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Who we are and what we do:

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 Chapters help 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. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.

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 mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.

ABC's objective is to deal with issues on an industry-wide basis through its national office and chapters.

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. On a National level, 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.


2019 Legislative Session Bill Tracking

Construction

Upcoming Events

Apr26 4/26/2019 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM ABC State Convention
Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas (map)
ABC State Convention & Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards Friday, April 26, 2019  Day 1 of 2 Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas | Rogers Golf Tournament (Lost Springs Golf Club) Member Welcome Party & Casino Night More information and registration forms can be found here.
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Apr27 4/27/2019 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM ABC State Convention & EIC Awards
ABC State Convention & Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards Saturday, April 27, 2019 Day 2 of 2 Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas | Rogers Brunch | Omelet Bar Complimentary Tickets to NWA Attractions EIC AwardsReception & Banquet More information and registration details can be found here. 
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May2 5/2/2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Central Lost Forty Brewing Social
Lost Forty Brewing (map)
Lost Forty Brewing Social Please join us for this FREE networking opportunity! Stop by Lost Forty Brewing in Little Rock on May 2nd from 6-8 PM for a relaxed evening of appetizers, drinks and a chance to mingle with like minded individuals in our industry! All members and prospects are welcome! Details: Thursday, May 2, 2019 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Lost Forty Brewing Private Event Space Next to Taproom 501 Byrd St Little Rock, AR 72202 Become a Sponsor! Sponsorship: $250 Get...
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May8 5/8/2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Western OSHA Silica Standard Lunch and Learn
Landmark, PLC Certified Public Accountants (map)
Western OSHA Silica Standard Lunch and Learn Join us for this FREE lunch and educational opportunity on Wednesday, May 8th in Fort Smith and hear our expert speaker from the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health discuss what you need to know about the dangers of silica dust and how to comply with OSHA's Silica Standard. This is a great presentation for safety directors. We encourage all members and prospects to attend. Reservations are required. Event Details Wednesday, Ma...
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May9 5/9/2019 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Northeast AR Crawfish Boil
Nabholz - Jonesboro (map)
Northeast AR Crawfish Boil The Associated Builders & Contractors of Arkansas invites you to our 5th Annual NEA Crawfish Boil on Thursday, May 9th at Nabholz! We're inviting everyone in Northeast Arkansas that's in our industry to join us for a night of good food and great company! Members, prospects & guests are welcome! Registration form can be found below. Serving Crawfish with Potatoes & Corn / Shrimp / Beer and Soft Drinks! Registration Form Event Details When: Thu...
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May10 5/10/2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ABC Catfish Friday in May
ACTA (map)
ABC Catfish Friday in May Join us for an all you can eat lunch! This summer, ABC will be hosting a Catfish Fry one Friday a month in our back building, the Arkansas Construction Trades Academy. All member employees and invited guests are welcome to join us for an afternoon of good food and networking! Lunch includes: Catfish, Shrimp, Chicken & all the fixins! Lunch prepared by Adam's Catfish Express & Catering. Registration is required. Details Friday, May 10, 2019 ...
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May15 5/15/2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM NWA Influencing People Positively Lunch and Learn
NWACC (map)
NWA Influencing People Positively Lunch and Learn Join us for this FREE lunch and educational opportunity on Wednesday, May 15th in Bentonville and hear our expert speaker discuss ways we as leaders can take a positive approach to how we influence others. Byincorporating these leadership habits and practices, we can can impact our work life, personal life, and community life. We encourage all members and prospects to attend! Reservations are required. Event Details Wednesday, May ...
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May17 5/17/2019 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM NWA Time and Stress Management Workshop with Dale Carnegie
Kimbel Mechanical Systems (map)
NWA Dale Carnegie Workshop: Time & Stress Management No matter how hard we try, we can't make more time. We simply have to make better use of the time we have. The key is to invest our time in the most productive way that will yield the best results and minimize stress. During this two hour workshop we will analyze where our time is actually spent. Are we focused on the task at hand, or are we really spending a little too much time around the coffee pot? Once we have a clear picture of h...
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May30 5/30/2019 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM ABC Open House and Food Truck Social
ABC Arkansas (map)
ABC Open House and Food Truck Social Please join ABC Arkansas as we celebrate the official opening of our new facility in North Little Rock! Eat, drink, and celebrate with us during this free event on May 30th. ABC has grown so much the last few years and we want to show our appreciation to our members for helping us achieve this new level of success. As a small token of thanks, we will have several food trucks on site serving various cuisine, all compliments of ABC! In addition ...
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May31 5/31/2019 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Central Time and Stress Management Workshop with Dale Carnegie
ABC Arkansas Facility (map)
Central Dale Carnegie Workshop: Time & Stress Management No matter how hard we try, we can't make more time. We simply have to make better use of the time we have. The key is to invest our time in the most productive way that will yield the best results and minimize stress. During this two hour workshop we will analyze where our time is actually spent. Are we focused on the task at hand, or are we really spending a little too much time around the coffee pot? Once we have a clear picture ...
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Our Mission

ABC Arkansas’ mission is to advance the merit shop philosophy by promoting safety training, education and free enterprise principles for the betterment of the construction industry.

Value Proposition

Based on the Merit Shop Philosophy, we help Members develop people, win work and deliver work Safely, Ethically and Profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.