Business leaders, economic development professionals, and regional stakeholders gathered at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus May 2 for what organizers called the third “Regional Growth Summit.”
Organizers said it was an event focused on fostering economic expansion, identifying barriers to business, and celebrating regional successes.
State Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana, was among those addressing the event, along with Jennifer Lasser and Rich Fitzgerald of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.
According to a news release issued Tuesday by the event’s publicist, Struzzi and Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and strategic investment.
“Events like these are crucial for aligning public policy with real-world business needs,” said Ray Duffy, business development manager for CAVCON, a Greensburg-based contractor that touts such local projects as the Indiana County Education & Technology Center in White Township and a branch office of First Commonwealth Bank in downtown Indiana.
“By bringing together decision-makers from across sectors, we can better understand the hurdles businesses face and work collaboratively to find solutions,” Duffy said.
CAVCON was a sponsor of the event, along with Noelker and Hull Associates of Chambersburg, and McKibbin Consulting of Pittsburgh.
Attendees discussed topics ranging from workforce readiness and entrepreneurship to commercial real estate development and broadband access.
Greensburg, PA, March 1, 2023 – The Indiana County Education and Technology Center built by CAVCON of Greensburg, PA, has been recognized for architectural excellence by Varco Pruden Buildings, as a Best-in-Class Winner of Schools in the exclusive Hall of Fame award. Varco Pruden Buildings is one of the nation’s largest building-solutions companies. Varco Pruden is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., and has a network of more than 1,000 builders across the United States and Canada.
CAVCON has been named to Varco Pruden’s 2023 Hall of Fame for the Indiana County Education and Technology Center in Indiana, PA. CAVCON worked with Indiana County Commissioners to build the 26,000 square foot state-of-the-art technology building which will house Westmoreland County Community College campus. There is still 11,166 of shell space remaining for the proposed STEM education facility.
The building is housed on the site that is home to Indiana County Technology Center, a technical school in Indiana County serving high school and adult students. The technology center provides technical and academic curricula offering students both theory and hands-on education into secondary education or direct employment into the trades. The Indiana County Education Technology Center will serve as an educational hub for the residents of Indiana, Westmoreland counties, and beyond. The project was completed in July 2022.
The highly competitive Hall of Fame Awards are presented annually to the independent authorized VP Builders whose work reflects innovation and excellence using Varco Pruden building systems by creating exceptional architectural appearance, efficient design, and effective end use. The projects include a range of industrial, commercial, retail, and municipal projects.
Desmone Architects and Stiffler-McGraw Civil Engineers were instrumental in the development of the project. Funding for the project came from a variety of sources. Byron Stauffer, of Indiana County Office of Planning & Development and key leadership in Indiana County were instrumental in spearheading the project. As a Varco Pruden authorized builder with expertise in pre-engineered steel buildings, CAVCON was able to offer insight into the design and budgeting process.
“The Hall of Fame is proof positive that our builders continue to challenge the boundaries by seeking new and innovative ways to prove that Metal Building Systems are the system of choice,” said Paul Day, president of Varco Pruden.
“CAVCON is extremely pleased to have won this award for a second time in a different building discipline. The first time we won the award was for Vollmer of America’s Sales and Distribution Center and the second time winning the award is for Best in Schools. These projects showcase the versatility and capability of a pre-engineered building. None of the architect’s design intent was sacrificed in the construction of a pre-engineered metal building and the bottom line for the customer was a significant cost savings” said Jim Thomas, president of CAVCON
About CAVCON
CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company, CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling, construction management, and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. To learn more, visit www.cavcon.com.
About Varco Pruden Buildings
Varco Pruden Buildings is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Through advanced engineering and proprietary building products, Varco Pruden provides innovative steel building solutions for low-rise commercial and industrial applications – including offices, warehouses, schools, manufacturing and retail projects. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada. Varco Pruden is a member of the MBMA, CSSBI and the USGBC. For additional information, visit www.varcopruden.com.
Greensburg, PA, March 3, 2021 – The Vollmer of America Sales and Distribution Center built by CAVCON of Greensburg, PA, has been recognized by Varco Pruden Buildings, as a Best-in-Class winner of the exclusive Hall of Fame award. Varco Pruden Buildings is one of the nation’s largest building-solutions companies. Varco Pruden is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., and has a network of more than 1,000 builders across the United States and Canada.
CAVCON has been named to Varco Pruden’s 2021 Hall of Fame for the Vollmer of America Sales and Distribution Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The 29,200 square foot facility includes office space, warehouse and a signature showroom highlighting pieces of Vollmer’s equipment that will be used for both sales demonstrations and product training. The project was completed in July 2020.
The highly competitive Hall of Fame Awards are presented annually to the independent authorized VP Builders whose work reflects innovation and excellence using Varco Pruden building systems by creating exceptional architectural appearance, efficient design, and effective end use. The projects include a range of industrial, commercial, retail and municipal projects.
Integrity Design team and architect, Keith Andreyko were chosen to design the project. Keith, a registered architect, brings 21 years of experience and significant history of design honor recognition. As a Varco Pruden authorized builder with expertise in pre-engineered steel buildings, CAVCON was able to offer insight into the design and budgeting process.
The project was initially designed as a conventional steel structure but was significantly over budget. CAVCON suggested changing to a pre-engineered metal building and brought Varco Pruden into the design process. CAVCON and Varco Pruden worked with Integrity Design to make the change. The reduction in the project cost was a $480,000 savings.
