This is the post excerpt.
This is my very first post. With this blog, we hope to cover the construction industry issues that are important to the AEC industry in Pennsylvania. While the Keystone Contractors Association cover most of the state, we may not be in the know on all issues. If you’d like to guest write, please let me know. You can either email me (Jon@KeystoneContractors.com) or call the KCA (717.731.6272). I’ll be sure to promote you and/or your company to make it worth your while for contributing something.
Scholarship program continues investing in Pennsylvania students committed to building careers—and communities—across the Commonwealth
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that it has awarded more than $100,000 in college scholarships since launching its scholarship program in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to developing Pennsylvania’s next generation of construction industry leaders.
Designed with a singular mission, the KCA Scholarship Program is unlike any other in the Commonwealth. KCA proudly refers to it as “Pennsylvania’s Scholarship” because every dollar invested stays in Pennsylvania.
To qualify, scholarship recipients must:
“Our goal has never been simply to provide financial assistance,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Our mission is to invest in students who are committed to building Pennsylvania. Every scholarship recipient represents another future leader who will strengthen our workforce, improve our communities, and contribute to the economic future of our Commonwealth.”
Since its inception, the scholarship program has supported students pursuing careers in construction management, engineering, architecture, skilled trades, business, safety, and other disciplines that support Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
Unlike many scholarship programs that allow recipients to attend schools anywhere in the country, KCA intentionally designed its program to keep both the educational investment and future workforce within Pennsylvania.
“The construction industry needs talented young professionals who want to make a difference here at home,” O’Brien said. “By requiring recipients to live, learn, and ultimately help build Pennsylvania, we’re creating a direct pipeline from our classrooms to our jobsites.”
The scholarship initiative reflects KCA’s broader commitment to workforce development, which includes career awareness programs, industry partnerships, apprenticeship promotion, safety education, and leadership development throughout Pennsylvania.
Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, career aspirations, and each student’s desire to contribute to Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
As the program continues to grow, KCA remains committed to expanding scholarship opportunities and encouraging more young Pennsylvanians to pursue rewarding careers that will shape the Commonwealth’s future.
“Reaching the $100,000 milestone is something our members should be proud of,” O’Brien said. “Every scholarship represents an investment in Pennsylvania’s future workforce, infrastructure, and economy. We’re not just awarding scholarships—we’re helping build the next generation of builders.”
About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is Pennsylvania’s leading commercial construction association representing contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and industry partners. KCA is dedicated to advancing the construction industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, safety, and member services while helping build a stronger Pennsylvania.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-884-2801
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Construction is one of America’s most patriotic industries because we build the nation, live the values that made America great and leave every community stronger than we found it. For 250 years, builders have helped write the American story – and we’re proud to continue that legacy today.
In honor of 250 years of the United States of America, this week’s recap features three reasons why Pennsylvania’s construction industry has a deep tradition of patriotism that is rooted in its history, workforce and mission.
Happy 250th Birthday America!
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Penn Installations has been recognized as the as the safest subcontractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting more than 100,000 work hours in 2025.
The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, where construction leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered to recognize excellence in safety, workforce development, and the building industry.
Based in Summerhill, Pennsylvania, Penn Installations provides construction services on projects throughout the Commonwealth and has established a reputation for delivering quality work while maintaining an unwavering commitment to employee safety.
The KCA Safety Award recognizes subcontractors that demonstrate exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of work. Receiving the award reflects a company-wide commitment to protecting employees, investing in training, and fostering a culture where safety is the foundation of every project.
“Penn Installations has set the standard for safety excellence in Pennsylvania’s construction industry,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Managing more than 100,000 work hours while achieving the Commonwealth’s top safety record is an extraordinary accomplishment. This recognition reflects the dedication of every employee and leader who makes safety the first priority every day.”
Penn Installations credits the award to the commitment of its entire workforce, from field employees to supervisors and management, who work together to ensure every project is completed safely and successfully.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Keystone Contractors Association,” said Howard Bernstein, President of Penn Installations. “Safety is more than a program at Penn Installations—it is part of our culture. Every member of our team takes personal responsibility for protecting one another, and this award is a reflection of that shared commitment. We thank KCA for this recognition and remain dedicated to continuous improvement as we serve clients across Pennsylvania.”
The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards recognize contractors whose outstanding safety performance demonstrates that protecting workers is essential to building successful projects and a stronger construction industry.
About Penn Installations
Penn Installations, headquartered in Summerhill, Pennsylvania, is a leading construction subcontractor serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. The company is recognized for its commitment to quality workmanship, dependable service, and an industry-leading culture of safety.
