for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Kathy Abernethy
Misti Black
Scott Cirello
Maureen Cruz
Joy Dickson
Stacie Eberly
Erika Glass
Darryl Gordon
Tara Gustafson
Lisa Masters
Jenny Morland
Kristina Mory
Dave Nicholas
Jane Owens
Elaine Richard
Laurèl Rolle
Laurie Salzmann
Fritz Shaak
Robin Stauffer
Scott Werkheiser On the Cover
High companies, High co-workers, and the High Foundation give back to the community. See the High Family message and Community Commitment section for details!
High Spirit
In this issue...
l A MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH FAMILY
F Bridge to Opportunity: High Philanthropic Activities
Align to Increase Impact
l INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
F Miami University Students Gain Hands-On Precast Experience
F HHL and HACC Partner on PA’s First Hospitality Apprenticeship Program
F StructureCare’s Unique Approach Provides a Strong Foundation for Growth
F President’s Safety Award Winners Announced at Annual Safety Summit
F HSS Represented at AISC Event
F HHL Completes Major Renovations to Three Properties
F HCC Awarded $21M Contract for Elizabethtown College’s Bowers Center
F They Give Good Measure
l Morgan M. McGill, Room Attendant, HHL,
l SpringHill Suites, Mt. Laurel, NJ
l Caleb R. McGaughran, Guest Services Manager, HHL,
l TownePlace Suites, Mechanicsburg, PA
l Raymond Ortega, Systems Analyst, HCL, Lancaster, PA
l Brian R. Simmons, Sr. Database Administrator, HCL, Lancaster, PA
l Daryl B. Thomson, Systems Engineer, HCL, Lancaster, PA
F High Honors and Awards
l ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
F HSS Plant Goes Greener by Eliminating Use of Bottled Water
l COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
F High Team Joins the Race!
F High Foundation Grants Build a Bridge to Opportunity
l Southwest Lancaster City Revitalization
l Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
l Declaration House Social Services Center
A MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH FAMILY
Bridge to Opportunity
High Philanthropic Activities Align to Increase Impact
The High Family, the High Foundation, and the High companies have a long tradition of contributing to Central Pennsylvania and the communities in which we do business. Financial contributions, along with the donation of time and talent from the High Family, management, and coworkers, together invest in organizations and institutions that provide vital support and services to individuals, families, and the environment.
To increase the impact of these philanthropic activities, the Foundation and the High companies, while separate and distinct programs, are now aligned with a common goal to support people in their paths to personal stability – a Bridge to Opportunity. Each organization, however, has focus areas that align best with their respective resources and ability to make an impact.
The High Family: Steve, Sadie, Dale, Suzanne, and Greg.
A MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH FAMILY
High companies’ strategic focus areas include:
Increase capacity of career and technical education.
Promote rational career exploration for students, parents, and teachers.
Excite students early on about STEM career paths.
Develop viable, sustainable paths out of poverty via “good jobs.”
Beyond these areas, High companies continue a strong commitment to the United Way and to maintaining a significant amount of broad support across many areas that connect with specific community needs and co-worker interests.
The launch of The S. Dale High Leadership Center in 2017 helps to serve as an important component of the Bridge to Opportunity, as its mission is to serve as a catalyst for bringing people together, including our community partners. Conversations need a place to start and common ground on which to build. Open dialogue, ongoing and constructive, is the basis for collaboration that leads to meaningful change. It is how things get done, and how we strengthen and sustain our work and our community.
With a continued commitment to corporate social responsibility and an increased focus on philanthropic activities, the Leadership Center is not only representative of the entrepreneurial innovative spirit and culture that has been embraced by the High Family over these many years, it is the epicenter of High Family philanthropy and community outreach. Since the opening of The S. Dale High Leadership Center last summer, the High companies, as well as many non-profits and educational institutions throughout the community, have utilized the space to hold planning retreats, off-site meetings, and celebrations, all aimed toward inspiring, sharing ideas, and other activities that help shape our world.
To quote S. Dale High, “We are not here for ourselves, it is what we can do to make the world a better place . . . for our customers, for our communities.” The focus of the Leadership Center and the Bridge to Opportunity, as outlined by both the High Foundation and the High companies, helps move us closer toward a “world of beauty and prosperity and peace” for all.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Miami University Students Gain Hands-On Precast Experience
Since 1985, High Concrete Group LLC in Springboro, Ohio, has partnered with Miami University - Oxford on an opportunity to give future architects and engineers a look at all of the possibilities of precast. This year, Miami’s concrete construction in-class instruction consisted of presentations by HCG’s Dwayne Robinson, Midwest Sales Manager, and Gary Berkhouse, Quality Control Foreman.
