Thank You
for your help in producing
High Spirit
In
this issue...
l A MESSAGE FROM HIGH LEADERSHIP
Kathy Abernethy
Joy Dickson
Stacie Eberly
Erika Glass
Darryl Gordon
Gary Hambright
Patrick Hess
Dino Kondos
Durelle Leaman
Aidalis Lopez
Matt Mahonski
Lisa Masters
Ronnie Medlock
Kristina Mory
Dave Nicholas
Elaine Richard
Laurie Salzmann
Fritz Shaak
Robin Stauffer
Scott Werkheiser
F Co-Worker Engagement Survey: Your Honest Feedback Drives Improvements at High
l INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
F Good Measure Award Grand Prize Winners Announced at High Forum
F Fabrication Complete and Steel Erection Continues for CSVT River Bridge
F Topping Off Signals Lancaster Marriott East Tower Structural Completion
F HT Hauls Loads for Third Parties
F Installation of Solar Array Makes Lancaster Hotel a Net Zero Building
F Architectural Precast Sales Growth: Converting Schools to Precast is an A+
F StructureCare’s Baltimore Believer
F HSSC Quality Impacts the High-End Restaurant Equipment Industry
F High Foundation Awards College Scholarships
F HCC Awarded a $12M Contract to Build a Home2 Suites by Hilton
F They Give Good Measure
l James A. Baxter, Manager of Facilities, HAL, Lancaster, PA
l Mark Stout, Job Planner, HCG, Denver, PA
l Christopher Dennis, Inside Sales Representative, HSSC, Lancaster, PA
l Robert J. Boyd, Utility Operator, HSS, Lancaster, PA
F High Honors and Awards
l ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
F HCG Invests in Improvements to Stormwater Management Systems
l COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
F High Teams Support Local Communities
HSS Hosts Lancaster Science Factory’s Bridge Mania Summer Camp
Co-Workers Volunteer for United Way Day of Caring
HCC Charity Golf Invitational Benefits Children’s Miracle Network
Co-Workers and Retirees Give Generously to Support the High 2018 United Way Campaign
A MESSAGE FROM HIGH LEADERSHIP
Co-Worker
Engagement
Survey: Your
Honest Feedback
Drives Improvements at High
2018 marked the tenth Co-worker Engagement Survey (CES) conducted at High since the first in 2000. Thanks to High co-workers and to enhancements in our survey process, we had record participation and have received great advice on ways to improve our companies. Your feedback helps to shape company objectives, processes, and tools that can further improve our work environment, and provides a gauge on how well we are doing in executing our business strategies. In short, your honest feedback helps you and High to achieve success.
Following is a snapshot of the 2018 CES results:
SURVEY #10
Why do we conduct the survey on a regular basis? It gives us an opportunity to hear what you think about High across many dimensions. It helps us understand things we’re doing well, and where feedback indicates we have more work to do.
93% PARTICIPATION
Gordon Vice President of Human Resources and EEO Officer
This record level of participation demonstrates that you care about High’s continued success. Thank you!
900+ COMMENTS
On top of record participation, we received more than 900 written comments! This additional context gives you a voice in helping company leaders to
Darryl P.
A MESSAGE FROM HIGH LEADERSHIP
determine what is going well and what needs work. Thank you for taking additional time to provide comments to help improve High.
MEASURING CO-WORKER ENGAGEMENT
The CES included four items designed to measure co-worker engagement:
1. I feel proud to work for the High companies.
2. I would recommend the High companies as a place to work.
3. I am motivated to go above and beyond what is normally expected to help the High companies be successful.
4. Considering everything, how would you rate your overall satisfaction with the High companies at the present time?
Our 2018 engagement index reached an all-time high for favorable responses – 83 percent! That shows your pride in the company. I often hear comments from those in the community about how co-workers love to talk about their jobs, workplace, and exciting projects we are involved in. In doing so, you’re a walking billboard for High, building a solid reputation in our communities. Your enthusiasm is also valuable in helping High to attract and retain talented workers. Good job, co-workers!
THE HIGH PHILOSOPHY
Embedded in the survey are ten questions that are directly tied to The High Philosophy. The collective response to these ten questions makes up our exclusive High Way Index, a measure of how we walk the talk of The High Philosophy. This year, we set another high-water mark, reaching 79 percent favorability.
Your contributions to the survey process – answering the questions, providing comments, actively participating in developing action plans – helps us to continuously improve High and place us in a great position to execute our strategies and sustain and grow the company for generations to come. In aggregate, your involvement and leadership in the process is paying off and making us better; however, we also have many areas for improvement. The survey netted important information about what we are doing well, as well as areas where improvement is needed.
