvania expands High Associates Ltd.’s position as Lancaster County’s leading owneroperator of apartments. “We’re investing in our residential portfolio for the longrun,” said Mark Fitzgerald, President and Chief Operating Officer of High Real Estate Group LLC. “Our multi-family team is focused on expanding our offering of quality housing options for the residents of Lancaster County.”
Lancaster County is a core target market for HAL. According to Brad Mowbray, Senior Vice President and Managing Director - Residential Division, “Our roots grow deep here. As we increase our investment in multi-family, we see opportunities to support a growing demand for quality workforce housing and are committed to providing outstanding service to our residents in addition to our well-maintained apartments and grounds.” HAL consistently maintains 95 percent occupancy in its residential portfolio, and outperforms the market in tenant retention and apartment rating scores. Its properties are frequently recognized with industry awards from the Pennsylvania Apartment Association, among others. This acquisition expands the portfolio by 412 units, making HAL Lancaster’s largest apartment owner-operator, with more than 1,400 units in Lancaster County, and nearly 2,900 overall. The four communities included in the purchase are:
•Barrcrest Manor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania: 85 units
•Greenview Terrace in Lancaster, Pennsylvania: 112 units
•Lebanon Court in Lebanon, Pennsylvania: 87 units
•Village Green in Lancaster, Pennsylvania: 128 units
Prior to the acquisition, HAL’s apartment portfolio comprised Greenfield Estates, Bentley Ridge, and Greenland Village apartment communities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Orchard Ridge in Pottstown, Pennsylvania; York Ridge in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Plantation Oaks in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, the 82-unit Reserve at Greenfield is opening in November 2017, and a 258-unit community at The Crossings at Conestoga Creek is under construction and slated to open in 2018.
Left to right: Barrcrest Manor, Greenview Terrace, Lebanon Court, and Village Green.
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HCC Wraps Up Fulton Bank Renovations
High Construction Company recently completed renovations to Fulton Bank’s administrative support center in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania. The project began in 2015 and involved extensive interior renovations to their existing 87,000 square-foot office and data center. With the facility fully occupied, and with many highly sensitive business areas, the project required six phases over 16 months to complete.
“We planned swing spaces in conference rooms, juggled employee desks and equipment into and out of various spaces as improvements were made, and did virtually all work at night to minimize disruptions to the client’s operations,” said Brittany Fry, HCC’s Assistant Project Manager. “We kept a close eye on each trade contractor’s schedule, since any work that occurred during the day was done to prepare for the work that would occur by other trade contractors that evening. For example, any electrical work completed during the day was in preparation for the electrician and other subcontractors to tie into that night.”
With the completion of renovations to its administrative support center, Fulton Bank has a modern facility.
Steve Kauffman, HCC’s Superintendent, was on site to supervise construction. He started work in the afternoon, during Fulton’s regular business hours, to coordinate plans with their staff and HCC’s Project Management Team. After Fulton closed its office for the day, Steve oversaw the work of the construction crew until HCC Carpenter, James Forsburg, arrived, later in the evening. James headed up the remainder of scheduled work each night and ensured all occupied spaces were clean and orderly before Fulton Bank’s employees returned to work in the morning.
Fulton Bank’s once outdated administrative support center now features a more efficient floor plan, punctuated with bright walls, modern furniture, and open spaces. Bob Walsh, Vice President of Project Management for HCC, praised HCC co-workers, saying, “We’re incredibly proud of the teamwork, flexibility, and results delivered on this project.”
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HHL Holds Grand Opening Celebration
September 28, 2017, marked the grand opening celebration for High Hotels Ltd.’s SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a reception and property tours. More than 150 guests enjoyed the displays and performances provided by local artists and musicians – just one way in which SpringHill Suites connects guests to the local area. The ribbon, lined with five one-hundred dollar bills, was part of a donation to the American Red Cross to aid Texas flood victims.
Cutting the ribbon were: Pat Brogan, the hotel’s General Manager; Kristi Howell, Burlington County Chamber of Commerce; Dennis Riley, Mayor of Mount Laurel; HHL’s President, Russ Urban; and Heather Brady, Grounds for Sculpture Director of Education and Engagement.
