The Merit Shop Spokesman Blog

Building Careers at ABC: Apprenticeship Update

In October, ABC Keystone celebrated Careers in Construction Month, dedicated to the many paths available for pursuing opportunities in our great industry. Earlier in November, the Chapter celebrated National Apprenticeship Week. These celebrations of construction careers continue, as every week, apprentices enter the Chapter’s training facility to learn from their instructors the many facets of their trades, each of them striving to build their own skills and futures. Read more for an update on the Electrical and Plumbing programs.

November 18, 2020

Message from the President-CEO: Why We Do What We Do

Seven and a half months ago, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and those dreaded words came down from Governor Tom Wolf: “All nonessential
businesses must close.” As we came to find out, construction was determined to be nonessential. Through many emails and phone calls, we
were able to get some projects open if they were life-sustaining. I am still not sure a real definition has been issued for ‘life-sustaining.’ However, in their wisdom, the State felt they could define it through a waiver process, and we all know how that worked. Read more…

November 16, 2020

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2020!

Join the ABC Keystone Chapter in celebrating apprenticeship and the many career paths and opportunities available in the construction industry! During the week of November 8-14, 2020, we will be highlighting our former apprentices and their career journeys from apprenticeship to leadership. Check back daily for updates and visit our social media channels for daily postings!

November 10, 2020

Member Spotlight: Bill Lastinger, Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

How does ABC provide you value?
ABC Keystone has helped us grow our business by providing a variety of technical and leadership training courses for our employees. The more employees learn skills that apply to their day to day responsibilities, the better your company will be. Knowledgeable employees are more engaged in their work and more valuable to our clients. That has proven itself over and over again through the apprenticeship certification program, management training options, and technical training opportunities, such as ASHE certifications and competent person safety training.

November 9, 2020

A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

Message from the Chair: ABC Delivers Member Value

Over the past two months, ABC Keystone has gradually and safely returned to holding in-person training and classes for apprenticeship, professional development, and safety. The Chapter also brought member social events back into action.

November 3, 2020

Advocacy Update: Thankful for Engaged Members

Thank you for your service and membership with ABC! It is safe to say the start of the new decade did not go as anyone intended. Our members continue to manage the effects of the pandemic and are concerned about business prospects in 2021. Despite these challenges, ABC chapters and members have been more active in our advocacy efforts than ever before. In fact, during and after the shutdown, our grassroots network grew by nearly 50 percent. Thank you!

November 3, 2020

Make Your Voice Heard: VOTE

ABC is committed to keep you informed and connected to resources leading up to Election Day. Your voice and your vote matters! Many of you have already performed your civic duty by casting your vote through the mail. For that, we thank you. Others are planning to vote in-person at the polls. We thank you in advance.

November 2, 2020

Member Spotlight: Raser Industries, LLC

How does ABC provide you value?
My team and I have been pleased to have benefited from a number of ABC Keystone’s member services and trainings, including: Leadership Development training, customized training for my employees, COVID-19 webinars, and networking events such as this past winter’s Meet the Generals event. Read more and Meet Andrew Bachert, General Manager.

October 26, 2020

Election Day is Approaching Fast

ABC is committed to keep you informed and connected to resources leading up to Election Day. Your voice and your vote matters! We are less than one week from the Election Day. If you have not voted yet, we want to make sure you are connected to the resources and information you need to cast a ballot. Discover resources.

October 26, 2020

Ask an Attorney: Part of the Team – Construction Lawyers as a Career in Construction

It is true that attorneys don’t physically build anything. And we don’t dig, paint, or install any materials (although I did put in a slightly uneven
BBQ patio this summer). Still, we are a career in the construction industry. My goal is the same as any other player on the project — whether it be an engineer, architect, estimator, or project manager — I seek to help the project move smoothly and without conflict. The most satisfying part of my career is when I’m able to help a construction company move forward with their projects and business decisions. Sometimes that involves guiding the company through disputes and litigation, but more often than not, the focus of my job is problem-solving and identifying and addressing risk.

October 21, 2020

Celebrating our Newest Members & Member Milestone Anniversaries

Please join us in welcoming our newest members and congratulating those members celebrating milestone anniversaries in October 2020!

October 19, 2020

Champions of Free Enterprise

ABC is committed to keep you informed and connected to resources leading up to Election Day. Your voice and your vote matters! In even-numbered years, the five regional ABC chapters that make up “ABC Pennsylvania” go through a process to review and recommend candidates to support for office. As a service to our members, we posted the full list of those candidates we believe will defend free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy. View the endorsements.

October 18, 2020

Professional Development Series at ABC Keystone

Take Time for a Leadership Style Self Check-up

In today’s ever-changing business environment, you may not often pause and take time to consider what makes a good leader. To be at your most effective, it is important to take some time for yourself on occasion to reflect on your leadership approach and style. Take a self check-up today on the following leadership skills.

October 15, 2020

Advocacy Update: Supporting our Policy Champions

This month, you heard from ABC Keystone’s Board Chair on the consequences of elections. Keeping with that theme, this article will touch on endorsed candidates and the importance of supporting those individuals for office.

October 14, 2020

Voting Options During COVID-19

ABC is committed to keep you informed and connected to resources leading up to Election Day. Your voice and your vote matters! If you are a new voter or unsure if you are registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status by clicking here. The last day to register to vote before the election is Monday, October 19. View helpful resources.

October 13, 2020

The Latest Chapter News from ABC Keystone