It’s the fourth quarter and we are already looking at the trends that will affect the business landscape in 2022. Our world is rapidly changing (economically, politically, and socially), which pushed us to be even more innovative and adaptable. This was especially evident with small to medium-size businesses. They were forced to take a hard look at their operating processes to survive as well as to plan ahead for any hardships. Yet, the one constant was technology, albeit we relied on it even more to help us to remain productive no matter the workspace with virtual conferences and meetings.
Automation and AI (artificial intelligence) became more prevalent by anticipating our purchase behaviors via our social media feeds as well as to make purchases without lifting a finger (e.g., Alexa and Siri). Business owners also experienced labor shortages and shipping delays, affecting consumer spending and confidence. What we have experienced has steadily shaped a new business landscape. Thus, the business trends below provide a snapshot of how businesses will potentially adapt in these uncharted times.
1. The When Factor – We mastered online shopping last year, but next year will be a different story. It is no longer the question of where we will buy products, but when we will get them. There are shipping and product shortages, not to mention labor shortages, thanks to the pandemic. Greater focus will be placed on when we get products, especially during the holidays. Will customers stock up on or buy in advance?
2. Cashless Payments – Using credit (or debit) cards instead of cash has become very popular over the past few years. Paying with a credit card allows for social distancing and provides a faster, detailed transaction without the need for a receipt. We can simply tap our credit card on a contactless enabled checkout terminal to get in and out stores quickly. Companies will be accepting credit cards in lieu of checks as well. In addition to using a card, another way to pay is using our smart watches (e.g., Apple Pay and Google Pay). They enable us to carry less, especially wallets.
3. Technological Balance – Although this is perceived as a social issue, it will still affect the way consumers view businesses as well as how business owners value their employees. More and more companies are using robotics and AI to do jobs that were once performed by humans. This creates a struggle to maintain a healthy balance of robots and humans in a company. How many jobs should be done by robots? Will a business owner shift the balance due to the changing nature of work?
Business owners have become more adaptable to survive the unpredictable market, while customers have relied more heavily on technology to make purchases thanks to the pandemic. Technology has also enabled people to remain productive, even with new schedules and workplaces. Hence, we have all had to rethink how to survive in an ever-changing world.
At Empire Group, we are ready for 2022. We have adapted our services during the pandemic and will continue to be flexible to provide the best customer experience, while following CDC guidelines. We look forward to a bright new year!
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 at Galen Hall Golf Club
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As summer heats up, we're taking a moment to look back at some of the exciting projects completed by Empire Group affiliates. It’s been a season of meaningful work, from upgrading primary wire for street lamps to overseeing the demolition of a community pool. Each project has brought unique challenges—and rewarding outcomes. Here’s a look at a few highlights from the season so far.
In today's business landscape, prioritizing safety in the workplace is paramount. Too often, we witness unfortunate incidents stemming from negligence, whether it's mishandling chemicals or unsafe ladder use. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 workplace fatalities in 2023, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. Non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses also dropped by 8.4% to 2.6 million cases. Despite some progress, we cannot rest on our laurels. One way to boost safety awareness is through National Safety Month. Workplace Safety Has Evolved Over the past five decades, workplace safety has significantly evolved since the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) in 1970. However, advancements in technology have required businesses to adapt and improve their safety practices. In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) launched National Safety Month to raise awareness and reduce preventable work-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities. Held in June, the event aligns with a seasonal rise in heat-related incidents (e.g., heat stress) and construction-related roadway hazards. National Safety Month's Focus Areas Each National Safety Month, the National Safety Council highlights key safety topics to promote awareness and prevention. For 2025, the weekly themes include: Week 1: Continuous Improvement Week 2: Employee Engagement Week 3: Roadway Safety Week 4: Wellbeing By addressing these themes, organizations can proactively tackle common safety concerns to create a safer work environment. Empire Group’s Commitment to Safety At Empire Group, safety stands as our top priority. We've implemented numerous processes and systems to ensure a methodical, controlled, and comprehensive approach to every project across our affiliated companies. This includes personal protective equipment for each team member, equipment training, and rigorous safety protocols designed to minimize risk and ensure compliance with industry standards. Through our affiliate Elk Environmental Services, you’ll find over 40 health and safety training courses led by experienced OSHA-authorized outreach trainers. They can customize trainings to meet your company’s specific needs, such as scheduling a training for second shift or conducting a training at a venue of your choice. Also, Elk’s safety team conducts safety audits and job hazard analyses to proactively identify and address potential issues before they become incidents. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that demands continuous effort and accountability. National Safety Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in all facets of work. By actively engaging with the designated themes and investing in comprehensive training, organizations can cultivate a culture that protects employees and fosters productivity.
Industrial and manufacturing operations rely on clean, functional storage tanks to run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Elk Environmental Services, one of our affiliates, understands the high stakes involved—and they are ready to help facilities across the Mid-Atlantic region manage those risks before they become costly problems. From preventing equipment damage to ensuring regulatory compliance, here’s why proactive tank cleaning is essential for your facility’s long-term success. Keep Your Facility Running: Reduce Downtime with Routine Tank Cleaning Over time, storage tanks naturally accumulate sludge, sediment, and debris—especially in high-demand industrial environments. Left unchecked, this buildup: Restricts flow rates Reduces storage capacity Increases wear on pumps and processing systems Causes unplanned shutdowns and equipment failures Routine tank cleaning services from Elk Environmental helps keep your tanks operating at peak performance. Elk’s trained crews ensure that tanks are free from blockages and buildup, enabling more accurate inspections and helping you spot potential issues before they escalate. By minimizing the risk of emergency repairs, they help clients avoid production delays and lost revenue. Regulatory Compliance Starts with Clean Tanks Storage tanks often contain regulated materials such as chemicals, fuels, or wastewater. Even trace residues left in a tank can result in: Hazardous chemical reactions Fires or spills Environmental contamination Penalties from the EPA, OSHA, and state agencies like the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Elk Environmental helps you stay compliant with storage tank cleaning services that meet or exceed federal and state standards. Their confined space entry (CSE) trained crews follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 guidelines and offer CSE rescue support for clients and contractors alike. Extend the Life of Your Storage Tanks Tanks are a major capital investment, and regular cleaning is essential to preserving their lifespan. The materials stored inside—especially corrosive substances—can lead to: Interior wall corrosion Pitting and structural degradation Premature tank failure By removing harmful residues on a routine basis, Elk Environmental helps industrial clients extend the functional life of their tanks and reduce long-term costs. Clean tanks also help improve energy efficiency, since pumps can move liquids with less resistance—saving money on utilities and system maintenance. Elk Environmental’s Full-Service Tank Cleaning Solutions What sets Elk apart is their comprehensive, turnkey approach. From initial assessment to disposal and documentation, they manage every step of the storage tank maintenance process: Vacuum truck services Sludge removal and disposal Tank closure and decommissioning Soil remediation (if needed) Regulatory reporting and documentation Whether you’re maintaining an active tank or planning a permanent closure, Elk ensures full compliance and peace of mind. As a PADEP -certified AMR and UMR contractor, they are listed in the Pennsylvania Registry of Storage Tank Certified Companies. In today’s competitive industrial landscape, proactive tank maintenance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Don’t wait for a leak, shutdown, or inspection failure to realize the importance of proactive tank cleaning. Contact Elk Environmental Services to learn more about their storage tank management services. Ask about their brand-new Powervac 5300 Wet & Dry vactor!
