When seven contractors met in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950, their goal was to create an association built on the foundation that construction projects should “be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders.” This was all it took for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) to be born. The dedication and bravery of these first seven contractors quickly catapulted ABC to become the fastest growing association in the United States and spread their philosophy into all sectors the industry.

Since the beginning, ABC has lobbied for the allowance of free enterprise and open competition in the industry and today represents the US construction industry to all branches of government including legislative, judicial, and executive, state and local governments, and the news media. Their influence and success in this venture has been recognized by Fortune Magazine, ranking ABC as one of the 50 most influential organizations in the nation today.

Their Vision in Today’s World

The association’s mission remains the same today as it was nearly 60 years ago: “the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.”

Since its inception, ABC has grown to include 25,000 members that include merit shop contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and related firms in the associations’ 79 chapters across the country. Companies that perform work in the industrial and commercial sector are predominant in ABC’s membership though the association represents all specialties within the construction industry.

Through its members and chapter offices, ABC is able to provide services in government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, national and chapter recognition award programs, employee benefits, and information on best business practices and business development through an online contractor search directory.

ABC offers a Business Development training course that is available both online and through local classroom courses, created to help build business development skills in essential areas and help improve current skills. ABC also provides resources in public relations, metal building, and green building, among others, to keep members informed and up-to-date on all relevant issues.

One of the most important areas of ABC’s work includes their priority policy issues. In 2008, the association worked to prevent the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that would take away employees’ rights to a private ballot election when deciding on unionization in the workplace. This right is considered by ABC to be “a cornerstone of our democracy, [which] guarantees workers protection from coercion and intimidation.”

Also on the docket for ABC is the ever-present issue of immigration. The association is painfully aware that as the days and months tick by, the construction industry’s workforce diminishes while the need for skilled workers increases. The association is lobbying hard to work toward comprehensive immigration reform that will allow for a legal channel through which undocumented workers can attain visas and training to work in the industry; an industry that happens to be the second largest employer in the United States.

ABC is also working hard on areas pertaining to the environment, tax and fiscal issues, procurement, health and safety, workplace and labor, and advocacy.

Among its Many Benefits

Becoming a member of ABC also means apprenticeship and management education, safety programs and products, member discounts, industry publications and communications products, and networking opportunities, among others. Conferences and meetings throughout the year provide the perfect platform for members to meet fellow workers and learn from industry pros. Among these is their National Convention Mechanical Contractors Conference and Attorneys Conference, among others.

ABC also facilitates peer group networks, small groups of members that meet once or twice a year to share ideas and experiences about running their businesses. Many of these groups are organized according to specialty contractors and general contractors. ABC also has numerous committees in the areas of member services, education and training, and government affairs, each with subcommittees and councils on more specific issues. Members can volunteer their time to help the association tackle the many issues on its “to-do” list. This allows members to become more deeply involved in an area of particular interest while also doing their part to aid the association in attaining its vision.

ABC most recently expressed strong support for President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that includes $163 billion in infrastructure funding for the construction of federal buildings, schools, highways, bridges, and workforce development, among other programs.

Though this is an admittedly disastrous time for the economy, ABC is elevating their vision, through legislation and local programs alike, to the benefit of their members and serving as a beacon of light through this dark and challenging time.