Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (CT ABC) is a membership association representing Merit Shop contractors. Merit Shop Contractors account for over 80% of the construction industry in Connecticut and 86% of the industry nationwide. As a Chapter of ABC National, our members are afforded an effective voice in the political system at the local, state and federal levels. Merit Shop is free enterprise - the belief that all construction contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible, qualified bidder based on merit, regardless of the company's non-union or union affiliation. We are a voluntary membership organization working to support and advance the entire construction industry. Our membership is diverse; ranging from some of the largest and most established firms in Connecticut to new firms who have just entered the commercial and public construction market. CT ABC was chartered in 1976 as a Chapter of the national Associated Builders and Contractors, however, it originally began in 1972 as a part of the Yankee Chapter with 112 members.