Carmen and Jared Witmer, owners of J.D. Witmer Drywall, Inc. located in Dover, PA, have been awarded the Hammers & Gavels Award by the statewide Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA). The Hammers & Gavels Award is one of the Association’s highest awards representing statewide legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of the residential construction industry.
The Witmers testified on behalf of PBA when sharing their family business’s experience of being audited twice under Act 72 – the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act. Because of that testimony and meetings with members of the House – two bills amending the Misclassification Act never made it out of the House Labor and Industry Committee – and Union Leaders were forced to admit publicly that Act 72 was never intended to have a detrimental effect on small contractors.
“Not only did they have the courage to step up and speak on behalf of other hard-working businesses and stakeholders, but their message was persuasive and effective,” remarked Jim Rumbaugh, Chair of the PBA Governmental Affairs Committee, when presenting the award to the Witmers.
In addition to their advocacy efforts, the Witmers have offered their time and help to other association members facing similar situations. They are now active members of the York Builders Association’s Government Affairs Committee and their family is also supportive in volunteering at Association events.
About PBA
Chartered in 1952, the Pennsylvania Builders Association is a nonprofit professional trade organization representing more than 4,000 member-companies from across the commonwealth. PBA members include builders, remodelers, material suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, lending institutions, utilities and others involved in the housing industry.
PBA serves its membership by providing proactive leadership on state regulatory and legislative issues and by offering products and services to its 32 local associations and chapters that enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of its members. PBA serves Pennsylvania communities and consumers through its steadfast efforts to protect homeownership rights and advocate for affordable housing options. PBA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.
