Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Known as "The Voice of Commercial Construction", ABC protects you and your business' rights in legislative and regulatory areas, provides the industry's best and most comprehensive apprenticeship, management and safety training, as well as networking, member discounts and numerous other benefits. ABC is the nation's largest free market advocacy organization. More specifically, we are a national construction management association devoted exclusively to promoting and defending the "merit" shop philosophy (competition within the construction industry should be free from any discrimination based on union affiliation or otherwise). With nearly 21,000 members - representing every segment of the construction team - ABC works full time in Washington, DC and through seventy (70) local chapters across the country to foster a business climate in which all firms can work together in harmony.