ABC Keystone Adds First-in-Pennsylvania ‘Assembler, Pre-Engineered Buildings’ PA-Registered Apprenticeship Program
Manheim, Pa, December 13, 2021—The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) is pleased to announce the addition of Assembler, Pre-Engineered Buildings to the PA-Registered apprenticeship programs available through the Chapter. ABC Keystone worked with the Metal Building Institute to construct the program which was approved by the PA Department of Labor & Industry and accepted by the State Apprenticeship Council in September 2021.
ABC Keystone Promotes Ross Deihm, CPA, to VP of Finance & Business Administration
Manheim, Pa, December 7, 2021— The Associated Builders & Contractors, Keystone Chapter is pleased to announce the promotion of Ross Deihm, CPA, to VP of Finance and Business Administration. Ross has served as the Keystone Chapter’s Controller for the past three and a half years providing accounting and finance services. In his new position, Ross will continue to oversee the accounting and finance functions of the Chapter and related entities with an increased role in guiding the Chapter into the future. This will include expanded responsibilities in insurance, human resources, IT and database, supervision of administrative staff, and building managemen
Message from the Chair: Leading & Serving
As my year as Chair of the ABC Keystone Board draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude for our President-CEO Dave Sload, the entire ABC Keystone staff, and of course, our tremendous volunteers that give so selflessly to make our various events a reality. Likewise, I wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to my fellow Board members and the many Committees and Chairs whom I’ve had the pleasure of leading and serving this past year. Most of all, it was my honor and delight to serve the entire membership of over 530 companies in 2021.
Message from the Chair:
Be Grateful & Give Thanks
We are now in the month of November, and my mind is drawn to our traditional Thanksgiving holiday and the customs that surround this annual occasion. We all have memories of learning the history of the early Pilgrims and the indigenous people that lived here before the Pilgrims arrived. The history of America’s beginnings can bring a variety of opinions regarding how the history should be presented, but we can all agree we are thankful that history created early America, and we can be thankful for ABC.
ABC Keystone Awards Top Contractors
for Excellence in Construction & Safety
MANHEIM, Pa, November 4, 2021 – The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) recognized local member contractor firms at the 32nd annual ABC Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards Gala held November 3, 2021, at Spooky Nook Sports, Manheim. This event highlights the top regional projects built by ABC Keystone contractor members throughout the past year.
Never Let a Crisis Go to Waste
As you arrived at your office this morning, read your emails, caught up on LinkedIn, spoke to your leaders and engaged in the many ways you stay in touch with the daily reality of your company, you likely got some unsettling news. A shipment of supplies or equipment has been delayed, a job has been shut down due to COVID-19, prices have been increased, or some bit of long-awaited news arrived, and now you need to make a decision and deal with the change.
Local Apprentices Earn Opportunity
to Compete in ABC National Craft Competition
Four ABC Keystone apprentices received top scores at the Keystone Chapter’s annual Local Craft Competition on Saturday, September 18, 2021, held at the Chapter’s state-of-the-art training facility in Manheim. The top scorers who demonstrated their superior skills, training and safe work practices will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the upcoming 2022 ABC National Craft Competition (NCC) to be held March 15-17, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. At the National Craft Competition, they will compete against apprentices from ABC’s 69 chapters nationwide.
ABC Keystone Adds Three New Team Members:
HVAC Instructor, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, and Administrative Assistant Member Services
Manheim, Pennsylvania, September 13 — ABC Keystone is pleased to announce three new team members have joined the Chapter staff: Derek Robbins (New Cumberland), HVAC Instructor; Janet Gribble (Ronks), Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications; and Lori Allison (Columbia), Administrative Assistant Member Services. Please see below for more information.
Message from the Chair:
Look Forward to Live, Look Back to Learn
It’s time for a bit of reflection. As I look back at my career of over fifty years, it brings me great satisfaction to visualize the journey. If you are like me, I trust that you likewise can look at the history of your career and say, “It was good!”
I’ve heard it said, “Look forward to live and look back to learn!” Just like driving a vehicle, most of your attention needs to be looking forward through the windshield, combined with a small amount of time looking in the rearview mirror. Every one of us has made a mistake at some point in our lives or careers, and we definitely need to look back to learn from it. But if we get fixated on the past – in the rearview mirror – we will surely crash our future! Whether you are early in your race, or nearing the finish line, setting goals and planning for progression sets the tone for victory!
Area Contractors Recognized as Top-performing Safety Leaders
(MANHEIM, Pa.) The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announced the 2021 STEP Safety Management System participants and recognized its 2021 OSHA Partners on Tuesday, August 17, during ABC Keystone’s Safety Recognition Breakfast presented by Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC. During the event, representatives from Keystone Chapter member companies had the opportunity to hear remarks from Kevin Chambers, Area Director, U.S. Department of Labor OSHA – Harrisburg Area Office.
Message from the Chair: Energize Through Activism!
To my fellow construction industry friends: is it just me, or are you, too, sensing an unfair trend in the policies and practices of the current administration? It sure seems like they are creating an atmosphere that is highly toxic for free enterprise!
I ask you to consider a current bill that is requiring all large government jobs to have a PLA (Project Labor Agreement). Simply interpreted, this means that only union contractors may bid the job. The ramifications of this are obvious – the end of free enterprise as we know it! The passage of this bill means that over 80% of contractors are unable to bid government jobs, and for ABC especially, this is unacceptable.
Twelve Lancaster County Students Discover Careers in Construction at ABC Keystone’s First-ever Construction Summer Camp for Girls
Manheim, Pa, July 12, 2021— During the week of June 14-18, 2021, 12 female students from Lancaster County attended a week-long summer camp at ABC Keystone’s training facility in Manheim. The All ‘bout Construction (ABC) Girls Camp (grant-funded by the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board), was a first-ever program offered by the Chapter and provided the students with the opportunity to meet with female construction industry leaders in addition to visiting jobsites of local contractors and learning beginner trade skills. During the week, the campers used the knowledge and training they gained to create their very own steampunk-themed, lighted charging station.