STRENGTHS
• Our Safety Culture continues to rank very high in our list of strengths.
• Quality saw a big jump in the ratings. This result was led by High Steel
A MESSAGE FROM HIGH LEADERSHIP
Structures, where the favorable response jumped nine percentage points as compared with the 2016 survey.
• We saw positive results tied to Training and Development. With the leadership of Kathy Prime, our Chief Learning and Talent Officer, we’ve really stepped up our investment in training, and the results are showing! In fact, when measured against some well-known companies, High ranked in the top five percent.
OPPORTUNITIES
We are in the process of conducting round table “listening sessions” to better understand all the results. This will help us to provide opportunities for improvement. The one area in which we scored below average is Teamwork and Collaboration. This was a new dimension in High’s 2018 CES, so we can’t measure this against past results. That said, we do know that when we focus on an area of weakness, success soon follows. We already have the culture and other ingredients needed to become great at Teamwork and Collaboration. As an example, we scored well above average in our efforts to get co-worker ideas, showing that we have engaged teams who seek to collaborate and capture ideas for the better. Our challenge is to improve on taking necessary actions to put those ideas into practice. I am confident that your input will help us to build and implement the right action plans and improve in this area.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Actions are being developed based on your great feedback and ongoing discussions. We are putting the pieces of the puzzle together and will communicate actions in the February/March time frame. It is encouraging to see how this process has evolved over the past 18 years. With our next formal survey planned for 2020, we are looking forward to better results in those areas where opportunities exist, and to further strengthen those areas where you’ve indicated we are doing well.
High has been successful because of our strong, talented, intelligent, and thoughtful co-workers. The CES process provides an active ear to listen to our coworkers and make us better. It is your partnership in this process that makes High a great place to work. Thank you for strong participation and engagement!
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Good Measure Award Grand Prize Winners Announced at High Forum
Each year, winners of the Good Measure Award are invited to attend the High Forum. During the annual meeting, two Grand Prize winners - one from High Real Estate Group LLC and one from High Industries Inc. - are named. This year’s winners were celebrated with sparklers and enthusiastic applause:
Mark Stout
Job Planner
High Concrete Group LLC
Denver, Pennsylvania
James A. Baxter Manager of Facilities
High Associates Ltd.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Mark and Jim were each awarded a $3,000 Grand Prize. To read about their Good Measure-worthy accomplishments, see pages 14 and 15 in this issue of High Spirit.
Congratulations to Mark and Jim, and to all our Good Measure Award winners! When it comes to exemplifying The High Philosophy, you raise the bar!
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Fabrication Complete and Steel Erection Continues for CSVT River Bridge
Although the project site has been beset by challenging wind and flooding conditions through the Spring and Summer, the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) River Bridge project has met its halfway mark for steel erection.
At both High Steel Structures LLC Plants in Lancaster and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, girder fabrication for the CSVT project is done. Six to twelve girders are steadily shipping each week to the jobsite, which crosses the West Branch of the Susquehanna River just north of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. In all, 408 girders were fabricated for the project.
The project was featured at HSS’s Steel Day technical session on September 28th, with SAI Consulting Engineers designers Jarid Antonio, P.E. and Ryan Jenkins, P.E. presenting a comprehensive presentation about the project to 215 guests.
Erection of the steel has been a challenge to the project schedule. The process began at the middle of the bridge, working towards land from a causeway built to access the piers in the river. Water levels rose several times due to unusually rainy weather, flooding out the causeway and requiring equipment to be moved to dry land twice.
With the extreme weather and girders being erected 180 feet in the air over water, general contractor Trumbull and its design firm, SAI Consulting Engineers, had to adapt the erection plan to accommodate high wind conditions, as well. To avoid girder deflection, supplemental lateral bracing was added throughout the bridge.
The current schedule calls for steel erection to continue through 2019, with project completion expected in June 2020.
Aerial views of the CSVT Bridge spanning the Susquehanna River.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Topping Off Signals Lancaster Marriott East Tower Structural Completion
Marking a milestone in a project that redefines the skyline of the city, High Real Estate Group LLC hosted a topping off ceremony at the East Tower expansion of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. High Construction Company prepared the symbolic final beam to be hoisted to the top of the 148foot tower, capping a ceremony attended by more than 100 staff, community members, elected officials, and supporters.