About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:
Pennsylvania budget negotiations continue to influence construction: With the state budget deadline approaching, infrastructure funding, economic development incentives and data center legislation continue to be negotiated. Contractors are watching closely because final budget decisions could affect public building, infrastructure and economic development projects across the Commonwealth. READ MORE.
Philadelphia institutional construction remains active: Despite continued softness in the office market, healthcare, higher education and institutional construction continue to provide opportunities in the Philadelphia region. Commercial developers remain focused on adaptive reuse and specialized facilities rather than speculative office construction. READ MORE.
Panzitta Enterprises Receives KCA’s Highest Safety Honor – The H.B. Alexander Safety Cup: At this year’s Construction Celebration, Panzitta Enterprises was honored as the general contractor in Pennsylvania with the best safety record among firms reporting with over 100,000 hours worked. Named in honor of H.B. Alexander who was a pioneer in Pennsylvania’s construction industry for many reasons like helping the Associated General Contractors of America establish its Safety Committee in the early 1950s, which is almost two decades before OSHA was created. READ MORE.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Panzitta Enterprises has been awarded the H.B. Alexander Safety Cup, recognizing the general contractor in Pennsylvania with the best safety record among firms reporting more than 100,000 work hours during the year.
The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, held in Harrisburg and attended by construction industry leaders, contractors, labor partners, elected officials, and workforce development advocates from across Pennsylvania.
Named in honor of H.B. Alexander, a pioneer in Pennsylvania’s construction industry, the Safety Cup represents KCA’s highest recognition for safety excellence. The award is presented annually to a general contractor that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to workplace safety while maintaining a significant volume of construction activity.
“Panzitta Enterprises has demonstrated that a strong safety culture is not just a priority—it is a core value,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Earning the H.B. Alexander Safety Cup requires excellence, discipline, and a company-wide commitment to ensuring every employee returns home safely each day. We congratulate the entire Panzitta team on this outstanding achievement.”
Panzitta Enterprises has built a reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects while maintaining rigorous safety standards across its operations. The company’s commitment to training, accountability, and continuous improvement has helped create a culture where safety is embedded in every phase of a project.
“We are honored to receive the H.B. Alexander Safety Cup from the Keystone Contractors Association,” said John Panzitta, President, Panzitta Enterprises. “This recognition belongs to every member of our team who embraces safety as a shared responsibility. Our employees, supervisors, and partners work every day to ensure that safety remains at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to continuous improvement.”
The KCA’s Safety Awards Program recognizes contractors that achieve outstanding safety performance and reinforces the industry’s commitment to protecting workers throughout Pennsylvania.
About Panzitta Enterprises
Panzitta Enterprises is a leading Pennsylvania-based construction company operating out of Wilkes-Barre that provides construction management, general contracting, and related services across a wide range of commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.
About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing union construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact: Jon O’Brien | 717-731-6272 | Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:
Data Centers Become Pennsylvania’s Biggest Construction Story: The debate over large-scale AI data center development intensified this week as projects across the Commonwealth faced increasing scrutiny from local governments, environmental groups, and state policymakers. Proposed facilities in Chester County, the Poconos, and other regions are generating major discussions about energy demand, permitting, workforce needs, and economic development. Despite opposition in some communities, state leaders continue to view data centers as a major source of construction jobs and investment. READ MORE.
Dauphin Highlands Golf Course Sold for Data Center Redevelopment: One of the week’s biggest Central Pennsylvania development stories was confirmation that the former Dauphin Highlands Golf Course property near Harrisburg will close and be redeveloped into a data center campus. The $45.6 million transaction is another example of how AI infrastructure demand is reshaping Pennsylvania’s construction landscape and creating future opportunities for sitework, utilities, electrical contractors, and building trades. READ MORE.
Pennsylvania Housing Construction Shortage Draws Attention: A new statewide housing analysis released this week estimated Pennsylvania needs approximately 450,000 additional housing units by 2035. The report highlights permitting delays, development regulations, and infrastructure constraints as significant contributors to construction costs and housing shortages. This is likely to fuel discussions around zoning reform and accelerating residential construction approvals. READ MORE.
CAPTION: Recently the KCA hosted the 2026 Construction Celebration. KCA President Joseph Orr III welcomed the ballroom full of construction professionals and elected officials. More news and announcements from this event will be posted over summer.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
Here are the top Pennsylvania stories this week:
Proposed Muncy Data Center Moves Forward: A proposed data center in Lycoming County advanced with new site-plan details becoming public. The project would require substantial site development, utility infrastructure, and building construction, making it one of the most closely watched private-sector projects in Central Pennsylvania. READ MORE.
