THE VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP®
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and more than 23,000 members. Founded 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 ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
ABC is the merit shop construction industry’s voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media.
ABC’s activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices, and business development through an 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. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors helped to quickly spread the merit shop. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America’s business community and the merit shop construction industry.
ABC Delaware Mission
ABC Delaware promotes open competition through Free Enterprise, enriches individuals, while developing leaders in our community and the construction-related industries.
Core Values
- Free Enterprise philosophy that offers opportunity for all.
- Quality through innovation, education and training
- Commitment to the community
- Integrity
- Promotion of health, safety & Wellness
ABC Vision
Be the Voice of Construction, safely building our community using the Free Enterprise Philosophy.
Visit www.abc.org