Following the presentations, students were given specific parameters to begin work on their own projects. In the past, these projects have consisted of ideas for a table leg, a project that will float, or one through which you can see a light source. Once students finished creating a mold, the entire class visited the Springboro Plant for hands-on production, learning about different types of aggregate, mixing of colors into concrete, and general techniques for working with precast. After the concrete cured, projects were carefully transported back to Miami University where the students removed the formwork to unveil their masterpieces.
In addition to the program being beneficial for Miami University students, HCG can show that it is directly responsible for at least three projects fabricated in the Springboro Plant. Thank you to Dwayne, Gary, and all co-workers who assisted with this project, and to Craig Hinrichs, Associate Professor and Director of Architecture Graduate Studies, who has been a part of this program from the beginning. If you have an opportunity to visit Miami University, be sure to check out the projects from past years that are on display.
Above, Craig Hinrichs, Miami University Associate Professor, provides students with instructions for their projects.
HCG’s Gary Berkhouse shares his expertise with a group of students.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
HHL and HACC Partner on PA’s First Hospitality Apprenticeship Program
High Hotels Ltd. has a mission to own and operate its properties in a way that makes them great places to work and stay. To support this mission, HHL has partnered with Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) to pioneer a two-year Hospitality Apprenticeship Program, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.
Comprised of classroom and on-the-job learning, the program is designed to bolster skills and increase compensation at established milestones, while enabling coworkers in management and production positions to earn up to 18 college credits. Desired outcomes include improved co-worker engagement and performance, Mystery Shop and service-related scores, hotel financial performance, and co-worker retention. Achievements in these areas will be measured and used in determining co-worker promotions.
The Hospitality Apprenticeship Program was launched in May, with eight co-workers completing orientation and starting classes. The program will be monitored regularly through various check-in meetings with assigned mentors and supervisors, and with Laurèl Rolle, Director of Talent Management and Organizational Development for HHL. “Training is critical to supporting and growing our talent pipeline as High Hotels pursues the goal to grow its portfolio to 25 hotels by 2025,” said Laurèl. “We are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking program, and look forward to giving our co-workers the tools to be top performers in our industry.”
The first group of co-workers to participate in the Hospitality Apprenticeship Program are: Ediht Lensbouer, Melissa Beible, Alice Keeley, Melinda Burgard, Kayla Anspach, Sarah Balko, Ida Six, and Kylie Miller.
StructureCare’s Unique Approach Provides a Strong Foundation for Growth
The business concept for StructureCare® was first outlined 15 years ago on the back of a napkin as a solution to a parking garage owner’s question, “How do I make sure my new parking garage never looks like that one?” The garage the owner was referring to was a partially collapsed, poorly maintained structure. The result of this conversation was a ten-year preventive maintenance agreement for three garages in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area.
Through experience, innovative ideas, and unique requests from clients, StructureCare has evolved into a multi-regional operation servicing more than 80 concrete structures from Richmond, Virginia, to Boston, Massachusetts.
Supported by 15 professionals who offer business development, client service management, engineering, and project management, the team provides clients with a variety of services that focus on prevention.
To understand the importance of garage maintenance, think of it like a car: As the owner of a vehicle, you understand the importance of preventive maintenance. Oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, and scheduled repairs are necessary to give you peace of mind and to prolong the life of your vehicle. A garage can benefit in the same way from regular inspections and maintenance, which can prolong the structure’s lifespan to reach as much as 75 years.
To help clients understand StructureCare’s unique approach, the team educates owners and facility managers on the benefits of designbuild, the importance of predictive maintenance and the consequences of deferral, the necessity of repair and restoration, and the added value of training and on-call emergency service.
StructureCare has the singular ability to problem-solve, engineer, and implement a solution. As a result, a growing number of clients have entrusted their most pressing facility problems to the team. Since the beginning, the lifeblood of the organization has been long-term trustworthy relationships built from innovative solutions, providing a strong foundation for StructureCare’s future growth and success.
StructureCare® provides services that help to extend the lifespan and safety of concrete parking structures. BEFORE AFTER
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
President’s Safety Award Winners Announced at Annual Safety Summit
On March 6, 2018, outstanding safety performance was recognized during the High Environmental Health and Safety Department’s annual Safety Summit. This event brings together Safety Circle winners to celebrate their achievements in safety, and for living the motto, “In safety, we are each other’s keeper,” each and every day. Safety Circle winners are selected based on EH&S audit scores, and OSHA Recordable Incident Rates (RIR) and Days Away Case Rates (DACR).