Community and business leaders signing a ceremonial final beam for the $39.4 million East Tower expansion of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square are Randall Horst, Chair, Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster; Dale High, Chair Emeritus, High; Mark Fitzgerald, President and COO, HREG; Mayor Danene Sorace, City of Lancaster; Robert Krasne, Chairman and CEO, Steinman Communications; Mike Shirk, CEO, High; Ray D’Agostino, Chair, Lancaster City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Program.
The topping off represents the completion of the structural phase of the 87,000 square-foot building. The East Tower, with
12 new floors, a completely renovated first-floor restaurant, and a rooftop bar, will add 110 rooms, bringing the total Lancaster Marriott rooms to 416. The tower is slated to open in Spring 2019.
Painted white, the 10-foot topping-off beam bears the signatures of Mark Fitzgerald, President and COO of HREG, Danene Sorace, Mayor of the City of Lancaster, and other community leaders who played significant roles in bringing the project to life. “The East Tower will fulfill a crucial role in attracting more large events to the Lancaster County Convention Center,” said Mark. “The Convention Center has proved itself to be an economic engine and a catalyst for growth and investment in Lancaster. We are delighted to be able to help this important community asset realize its full potential.”
A new, 6,500 square-foot restaurant and bar will occupy the first floor.
A rooftop bar with a sidewalk entrance and a signature Marriott M Club will also be part of the East Tower. Cooper Carry Inc. of Atlanta designed the East Tower and High Construction Company is erecting it. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster owns the building.
The ceremonial beam is hoisted to the top of the tower.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
HT Hauls Loads for Third Parties
High Transit LLC is recognized for its bright red trucks and signature yellow wheels, and are routinely seen hauling loads for High Steel Structures LLC, High Concrete Group LLC, and High Steel Service Center LLC; however, you will sometimes see HT trucks engaged in hauling loads for outside customers. This is known as third-party hauling.
Third-party hauling benefits HT in many ways. This activity sells excess capacity when it is not needed by High companies, and enables HT to pay for fixed costs that continue even when trucks are not operating, like insurance, equipment payment, and depreciation expenses. It also helps HT maintain coworker stability and level-load our work force, which is vital to sustaining our team of highly-trained and talented drivers.
Recently, HT co-workers hauled six huge tanks from Manheim, Pennsylvania, to Uhrichsville, Ohio, for Highland Tank. Each load was engineered so dimensions match the permits issued for the haul. The weight and dimensions of these six loads required expert planning to map out 30 different routes through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio, often on two-lane roads and through small towns. Because of the complicated routes, three loads each were sent during two consecutive weeks. All six loads required an escort with a height pole in front of the load, and a service mechanic who served as an escort in the back. Each truck traveled approximately 450 miles to Uhrichsville, a trip that would be only 325 miles by car.
Jobs of this magnitude require a great deal of training and skill, and are a total team effort. This is why customers trust HT to haul their oversized loads.
This HT truck is fully loaded.
Cranes are used to unload the tanks.
The weight and dimensions for each of the six loads.
Installation of Solar Array Makes Lancaster Hotel a Net Zero Building
Installation of a $1.5-million solar array has been completed for High Hotels Ltd.’s Courtyard by Marriott, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The 133-room hotel is the first in the United States under the Marriott umbrella to be powered completely by the sun.
Solar panels in the foreground will produce enough energy to power the Courtyard by Marriott-Lancaster, Pennsylvania, seen in the distance.
The solar panels will generate more than 1.2 million kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity, which will flow into the electrical grid and be virtually metered over to the hotel by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation. The hotel will be completely solar-powered, consuming 1.18 million kWh of electricity. Excess energy will be sold back to PPL, supplying power to neighboring buildings and reducing congestion in the local grid.
The Lancaster Courtyard hotel was specifically chosen for its position in Greenfield Corporate Center, a 600-acre master-planned mixed-use campus. The hotel’s solar array was installed on top of a nearby tenant-occupied building. It consists of more than 2,700 panels and covers an area greater than the size of two football fields. The Corporate Center has more than 3 million squarefeet of rooftop space with the potential to support solar installations, conserving open land and offering additional aesthetic benefits.
“This is an exciting approach to addressing our energy needs that aligns very well with High’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Russ Urban, HHL President. “We are doing it because we really believe in sustainability. As people seek out opportunities to stay in hotels that observe sustainability efforts, this is a differentiator.”
Key players in the solar array installation are: Mike Lorelli, HAL Senior Vice President Commercial Asset Management; Jeremy Geib, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott-Lancaster; Russ Urban, HHL President; Jim Baxter, HAL Manager of Facilities; and Ty Esbenshade, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MVE Group Inc., the contractor for this project.
