Based on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC’s membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.
For more than 70 years, ABC has been the leading voice promoting the merit shop philosophy in construction. ABC members are champions of free enterprise and open competition committed to delivering high-quality, safe construction projects awarded to the most qualified bidder based on merit, not mandates or political favoritism. More than 88% of the U.S. construction workforce has freely chosen not to join a union.
To provide members with an organization to deal with issues on an industry-wide basis. ABC’s activities include:
- Government representation
- Legal advocacy
- Education
- Workforce development
- Communications
- Technology
- National & chapter awards programs
- Employee benefits
- Information on best practices
- Business development
- Online contractor search directory
ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, MD. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop philosophy spread rapidly, and within time, ABC became the fastest-growing association in the United States.
Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America’s business community and the U.S. construction industry. We look forward to welcoming each of you to our ABC family and to the home of merit shop excellence.
Our 2025 Yearlong Partners
