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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.


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.


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Upcoming Events

Sep25 9/25/2019 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM NW Developers Panel Breakfast
NW Developers Panel Breakfast Join us on Wednesday, September 25th in the Peterson Auditorium at NWACC in Bentonville for breakfast followed by a discussion with our panelists. Attendees will hear from local developers about a variety of topics including the development cycle, current planned projects, market conditions, expectations of contractors, and more! We encourage all members to attend and participate in the discussion. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and network wi...
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Sep27 9/27/2019 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM NEA Trap Shoot
NEA Trap Shoot ABC Arkansas is hosting their third annual NEA Trap Shoot competition! All ABC Members and Prospects may register a 5-person team or enter individually. Registered individual shooters will be grouped into teams at random. Due to the layout of the trap club, teams will be assigned shooting times in one hour increments upon registration - first come, first serve! The full event is from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please arrive a few minutes before your shooting time to check in. Lunch...
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Oct3 10/3/2019 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Disability:IN Certification: Leveraging our Network to Grow Your Business Webinar
Disability:IN Certification: Leveraging our Network to Grow Your Business Date: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 Time: 1 p.m.  Length: 60 minutes Speakers: Patricia Richards, Philip DeVleigher and Cami Turcotte Register Here WEBINAR DESCRIPTION ABC Members Only Get an overview of the Disability:IN Supplier Diversity Program, which certifies businesses owned by persons with disabilities, including service-disabled veterans. The program provides access to commercial opportunities wi...
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Oct4 10/4/2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ABC Catfish Friday (October)
ACTA (map)
ABC Catfish Friday Join us for an all you can eat lunch! Due to everyone loving our fish fries, we decided to add in one more before the year is over! ABC will be hosting the last Catfish Friday of the year in our back building, the Arkansas Construction Trades Academy on October 4th. 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...
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Oct11 10/11/2019 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Trap Shoot
Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation Shooting Sports C (map)
Central Trap Shoot You are invited to participate in ABC's annual Central Trap Shoot on Friday, October 11th! All ABC Members and Prospects may register a 5-person team or enter individually. Registered individual shooters will be grouped into teams at random. This year we will have two flights - one at 10:00 a.m. and the other at 1:00 p.m. Lunch served in between!    First come first serve!    This shooting competition will be a great opportunity to networ...
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Oct16 10/16/2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Flood Safety & Restoration Lunch & Learn
ABC Arkansas (map)
Flood Safety & Restoration Lunch & Learn   Earlier this year, Arkansas experienced a devastating flood where water levels reached record breaking heights. Numerous families, businesses, and communities were affected and are still trying to recover. With a weather related disaster such as this, there are many safety hazards to consider before, during, and after the flood.    Join us for this FREE lunch and educational opportunity on Wednesday, October 16th in No...
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Oct17 10/17/2019 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Central Foreman Training Program - Day 1
ACTA (map)
Central Foreman Training Program   ABC Arkansas, and training partner FMI, will be providing a two-day professional development course for Superintendent/Field Leadership on October 17th & 18th in North Little Rock! Training will focus particularly in the areas of productivity, time management, effective communication & negotiations all with the aim of driving world class leadership.   Reservations are required. Spots are limited!   RSVP to: megan@abcark....
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Oct17 10/17/2019 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM NW Chili Cook Off
Northwest Chili Cook Off & Baggo Tourney   You are invited to our annual Northwest Chili Cook Off & Baggo Tourney on October 17th in Springdale! Members may enter a team for a chance to have their chili judged or just come out for all you can eat and drink! We will also have an on-site raffle, all proceeds benefiting the Collin's Kids Annual Backpack Drive and Samaritan House! All members, prospects, and guests, come enjoy a night of good food and networking!  ...
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Oct18 10/18/2019 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Central Foreman Training Program - Day 2
ACTA (map)
Central Foreman Training Program   ABC Arkansas, and training partner FMI, will be providing a two-day professional development course for Superintendent/Field Leadership on October 17th & 18th in North Little Rock! Training will focus particularly in the areas of productivity, time management, effective communication & negotiations all with the aim of driving world class leadership.   Reservations are required. Spots are limited!   RSVP to: megan@abcark....
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Oct18 10/18/2019 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Western Clay Shoot
Pajaro Gun Club (map)
Western Sporting Clays Shootout   Please join us for the ABC Western Sporting Clays Shootout on October 18th in Fort Smith! Enter a three-person team for a chance to win cash prizes! Your entry fee includes lunch and shells. We will also have a gun raffle on site so please come out for an afternoon of fun with your fellow ABC members!     Registration Form     Event Details When & Where: October 18, 2019 Lunch served at 11:00 a.m. ...
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Oct24 10/24/2019 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM Central Chili Cook Off
ACTA (map)

Central Chili Cook Off


October 24th

Cooking Starts at 2:00PM | Event Starts at 4:00 PM
Arkansas Construction Trades Academy | N. Little Rock
Chili Teams: $100 Member | $135 Non-Member
All You Can Eat: $20 Member | $30 Non-Member
Sponsorships Available
Networking/ Dining/ Competition
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Oct30 10/30/2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM NEA Growth, Innovation & Leadership Lunch & Learn
NEA Growth, Innovation & Leadership Lunch & Learn   Join us for this FREE lunch and educational opportunity on Wednesday, October 30th in Jonesboro and hear our speaker discuss how we can build different leaders within our companies! Whether you are an emerging leader or an experienced one, this lunch and learn is meant to help you identify things that prevent growth and innovation within your company, define your vision and goals, and build effective relationships. We en...
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Nov1 11/1/2019 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM NW Clay Shoot
Gunsmoke Sporting Clays (map)

NW Clay Shoot


November 1st

Lunch at 12:00 PM | Shooting at 1 PM
Gunsmoke Range | Garfield
$150 Member Team | $200 Non-Member Team
$75 Member Individual | $100 Non-Member Individual 
(2 person teams)
Sponsorships Available
Networking/ Recreational/ Competition 
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Nov7 11/7/2019 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM NW Foreman Training Program

Foreman Training Program


November 7th 

8:00 AM- 3:30 PM
Location TBD | NWA
$450 Member | $695 Non-Member
Field Leadership Development/ Productivity 
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Nov7 11/7/2019 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Western U.S. Marshals Museum Industry Tour & Happy Hour
U.S. Marshals Museum (map)

Western U.S. Marshals Museum Industry Tour & Happy Hour


November 7th (Tentative) 

4:00 PM- 6:30PM
U.S. Marshals Museum | Fort Smith
Happy Hour to Follow | TBD
No Cost for Members
$15 for Non-Members
Sponsorships Available
Jobsite Access/ Networking
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Nov8 11/8/2019 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Foreman Training Program

Foreman Training Program


November 8th 

8:00 AM- 3:30 PM
Location TBD | NWA
$450 Member | $695 Non-Member
Field Leadership Development/ Productivity 
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