The 135-suite hotel offers convenient access to nearby businesses, attractions, and services, including four adjacent restaurants. Guests will enjoy amenities that include daily complimentary breakfast, full-service lobby bar and bistro, an outdoor seating patio area with a fire pit, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a versatile meeting space, business services, and free high speed WiFi.
“We are excited to welcome SpringHill Suites-Mount Laurel to our growing hotel portfolio with a fittingly community-centered grand opening event,” said Russ Urban, President of HHL. “We know the property will be a strong addition to the local area, providing a convenient location, stylish and comfortable accommodations, and the amenities travelers know and love.”
2017 Steel Day Fall Open House
September 14, 2017, marked the 11th anniversary of High Steel Structures LLC’s Steel Day Fall Open House. The event is an important marketing tool that allows co-workers to meet with customers and demonstrate the quality and value HSS brings to the industry. Many companies make this Open House part of their training curriculum for their new engineering hires.
HSS’s Bob Cisneros was one of many Fall Open House tour guides.
HSS kicked off the Open House on Thursday, September 13, by debuting its Steel Day Contractors’ Golf Outing. Held at Bent Creek Country Club, HSS’s Project Management Team hosted the outing. Golfers from Trumbull,
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UDI, Granite Construction, James J. Anderson Construction, and R.E. Pierson, participated.
The following day, more than 150 guests, including 85 Professional Engineers, attended the Open House. Eight transportation agencies from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, 14 general contractors, 21 design firms, eight vendors, and three universities were represented. The day began with a continental breakfast and a technical session that featured the Historic Greenfield Bridge Replacement Project with guest speakers, William Beining, PE and Anthony Ream, PE of HDR Engineering. Additional presentations were given by Danielle Kleinhans, PE/PhD, Vice President of Bridges/Managing Director of the National Steel Bridge Alliance, and Tom Wandzilak, HSS Business Development Manager. Attendees were also invited to learn about steel coatings with displays from the Carboline Company and V&S Galvanizing, as well as HSS metalizing.
Following the technical session, guests enjoyed a picnic barbecue lunch and guided tours of the HSS facilities. Highlights of the day’s events included a virtual welding competition hosted by Lincoln Electric, and a “real” welding experience at the new High Steel University facility where guests could weld their own High logo keepsake, as shown in the photo below.
An event like this takes a great deal of team effort. More than 50 coworkers assisted as tour guides, technical session and afternoon activities staffing, and facilities preparation. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Steel Day Fall Open House a great success.
Scott Krause answers guests’ questions.
Mike Schirmer leads a group on a tour of the High Steel Structures facility.
Acquisition Expands HHL’s Presence in Ewing, New Jersey
In July, High Hotels Ltd. grew to 15 hotels with the purchase of the Courtyard by Marriott–Ewing, New Jersey. This property is the third Courtyard in the HHL portfolio and, along with its SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel, expands its presence in the Ewing market.
Its location in the Princeton South area makes the hotel a perfect fit for business and leisure travelers alike. Guests will enjoy convenient access to Trenton Mercer Airport, and institutions like College of New Jersey, Princeton University, and Rider University. Other nearby attractions include Sesame Place, Six Flags Great Adventure, downtown Princeton and Trenton, New Jersey, and New Hope, Pennsylvania.
In 2018, the hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation that will enhance all guest rooms and guest bathrooms, as well as the lobby, meeting rooms, and the fitness center.
“We see great opportunity in the Ewing/Princeton region, and are excited to expand our growth in this vibrant market,” said Russ Urban, President of HHL “We look forward to incorporating High Hotels’ core values of providing outstanding customer service through teamwork, trustworthiness, respect, and innovation.”
HCG Enhances Client Experience Using HoloLens Technology
Augmented reality is a new kind of technology that is generating significant buzz. As Apple, Microsoft, and Google race to perfect it, High Concrete Group LLC is working hard to utilize this technology to gain market share in the competitive construction field.
Augmented reality places digital information into a person’s actual environment. Imagine being in your kitchen wearing a special set of glasses that enable you to “see” pertinent information about your refrigerator. For example, you could see when you bought it, its repair history, or even what a new model would look like in its place. Last year, HCG recognized the advantage of this technology in the construction field and acquired two Microsoft HoloLens headsets through which clients can experience 3D models of their projects. Models can be scaled to any size, and can even be made “life size” so clients can walk through a virtual representation of their project, allowing them to see projects in greater detail than ever before.
