How Time Flies During a Pandemic!

ABC Keystone President Message July 2021

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2021, and we are beginning to think about 2022. During the last 16 months, things felt like they would never get back to normal, yet the time flew by quite quickly. So, how have the first six months of 2021 turned out, and what is in store moving forward for ABC Keystone?

Message from the Chair: Racing Towards the Future

A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

As we are inching our way towards spring and summer, I trust your opportunities are rising in tandem with the temperatures! Seeing March on our calendars likely reminds many of us of March 19, 2020 – that Thursday when our phones blew up with Governor Wolf’s order for all construction to shut down the next day! Initially, we believed it was going to be short term, and we would soon be back to normal. Yet, many of us today are still not sure what normal looks like.

Message from the Chair: Entering a Time of Opportunity

A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

Alas it is winter, and we just celebrated – or endured – Groundhog Day. Old Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter for our 2021 Pennsylvania weather! My purpose in referencing Groundhog Day for this article is taken from the 1993 movie of the same name, when Weatherman Phil repeated Groundhog Day over and over until he learned important life lessons and got it right.

Message from the Chair: Championing the Merit Shop

A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

As I humbly step into the Chair position of the ABC Keystone Board for the year 2021 – or maybe it is better described as ‘sitting’ in the Chair position – I wish we were entering a more predictable future for our industry. Looking around, I still hear the COVID-19 ‘Goliath’ stalking and yelling at us to fear him, attempting to intimidate us by his threats. What we really need is a ‘David’ to slay this enemy and allow us to get back to business! To my great delight, I discovered that, lo and behold, we have not one but two Davids in our arsenal to overcome this adversary! A big thank you to David (Dave) Sload and David Greineder, who have led us through the last nine months by increasing and growing our ABC influence and value, staring down any fear that the ‘big old giant’ is attempting to bring our way! We are incredibly grateful for your work!

Message from the Chair: Opportunity Knocks

A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

I believe it goes without saying that 2020 rolled out differently than anyone could have predicted this time last year! The “Year of COVID” was certainly filled with many challenges and setbacks in our personal freedoms and financial successes. However, based on the high performance of our team at ABC Keystone, along with the continued commitment of our members, it is with great optimism, that I believe opportunity will be knocking on many doors in 2021.

What to Remember When Working Through a Recession

ABC Keystone YP Blog

BY: CASSIE SKONIECZNY, PRECONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST, CLARK ASSOCIATES, INC.ABC KEYSTONE YP COMMITTEE MEMBER I can still remember the tension that lived in the air during the 2008 recession. Hearing about family […]

The COVID-19 Storm: What Boat are You In?

Sailing Boat Yacht

We are several months into this wild ride – emotionally drained, frazzled, short-tempered, and less patient – all in the same storm, but not necessarily on the same boat.

Three Helpful Tips for Marketing During COVID-19

digital content word asbtract in wood type

COVID-19 has hit the construction industry hard, but as we adapt back to the new normal, being able to balance social distancing while remaining relevant is a steep hill to climb. Here are three tips to enhance your online presence and marketing abilities:

An Interesting and Unique Political Season

ABC Keystone Merit Shop Advocacy Blog

In typical years, June is an active month, as Legislators put the final touches on a state budget and other agreed-to bills before recessing for the summer. While the state budget was – at least temporarily – completed before June, this month was extremely active from a political and legislative perspective – and we are only at the midway point! Here is a recap of two major happenings:

Types of Claims that May Arise from Construction Project Losses Related to COVID-19

Ask an Attorney - ABC Keystone Blog

Since March, all contractors and subcontractors have been addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Contractors/subcontractors have prepared COVID-19 protocols, revised their employment practices to address the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), evaluated financing options under various stimulus and loan packages, and handled multiple issues arising from government orders.

ABC Keystone Announces National Safe and Healthy Construction Pledge

Construction Safety Pledge

Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone Chapter recently announced the launch of the Safe and Healthy Construction Pledge, an industry-wide call to action to redouble construction jobsite safety commitments under new protocols due to the coronavirus outbreak. Open to all U.S. contractors and industry associations, the pledge calls for prevention, preparedness, and response plans to prevent injuries and disease and safeguard total human health.