Architectural Precast Sales Growth: Converting Schools to Precast is an A+
The New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) manages the design, construction, and renovation of school facilities in New York City. As one of the most significant commercial construction builders in the United States annually, their traditional building envelope system has historically been brick and block.
Earlier this year, Bob Pabst, Vice President of Sales for High Concrete Group LLC, met with a group of more than 50 NYCSCA architects and engineers to educate them about precast concrete. In a series of subsequent meetings, Bob was able to convince them that precast concrete building enclosure and wall systems would exceed their efficiency, durability, and sustainability needs when compared with their current construction practices. As a result, construction documents were updated, several projects with precast have bid this year, and HCG has secured the first of what it hopes will be many future projects.
The Reading K-12 project featured “load bearing” insulated exterior wall panels that support both steel and hollow core floor plank. The wall panels have a combination of thin brick veneer and simulated stone patterns that received factory-applied acid etched texturing.
To add further value to the project, HCG’s Springboro, Ohio, facility embedded 700 electrical conduit/box assemblies into the pours, which helped compress the construction duration. The exterior walls of Reading K-12 has no stud wall, and panels were machine troweled smooth, painted, and were utilized as the finish surface. This saved the cost of the stud framing and gypsum material, and further compressed the construction schedule.
NYCSCA PS 667 in Brooklyn, New York. This project is being manufactured in HCG’s Denver, Pennsylvania, Plant.
HCG has made great strides in converting schools to a precast concrete building enclosure and wall system, which helps customers control costs and reduce construction schedules, while producing an attractive, high-quality structure.
The Reading K-12 School project in Cincinnati, Ohio, is being produced in HCG’s Springboro, Ohio, plant.
Embedded post tension strands corrode over time.
The photo below shows the repair in progress.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
StructureCare’s Baltimore Believer
Harbor Park, a nine-story parking garage owned and operated by Gateway Parking Services, sits adjacent to Power Plant Live! in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Gateway, a parking garage investment firm, targets revenue-producing garages in metropolitan areas where their expertise and long-term hold strategy can add value. This strategy only works if they are able to increase the utilization of existing parking spaces, minimize maintenance and repair investment, and maximize the service life of the garage. This is a terrific example of where the StructureCare® model is the perfect addition to a client’s strategic formula.
Once the post tension strands are replaced, the concrete is restored. These repairs will significantly extend the life of the parking structure.
Prior to meeting StructureCare, Gateway engaged a local engineering firm to assess the garage. The reporting they received was typical; it included an extensive list of critical items, but lacked root cause analysis, prioritization, and a long-term investment plan, not to mention Gateway would be responsible for finding a quality contractor to perform the repairs. StructureCare met with Gateway and explained how the company’s multi-year service agreement, coupled with a design/ build approach to repair, would help them mitigate risks associated with their strategy and give them the continuity of one firm to be accountable for inspecting, problemsolving, designing, implementing, and monitoring the solution.
Gateway quickly realized how a partnership with StructureCare would safeguard the long-term health of their investment.
An agreement was signed and a root-cause assessment and phased repair plan was developed with the intent of bringing the garage back to a maintainable state. The first phase of repairs included multiple post tension cable replacements. Throughout the repair, StructureCare was able to minimize parking space interruption by working nights and weekends, while also coordinating repairs in segments as to not close off complete floors of the garage. In addition, Gateway
was pleased to learn that the project would finish two weeks earlier than expected and that prudent cost management by StructureCare enabled them to address several other conditions outside the initial scope of the first phase of work. Phase two repairs will commence in 2019 as StructureCare continues to make a believer out of yet another parking garage owner.
HSSC Quality Impacts the High-End Restaurant Equipment Industry
Commercial Stainless, located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been in the restaurant equipment and fabrication business for nearly 30 years. Brian Wawroski started the company in 1989 with seven employees in a 7,000 square-foot facility. In the ensuing years, they experienced steady growth both in the size of the facility and in the number of employees. When Commercial Stainless moved into its current facility in 2007, the business continued to grow and now employs 40 people.
Commercial Stainless has established its position in the food service equipment business and is known for the highest quality standards in the industry. Their products can be found at Hershey Park and Hershey Stadium, Penn State University, Cornell University, Geisinger Medical Center, and Planet Hollywood in New York City. For the past year, High Steel Service Center LLC has supplied this customer with polished stainless steel sheet processed on its Red Bud Multi-cut Blanking Line. Commercial Stainless has already noticed the value of quality and service that sets HSSC apart in the marketplace. “High Steel Service Center came to Commercial Stainless with a market competitive price, excellent quality, and on-time delivery. We really appreciate our new partnership,” said Brian. Mark Lukes, HSSC Territory Manager, manages this relationship.
