Nearly 1,900 members of the highway construction industry assembled in Hershey to learn, share ideas, and make connections at the 44th APC/PennDOT/PA Turnpike Commission Fall Seminar, the largest event of its kind in Pennsylvania. Attendance rebounded this year to pre-covid heights, with contractors, engineers, inspectors, suppliers, and clients excited to mix and reconnect during the annual event.

Over 60 speakers – including former PSU star quarterback Todd Blackledge – showcased their expertise during presentations on Thursday and Friday. Blackledge, who is currently an ESPN analyst, kicked off the event with a talk on creating a championship team mentality.

During the opening General Session, APC’s 2023 Officers and Board Members were introduced. They include:

  • 2023 Officers
    • Albert Hoffman, Road-con Construction Company, APC President
    • Scott Grannas, Grannas Brothers, Inc., APC Vice President
    • Mark A. Gentile, Trumbull Corp., APC Treasurer
    • Robert Latham, APC, Executive Vice President
  • New APC Board Members
    • Steve Barber, Michael Baker, Inc.
    • David Palmer, Pennsy Supply
    • Derek Steward, Hanson Aggregates
    •  Jamie Stilley, Amerikohl Aggregates

Thursday morning attendees also heard from American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s first female chair, Paula Hammond; gave a standing ovation to Kent Wible who was presented with the James J. Skelly Award, APC’s highest honor for volunteer leadership; and heard remarks from PA Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton and PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian who concluded the session.

Thursday afternoon offered a variety of workshops that focused on project reviews, diversity and inclusion, safety, materials, updates on various PennDOT and Turnpike initiatives, and more. It also included a new entertaining addition – Family Feud: APC Edition, where teams composed of Eastern PA vs Western PA members competed to guess what surveyed APC members knew about APC benefits and aspects of the Fall Seminar. Not only was it fun, but attendees learned a little more about APC membership in the process.

Conference-goers had the chance to meet with nearly 170 exhibitors during receptions, lunch, and workshop breaks. Attendees enjoyed mingling and fresh hors d’oeuvres options during the evening receptions on Wednesday and Thursday and celebrated Wayne Willey’s retirement in the APC/Gannett Fleming Hospitality Suite well into the night.

Friday’s Closing Session provided reviews on the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CVST) Project, Mon-Fayette Expressway, and the Fern Hollow Emergency Bridge Replacement before wrapping up with the eagerly awaited PA Turnpike Commission Capital Plan and PennDOT Program Forecast for next year. PennDOT Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser announced that the projected 2023 PennDOT letting program is $2.7 Billion. Presentations from seminar presentations are available here.

APC is grateful for all who attended and the Annual Partners, Sponsors and Exhibitors that made this year’s event a success. We look forward to gathering in Hershey again next year on November 15-17, 2023.