safety – Building Pennsylvania

Rocky Bleier Construction Group Receives KCA Safety Award for Outstanding Safety Performance

HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Rocky Bleier Construction Group has been named the recipient of the 2025 Safety Award for the safest general contractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting between 50,000 and 100,000 work hours.

The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, where construction industry leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered to recognize companies that exemplify excellence in safety, workforce development, and leadership within Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rocky Bleier Construction Group has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality commercial construction projects while fostering a workplace culture where safety is a core value. The company’s commitment to employee training, proactive planning, and accountability has helped establish one of the safest work environments in the Commonwealth.

The KCA Safety Award recognizes general contractors that achieve exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of construction work. Companies receiving this honor demonstrate that protecting workers is fundamental to successful project delivery and long-term business excellence.

“Rocky Bleier Construction Group has built a culture where safety is embedded into every aspect of its operations,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Receiving Pennsylvania’s top safety award among general contractors with between 50,000 and 100,000 work hours is an outstanding accomplishment. This recognition reflects the company’s dedication to protecting its employees, supporting its clients, and setting a standard of excellence for the entire construction industry.”

Rocky Bleier Construction Group attributes the award to the commitment of its employees, project managers, field supervisors, and leadership team, who work together every day to ensure every jobsite operates safely and efficiently. Safety is the foundation of everything they do and this award reflects their commitment to continuously strengthening their safety culture.

The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards recognize construction companies that demonstrate outstanding safety performance and reinforce the industry’s commitment to ensuring that every construction professional returns home safely at the end of each workday.

About Rocky Bleier Construction Group

Rocky Bleier Construction Group, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a commercial construction company serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. The company provides construction management, general contracting, and related services while emphasizing quality, integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to workplace 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

Mid-State Construction Receives KCA Safety Award for Outstanding Safety Performance

HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Mid-State Construction has been named the recipient of the 2025 Safety Award for the safest general contractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting under 50,000 work hours.

The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, where construction professionals from across the Commonwealth gathered to recognize excellence in safety, workforce development, and leadership within Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mid-State Construction has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality commercial construction projects while maintaining an unwavering commitment to protecting its employees, trade partners, and clients through a strong culture of safety.

The KCA Safety Award recognizes general contractors that achieve exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of construction work. Companies are evaluated on their safety records, demonstrating that outstanding project performance begins with ensuring every worker returns home safely each day.

“Mid State Construction has demonstrated that safety and project success go hand in hand,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Earning the top safety award among Pennsylvania general contractors with under 50,000 work hours is an outstanding accomplishment. This recognition reflects a culture where every employee understands that safety is a shared responsibility and a core value.”

Mid-State Construction credits the achievement to the dedication of its employees, supervisors, and project teams who consistently prioritize planning, communication, training, and accountability on every jobsite.

The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards celebrate construction companies that demonstrate outstanding leadership in workplace safety and reinforce the industry’s commitment to protecting the skilled men and women who build Pennsylvania.

About Mid State Construction

Mid State Construction, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a full-service general contractor serving clients throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond. The company specializes in commercial construction and is recognized for delivering quality projects through experienced leadership, strong client relationships, and an unwavering commitment to workplace safety.

About the Keystone Contractors Association

Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending July 17, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

AI Data Centers Continue to Dominate Pennsylvania’s Construction Pipeline: Large-scale AI data center development continues to reshape western and northeastern Pennsylvania because of the state’s available power infrastructure and land. The latest national attention focused on Salem Township, where hundreds of millions of dollars in land acquisitions are fueling future data center construction. READ MORE.

Labor Demand Continues to Increase: The workforce challenge remains one of the industry’s biggest constraints as large industrial projects compete for skilled labor. KCA research indicates strongest demand for: electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, HVAC technicians, concrete finishers and project managers. For a national perspective READ MORE. In Pennsylvania, the KCA made a big workforce development announcement: KCA has an announcement. #BuildtheFuture #ConstructionCareers #KCAbuildsPA.

KCA’s Response to the State Budget: Last weekend the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Shapiro approved the 2026/2027 State Budget. KCA appreciated the fiscal restraint of the budget. Click here to read the entire KCA Statement on the 2026/2027 State Budget.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Ralph E. Jones, Inc. Receives KCA Safety Award for Outstanding Safety Performance

HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Ralph E. Jones, Inc. has been named the recipient of the 2025 Safety Award for the safest subcontractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting between 50,000 and 100,000 work hours.