Commercial Stainless is a very valuable customer for HSSC and greatly appreciates the relationship they are building together!
Restaurant equipment manufactured by Commercial Stainless is in use at Garden Spot High School in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The Commercial Stainless team.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
High Foundation Awards College Scholarships
High 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 High companies do business, and to assist High co-workers in meeting the costs of college education for their children through the High Foundation Scholarship Program.
This year, High Foundation presented scholarship awards to David Medlock, Vincent Vozzella, and Theodora Dillman, all of Lancaster. All three students have been awarded $20,000 scholarships, which provide $5,000 per year for four years.
Vincent Vozzella – son of John Vozzella, Assistant Treasurer with High Company LLC. Vincent graduated from Penn Manor High School where he participated in Football, Track and Field, and Swimming all four years, and was Senior Captain of the Swimming Team. Vincent was a member of National Honor Society his Junior and Senior years, serving as Vice President his Junior year and President his Senior year. In addition, Vincent served as an Alter Server at St. Philip’s Church, coached Junior Comet Flag Football, and coached the 4th Grade Math Bowl. Vincent is pursuing a degree in Psychology/Economics from University of Pittsburgh.
David Medlock – son of Ronnie Medlock, Vice President – Technical Services with High Steel Structures LLC. David graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School where he participated in Marching Band, Concert Band and Orchestra, serving as Senior Section Leader in Marching Band. He was a member of National Honor Society his Junior and Senior years. In addition, David volunteered with the L-S Community Closet, the Lampeter Fair, and the Lancaster Science Factory. David is pursuing a degree in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Theodora Dillman – daughter of Brad Dillman, Vice President –Engineering with High Steel Structures LLC. Theodora graduated from Conestoga Valley High School where she participated at the highest level in Field Hockey, including First Team All-State in PA her Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, Regional All-American (second team) her Senior year, and was named National Field Hockey Coaches Association Academic All-American Scholar of Distinction her Junior and Senior years. She served as Varsity Team Captain her Junior and Senior years, and received the Linda Shelley Spirit Award in 2017, as well as many more accolades while attending the USA Field Hockey camps and tournaments, and X-Caliber Club Team events and competitions. In addition, she
was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, and Student Council. Her community service included Readers Helping Readers, where she served as Founding Officer and President, and English as a Second Language classes. Theodora is pursuing a degree in English Language and Literature from Yale University.
Congratulations to these distinguished students! We wish you all the best as you pursue your fields of study.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Dean Glick, Director, High Family Office; Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, High Foundation; Dale High, Chair of the Board, High Foundation; Suzanne High, Vice Chair, High Foundation; John, Vincent, and Jennifer Vozzella; Ilse, David, and Ronnie Medlock; and Brad, Theodora, and Anne Dillman.
HCC Awarded a $12M Contract to Build a Home2 Suites by Hilton
High Construction Company received a $12 million contract to build a Home2 Suites by Hilton in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The four-story hotel will include a state-of-the-art fitness center, business center, indoor pool, and outdoor living area. The hotel will consist of 109 suites with fully-equipped kitchens. Site work began in early August, with construction of the 69,900 square-foot hotel scheduled for completion in Summer 2019.
This new Home2 Suites is one of nearly 50 hotel projects, including groundup construction, additions, and renovations, undertaken by HCC.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
They Give Good Measure
James A. Baxter Manager of Facilities
High Associates Ltd., Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Michael J. Lorelli
Recently, solar panels were installed on a building in Greenfield Corporate Center which now power High Hotels Ltd.’s Courtyard by MarriottLancaster, Pennsylvania. Jim oversaw all on-site activities for this solar installation, coordinating with the vendor and the building’s tenants in order to minimize the disruption to the tenants’ business operations. While his contribution to the success of the installation was vital, Jim received the Good Measure Award for another aspect of this project:
During a golf outing, Jim spoke with a facility manager from a Lancaster County company that was also installing a solar array. Through that conversation, Jim learned of a non-published rebate program that electrical supplier PPL had available for solar projects. Jim researched the rebate and contacted PPL to get the project pre-qualified for the offer. PPL confirmed that the project qualified and, with a prescriptive at $.06/kw, the value of the rebate is estimated to be between $65,000 and $70,000. The solar array vendor for High is knowledgeable on rebates, but was not aware of this program.
