It has been a busy summer for Empire Group! We enjoyed fun events, our affiliates provided an array of services for diverse projects, purchased new equipment/trucks, and welcomed new team members and summer interns. 


Fun Company Events 


Family Fun Day at Knoebels


On July 31st, Empire Group employees and their families had a wonderful time at the annual Empire Group Family Fun Day at Knoebels Amusement Park. The day began with a delicious buffet-style lunch prepared and served by Russ Mountjoy (Elk), his wife Kristi and daughter Kasiti. There was an array of smoked meats including chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, along with plenty of side dishes, fixings, drinks, and desserts. We truly appreciate all their hard work and the amazing food. After lunch, everyone headed into the park to enjoy its many attractions, including rides, games and shows. It was truly a memorable event, and we look forward to next year’s Family Fun Day! 


26th Annual Empire Golf Open


The 26th Annual Empire Group Golf Open was held on August 21st at Willow Hollow Golf Course in Leesport, PA. We had 104 of the finest golfers in the area arrive for their 8:00 AM shot gun start. We had one golfer from Nashville, Tennessee and another from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina attend because of their appreciation for this wonderful event, and they were not disappointed. After the 4.5-hour round of golf, the players were treated to a delicious lunch of fried chicken and pierogis along with various meats to make the biggest sandwich they wanted. After lunch, Russ Oswalt handed out various awards, including:

·      First Place with a score of -16: Deka Battery Team - Team Captain Lance Tarnoski

·      Closest to the pins on each par 3 hole: # 3 Chad Quinter 3’2” (nice shot!)

·      Longest Drive Hole (Women): # 2 Sharon Jablonski


A big thank you to Russ Oswalt for organizing the event and to his wife, Pamela, for serving as the caterer. 


Diverse Projects from Our Affiliates


Removal of Oil Tanks


Elk Environmental Services removed two 1,000-gallon oil tanks inside of a building on a former mushroom farm in Kennett Square, PA. The tanks stored heating oil and had not been in service for many years. Since the tanks were inside the building, the work areas were small and did not provide enough room for large equipment. Elk’s team cut a rectangular section of the concrete to access the tank, minimizing the amount of concrete restoration work needed upon completion. The concrete pieces were removed with a mini excavator. Once the tank was opened, it was cleaned, pressure washed and removed. The hole was backfilled with 2A modified stone then compacted and leveled. The same process was used to clean and remove the second tank. The tanks were cut up for disposal. Lastly, the team restored the concrete slabs as requested by the client.


Demolition of a Landmark Firehouse


On June 9th, the Gilbertsville Firehouse era came to an end. The structure was demolished to make room for a new, combined firehouse and Douglas (Montgomery) Township Police Department building. Empire Services’ experience staff and expert equipment, including our 345 John Deere excavator, CAT 321 excavator, Extec c12 jaw crusher, completed the project as well as recycled important materials from the demolition debris (e.g., steel). The demolition process began by opening the exterior wall and removing the interior features, which included large clear span steel trusses, various social club features, and the fire company working quarters. Even with its unusual pile design, this redevelopment project was a success, allowing the site to be prepared for building construction.


DVC Teams Up with Empire Services 


DVC assisted Empire Services in the cleanup of Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) material at Reading Regional Airport. EMAS is crushable material installed at the end of a runway to stop a plane from overrunning it. At the Reading Airport, EMAS successfully stopped a plane when it skidded off the runway. Empire Services cleaned up the material and DVC hauled it away to a disposal facility. Our affiliates often team up to provide turnkey services! 


New Equipment/Trucks 


New Trucks for DVC & Elk 


DVC enhanced their fleet with a new Kenworth T880 tractor attached to a new 2022 East Walking Floor Trailer. Also, Elk expanded its vacuum truck fleet with a new Kenworth bottle truck. 


New Team Members 


Elk Environmental Services

 

Sawyer Davis                          Senior Lab Pack Chemist

Carlyn Edsell                           Office/Billing Coordinator 

Jonah Evans                            Lab Tech Chemist

Matthew Machtinger            Hazardous Waste Coordinator/Lab Pack Chemist 

Kristy Rothenberger              Administrative Coordinator (Part-time)

Jordan Ebert                            CDL Driver 

Amy Parzanese                       Summer Intern 


Empire Group 


Matt Eshenaur                         Safety Officer

Hannah Seltzer                        Summer Intern


Empire Services


Shawn Rhoades                      Operations Manager

Shawn Barton                         Civil Estimator/ Project Manager 


Empire Group is thankful for the wonderful events and the new team members over the summer months. We look forward to spending time with our employees and their families at our next company event and to more diverse projects from our affiliates. Contact us today to learn more! 

