ABC of L.A. & Ventura

The ABC Story

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) is a national construction association representing more than 22,000 construction and construction-related firms with 72 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.

ABC was established in 1950 when seven Maryland contractors met to counter a massive organizing scheme by the local unions. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop industry spread rapidly. 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 merit shop and only six of the top 400 construction firms were ABC members. Today, the merit shop accounts for more then 75 percent of all construction across the country. ABC’s membership has grown to include more than one-half of the top 400 construction firms in the US.

ABC is the only construction organization in the country devoted exclusively to the merit shop philosophy. It holds to the principle of providing the best management techniques, the finest craftsmanship, and the most competitive bidding and pricing strategies in the industry, regardless of labor affiliation.

ABC represents its members in Congress and in the state legislatures. The association provides a complete range of craft training and management education products and services. ABC also operates www.findcontractors.com to assist construction users in contacting the appropriate contractor for a project.

Merit shop construction would be impossible to chronicle without paralleling the history of ABC. The two are tied irrevocably together.