The acquisition of this Courtyard by Marriott brought the HHL portfolio to a total of 15 hotels.
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With this increased informational clarity, construction issues can be seen and understood more easily.
Currently, HCG is showcasing this technology during all mock-up reviews with clients, and making it available to the design community early on in the process. This will enable customers to see how precast can be the perfect choice for their design challenges, and will provide them with a unique experience that differentiates HCG from the competition.
The tech industry is continuing to develop applications for a variety of manufacturing industries. With HoloLens’ gamut of onboard sensors, the potential for further use in our precast concrete business is quite exciting!
HIGHSL Stretcher Leveled Aluminum Provides a Superior Solution
East River Metals is a contractor and specialty sheet metal fabricator in Southwest Virginia. This High Steel Service Center LLC customer fabricates carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sheet and plate to its customer’s precision tolerances and demanding specifications.
After discussing the positive results of using HSSC’s HIGHSL Stretcher Leveled Aluminum Sheet, East River placed a trial order for its most critical flatness requirement. The part is produced from a .125-inch thick, 48-inch wide by 53-inch long grade 5052-H32 aluminum sheet, which has to maintain overall flatness within .090-inch after fabrication. East River requires the tight flatness tolerance because the finished part becomes the drawer tray for a drug cart used in hospitals. The tray must be flat enough to enable the drawers to slide without any resistance, while enhancing the security of the drugs stored in the drawers.
The superimposed building model shows what HCG’s Rob Heagy is experiencing using HoloLens augmented reality.
East River had been purchasing this aluminum material from other service centers, but often found it necessary to perform a secondary flattening process to the parts after fabrication. This caused a significant increase in its operating costs, throughput, and interrupted productivity. The quality of HIGHSL Stretcher Leveled Aluminum has provided East River with a solution for its flatness issues for this critically important part.
East River Metals’ drawer tray is made from HIGHSL Stretcher Leveled Aluminum Sheet.
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The S. Dale High Family Foundation Awards College Scholarships
The S. Dale High Family Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established by members of the High Family. The Foundation’s overall mission is to give back to the community by providing support to non-profit organizations in communities in which the High companies do business, and assist High co-workers in meeting the costs of college education for their children through The S. Dale High Family Foundation Scholarship Program.
This year, the S. Dale High Family Foundation presented scholarship awards to Ethan Moyer of Lititz, Pennsylvania, and Andrew Bell of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Both students have been awarded $20,000 scholarships, which provide $5,000 per year for four years.
Ethan Moyer is the son of Armond “Tom” Moyer Jr., Commercial Building Maintenance Technician, with High Associates Ltd. Ethan graduated from Warwick High School where he participated in Quiz Bowl and the Tennis Team all four years. He served as Secretary and Treasurer of the German Honor Society, and was a member of National Honor Society. In addition, Ethan served as a tennis instructor/coach for the Berks Regional Tennis Association, and participated in a variety of events and activities relating to National Honor Society. Ethan plans to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science from Temple University.
Robin Stauffer; Steve High; Greg High; Tom, Denise, and Ethan Moyer; Drew, Susan, and Greg Bell; Suzanne High; Dale High; and Sadie High.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Andrew Bell is the son of Gregory S. Bell, Senior Accountant with High Company LLC. Drew graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School where he participated in Track and Field all four years, was Vice President of Philosophy Club his Senior year, and received the Pioneer Superlative Academic Achievement Award as a Junior. Drew was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and participated as a mentor in the High School Heroes Program his Senior year. He volunteered with the L-S Community Closet and Arrowhead Bible Camp. Drew also plans to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science from Temple University.
We wish Ethan and Drew success as they pursue this field of study.
HCG Tops Off Verizon Project
High Concrete Group LLC celebrated the structural completion of a new 246,906 square-foot parking garage for Verizon’s headquarters in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The project added three floors on top of an existing parking lot, providing an additional 755 parking spaces for employees and visitors at Verizon’s North Maple Avenue office complex, and brings the total to 1,105 parking spaces. The garage will also have 7,550 square feet of connectors to link it with Verizon’s 1.4 million square-foot office complex.
Representatives of High Concrete Group, Verizon, the architecture firm Gensler, and general contractor AECOM Tishman attended the event, which highlighted the erection of the last piece of precast concrete that “topped off” the garage.
