2023 Craft Professional of the Year
Local Construction Industry Professional Awarded 2023 Craft Professional of the Year. (Manheim, Pa, May 30, 2023) — ABC Keystone is pleased to announce the 2023 Craft Professional of the Year […]
Message from the President-CEO: Get Into Politics or Get Out of Business…
Get Into Politics or Get Out of Business…
This phrase was coined by an early ABC Freedom Fighter to help members understand the value of being engaged in order to protect your business. As ABC’s history has evolved, at times we believe we are making progress. As a result, we tend to let off the gas and become complacent. If you are not aware you and your businesses are under attack.
Message from the Chair: ABC’s Commitment to Training Tomorrow’s Workforce
On Thursday, May 25, 98 apprentices will graduate from the ABC Keystone Apprenticeship program, marking a milestone in each one of their careers. Graduates will be representing 42 different companies across seven various trade programs (carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, heavy equipment operator, HVAC, plumbing, and sheet metal). What an extraordinary achievement for each of these individuals! Reaching this milestone doesn’t happen without hard work, dedication, drive, and commitment to their trade.
Message from the President-CEO: WARNING! Failure to Follow Directions, Knowingly or Unknowingly, Could Lead to Criminal Charges Being Filed!
The PA Prevailing Wage Act has been in existence for over sixty years. Since the law’s inception, an employee who believes they are being paid incorrectly on their work task classifications or on the fringe benefits is able to file a complaint with the Department of Labor & Industry.
With one decision, the above-described process has been totally upended. For the first time ever, an employee complaint on a Pennsylvania prevailing wage job has led to the filing of criminal charges and an employer being found guilty and sentenced to jail time. Put very simply, a couple of employees decided to go to the local District Attorney and claim wages were being stolen from them due to erroneous job classifications. The case was then taken on by the State Attorney General’s office. For the last four plus years, ABC Keystone has been supporting Scott Good in the case of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs. Goodco Mechanical.
Message from the Chair: Developing a Culture of Safety
Construction workplace safety is arguably the most critical part of our businesses. By its nature, construction is inherently a dangerous occupation. Day in and day out, our construction workforce is installing the infrastructure of tomorrow. These job sites are fraught with potential risks to the well-being of our workforce. Our industry has transformed immensely since the turn of the 20th century, most notably in 1970 when the Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training. Since the inception of OSHA, workplace fatalities have been reduced by more than 65%. But having OSHA standards isn’t enough to ensure your workforce and trade partners go home safe and healthy at the end of the workday. As leaders in this industry, we must be committed to developing and nurturing a safety culture in our organizations.
Local ABC Keystone Apprentices Awarded
Top Honors at National Craft Competition
(Manheim, PA) March 17, 2023 — Today, ABC Keystone announced four member companies won 4 of 82 National Excellence in Construction® awards, presented during the ABC Convention 2023 in Orlando, Florida, on March 16. The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative construction projects from across the country.
ABC Keystone Members Earn National Construction Project Honors
(Manheim, PA) March 17, 2023 — Today, ABC Keystone announced four member companies won 4 of 82 National Excellence in Construction® awards, presented during the ABC Convention 2023 in Orlando, Florida, on March 16. The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative construction projects from across the country.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week! Meet Cynthia DeWire
This week we celebrate and recognize the women in construction at ABC Keystone. Cindy has been with ABC Keystone for 30 years, and is dedicated to increasing partnerships and articulation agreements with schools and organizations to work together to help build future leaders.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week! Meet Stephanie Larkin
This week we celebrate and recognize the women in construction at ABC Keystone. First, meet Stephanie Larkin, VP of Education. Stephanie started her career at Keystone in 2018. She supervises and coordinates the day-to-day management of the Chapter’s Education Department. Stephanie is passionate about the ABC Keystone education initiative and the success of our students.
Message from the Chair: Women in Construction Month
If you attended this year’s ABC Keystone Economic Breakfast, keynote speaker Anirban Basu spoke of the shortage of available workforce across the US in general and its direct impact on the construction industry. Workforce shortages aren’t new to the industry, and I believe many of us recognize we will continue to face this barrier for the foreseeable future.
Message from the President-CEO
Last month I shared several affinity programs that would possibly improve your bottom line. I mentioned a new program on the horizon, a multi-employer 401K program. Well, it is here and available.
Women In Construction Week March 5-11, 2023
HISTORY OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK
Women in Construction Week takes place during the first full week in March every year. It is a time to highlight all the great initiatives and work of women within the industry. Likewise, it is a time that brings to the fore the opportunities that are available to women in construction.