Co-workers representing the following Safety Circle Winners squared off in an effort to earn the coveted President’s Safety Awards:
MANUFACTURING/CONSTRUCTION
High Steel Structures LLC, Lancaster, PA Facility
High Construction Company
HOTELS/PROPERTIES
Bentley Ridge, Lancaster, PA l Hampton Inn-Harrisburg West Hampton Inn-York l Orchard Ridge, Pottstown, PA
Plantation Oaks, Charleston, SC l York Ridge, Charlotte, NC
TownePlace Suites-Harrisburg West
Each representative offered a presentation to highlight their safety program’s successes and achievements. Some Safety Circle Winners marked several years with no OSHA recordables, while others showed significant improvement in safety.
Following the presentations, High Executive Committee members convened to assess participants’ presentations and safety records in order to determine two President’s Safety Award winners. The winners are:
Hotels/Properties President’s Safety Award
HAMPTON INN-HARRISBURG WEST
Mark Fitzgerald, President and Chief Operating Officer, High Real Estate Group LLC; Kara Almodovar, Guest Services Manager; Mike Shirk, High’s Chief Executive Officer; Jason Schultz, General Manager; and Keith Komon, Area General Manager.
Manufacturing/Construction President’s Safety Award HIGH STEEL STRUCTURES LLC, LANCASTER FACILITY
Mike Brunozzi, Superintendent; Mike Schirmer, Lead
Jeff Sterner, President and Chief Operating Officer, High Industries Inc.; Barry Miller, Associate Industrial Engineer; and John Peiffer, Director of Talent Development.
Congratulations to the President’s Safety Award winners, as well as to the Safety Circle recipients. Your commitment to working safely truly makes you “Each Other’s Keeper!”
HSS Represented at AISC Event
In April, High Steel Structures LLC participated in the American Institute of Steel Constructor’s (AISC) 2018 NASCC: The Steel Conference. The conference featured more than 130 sessions covering the latest in steel design concepts, construction techniques, and cutting-edge research. Ronnie Medlock, P.E., HSS Vice President of Technical Services, presented in the Advanced Coatings Systems session, while Brad Dillman, P.E., HSS Vice President of Engineering, presented on Reducing Errors in Bridge Drawings.
In addition to these sessions, 200 exhibitors, including High Steel Structures, showcased products ranging from fabrication equipment to structural design software. Held in Baltimore, Maryland, the event boasted record attendance of nearly 5,200.
HSS was one of 200 exhibitors during the AISC’s 2018 NASCC: The Steel Conference.
Front row: Steve Johnston, Lead Supervisor; Greg Weitzel, Lead Supervisor; Mike Shirk, High’s Chief Executive Officer; Ken Eberle, Safety Coordinator; Shannan Givler, Administrative Coordinator; Rich Voloshin, Plant Manager. Back row:
Supervisor;
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
HHL Completes Major Renovations to Three Properties
High Hotels Ltd. has proudly revealed the redesign of three properties. Done in accordance with the Marriott brand “refresh” program, the complete renovation of the hotels’ guestrooms, public spaces, and meeting facilities are dazzling travelers!
Returning guests to the Courtyard by Marriott in Middletown, New York, are “wowed” by the lobby’s contemporary decor.
The Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Ewing, New Jersey, and Middletown, New York, feature sophisticated lobby decor highlighted by unique architectural elements. Each has a large central fireplace and modern lobby bar, coupled with media pods ideal for small gatherings. The lobbies, business centers, and meeting rooms have been redesigned in a warm, contemporary color palette. Outdoor patios showcase new furniture around a cozy fire pit, making them a popular feature among travelers.
“My favorite reaction is when regular guests walk in and experience the impact of the renovated decor for the first time. They continue to be impressed with the new look and overall design,” noted Rich St. Jean, General Manager of the Courtyard-Middletown. “I tell them to hold their applause until they see the guestrooms – they truly are outstanding, and we are proud to offer this product to our visitors.”
The Courtyard’s redesigned guest rooms feature a warm color palette.
Guestrooms boast brand new carpet, wall vinyl, stylish artwork, and airy bedding with piles of pillows. The new look features a seating area with a unique curved sofa and ottoman. Many bathrooms have an impressive spa-like tiled shower stall, adding to the impact of the redesign.