The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, where construction industry leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered to recognize excellence in safety, workforce development, and leadership in Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.

Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ralph E. Jones, Inc. has built a longstanding reputation for delivering quality specialty construction services while maintaining an unwavering commitment to workplace safety. The company has consistently demonstrated that a proactive safety culture is essential to protecting employees and delivering successful projects throughout Pennsylvania.

The KCA Safety Award recognizes subcontractors that achieve exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of work. Companies earning this distinction exemplify the highest standards of training, planning, accountability, and employee engagement, proving that safety is fundamental to every successful project.

“Ralph E. Jones, Inc. has earned this recognition through a steadfast commitment to protecting its workforce every day,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Achieving Pennsylvania’s top safety record among subcontractors with between 50,000 and 100,000 work hours is an outstanding accomplishment. It reflects a culture where safety is embraced by every employee—from company leadership to the field—and serves as an example for our entire industry.”

During the Construction Celebration awards presentation, company officials said the award reflects the dedication and professionalism of every employee who contributes to maintaining safe jobsites and continuously improving safety practices. Additionally, at the event Ralph E Jones representatives expressed how safety is one of their core values and is woven into every aspect of their work.

The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards recognize contractors that demonstrate outstanding safety performance and reinforce the industry’s commitment to protecting the skilled tradespeople who build Pennsylvania’s schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, infrastructure, and commercial buildings.

About Ralph E. Jones, Inc.

Ralph E. Jones, Inc., headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a respected specialty construction contractor serving commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, and institutional clients throughout Pennsylvania. The company is recognized for its quality craftsmanship, experienced workforce, and unwavering commitment to workplace safety. For more information visit: Home Page | Ralph E. Jones, Inc.

About the Keystone Contractors Association

The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is a leading Pennsylvania 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

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending July 10, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

Pennsylvania Demographics Continue to Affect Hiring: The Pennsylvania Chamber continues warning that workforce availability—not unemployment—is becoming the state’s biggest economic challenge. Some notable figures: For every 100 jobs open, only about 77 qualified Pennsylvanians are available; and, an aging workforce and slower population growth are reducing the available labor pool, particularly in the skilled trades. READ MORE.

Northeast Pennsylvania Reports Ongoing Workforce Challenges: A recent regional economic report found construction activity remains relatively strong in Northeast Pennsylvania, but contractors continue identifying workforce shortages as one of the industry’s primary constraints on growth. READ MORE.

KCA Surpasses $100,000 in Scholarships: 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. READ MORE (CPBJ is password protected. If you cannot view article, click to read KCA release).

PHOTO CAPTION: KCA Education Committee Chairman Jim Darr with the 2026 KCA Scholarship winners: Kevin Brown, Lindsay Baer and Keely Nunn.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending July 3, 2026

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.

Construction Literally Builds America: No industry has a more direct connection to the nation’s growth than construction. Pennsylvania contractors build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps America moving. Construction professionals don’t just work in America—they build the places where Americans live, work, learn, and serve. That creates a strong sense of pride and purpose.
The Industry Shares America’s Founding Values: Construction reflects many of the same values that have defined America for 250 years. Many contractors are family-owned businesses that have been passed from one generation to the next. Pennsylvania has construction companies that are fourth-, fifth-, and even sixth-generation family businesses. Those traditions mirror the American story of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and building something lasting for future generations. Some of our industry’s values:
- Hard work
- Self-reliance
- Personal responsibility
- Teamwork
- Freedom to build businesses and careers
- Opportunity through the skilled trades
Construction Has a Strong Tradition of Service: The construction workforce has long included military veterans, volunteer firefighters, first responders, coaches, community leaders, and civic volunteers. Many construction professionals see their work as serving their communities, not just earning a living. Building a safer bridge, a new school, or a veterans’ facility has a lasting impact on people’s lives. Construction companies regularly:
- Rebuild communities after a natural disaster.
- Donate time, equipment, and materials to charitable causes.
- Support local schools, youth sports and community organizations.

Happy 250th Birthday America!

Penn Installations Earns KCA’s Highest Safety Honor for Pennsylvania Subcontractors

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

Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending June 26, 2026

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!

Panzitta Enterprises Receives KCA’s Highest Safety Honor – The H.B. Alexander Safety Cup

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

www.KeystoneContractors.com

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending June 19, 2026

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!