Workforce Development – 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

KCA Statement on the 2026-27 Pennsylvania State Budget

HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) appreciates the completion of Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 State Budget and is encouraged by its overall fiscal restraint.

From the perspective of Pennsylvania’s construction industry, we are pleased that the Commonwealth maintained its commitment to fiscal stability by preserving the Rainy Day Fund. Maintaining healthy reserves strengthens Pennsylvania’s financial position and helps provide confidence for taxpayers, employers, and the businesses that build and maintain the Commonwealth’s infrastructure.

We are also encouraged that the budget contained relatively few major policy changes. While there are many important issues facing Pennsylvania, significant policy decisions deserve careful analysis rather than being rushed through the budget process.

In particular, KCA believes it was prudent not to advance major initiatives like the legalization of recreational marijuana as part of this year’s budget negotiations. KCA does not support the legalization of marijuana, but we do understand that complex issues like this carry long-term economic, regulatory, and workforce implications and should receive thoughtful public debate, stakeholder feedback and legislative committee reviews before becoming law.

Pennsylvania has experienced the consequences of rushing major policy initiatives before. When casino gaming was legalized during the Rendell administration, the process moved quickly, and several casino licenses were awarded to investors whose financial capacity had not been fully vetted. One project ultimately experienced significant financial problems, leaving construction contractors and suppliers with substantial unpaid work. The financial losses were severe enough that two Pennsylvania construction companies ultimately went out of business.

That experience serves as an important reminder that economic development initiatives must be paired with strong financial due diligence and responsible oversight. As an advocate for construction employers, we cannot stress enough how important it is for careful planning to protect both taxpayers and the businesses that invest their people and resources into these projects.

KCA looks forward to working with the Shapiro Administration and the General Assembly on policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry, promote responsible economic growth, and ensure the Commonwealth remains financially sound for years to come.

About the Keystone Contractors Association

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!

Keystone Contractors Association Surpasses $100,000 in College Scholarships to Build Pennsylvania’s Future Workforce

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:

Be a Pennsylvania resident.
Attend a Pennsylvania college, university, or trade-related institution.
Demonstrate a commitment to building their career—and Pennsylvania’s future—after graduation.

“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

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

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

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!

Pennsylvania Construction Recep – The Top Stories for the Week Ending June 12, 2026

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!