The Courtyard renovation plan also includes improved dining options at the Bistro, where guests can start the day with made-to-order Starbucks beverages and new breakfast choices. Dinner menu items were enhanced, and cocktails and local craft beers are available.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Ewing, New Jersey, was the third hotel to introduce a contemporary new design in all living, dining, and meeting spaces. Like the Courtyard hotels, the SpringHill Suites boasts a stunning new lobby decor featuring warm neutrals with pops of vibrant color. New carpet and wall vinyl in all suites create a sleek, fresh look, and guests continue to enjoy favorite features like an in-lobby bar, outdoor fire pits, and heated indoor pool.
The SpringHill Suites lobby has a sleek new look.
HCC Awarded $21M Contract for Elizabethtown College’s Bowers Center
High Construction Company received a $21 million contract for Elizabethtown College’s new Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-being. The new facility will be located off East Cedar Street on the college’s campus in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
“After several months of collaboration with the college, CannonDesign, and other project team members during the preconstruction phase, we are thrilled to officially put our shovels in the ground and transform the team’s hard work and exciting vision into reality,” said Rick Stoudt, HCC President.
A rendering of Elizabethtown College’s new Bowers Center.
Spanning 81,900 square feet, the new center will encourage the well-being of students with an array of fitness and wellness spaces. Among other amenities, the facility includes: a field house with tennis and basketball courts; an indoor track; areas for yoga, weight training, and group fitness; locker rooms; a cafe and lounge; and a demonstration kitchen. A ceremonial groundbreaking for the project was held earlier this year, with completion of the facility scheduled for Summer 2019.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
They Give Good Measure
Morgan M. McGill
Room Attendant, High Hotels Ltd.
SpringHill Suites, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey
Nominator: Patrick H. Brogan
In the hotel business, every co-worker plays a vital role in daily operations. So when the Mt. Laurel hotel found itself without a Housekeeping Manager, Morgan stepped up to take control of the department’s daily activities. Arriving early each day, she set up assignments for the Room Attendants and inspected their work. She oversaw laundry operations, making sure everything ran smoothly, and that other work within the department was completed. She also regularly checked in with the General Manager and Assistant General Manager for feedback to ensure the work was being done to High and Marriott standards.
In another instance, Morgan cleaned rooms at the SpringHill Suites in Allentown, Pennsylvania, while the Housekeeping Team attended two days of training.
Morgan is a co-worker who will pitch in where needed, displaying a commitment to HHL and to The High Philosophy. Her work ethic and leadership is a great example of what it means to “Give Good Measure.”
Caleb R. McGaughran
Guest Services Manager, High Hotels Ltd.
TownePlace Suites, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Caleb has a reputation for putting others’ needs above his own. He regularly demonstrates an upbeat attitude, compassion for his co-workers, dedication to his job, and a commitment to making each guest’s stay a great experience.
While a Guest Services Representative, Caleb assisted management with training of new team members, ordering items for the Suite Shop, and processing accounts receivables and invoices. He worked with the Sales Team at job fairs, and provided coverage at other High hotels when needed. When TownePlace Suites was named a Safety Circle winner and was in the running for the President’s Safety Award, Caleb showed his creative flair by producing the hotel’s video presentation, which was viewed at the Annual Safety Summit. His commitment to safety doesn’t end there; Caleb schedules safety walks and encourages co-workers to attend.
Recently, a team member was going through a tough time and was unable to work. Seeing a need, Caleb organized volunteers to prepare and deliver meals. In another instance, he covered for a co-worker who was attending
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
a funeral for a family member. He stayed beyond his shift to assist with checking in a group of more than 70 guests. He also helped to organize fun events for coworkers, including a Fall picnic and an Easter egg hunt.
Caleb builds trustworthy relationships through his passion for people and The High Philosophy, earning him glowing reviews from guests, the respect of his co-workers, and a Good Measure Award!
Raymond Ortega, Systems Analyst
Brian R. Simmons, Sr. Database Administrator
Daryl B. Thomson, Systems Engineer
High Company LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Brenda S. Martin
ImageNow, the system in which invoices are processed for payment, was out of support and scheduled for an upgrade. For budgeting purposes, Ray obtained an initial quote from the vendor of $20,000 to support the upgrade; however, when all technical and development assistance was included, the amount skyrocketed to $60,000. Upon receiving the updated quote, Ray contacted the vendor, initiating numerous phone calls and e-mails, in order to understand this drastic increase. While working with technical support, Ray realized that he could obtain the upgrade packages and instructions from technical support free of charge. He also identified a new platform that could potentially maintain compatibility with forms.
