News
Journal Names The High Companies "Corporate Citizen of the Year"
Lancaster, Pa. — An independent panel selected by Central Penn Business Journal (CPBJ) has named The High Companies "Corporate Citizen of the Year" for 2006 as part of the publication's third annual Business of the Year recognition program. The award was accepted on December 4, 2006, by W. Thomas Kennedy III, President and CEO of High Industries, Inc., and Nevin D. Cooley, President and CEO of High Real Estate Group, LLC.
The Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors an organization showing "sustained commitment to its community and employees" and "exemplifying the tenet of doing well by doing good." Eligible nominees for the categories had to be for-profit entities headquartered in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, or York County.
CPBJ's recognition program was created "to honor area businesses for their outstanding contributions to Central Pennsylvania's business community" and to recognize "an elite group of businesses and business leaders who have proven themselves to be the shining stars of Central Pennsylvania," according to CPBJ.
Finalists and winners this year were chosen by a panel of independent judges including: Shaun Balani, President, Travel Time Travel Agency Inc.; Ronald Drnevich, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Gannett Fleming, Inc.; Kelly Lewis, Present and CEO, Technology Council of Central PA; Mike March, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, York College; Rory Ritrievi, Chief Loan Officer, Commerce Bank and Christine Sears, Sr. Vice President & CFO, Penn National Insurance.
High's commitment to co-workers
The High Companies strives to create a strong work environment to attract and retain the very best people and believes its co-workers are its most important resources. Its commitment to a strong work culture and dynamic growth opportunities reflects that wisdom. The company's vision statement codifies this belief by connecting exceptional customer service, the ultimate goal, to the work place environment, teamwork, and growth. And to make sure the company follows through on this vision, an outside professional research firm, Sirota Consulting Corporation, surveys co-workers on a regular basis. High responds to the feedback by creating and tracking formalized programs and policies that incorporate the needs of co-workers.
The High Companies strives to create a strong work environment to attract and retain the very best people and believes its co-workers are its most important resources. Its commitment to a strong work culture and dynamic growth opportunities reflects that wisdom. The company's vision statement codifies this belief by connecting exceptional customer service, the ultimate goal, to the work place environment, teamwork, and growth. And to make sure the company follows through on this vision, an outside professional research firm, Sirota Consulting Corporation, surveys co-workers on a regular basis. High responds to the feedback by creating and tracking formalized programs and policies that incorporate the needs of co-workers.
A strong co-worker communications program, emphasizing two-way communication methods, includes brown bag "lunch and learn" seminars, large and small group meetings with senior and middle management, informative and inspiring newsletters, and creative incentive programs to keep the work culture dynamic, positive, and healthy.
High's organizational development and training department offers co-workers ongoing educational courses related to their field of work, to safety and health, and to other important areas of growth such as management training, leadership skills, communication skills, and goal setting. The company also reimburses co-workers financially, and provides the time, for pursuits such as real estate licensing and college degree programs related to career development.
And finally, a comprehensive wellness program targets important health issues and applies a truly hands-on approach. Activities include Weight Watchers reimbursement and weight-management contests, smoking cessation programs, wellness seminars, walking programs, and various other fun contests and activities that engage employees and help them take control of, and improve, their health and well-being.
High's commitment to the community
High is committed to playing a major role in supporting the growth and well-being of its community. Team members are involved at every level in community organizations. Co-workers serve on the following Boards/Committees:
High is committed to playing a major role in supporting the growth and well-being of its community. Team members are involved at every level in community organizations. Co-workers serve on the following Boards/Committees:
American Cancer Society
Boy Scouts of America, PA Dutch Council
Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
Children's Miracle Network
Economic Development Corporation
Fulton Theatre
Goodwill Industries
Hands-on-House
Junior Achievement of Central Pa., Inc.
Lancaster County Community Foundation
Lancaster General Hospital
Lancaster Museum of Art
Southeast Lancaster Health Services
United Way of Lancaster
Urban League of Lancaster
Whitaker Center
Boy Scouts of America, PA Dutch Council
Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
Children's Miracle Network
Economic Development Corporation
Fulton Theatre
Goodwill Industries
Hands-on-House
Junior Achievement of Central Pa., Inc.
Lancaster County Community Foundation
Lancaster General Hospital
Lancaster Museum of Art
Southeast Lancaster Health Services
United Way of Lancaster
Urban League of Lancaster
Whitaker Center
In addition to the non-profits mentioned above, many organizations are also supported financially.
2004 Hall of Fame Award
S. Dale High was honored with CPBJ's first Hall of Fame Award in 2004 while president of High Industries, Inc. He serves currently as Chairman of the Board of Directors for both High Industries, Inc. and High Real Estate Group, LLC.
S. Dale High was honored with CPBJ's first Hall of Fame Award in 2004 while president of High Industries, Inc. He serves currently as Chairman of the Board of Directors for both High Industries, Inc. and High Real Estate Group, LLC.
The High Companies, based at Greenfield Corporate Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2006. Founded in 1931, this family-owned company serves its customers through the following businesses: industrial/commercial, multi-family, and retail development; brokerage, leasing, and asset and property management services; real estate investments; hotel ownership and management; architecture and construction; steel fabrication, erection, and distribution; precast concrete building systems; and air-quality and safety consulting. The High Companies operates 44 offices in 10 states. More information is available by visitingwww.high.net.
December 14, 2006
