ABC History
From seven contractors to a national association.
In 1950, seven contractors met in Baltimore to form Associated Builders and Contractors. They shared a belief that construction contracts should go to qualified, responsible contractors through competition based on merit.
ABC grew from that group into a national trade association. Along the way, it developed training, safety programs, and a voice for contractors who support the merit shop approach.
- 1950
Founded in Baltimore
Seven contractors establish ABC around the merit shop philosophy.
- 1957–1958
A growing network
ABC charters its first chapter, Eastern Shore, in 1957 and holds its first national convention in 1958.
- 1960s
Training and safety
Apprenticeship programs and a national safety program become part of ABC’s work.
- 1989
STEP safety program begins
ABC establishes STEP to help contractors evaluate their safety practices and improve their programs. The contractor-developed approach makes safety a central part of running a construction business.
- 1991–1996
Building the foundation for NCCER
In 1991, 11 leading contractors work under ABC’s Construction Education Foundation to standardize craft training and industry credentials. That effort develops into NCCER, which becomes an independent nonprofit education foundation in 1996.
- 2025
75 years of ABC
ABC marks its 75th anniversary on June 1, 2025, reflecting on the association’s work in construction, workforce development, and merit shop advocacy since 1950.
THE VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP®
In construction, “merit shop” describes an approach to how work is awarded and people are given opportunities. ABC supports open competition: contractors should be judged on their qualifications and the work they can deliver, regardless of whether their workforce is union or nonunion.
The “voice” in the motto refers to ABC’s role in representing that position. The association advocates for merit shop contractors with policymakers and the public, alongside its work in education, safety, and workforce development.
For students, a useful way to apply that idea is to focus on what you bring to a project: learn the work, take safety seriously, treat people fairly, and follow through on your responsibilities.
Sources and further reading: About ABC · Historical timeline · Merit shop philosophy · ABC’s advocacy role · STEP history · NCCER history · 75th anniversary