Breakfast with Santa

By Empire Group • December 9, 2025
The holiday season came alive on Saturday, December 6th, as over 30 children gathered for Empire Group’s annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Mohnton Fire Company in Mohnton, PA. This annual tradition kicked off the holiday season for Empire Group employees and their families. A Festive Morning Full of Fun and Laughter The event, which began at 9 AM, was filled with excitement and joy. As the children eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival, they kept busy with festive arts and crafts. They colored mini holiday-themed coloring books with fun crayons and decorated gingerbread ornaments, adding even more holiday spirit to the morning. As the clock ticked closer to Santa’s arrival, anticipation grew. When Santa finally made his entrance, the room erupted in delighted cheers. Each child had the chance to sit on Santa’s lap, share their wish list, and receive a gift. From trash trucks and pirate sets to lego and diamond dot sets, every child left with a thoughtful gift, making it a truly magical experience for all. A Delicious Holiday Breakfast for All Ages While the kids waited for Santa, families were treated to a hearty breakfast buffet. The spread featured classic favorites that everyone could enjoy, including: Fluffy pancakes Crispy scrapple Bacon and sausages Scrambled eggs French toast Fruit bowls The breakfast was the perfect complement to the holiday festivities, offering a cozy, warm meal for families to share together. Creating Lasting Memories As the event wrapped up around 11:30 AM, children left with not only smiles on their faces but also goodie bags and gifts in hand. The morning was a wonderful reminder of the importance of community and the joy of giving during the holiday season. The breakfast also marked the last event of the year for Empire Group employees and their families, making it even more special. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this event a success, including Tonia Carlile and Ellen Ganime. We also send a special thank you to Todd & Karen O'Neill, Harry & Cathy O'Neill, Billy Ruth, and the Mohnton Fire Company. We can’t wait for next year’s Breakfast with Santa!

Giving Thanks for a Year of Teamwork and Triumph at Empire Group

By Empire Group • November 20, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, Empire Group is taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with progress and meaningful connections. At the heart of every success story are our dedicated, hardworking employees whose expertise and commitment to excellence power everything we do. This season, and every season, we are very grateful for each and every member of the Empire family. Celebrating Our Team Through Employee Appreciation Events To honor the amazing people who make our company great, we hold employee appreciation events throughout the year. These events let employees relax and enjoy time together, and celebrate the teamwork that makes our company successful. One of the year’s highlights was a fun-filled day at Knoebels Amusement Resort, where employees and their families’ enjoyed rides, games, and an amazing lunch. We also teed off at our Annual Empire Group Golf Classic, a favorite tradition that brings together employees from our affiliates for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. These events are just a small way for us to say thank you for the passion, skill, and dedication our employees bring to their roles every single day. Supporting Our Community Together This year also gave us the honor of participating in several community events. Our employees proudly represented Empire Group at: Touch-A-Truck Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Convoy National Night Out Berks Fall Fest At each event, their enthusiasm and pride were unmistakable, from ensuring our vehicles looked their best to engaging with families, local organizations, and community partners. Their commitment extends far beyond the jobsite; it plays a vital role in strengthening the communities we serve. Showcasing Our Unique Projects and Services At Empire Group, we take immense pride in the diverse range of services our affiliates provide across various industries. This year, they had the privilege of working on several standout projects that showcased the talent and expertise of their employees. Here are just a few highlights: Empire Services : The team recently completed one of their most complex demolition projects. They dismantled an enormous clarifier measuring 198 feet in diameter and 20 feet below ground. With no on-grade access, they lifted equipment into the structure using multiple cranes, including lowering a JLG 450 AJ articulating boom lift with a 75-ton crane. Once inside the tank, the crew built a scaffold stair tower for long-term access and skillfully removed and lifted every steel piece back out of the tank. The project also included demolishing a former control building — all completed safely, efficiently, and ahead of schedule.

What's New This Fall at Empire Group

By Empire Group • November 10, 2025
Fall is in full swing, and our affiliates are busy providing a variety of services to our customers. We take pride in helping them to reach their objectives. Here are some of the exciting projects and events over the past few months.

Putting Safety First: The Top OSHA Workplace Violations of 2025

By Empire Group • October 27, 2025
Workplace safety is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a responsibility. A safe and healthy work environment protects employees, boosts productivity, and strengthens overall job satisfaction. Yet, many preventable injuries and fatalities still occur each year because of inadequate safety gear, lack of enforcement, or insufficient training. To spotlight areas where improvement is needed, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) releases its annual list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Safety Standards. These violations serve as a reminder that safety must remain a top priority for every employer. Below are the top five OSHA workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2025 across the nation: 1. Fall Protection – General Requirement (OSHA Standard No. 1926.501) For the 15th year in a row, fall protection remains the most frequently cited OSHA standard, with 5,914 violations . Falls are one of the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths, making proper fall protection essential in construction and other high-risk industries. 2. Hazard Communication (OSHA Standard No. 1910.1200) With 2,546 violations , hazard communication continues to hold the number two spot. This standard ensures workers understand the risks of chemicals they handle—both those used on-site and those imported into a facility. 3. Ladders (OSHA Standard No. 1926.1053) Ladder safety remains a concern, ranking third again this year with 2,405 violations . This standard covers all ladder types, including extension, job-made, wooden, and step ladders. Proper setup, inspection, and usage can help prevent many of these incidents. 4. Lockout/Tagout (OSHA Standard No. 1910.147) Moving up this year, Lockout/Tagout received 2,177 violations . These procedures are designed to prevent accidental energization of machinery, which can lead to electrocutions, burns, and severe injuries such as lacerations and fractures. 5. Respiratory Protection (OSHA Standard No. 1910.134) Dropping to fifth place, respiratory protection recorded 1,953 violations . This standard applies to a wide range of industries—including general industry, construction, shipyards, and marine terminals—where workers may be exposed to harmful airborne contaminants.