Jim’s actions in attaining this significant rebate exhibit his innovation in discovering new ways to make an already great project even more attractive for High, and a commitment to investing profits to secure our future.
Mark Stout
Job Planner
High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nominator: J. Phoenix Rann
When Mark was asked to take on the Safety Coordinator role for HCG, Denver, Pennsylvania – in addition to his responsibilities as Job Planner –he did so without hesitation!
Mark initiated industrial saw training and the use of high visibility hard hats. He organizes Safety Stand Downs, a time when all operations are shut down at the Denver facility for a few hours so all HCG co-workers come together to learn about working safely. He coordinates with Corporate EH&S to facilitate safety audits and the Drive to Zero initiative. He leads Concrete’s First Aid Team, and has actively recruited new members. He makes sure that safety is foremost on everyone’s mind. When a workplace injury occurs, Mark is there to investigate the cause, as well as to alleviate the co-worker’s anxiety. He has attended countless medical appointments with co-workers – sometimes outside of his regular work schedule – helping them
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
navigate and understand their options.
Mark’s innovative approach to safety shows he has what it takes to lead a successful safety program. His commitment to the well-being of his co-workers has helped to build trustworthy relationships, a hallmark of Good Measure.
Christopher Dennis
Inside Sales Representative
High Steel Service Center LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Gregory M. Weitzel
Upon hire, Chris quickly mastered SAP and the HSSC business, then applied analytical thinking to develop processes and system improvements to increase data accuracy, visibility, and speed of processing. These processes resulted in improved customer service and responsiveness, which are vital to HSSC’s growing business.
Working with the HSSC User Community, Applications Teams, and Data Warehouse, he designed a Contract Initiation and Rebuild process that provides accurate and timely information flexible enough to respond to the nuances of the company’s contract business. Chris worked on numerous reporting and pricing improvements to support critical sales decisions and improve financial results. He learned new tools to build and maintain data to support the quick turnaround needed for new business development.
Learning business and system processes outside of his job responsibility, Chris designed system enhancements that help HSSC meet customers’ needs, and improved processes to make them more user-friendly, all of which has positively impacted HSSC’s bottom line.
Robert J. Boyd
Utility Operator
High Steel Structures LLC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nominator: Gregory M. Weitzel
During his 39-plus years of service with HSS, Bob has mastered nearly every job in the shop. Because of his broad skill set, he often volunteers to work on weekends and during shutdown periods to operate critical equipment so that customers’ delivery schedules are met. He understands what needs to be done and completes the work safely and efficiently.
When girders are required to be galvanized, Bob works directly with the vendor to schedule jobs to ensure girders are processed in the proper order. In addition to being available to answer the vendor’s questions, he travels to their Lebanon, Pennsylvania, facility to inspect finished products. Because the girder is heated during this process, Bob sets blocking for the girders after galvanization, and then checks the camber (slightly convex or arch shape of the girder) to ensure it remains within job specifications.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Bob has built trustworthy relationships with the vendor’s personnel by establishing solid communication from scheduling right through completion. He continues strengthening that relationship by offering the vendor his expertise and advice on crane rigging that could be utilized to ensure quality products for HSS and other customers. Bob’s dedication, attention to detail, and “right the first time” attitude makes him a perfect example of what it means to give Good Measure!
High Honors
James D. Brubaker
…earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College. Jim joined High Transit LLC in 2011 and serves as Logistics Supervisor.
Mark A. Frazier
…earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Central Penn College. Mark, who serves as Engineering Technician III, joined High Steel Structures LLC in 2006.
Robert J. Poli
…earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Albright College. Rob joined High in 2016 and serves as General Manager for High Structural Erectors LLC.
Carolyn Workinger
…earned the Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM) designation through American Hotel and Lodging Association. Carolyn joined HHL in 2007 and serves as Revenue Analyst.
High Awards
High Associates Ltd.
Plantation Oaks
…was named Most Pet Friendly Apartment Community in the Charleston, South Carolina area in The Post and Courier’s 2018 Charleston’s Choice Awards.
Premier Self Storage
…was named Lancaster Pennsylvania’s Favorite Storage Facility for the ninth consecutive year in Lancaster Newspaper’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Megan P. Shenk
…earned the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) designation She joined HAL in 2016 and serves as Marketing Representative.