Ray provided the upgrade package to Brian and Daryl, who worked through the installation process without the use of vendor upgrade services. When needed, they contacted technical support and received needed instructions to move forward to complete the installation. Ray, with the help of key systems users, tested the upgraded system and determined that it functioned properly, and that forms did not require upgrading.
Using their technical expertise, Ray, Brian, and Daryl performed the upgrade in-house. These cross-functional team members worked together innovatively to solve a problem and save the company as much as $60,000 in upgrade costs. That’s Good Measure that can be measured in dollars!
Ray Ortega
Brian Simmons
Daryl Thomson
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
High Honors
Emily M. Blackwell
…earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Emily joined High in 2007, and serves as Human Resource Solutions Center Representative.
Melinda “Mindy” A. Nolt
…earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Mindy, who joined High in 1995, serves as Human Resource Business Partner.
High Awards
High Steel Structures LLC
…was presented National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) 2018 Prize Bridge Awards at the 2018 NAASC: The Steel Conference/World Steel Bridge Symposium, in Baltimore, Maryland. Held every two years, the program honors significant and innovative steel bridges in the United States, and is the highest recognition bestowed by the nation’s structural steel industry. A panel of industry judges selected 15 projects from 50 entries submitted from around the country. Following are the winning HSS projects:
National Award Winner, Long Span Judge’s comments: “The challenges with terrain and traffic flow made for an exceptionally difficult project. The single span steel arch solution overcame those challenges, while providing an elegant solution that complemented the original bridge,” said Amber Blanchard, PE, Minnesota Department of Transportation.
• US Route 340 Bridge, Waynesboro, Virginia
National Award Winner, Short Span Judge’s comments: “A1010 will provide the owner with a superior corrosion protection system, while reducing long-term maintenance costs,” said Dominique Shannon, PE, Kansas Department of Transportation. “Although the upfront cost was more, I suspect the owner will be happy with the longevity and low costs the bridge provides.”
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
• Hulton Bridge, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Merit Award Winner, Major Span Judge’s comments: “The bridge is proportioned so well, it masks the fact that the main span is 500 feet long.
Coupled with an innovative strand jacking method of main-span construction, steel bridges again show their flexibility to adapt to any site,” said Frank Russo PE, PhD, Michael Baker International.
High Concrete Accessories
…was honored as Associate Member of the Year during the Precast Concrete Institute’s 2018 Precast Show in Denver, Colorado.
High Concrete Group LLC
…was recognized for Exceptional Precast Practices at the Precast Concrete Institute’s 2018 Precast Show in Denver, Colorado.
…won the following 2018 Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware American Concrete Institute Excellence in Concrete Awards:
Mid-Rise Buildings – Building
1200 Intrepid Office Building Philadelphia Navy Yard Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mid-Rise Buildings – Parking Garage King of Prussia Mall Orange Parking Garage King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
…won the following New Jersey American Concrete Institute Awards:
Parking Garage Merit Award
Verizon Basking Ridge Parking Deck
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Apple Award
Jersey City, New Jersey
Green
Statue of Liberty Museum
In extreme heat, adequate hydration is critical for co-workers who are required to wear this level of PPE.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
HSS Plant Goes Greener by Eliminating
Use of Bottled Water
Keeping High co-workers cool and hydrated is both a health concern and a safety issue. Heat-related illnesses pose a serious problem in High Steel Structures LLC’s Plants where co-workers are exposed to operational hazards that require many to wear personal protection equipment (PPE). The use of PPE in a high-heat working environment leads to a risk of dehydration that can impair a co-worker’s ability to maintain focus, posture, and operational functionality, and can potentially lead to a fatal situation.
To combat dehydration, HSS had been providing bottled water for production co-workers throughout the year. However, the use of bottled water comes with some environmental impact, as well as a significant cost. In 2017 alone, co-workers at Plant Three in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, consumed $20,000 of bottled water. While reducing costs just makes good sense, the safety of our coworkers is of paramount importance.
To address issues of both cost and safety, water chiller stations were installed throughout Plant Three in April 2018. At a cost of $350 for each chiller, plus the cost of supplying each coworker with a refillable bottle, quality chilled water is available on-demand. Not only are the chiller stations economical, they are environmentally friendly, eliminating untold numbers of disposable plastic water bottles from trash and recycling streams. This demonstrates commitment to The High Philosophy by contributing to a world of beauty and prosperity and peace, and respecting the dignity of all co-workers by keeping them hydrated and healthy!
