ABC—Building America for 75 Years

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Hover Over the Dates To Explore ABC's History

Before
ABC Before the Merit Shop
Before ABC’s founding in 1950, the construction industry underwent significant changes shaped by landmark legislation like the Wagner Act of 1935 and the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, coupled with a post-war construction boom in the late 1940s and growing union-organizing threat.

1950 Fledgling Services
In 1950, ABC was born from the vision of seven contractors in Baltimore and, since then, the association has transformed the merit shop construction industry and advocated for members on significant battles such as right-to-work and prevailing wage. ABC’s first decade saw the launch of the Contractor Magazine, the charter of the first chapter, Eastern Shore, in 1957, and, by 1958, hosted the inaugural national convention, bringing members together for the first time.

1960 National Association
From creating apprenticeship programs to launching a national safety program, the 1960s solidified ABC as a leader in the merit shop construction industry, with membership surpassing 1,000.

1970 Political Engagement
The decade saw challenges, such as protests and deadly violence against merit shop contractors, but also marked significant political victories like President Gerald Ford’s veto of the common situs picketing bill as well as the development of the Construction Education Foundation and ABC PAC.

1980 Growing Membership
Growth was swift in the 1980s, and membership swelled to 15,000. ABC launched groundbreaking initiatives like the Wheels of Learning training curriculum and the first National Craft Competition.

1990 Road to Freedom
ABC solidified the association’s influence with the Excellence in Construction® Awards, grew to 84 chapters and fought government-mandated project labor agreements. ABC earned national attention as a top 50 most influential organization and debuted the Accredited Quality Contractor credential.

2000 Enhancing Member Programs
Through challenges like union opposition to merit shop training programs, ABC launched Construction Executive magazine and the Free Enterprise Alliance, which reached a one-year record of $2.4 million raised. President George W. Bush twice addressed ABC Legislative Conference attendees bringing attention to the association as a leader in the industry.

2010 Becoming a Major Force
In the 2010s, ABC solidified its role as a driving force in the construction industry, both politically and socially. Through innovative tools like abcvotes.com and the ABC Action app, the organization empowered its members to take action and engage in critical political issues. ABC’s leadership in workforce development and safety, coupled with significant advocacy efforts, continues to shape the industry’s future.

2020-Today: Looking to the Future Building America
Throughout the global pandemic, ABC members were recognized as essential workers, demonstrating their role in keeping America’s infrastructure strong. ABC introduced its Total Human Health initiative, and Participation in safety programs continued to grow, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on health and safety. ABC now represents over 23,000 members and shapes the future of the industry through technology, workforce development and advocacy.

For 75 years, ABC and its members have been at the forefront of building America, shaping the construction industry through innovation, resilience and unwavering commitment to the principles of the merit shop. From advocating for workforce development and safety to advancing free enterprise and championing legislative victories, ABC members have consistently set the standard for excellence. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the incredible achievements of the past while looking to the future with optimism and determination. Together, we will continue to build on this legacy, empowering the merit shop construction industry to drive progress, create opportunity and build a stronger America for generations to come.

ABC—Building America for 75 Years

Join the Legacy: Donate Today!    Celebrate 75: ABC Events    Discover ABC

Click the Dates To Explore ABC's History

Before
ABC Before the Merit Shop
Before ABC’s founding in 1950, the construction industry underwent significant changes shaped by landmark legislation like the Wagner Act of 1935 and the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, coupled with a post-war construction boom in the late 1940s and growing union-organizing threat.

1950 Fledgling Services
In 1950, ABC was born from the vision of seven contractors in Baltimore and, since then, the association has transformed the merit shop construction industry and advocated for members on significant battles such as right-to-work and prevailing wage. ABC’s first decade saw the launch of the Contractor Magazine, the charter of the first chapter, Eastern Shore, in 1957, and, by 1958, hosted the inaugural national convention, bringing members together for the first time.

1960 National Association
From creating apprenticeship programs to launching a national safety program, the 1960s solidified ABC as a leader in the merit shop construction industry, with membership surpassing 1,000.

1970 Political Engagement
The decade saw challenges, such as protests and deadly violence against merit shop contractors, but also marked significant political victories like President Gerald Ford’s veto of the common situs picketing bill as well as the development of the Construction Education Foundation and ABC PAC.

1980 Growing Membership
Growth was swift in the 1980s, and membership swelled to 15,000. ABC launched groundbreaking initiatives like the Wheels of Learning training curriculum and the first National Craft Competition.

1990 Road to Freedom
ABC solidified the association’s influence with the Excellence in Construction® Awards, grew to 84 chapters and fought government-mandated project labor agreements. ABC earned national attention as a top 50 most influential organization and debuted the Accredited Quality Contractor credential.

2000 Enhancing Member Programs
Through challenges like union opposition to merit shop training programs, ABC launched Construction Executive magazine and the Free Enterprise Alliance, which reached a one-year record of $2.4 million raised. President George W. Bush twice addressed ABC Legislative Conference attendees bringing attention to the association as a leader in the industry.

2010 Becoming a Major Force
In the 2010s, ABC solidified its role as a driving force in the construction industry, both politically and socially. Through innovative tools like abcvotes.com and the ABC Action app, the organization empowered its members to take action and engage in critical political issues. ABC’s leadership in workforce development and safety, coupled with significant advocacy efforts, continues to shape the industry’s future.

2020-Today: Looking to the Future Building America
Throughout the global pandemic, ABC members were recognized as essential workers, demonstrating their role in keeping America’s infrastructure strong. ABC introduced its Total Human Health initiative, and Participation in safety programs continued to grow, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on health and safety. ABC now represents over 23,000 members and shapes the future of the industry through technology, workforce development and advocacy.

For 75 years, ABC and its members have been at the forefront of building America, shaping the construction industry through innovation, resilience and unwavering commitment to the principles of the merit shop. From advocating for workforce development and safety to advancing free enterprise and championing legislative victories, ABC members have consistently set the standard for excellence. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the incredible achievements of the past while looking to the future with optimism and determination. Together, we will continue to build on this legacy, empowering the merit shop construction industry to drive progress, create opportunity and build a stronger America for generations to come.

Thank You to Our Elite 75th Anniversary Donors

75th Anniversary Gala Presenting Sponsor

Voice of the Merit Shop—75th Anniversary Patron

John Trimmer—Merit Shop Patron

Free Enterprise Circle


In Honor of Carl Williams

Half Century Club

Quarter Century Club

Benefactor of Merit