Homer City Redevelopment Reaches Major Milestone: The massive redevelopment of the former Homer City power plant site reached a significant construction milestone with completion of a major demolition phase. The site is being positioned for one of the largest energy and industrial redevelopment projects in Pennsylvania, creating future opportunities for heavy civil, industrial, and energy contractors. READ MORE.
Can you inspire the next generation in 30 seconds? The KCA Build the Future Video Challenge is live! We’re calling on contractors, apprentices, engineers, and construction professionals to share why they love working in the construction industry. Show us what you’re building. Show us why it matters. Show students what’s possible. The future won’t build itself. #BuildTheFuture #KCABuildsPA #ConstructionCareers READ MORE.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
HARRISBURG, Pa. – At the 2026 Construction Celebration, the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) announced the launch of the KCA Build the Future Video Challenge, a statewide social media campaign designed to showcase the exciting opportunities available in Pennsylvania’s construction industry and inspire the next generation of builders.
The challenge invites construction companies, union members, apprentices, engineers, project managers, estimators, superintendents, and other industry professionals to create and share short videos—30 seconds or less—highlighting why a career in construction is rewarding, exciting, and impactful.
“The construction industry has an incredible story to tell,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Every day, our members build the schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and facilities that keep Pennsylvania moving forward. Through this challenge, we’re encouraging construction professionals to share their stories and help young people see the opportunities available in our industry.”
Participants are encouraged to create positive, authentic videos showcasing:
• Pride in the projects they build
• The variety and excitement of construction careers
• Great wages and benefits
• Opportunities to earn while learning
• Teamwork and problem-solving
• Advanced technology and innovation
• Why they would recommend construction careers to students and young adults
Videos can be posted on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and other social media platforms between June 9 and November 1, 2026.
To enter, participants should post their videos, using one of the following hashtags:
#BuildTheFuture
#KCABuildsPA
#ConstructionCareers
Winning videos will be selected through a combination of public engagement and judging by a panel of emerging construction professionals. KCA plans to recognize winners at a year-end industry event.
Prizes include:
• Grand Prize: $1,000
• Finalists: $250 each
• Special Recognition Awards for creativity, energy, and industry ambassadorship
The Build the Future Video Challenge is part of KCA’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and promoting careers in Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
“Construction offers outstanding opportunities for people from all backgrounds,” O’Brien said. “Whether someone is interested in the skilled trades, engineering, project management, or technology, our industry provides meaningful careers, strong wages, and the chance to build something that lasts. We look forward to seeing construction professionals across Pennsylvania help us tell that story.”
Additional contest information, rules, and updates will be available through KCA’s social media channels and member communications.
About the KCA: The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and industry consultants committed to building a stronger construction industry throughout the Commonwealth.
Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:
Data Center Construction Continues to Dominate Pennsylvania: The biggest story remains the race to attract AI and hyperscale data centers. Governor Shapiro unveiled details of his proposed incentive package aimed at attracting billions of dollars in additional data center investment. The proposal is receiving support from many construction unions and contractors because of the enormous amount of work these facilities create. READ MORE.
University of Pennsylvania Housing Redevelopment Moves Forward: The University of Pennsylvania finalized a partnership with Greystar to redevelop a 493-bed student housing complex in Philadelphia. The project is another sign that institutional and higher-education construction remains active despite broader concerns about commercial real estate. READ More.
2026 Construction Celebration is Monday Night: Construction’s biggest night in our state capital is this Monday, June 8. See you in Harrisburg: 2026 Construction Celebration, Monday, June 8 • 5 PM – 7 PM.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania.
Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week.
Material Cost Pressures Return: Contractors are once again dealing with rising prices for copper, lumber, aluminum, and diesel fuel. These increases are creating new challenges for estimating, bidding, and project budgeting across both commercial and residential construction sectors. READ MORE.
Pittsburgh Lands $418 Million Convention Center Hotel Project: Plans were announced for a new 500-room luxury hotel adjacent to Pittsburgh’s convention center. The project represents one of the largest commercial construction developments announced in Western Pennsylvania this year and is expected to generate significant work for contractors and trades. READ MORE.
KCA Wraps Up 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month with a Powerful Discussion: The KCA’s Mental Health Awareness Task Force hosted Hard Hats & Healing: Continuing the Conversation on Mental Health to wrap up this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This event featured a construction executive who provided an update on his mental health journey two years after his initial KCA presentation. He shared his struggles with severe clinical anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of medications as a starting point for treatment, the role of faith in recovery and the critical need for supportive communities and understanding leaders in the construction leaders. To view the discussion: Hard Hats & Healing: Continuing the Conversation on Mental Health in Construction.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
Building Pennsylvania 