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
High Team Joins the Race!
The Lancaster YWCA’s Race Against Racism was held on Saturday, April 28, 2018. This annual event unites the community in an effort to eliminate racism by building awareness and raising funds for anti-racism programs.
As in past years, co-workers, along with their family members and friends, joined the High Team to demonstrate their support.
“This year, we fielded a great team! It was especially exciting to see all the kids who joined their parents in the Race. Making children aware of the negative impact of racism on our communities is a catalyst in eliminating this problem,” said Maureen Cruz, Senior Human Resource Specialist and High’s Race Against Racism Team Coordinator.
Some members of High’s 2018 Race Against Racism Team pose for a pre-race photo.
Thank you to all who participated in this important event. Your show of support demonstrates a commitment to The High Philosophy by contributing to a world of beauty and prosperity and peace.
DaNasia and Donovan, who participated in the Race with their father, Darryl Gordon (HCL), proudly display the certificate awarded to High for being the largest team from a large business.
COMMUNITY
High Foundation Grants Build a Bridge to Opportunity
High Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established by members of the High Family. Its current focus is eliminating poverty by supporting organizations focused on systemic change. The Foundation contributes capital gifts to non-political non-profit organizations in categories of education, social services, and cultural enrichment, and invests in projects that improve Lancaster City’s aesthetics, culture and art, and economic vibrancy. Following are a few of those organizations that were recently awarded grants by the Foundation:
Southwest Lancaster City Revitalization
High Foundation and the City of Lancaster announced five grants totaling $600,000 for government and community organizations active in southwest Lancaster City. The capital gifts target repairs and improvements to key corridors and gateways in the neighborhood, as well as property repairs and improvements. The announcement was made in conjunction with Mayor Sorace’s Office.
Robin Stauffer, Dale High, and Suzanne High, along with Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace, presented checks to numerous nonprofit organizations.
Randy Patterson, Director of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization, is shown accepting one of the checks.
The Foundation supports the Mayor’s block-by-block initiative to revitalize neighborhoods throughout Lancaster City, which recognizes that neighborhoods have different needs and challenges. $350,000 will be distributed in 2018, with the balance being distributed over the ensuing five years.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
High Foundation provided a $30,000 grant to support new equipment in the metals fabrication and welding program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The grant will go toward the purchase of new ¼” capacity power shear equipment, which processes sheet and plate goods for welding and fabrication that is vital in every metals fabrication environment. This equipment will be housed in the North Building of the new Greiner Advanced Manufacturing Campus.
“Training our students to safely operate this necessary piece of equipment is a fundamental skill all students who expect to make a career in metals fabrication and welding require,” said Stacy Gillis, first-year instructor for the college. The metals fabrication and welding program at Thaddeus Stevens has been training skilled workers since the mid-1960s. The program was expanded to help meet
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
the critical shortage of welders and sheet metal workers in the region and nationwide, and a new Welding Technology program was begun in 2016.
High Foundation has been instrumental in boosting enrollment in Thaddeus Stevens’ metals fabrication and welding program. “It is important that we support efforts that build the workforce of the future, particularly family-sustaining jobs that also contribute to the elimination of poverty in our community,” said Dale High. “Our business and family roots go deep here, and so we are delighted to partner with organizations like Thaddeus Stevens College that are focused on educating students in innovative and impactful ways that result in a better quality of life for all.”
Declaration House Social Services Center
High Foundation contributed $100,000 toward construction of Declaration House, Denver, Pennsylvania’s first social services center. Located at 240 Main Street, the new facility will be the headquarters of REAL Life Community Services, a provider of faith-based youth mentoring, intervention, and other social services. Welsh Mountain Health Center will also maintain offices on site to offer medical, dental, and behavioral health counseling services. In addition, Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership will fund 10 affordable apartments for lowincome families.
REAL Life Community Services
Executive Director, Rod Redcay, expects that the community service hub will help boost economic development in Denver, transforming a blighted property into a hub of renewal and activity that improves the quality of life in the Cocalico region. The organization also operates a transitional home for mothers leaving a local women’s shelter, and a youth center in the community. Declaration House is expected to open in 2019.
A rendering of Declaration House.
Dale High, Suzanne High, Robin Stauffer, and Darryl Gordon presented a check to representatives from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
