Message from the President-CEO

Progress – A Mid-year Review

By: G. David Sload, President-CEO, ABC Keystone

It is hard to believe that over half of 2022 has gone by. With this, ABC Keystone needs to look at how we are doing in terms of the strategic initiatives we set forth at the beginning of the year. The four areas we review are Political Influence, Continuous Growth & Value, Safety & Health, and Being the Leading Force in Workforce Development Education & Training.

I am happy to say we are moving in a positive direction in all four areas. Political Influence is tough to measure since it seems nothing gets accomplished in Washington or Harrisburg. The Keystone Chapter continues to chip away at making our presence known. The number of contacts made through our Voter Voice app continues to grow. As a result, our lobbying team make more contacts prior to legislation being discussed than ever before. Our PAC and Independent Expenditure funds are higher currently then the same time last year. This is a very important election cycle.

When we consider Continuous Growth & Value, I’m pleased to report that the Keystone Chapter reached membership growth* during the month of July for the second straight year. Membership growth is the result of both excellent member retention (92.4%, the third highest in our Chapter’s 63-year history) and robust new member enrollment. Additionally, ABC Keystone has had the privilege of consolidating the ABC Central PA Chapter into our Chapter this year, and the addition of their 84 member firms brings the Keystone Chapter membership to 625 as of this writing.

This consolidation provides members with the valuable opportunity to reach an even greater group of contractors with advocacy, education, and networking. We are completing the setup of a regional council in the consolidated area, known as our Nittany Valley Region. This regional council will help us focus on the needs of members in that region. We already have networking events set up in Nittany Valley for August and September. This will provide a great opportunity for all Keystone members to network together.

STEP continues to be the leading push under Safety and Health. The data we gather from STEP helps us fight when the unions say we are not safe. Currently, 25.36% of our contractors participate, but we need more. Our goal for this year is 35% of contractor members enrolled in STEP by year end. The STEP application can be filled out until the end of October, so you still have time. If you aren’t sure where or how to enroll, please reach out to us at the ABC office.

Last, but certainly not least, to review is Education and Training. We continue to hold robust training opportunities with classes often at full capacity. Apprenticeship numbers are high again this year, and we continue to make improvements to the program that make it one of the best registered programs around. Our outreach to high schools and middle schools continues, and we are starting to see some of these young people enter our industry.

The first six months have been busy. Thanks to the staff, the Board and our members we have had continued success. We know we have much work to do as we complete 2022 and prepare for 2023. Help us help you by continuing to communicate what you need from your association. ABC Keystone is a member-driven association. You are the key to our success.