“The Hall of Fame is proof positive that our builders continue to challenge the boundaries by seeking new and innovative ways to prove that Metal Building Systems are the system of choice,” said Paul Day, president of Varco Pruden.
“CAVCON is extremely pleased to have won this award as it showcases the versatility and capability of a pre-engineered building. None of the architect’s design intent was sacrificed to make the change to a pre-engineered metal building and the bottom line for the customer was a significant cost savings” said Jim Thomas, president of CAVCON
About CAVCON CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company, CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling, construction management, and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. To learn more, visit www.cavcon.com.
About Varco Pruden Buildings Varco Pruden Buildings is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Through advanced engineering and proprietary building products, Varco Pruden provides innovative steel building solutions for low-rise commercial and industrial applications – including offices, warehouses, schools, manufacturing and retail projects. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders within the United States and Canada. Varco Pruden is a member of the MBMA, CSSBI and the USGBC. For additional information, visit www.varcopruden.com.
Touchstone Center for Crafts is Pennsylvania’s only residential arts and craft center where individuals can take classes and stay on campus recently dedicated Susan Brimo Cox Glass Studio to honor a local artist. Created in 1972, Touchstone Center for Crafts was originally known as Pioneer Crafts Council which was founded by two Pittsburgh women Francis Balter and Agnes Kinard.
This unique craft school has expanded to include contemporary and experimental techniques, in addition to the traditional and historic methods in disciplines such as blacksmithing, ceramics, metals, textiles, glass, oil and watercolor painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. As Pennsylvania’s only residential craft school, Touchstone offers both beginners and seasoned artists more than one hundred week-long and weekend courses taught by some of North America’s finest artists and artisans.
Mary Len Hajduk, President of the Board of Directors, described the destruction of the Old Red Barn’s structure in 2010 where a snow storm severely damaged the building’s roof. Since that time, the damaged structure prohibited the organization from offering any significant glass classes. Only during the past year has funding become available that will cover the cost of the construction of a new glass studio. The facility will feature state-of-the-art equipment and kilns, offering an excellent place to conduct classes. The Old Red Barn was demolished last year and the wood from the barn will be repurposed into other construction projects.
The contemporary studio glass movement has caught the imagination of the public more than any craft form in the last decade, and remains an essential component to the resurgent interest in craft processes. Shauna Soom, Executive Director for the center stated the following, “Until our facility (the Red Barn) was severely damaged in 2010, Touchstone offered a wide array of glass workshops and was poised to benefit from the increasing public interest in glassmaking. With the new energy-efficient and well-equipped glass education studio, Touchstone will again be able to provide a diverse and extensive offering of glass workshops in an inviting, environmentally healthy, and responsible setting. Ultimately, this new facility will serve as a regional model for the synthesis of environmental stewardship and visual arts education.
Left side front, left to right: Sarah Stopyra, Shawn Fischer, Carolyn Danus. Left side back, left to right: Frank Golba, Touchstone Center for Crafts (TCC) Board of Director’s Past President Dan Fischer, Aaron Lane, Lloyd Cox. Right side, left to right: Kevin Kopp, Dolores Kopp, Monica Saffri, Mary Len Hajduk, TCC Board of Director’s President Shauna Soom, TCC Executive Director
The objective of the project was to construct and equip an environmentally responsible glass education studio on Touchstone’s campus. This studio will efficiently provide educational programming in a variety of glass-making techniques to more than 150 participants every season. Based on technical counsel from a wide range of glass artists in the region, we have identified the equipment necessary to make our new glass studio an energy-efficient educational destination for glass artists. With high-quality equipment for lampworking, cold working, slumping, fusing, and stained glass, Touchstone will re-emerge as a regional focal point for exploration and creativity in this most dynamic medium.”
Soom further commented that throughout the bidding process, CAVCON, the contractor chosen for the project, worked closely with Touchstone regarding the project. They were responsive, and the comprehensive team they involved in the estimation process (HVAC, architects, surveyors, estimators, etc.) was exceptional.
Mike Phillips, President of CAVCON, indicated the design/build services CAVCON offers facilitated conversations and modifications for particular pieces of glass equipment and energy efficiencies allowing for adjustments to building plans prior to the onset of construction, saving the organization time and money.
The project received approval from the local commissioners and construction begin in the spring of 2015. Susan Brimo Cox, a recognized glass artist loved Touchtone Center for Crafts. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and passed away in 2012. In Susan’s memory, her family made a generous donation to the center. The project was completed in late summer and the new facility was dedicated in the fall of 2015 as The Susan Brimo Cox Glass Studio in her honor.
About Touchstone: Touchstone is located in Farmington, Pennsylvania, amid the natural splendor of the Laurel Highlands. Founded in 1972 as the Pioneer Crafts Council, Touchstone’s original mission was to foster interest in the preservation of the traditional craft forms and culture of the Appalachian region. Touchstone provides underserved audiences in the region, from senior citizens to public school students, with craft-centered educational programming. Touchstone’s artistic, educational, and residential facilities sit on 150 acres of lush woodlands and pristine wilderness. Not only is Touchstone Center for Crafts the only residential craft school in Pennsylvania, it’s the natural setting for your creative nature.
About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
