According to a report released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the private construction industry’s value added as a percentage of the nation’s real gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 4 percent in 2016, the highest level since 2009. The report also shows annual growth in real construction spending, which rose 3.5 percent in 2016. Thirty-seven states benefited from the rise in construction activity in their state, while 13 states experienced a reduction in activity.  

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its annual update to “Building America: The Merit Shop Scorecard,” which takes stock of state policies that influence the success or failure of a free enterprise-based environment for construction companies.  

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) commends the U.S. Department of Labor for declaring Nov. 13-19 National Apprenticeship Week. It’s the third consecutive year that business, labor, government, education and other partners are highlighting the tremendous job opportunities apprenticeships provide and the need for an infusion of Americans to pursue a skilled trade.

During its Leadership Week Conference in Orlando Nov. 7, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Board of Directors elected George Nash to serve as the association's 2018 national chair. Tony Rader was elected to serve as the association's 2018 chair-elect. Ray Zamora was elected to serve as the association's secretary.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) congratulates Justin Baker, executive vice president of Gaylor Electric in Mooresville, N.C., for being named ABC's Young Professional of the Year. Baker accepted the award Nov. 8 during ABC's Leadership Week Conference in Orlando, Fla. 

ABC thanked House Republicans for working diligently with the White House to get a long-overdue tax reform bill off the ground and begin the legislative process. Our members will feel the direct positive impact of this bill with another dollar in their paychecks, allowing them to create jobs and drive growth.