Empire Group Hosts 30th Annual Golf Classic

By Empire Group • October 13, 2025
Empire Group Hosts 30th Annual Golf Classic at Galen Hall Golf Club

Wrapping Up an Exciting Summer

By Empire Group • September 29, 2025
It was an exciting summer at Empire Group , where our affiliates went above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. From dismantling a giant shark tank to celebrating the hard work and dedication of our employees, we proved once again that reliability and expertise are at the core of everything we do. By keeping projects on schedule and within budget, Empire Group continues to be the trusted partner for demolition, excavation, and specialized contracting services across the region. Take a look at some of some project highlights.

National Preparedness Month: Is Your Business Ready for the Next Big Storm?

By Empire Group • September 12, 2025
September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative launched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) after 9/11 to encourage Americans to prioritize safety and disaster readiness. For businesses—especially those in construction, development, or field-based industries—this month is a critical reminder: Are you truly prepared for severe weather? With hurricane season peaking in September and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, having a solid emergency response plan isn’t optional—it’s essential. 2024: A Wake-Up Call for Emergency Preparedness Last year has been one for the record books when it comes to natural disasters. Just look at the data: Tornadoes broke records in six states: New York (32), Ohio (74), Oklahoma (152), West Virginia (20), Iowa (125), and Illinois (142). Hurricane Beryl became one of the earliest Category 5 storms ever recorded, part of a hurricane season that brought 18 named storms, with seven forming after September—another new record. Even traditionally "safe" regions weren’t spared. In a single hour, five tornadoes touched down in Pennsylvania, highlighting a new trend of severe weather events reaching areas like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These aren’t outliers—they're the new norm. And they underscore a simple truth: Every business needs a safety plan. Key Questions: Is Your Job Site Ready? As unpredictable weather events grow more common, now is the time to evaluate your emergency protocols. Ask yourself: Do your employees know where to go during a severe storm? Are you aware of post-storm hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage? Is your job site equipped to handle flooding, a fire, or high winds? How are your workers protected during cleanup operations? Do your workers know first aid and CPR? If you’re not confident in your answers, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why National Preparedness Month exists. Don’t Wait for the Storm: Let Elk Help You Prepare Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, has a Health & Safety Team specializing in custom emergency preparedness planning that meets all local, state, and federal compliance standards. Whether you're building a safety plan from the ground up or revising an outdated one, they are can guide you every step of the way. Schedule Your Safety Consultation Today Preparedness isn’t just good policy—it’s good business. Protect your team, your job sites, and your peace of mind. Schedule a safety consultation with Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron today to get started.

Another Great Family Fun Day at Knoebels

By Empire Group • August 28, 2025
On Saturday, August 23rd, employees and their families gathered for a fantastic Empire Group Family Fun Day at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA. This year's event was a big hit, with over 120 attendees coming together for a day filled with fun, food, and excitement.

Hard Hats, Helicopters & Hometown Pride: A National Night Out to Remember

By Empire Group • August 22, 2025
It was a memorable evening at the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport for this year’s Northern Berks County National Night Out! With clear skies and great energy in the air, the community came together for an unforgettable night of connection, fun, and celebration.
Elk Environmental Services is an Empire Group affiliate that offers 24/7 emergency response services

When Every Second Counts: Trust Elk Environmental Services for 24/7 Emergency Spill Response

By Empire Group • July 11, 2025
In times of crisis, reliability isn’t just a virtue—it’s a necessity. While qualities like loyalty and honesty are essential to any great company, when an environmental emergency strikes, the trait that matters most is the ability to act fast and effectively. That’s where Elk Environmental Services, an affiliate of Empire Group, truly stands out. Why Reliability Matters in Environmental Emergencies Whether it’s a fuel spill, chemical leak, or contaminated soil, environmental accidents require immediate attention. The company that responds quickly and knows exactly what to do is the one you’ll remember—and the one you’ll call again. Elk Environmental Services offers 24/7 emergency spill response that goes beyond showing up fast. Their highly trained, experienced team is equipped to handle the unexpected with precision, care, and cost-effectiveness.
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