“We were impressed with the speed and efficiency of precast concrete,” said Gensler designer Keith Kelly. “For the interior, we chose High Concrete’s K-walls for shear support to increase visibility and safety during use.” The garage floor is comprised mainly of 16-footwide precast double tees, the widest in the industry, which ease erection and contribute to driver comfort. “High Concrete was integral from day one, assisting the design team from fine-tuning the custom color to coordinating best practices,” said Kelly.
“This is an important project for Verizon and for Basking Ridge,” said Bob Pabst, HCG’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This garage will enable Verizon to realize its growth objectives, delivering quality performance with minimal maintenance for many years.”
Steve Parsons, Vice President of Tishman Construction, and Joseph A. Rossi, Executive Director of Global Real Estate, pose with HCG’s Bob Pabst.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
GMA Grand Prize Winners Announced During the 2017 High Forum
For the third consecutive year, Good Measure Award Grand Prize winners were announced at the High Forum. GMA recipients awarded from August 1, 2016, through July 31, 2017, were invited to attend the High Forum, and were eligible for the Grand Prize. The Executive Committee members evaluated and selected the two Grand Prize winners - one from High Industries Inc. and one from High Real Estate Group LLC.
Darryl Gordon, High’s Vice President of Human Resources and EEO Officer, and Jeff Sterner, President and COO of High Industries Inc., announced the winners:
Scott T. Petersen
Senior
Architectural Designer
High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, PA
Leah E. Connors
Operations Specialist
High Associates Ltd. Greenfield Estates, Lancaster, PA
Leah and Scott were each awarded a $3,000 prize. Congratulations and thank you for giving Good Measure!
HIGH REAL ESTATE GROUP LLC
HIGH INDUSTRIES INC.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
They Give Good Measure
Cheri A. Henry, Administrative Coordinator
Arthur W. Weaver, Permit/Escort
Coordinator
High Transit LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Jeffrey L. Ross
During May 2016, HT shipped more than 8,100 tons for High Steel Structures LLC, the highest tonnage shipped during a one-month period since 2012. Art and Cheri put forth an extraordinary effort to obtain permits to make sure these loads reached their destinations on schedule.
Their efforts were challenged by a backlog of permit requests for the New York DOT, and glitches in a new permit system instituted by the Maryland DOT. Not only were permits from both states delayed, but permits previously approved by Maryland DOT were lost, requiring a myriad of phone calls at all times of the day and evening to expedite reapproval.
Art and Cheri rose to the occasion, working long hours to obtain the permits necessary to move steel during this record-setting month, while performing their day-to-day duties. Because of their commitment, HT was able to make all deliveries, which enabled HSS to meet customer demands and budgeted forecast for the month. That’s Good Measure!
Ryan G. Garner, Utility Operator
Carlos A. Ortiz-Rivera, Utility Operator
High Steel Structures LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Michael E. Schirmer
On a Monday in June 2016, HSS received a call from a customer in Kentucky asking for help. A girder in the field had some distortion and they needed assistance quickly to keep the job site from shutting down. Carlos and Ryan took on this task with the knowledge that this would not be an overnight fix.
The following day, they drove 10 hours to the job site. Over the next few days, Ryan and Carlos put in 10- to 12-hour work days. With the task successfully completed, they were able to return to Lancaster on Saturday.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the customer citing Carlos’ and Ryan’s work ethic and professionalism, as well as their commitment to bringing the issue to a satisfactory and timely conclusion. Because of their expertise and willingness to travel to the job site to provide assistance, a potentially frustrating situation turned into an opportunity for these gentlemen to bring it to a positive conclusion and satisfy a customer’s expectations.
Scott T. Petersen, Senior Architectural Designer
High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nominator:
David B. Schneider
When Scott, whose job is to develop 3D project models using Tekla software, observed a wide variation of skills within HCG’s Engineering Department, it raised a red flag. He brought the issue to the attention of his Supervisor and nominator, Dave Schneider, and asked if he could do something about it!
Scott was given the green light, and he began conducting training classes for 12 co-workers who are project modelers and piece generation modelers. While Dave thought that Scott would hold two or three educational classes, he went far beyond those expectations by developing and holding more than 20 one-hour sessions for these two groups of co-workers.
