ABC is the nation's largest free market advocacy organization. More specifically, we are a national construction management association devoted exclusively to promoting and defending the "merit" shop philosophy (competition within the construction industry should be free from any discrimination based on union or non-union affiliations).
With over 24,000 members - representing every segment of the construction team - ABC works full time in Washington, DC and through 83 local chapters across the country to foster a business climate in which all firms can work together in harmony.
The Florida East Coast Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors is the local chapter of a national construction association representing 24,000 construction and construction-related firms in 83 local chapters across the United States. The national association was founded in 1950 in Baltimore, MD by a small group of contractors trying to preserve their rights to operate an open shop.
Founded in 1968, the Florida East Coast Chapter is devoted exclusively to representing the interests of merit shop contractors from Melbourne south including the Florida Keys. From its regional headquarters in Coconut Creek, Florida, the association represents the interests of its members through its national association in Washington, DC, on Capitol Hill, through its full-time lobbyist in Tallahassee and through its involvement with local regulatory agencies. The association provides professional training for supervisors and management personnel and a full program of craft training for the trades.
Although the initial seeds for ABC came from its labor relations activities, the association has developed into a full-service organization that provides education, training, liaison with state and local governments, marketing, networking and community service opportunities. Today ABC Florida East Coast Chapter serves nearly 700 members in all aspects of the construction industry with a wide variety of services. Chapter members can receive advice and assistance in setting up drug-prevention programs, obtain labor relations counsel, receive discounts on insurance, cellular service, Truck Fleets, Construction training, have their unified voices heard at in city, county and state-wide forums and, through volunteer efforts, they can become involved in extensive community service efforts.
ABC Florida East Coast Chapter counts with pride the thousands of hours and dollars donated to the Children's Harbor,. The chapter has also been active in building homes for the Habitat for Humanity group, in helping rebuild facilities for the Vinceremos Riding Center for handicapped children and giving away hundreds of bicycles to South Florida Children through organizations like Kids in Distress, Boys and Girls Club, Children's Home Society, and several other organizations.
Chapter members look to the 21st century knowing their association will continuously work for a level playing field for all to compete and to thrive. Nonmember and member firms both enjoy the fruits of the labors of many years of volunteer efforts by ABC members who have donated their time and effort to unselfishly improve our industry.
Building construction is a joint effort. Thousands of general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associates have united under our banner of free and open competition in the construction industry. We all believe economy, efficiency and quality in construction is the only way America can continue to grow and prosper.
Contractors are offered the most comprehensive array of services available in the construction industry today. Throughout the country, ABC is an effective force in business development, education, labor relations and industry legislation.