Joshua M. Supplee
…earned awards at the Maintenance Mania competition. Josh took second place for Fire Detector/Carbon Monoxide Installation Challenge, and third place for the Ceiling Fan Installation Challenge. He joined HAL in 2013 and serves as Leadperson Residential Maintenance.
High Steel Structures LLC
…was presented the AdStudy Award for its “Every Detail Matters” campaign by Roads and Bridges magazine. The award recognizes advertising which achieved outstanding readership response as measured against all other ads in the publication’s March 2018 issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
HCG Invests in Improvements to Stormwater Management Systems
Stormwater is precipitation (rain or snowmelt) that flows over land instead of percolating in the ground. Stormwater is both precious and powerful. An inch of rain falling on an acre of land is equivalent to 27,154 gallons of water and weighs 113 tons.
When rainwater hits the ground, some trickles into groundwater aquifers, while the rest flows on the surface to lakes, streams, and rivers. This surface water becomes our drinking water and irrigates our farmland.
As the stormwater flows over the land, it collects pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, litter, and trash. This stormwater, if left untreated, will carry these pollutants into the streams and rivers, and eventually into the water sources.
At High Concrete Group LLC’s Denver, Pennsylvania Plant, the majority of stormwater flows into three large basins that retain the water and allow the pollutants to settle out before entering a local stream, Stoney Run. However, during especially heavy rainfall, sediment was being carried through the basin and into Stoney Run. This silt can be detrimental to both the vegetation and living species within the stream.
To properly remove collected silt from stormwater, HCG invested $250,000 to modify the largest basin. Preliminary work began in 2016, and the bulk of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018. This project includes deepening the basin, modifying the outlet, and adding additional wetland plants. Once these changes have been completed, the stormwater will be collected and treated so that HCG can continue to improve the quality of the stormwater being discharged into Stoney Run. This is a great example of how High practices environmental stewardship!
Above, the outfall is shown before stormwater improvements were made. The photo at left show the same area after improvements.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
High Teams Support Local Communities
High co-workers are doing good works in the communities in which they live and work. These are just a few examples:
HCG “Re-Boots”
Co-workers at High Concrete Group LLC’s Springboro, Ohio, Plant held a shoe drive for Clothes That Work. This non-profit organization helps people obtain the skills and appropriate clothing needed to start work. Springboro was joined by Denver, Pennsylvania, co-workers. In all, 40 pairs of new or gently used steel toed shoes were collected.
HCG Installs Flag Display
Co-workers at HCG’s Springboro, Ohio, facility helped install flag poles at a nearby playground that is accessible to children with physical disabilities. The display features flags representing the United States, State of Ohio, and City of Middletown. This project was part of an Eagle Scout requirement for Jonathan Berkhouse, son of HCG’s Gary Berkhouse, and took more than 150 volunteer hours as well as materials that were either donated or purchased with funds raised by Jonathan. Thank you to Gary and HCG co-worker Doug Morris for assisting with this important community project.
Hilton Garden Inn Aids Weather-Damaged Businesses
In June, an EF2 tornado struck the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, area. Due to winds of up to 130 miles per hour, approximately 15 businesses sustained severe structural damage. The hotel responded by inviting affected businesses to use its meeting spacefree of charge!
Lancaster Hotels Go on a Mission
In September, members of the leadership teams from the Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton Inn hotels in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, volunteered their time to serve lunch to approximately 120 people at Water Street Mission. That’s hospitality!
Doug Morris smooths concrete for the flag display.
Matt Mahonski shows some of the work boots donated by co-workers.
HHL co-workers Trisha Herr, Jeremy Geib, Sue Thomas, Rudy Kilgore, and Tayon Haygood served up some hospitality at Water Street Mission.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Orchard Ridge Holds Food Drive
Orchard Ridge in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, held a food drive to benefit the Chester County Food Bank. With the help of generous residents, the apartment community’s staff collected 155 jars of peanut butter and 131 jars of jelly.
SpringHill Suites Supports the Arts
For the fifth consecutive year, the SpringHill Suites hotel in Ewing, New Jersey, hosted an Art Night to showcase the artistic talents of Ewing High School students. In addition, the hotel held a bake sale, with proceeds going to support the school’s art program.
HSS
Hosts Lancaster Science Factory’s Bridge
Mania Summer Camp
For the third consecutive year, High Steel Structures LLC hosted the Bridge Mania summer camp at Lancaster Science Factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. HSS partners with Lancaster Science Factory in workshops, fairs, and the summer camp to help generate interest and enthusiasm for bridge engineering and welded manufacturing, and to raise awareness of HSS as one of the country’s largest steel bridge fabricators.