“Because of Scott’s unsolicited efforts, our department is that much stronger and more unified in our use of Tekla,” said Dave. Not only has Scott’s proactive and innovative approach to training raised HCG’s Engineering capabilities, it is an excellent example of what it means to Give Good Measure!
Nominate Outstanding Co-Workers For the Good Measure Award
Sanford High founded High Welding Company with a vision to always Give Good Measure, a business goal that continues to this day. Good Measure is made possible by co-workers who go above and beyond the scope of their job responsibilities in becoming innovative leaders, or in building trustworthy relationships with customers, co-workers, suppliers, or in the community.
If you know co-workers who provide Good Measure, nominate them for the Good Measure Award. Nomination forms are available from your GMA Committee Members, your Human Resource Representative, or by clicking the GMA link on the High Home intranet. Winners selected between August 1, 2017, and July 31, 2018, become eligible for the High Industries Inc. or High Real Estate Group LLC GMA Grand Prize.
Co-workers who go the extra mile deserve to be recognized. Nominate worthy coworkers for the Good Measure Award today!
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
High Honors
Teresa M. Falkler
...obtained the Credit Business Associate (CBA) certification from the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) in July 2017. Teresa joined High in 2016, and serves as Credit Manager.
Ryan K. Hallman
...earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, in August 2017. Ryan, who serves as Senior Accountant, joined High in 2015.
Erik C. McCulloch
…was recognized during the Pennsylvania Apartment Association’s Best in Apartment Living Awards ceremony for achieving the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) designation. Erik joined HAL in 2016 and serves as Marketing Representative for Orchard Ridge Apartments.
Megan E. Varano
…received the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation from the National Apartment Association in July 2017. Megan joined High Associates Ltd. in 2007, and serves as Assistant Community Manager for Greenfield Estates.
High Awards
Bentley Ridge
…earned third place in the Apartment Community category in the LNP Readers’ Choice Awards. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Bentley Ridge is owned and operated by High Associates Ltd.
Greenfield Estates
…earned second place in the Apartment Community category in the LNP Readers’ Choice Awards. Greenfield Estates, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is owned and operated by High Associates Ltd.
Orchard Ridge
…garnered awards from the Pennsylvania Apartment Association during its Best in Apartment Living Awards ceremony in September. The property and its staff were awarded:
• Bronze for Maintenance Excellence;
• Silver for Leasing Excellence; and
• Bronze for Community Presentation Excellence. Orchard Ridge is located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and is owned and operated by High Associates Ltd.
Premier Self Storage
…earned first place in the Self Storage category in the LNP Readers’ Choice Awards. Premier is owned and operated by High Associates Ltd., and is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
ECO Task Force Holds Two Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up Events
High co-workers and family members volunteered their time and efforts to two Adopt-a-Highway events beautifying the Route 30 corridor to Greenfield Corporate Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The first event was held on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Volunteers included in the photo to the left were (standing, left to right) Mark Frazier (HSS), Janell Frazier (HCL), Stacy Artz (HCL), Yvonne Amedume (friend), Jackie McConnell (HCL), Linda Smith (friend), Roberta Billig (HCL), Mary Kreider (HCL), Tommy Gaulden (family), Darryl Gordon (HCL), and (kneeling, left to right) Madison Morris (family), and Melissa Gaulden (HCL). Not pictured is photographer Ben Davis (HCC), and his children, Michael and Reagan.
The second Adopt-A-Highway event was held on Saturday, September 9, 2017. In all, 10 bags of trash were collected. Volunteers in the photo below are (kneeling, left to right) Ben Davis (HCC) with his son Michael, Jackie McConnell (HCL), and (standing, left to right) Roberta Billig (HCL), Jason Olweiler (HAL), Melissa Gaulden (HCL), Janell (HCL) and Mark (HSS) Frazier, and Tommy Gaulden (family).
Melissa Gaulden shows some of the debris collected during the September clean-up event.
High and Lancaster Science Factory Provide Fun Learning Experiences
This Summer, High continued its engagement with the Lancaster Science Factory through financial support of a Robotics Workshop/Summer Camp, and through hosting its second Bridge Mania Summer Camp.
