The ABC Story
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) is a national construction association representing more than 24,000 construction and construction-related firms with 80+ chapters across the United States. ABC is the only construction trade association providing value-added services throughout the entire channel of general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, design professionals, and associates.
In 1950, seven Maryland contractors met to counter a massive organizing scheme by the local unions, and ABC was established. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop industry spread rapidly, and over time, ABC has become the fastest growing construction trade association in the US. In 1970, only 30 percent of the nation’s construction was performed by merit shop contractors, and only six of the top 400 construction firms were ABC members. Today, merit shop contractors account for more than 75 percent of construction across the country. ABC’s membership has grown to include more than one-half of the top 400 construction firms in the United States.
ABC is the only construction organization in the country devoted exclusively to the merit shop philosophy. Providing the best management techniques, the finest craftsmanship, and the most competitive bidding and pricing strategies in the industry-regardless of labor affiliation-are the principles behind this philosophy.
ABC effectively represents members in the United States Congress and in the State Legislature, to keep members informed on industry matters. In addition, the association provides a complete range of craft training and management education products and services,and also operates www.findcontractors.com to assist owners and other parties with the appropriate contractor for a project, trade or vendor. All members are included in this national search tool.
Merit shop construction would be impossible to chronicle without paralleling the history of ABC. The two are tied irrevocably together.
Associated Builders and Contractors of North Alabama, chartered in 1996, services the North Alabama construction industry. Today, we continue to grow stronger and play a critical role in the commercial/industrial construction industry.
ABC of North Alabama Mission Statement: A COMMITTED GROUP OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING OUR COUNTRY, OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR INDUSTRY.