During this week-long camp, kids learned about bridges by folding paper spans, assembling arches, crossing suspension and cable-stay bridges, exploring the stiffness of a steel truss, and designing, building, and loadtesting their own balsa wood truss bridges. Later in the week, High Structural Erectors LLC assisted in helping campers install diaphragms into a beam span using actual bolts and wrenches. Kids also had an opportunity to test their skills in virtual and real welding, and by creating their own High “H” steel logo. On the final day of camp, participants toured the HSS facility and, as so many great bridge builders do, they chowed down pizza before calling it a day.
Campers use wrenches and bolts to install diaphragms to a beam span.
Lancaster Science Factory hosts approximately 50,000 visitors per year and has become a strong and effective source of STEM stimulation for students in the Lancaster community. Having recently broken ground for a $3 million expansion, the Science Factory will add new exhibits, including a “Sky Bridge” climbing exhibit that will extend from floor to ceiling in the facility’s 20-foot high main hall.
Campers welded the High “H” to a base.
Co-Workers Volunteer for United Way Day of Caring
On Friday, September 7, 2018, High co-workers contributed sweat equity to help beautify Woodward Hill Cemetery during the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United Way Day of Caring. Co-workers pulled weeds, raked leaves, and removed debris at this historic cemetery, which is the resting place of the nation’s 15th - and Pennsylvania’s only - president, James Buchanan.
The 27th annual Day of Caring brought together approximately 1,500 volunteers from across the county to work on special projects that benefit the community. In addition to landscaping, volunteers provided general building maintenance, upgrades, and a variety of other services for local non-profit organizations.
Thank you, High volunteers, for sharing your time and talents to improve this local landmark.
HCC Charity Golf Invitational Benefits Children’s Miracle Network
Back row: HAL’s Lucinda Santiago, Kim Haas, Cody Reifsnyder, and Mike Lorelli.
High Construction Company raised $52,860 during its 10th Annual Charity Golf Invitational. The event, which benefits Children’s Miracle Network and Penn State Children’s Hospital, was held on September 14, 2018, at Foxchase Golf Club in Stevens, Pennsylvania. Geared toward specialty trade contractors, architects, engineers, and suppliers of goods and services to the construction industry, the event has drawn the support of nearly 200 business partners and raised more than $330,000 since 2008.
“We are honored by the generous support from new and familiar faces at our event each year,” said Rick Stoudt, President of HCC. “Together we are strengthening our community and ensuring that our children and families don’t have to travel far to receive urgent and advanced medical care when they need it.”
Children’s Miracle Network and Penn State Children’s Hospital serves the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York, Pennsylvania, communities. Funds raised help to provide life-saving equipment and support vital patient programs, services, and pediatric research at Penn State Children’s Hospital.
HCC co-workers and others on the day of the Golf Invitational.
Front row: Aidalis Lopez (HCL), Mark Walton (HAL), and Carol Love (HCL).
Co-Workers and Retirees Give
Generously to Support the High 2018 United Way Campaign
High co-workers and retirees continue to support those in need by giving generously to United Way. Companywide, 645 pledges totaled $263,004 during the 2018 United Way Campaign, an increase of nearly $10,000 from 2017.
In addition to campaign pledges, High companies participated in kick-off events, bake sales, Penny Wars, and Spanish food sales. These events generated a total of $15,433.15, an increase of more than $4,800 over last year.
Other achievements of note include:
• Greenfield Architects Ltd. had 75% co-worker participation, followed by Homewood Suites by Hilton-Reading, Pennsylvania, with 58%, High Company LLC with 53%, and High Environmental Health and Safety Consulting Ltd. with 50% participation.
• High Retirees increased giving by $9,390 compared to last year, followed by Springhill Suites-Mount Laurel, New Jersey, with an increase of $2,636.
Thank you to Aidalis Lopez (HCL), High’s Campaign Coordinator, and to the company campaign coordinators who assisted in making the 2018 United Way Campaign a great success: Stacie Eberly (HCG); Shannan Givler, Connie Gutshall, and Sue Weniger (HSS); Mindy Nolt (HCL); Linda Sams (HSSC); and Carolyn Workinger (HHL). Also, a big thank you to all who contributed. Your generosity helps United Way provide support to local agencies whose services assist those in need in the communities in which we live and work. Thank you for Living United!
Greenfield Architects Ltd.
High Associates Ltd.
High Retirees and Others 2,252 18,387 75,624 26,809 5,134 3,224 33,376 7,157 48,011 3,369 3,731 35,930 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
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