High provided an EITC grant to support the Robotics Workshop/Summer Camp. Young campers engaged with Baxter, a real “pick and place” robot, stretching imaginations with the possibilities of automation. Then, they used four different types of programming to direct the activities of Edison, a tabletop robot.
Bridge Mania was a week-long camp held in July. High Steel Structures LLC and High Structural Erectors LLC co-workers helped campers build bridges, compete in arch erection, and participate in balsa truss strength-to-weight ratio competitions. HSS Summer Interns Chris Spencer and James Thornton assembled a steel truss and helped campers with balsa structures. HSS co-workers Scott Krause, George Nyer, and Shane Gillham used a combination cable stay/suspension bridge model that demonstrated cable structure principles that campers could feel and experience as they walked across the bridge. Chuck Gillenwater and Jeff Wendler of HSS helped campers with actual stick welding of tees using field welding equipment from HSE.
Assisted by HSS’s Eric Lowe, HSE’s Kevin Bloss, Jose Diaz, Dan Fiedt, and Mike Bresch, the group assembled a 16-foot scale bridge in Lancaster Science Factory’s yard, where campers installed diaphragms and did actual structural bolting. Lincoln Electric also supported the camp by lending virtual welding equipment to enhance campers’ experience. HSS’s Ronnie Medlock acted as host and used paper bridges to demonstrate I-girder stiffness and stability. On the last day, campers visited High Steel Structures and saw girders and fabrication up close.
These activities open young minds to new STEM experiences: robotic possibilities, structural concepts, underhood arc welding, and the powerful, raw feel of steel. Further, they and their parents came to know about High Steel Structures, one of the world’s largest steel bridge fabricators located in the heart of Lancaster County, as well as the importance of this presence in their community.
During Bridge Mania, Mike Bresch II helped campers learn basic skills in bridge-building.
Campers enjoyed learning about automation in the Robotics Workshop.
2017 United Way Campaign Exceeds Expectations
High co-workers and retirees continue to show support for those in need by giving generously to United Way. Company-wide, a total of $251,278 was raised during the 2017 annual campaign.
In addition to campaign pledges, special events were held at High Steel Service Center LLC, High Concrete Group LLC, High Steel Structures LLC, and the following High Hotels Ltd. properties: Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Hampton Inn and Courtyard by Marriott; Hampton Inn-York, Pennsylvania; Homewood SuitesReading, Pennsylvania; Hampton Inn-Middletown, New York; Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Homewood Suites, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; and Hampton Inn-Lexington Park, Maryland. Funds raised during these events totaled $10,616, and are reflected in each company’s total giving. This year’s campaign set the following records:
• HHL saw the biggest dollar increase, with pledges totaling more than $7,000 over the 2016 campaign. Homewood Suites by Hilton-Reading, Pennsylvania, had 67 percent co-worker participation, followed by Hampton Inn-Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Hampton Inn-Lexington Park, Maryland, each with 59 percent co-worker participation.
• HCG, Springboro, Ohio, boasted co-worker participation of 55 percent, and exceeded its goal by $1,000.
• HSS co-workers surpassed the company’s goal by $4,083.
Thank you to Aidalis Lopez (HCL), the High Campaign Coordinator, and to the individual company Campaign Coordinators who assisted in making this year’s campaign a great success. Also, a big thank you is extended to co-workers and retirees who supported High’s Campaign. Your generosity helps United Way to support agencies that provide services to those in need in the communities in which we live and work.
Greenfield Architects Ltd.
High Associates Ltd.
High Company LLC
High Concrete Group LLC
High Construction Company
High Environmental Health & Safety Consulting Ltd.
High Hotels Ltd.
High Steel Service Center LLC
High Steel Structures LLC
High Structural Erectors LLC
High Transit LLC
High Retirees and Others
Co-Workers Unite for a Day of Caring
On Friday, September 8, 2017, High co-workers participated in the United Way Day of Caring in their communities.
Co-workers from the Hampton InnHarrisburg West and Homewood Suites by Hilton-Harrisburg West, Pennsylvania, participated in the Capital Region United Way Day of Caring. These volunteers, who spent the day with United Cerebral Palsy of South Central Pennsylvania, included Kara Almodovar (Champion), Kayla Anspach, Wanda Anspach, Debbie Cash, Staci Harbold, David Jacobs, Keith Komon, and Colleen McNulty.
The Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Hilton Garden Inn co-workers joined Wyoming Valley’s United Way Day of Caring. They spent the day at Hillside Farms, an educational non-profit farm where sensible and sustainable life choices are taught.
The Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United Way Day of Caring brought together approximately 1,500 volunteers who worked on special projects for local non-profit organizations. High volunteers devoted their skills to beautifying the historic 32acre Woodward Hill Cemetery where they pulled weeds, raked leaves, and removed downed limbs from a recent thunderstorm.
Thank you to all of the High volunteers for your hard work and for making our communities better places to live and work!
LANCASTER COUNTY VOLUNTEERS
From left to right, they are (front row) Joy Dickson and Mark Walton, (back row) Tayon Haygood, Calin Risser, Marc High, Josh Cox, Josh Erb, Brenda Strausser, Jennifer Soto, Kurt Engel, and Cody Reifsnyder. Not pictured are Jan Mandros and Erika Glass.
VOLUNTEERS FROM THE HILTON GARDEN INN, WILKES-BARRE Standing from left to right are Hildy Ide, Amanda Oliveras, Amanda Cromer, and Cheryl Lukas. Front and center is Bonnie Mustachio.
High Hosts Summer Learning for Teachers and School Counselors
For three days in early August, approximately 46 teachers and school counselors arrived at The S. Dale High Leadership Center eager to learn about future employment opportunities for their students. After a brief orientation and a few safety tips, guests donned hardhats, vests, and goggles and set off in teams of six to learn about what we do at High. Coworkers from High Industries Inc. affiliates, as well as the Accounting and Information Technology Teams at High Company LLC, stood ready to put them through the paces.
At High Steel Structures LLC, educators watched in awe as the Gemini machine, which processes shape cuts and holes in steel plates, cut the High logo out of steel. Moments later, they were invited to try their hand at welding the High logo to its base – an exercise all agreed was “much harder than it looks.”
At High Concrete Group LLC, educators learned that pouring concrete is also a little more complicated than they might have previously imagined. “I had no idea how much chemistry is involved,” one teacher commented. “I never thought about trying to control how quickly it hardens.”
“Or how heavy it is,” another remarked as he shoveled concrete into a prepared mold. “This is hard work.”
As it turned out, “hard work” was a theme echoed by many of the educators as they rotated through the strategic business and resource units. Again and again, teachers and counselors commented on the High culture of “hard work and commitment to quality.” At High Transit LLC they marveled at the planning that goes into moving huge pieces of steel and concrete. At High Construction Company, educators commented on how all the jobs seemed to fit together perfectly like
Asher Vencil (HSS) explains operation of the FICEP machine.
At HCG, an educator took a turn shoveling concrete.
An enthusiastic teacher tried his hand at welding, as Chuck Gillenwater (HSS) supervises.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
a jigsaw puzzle. At the High Steel Service Center LLC, educators were wowed by the commitment to customer service. At High Company LLC, participants especially liked the stories co-workers told of how they ended up in the jobs they are doing.
On the final day, educators gathered again in The S. Dale High Leadership Center to learn about Lancaster County’s employment forecast and to make team presentations related to what they learned. Sometimes, strangers have a way of noticing things many of us take for granted. Here are just a few of the comments that were shared with us on the evaluation survey:
This was a phenomenal experience, and I am very grateful to High and every member of the team that made this externship a reality. This was a very positive learning experience that can be carried forward to current and former students.
The program was well-organized and met my expectations for an introduction to the opportunities available at High and with similar businesses for STEM-related employment. Most importantly, every High co-worker involved in the program was professional, courteous, competent, well-prepared, and positive as they provided information, gave tours, and answered questions. I would like to express my appreciation to High, the Lancaster Chamber, and the Lancaster County STEM Alliance for the well-planned program. I have been an educator for over 20 years and this was the best training or workshop that I have ever been a part of.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Externship Program. You have not only impacted the lives of the 46 educators who spent three days with us, but you have also impacted the hundreds of students these educators will interact with over the next few years. Great work, Team! You hit the ball out of the park!
Rick Stoudt, HCC President, Ronnie Medlock, HSS Vice President of Technical Services, and J. Seroky, HCG President, take a few minutes during a break to catch up with Rick Bennett, HSSC President.
Ronnie Medlock, served as emcee, fielding questions from the audience.
