Membership

What Is ABC?

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and more than 23,000 members.

Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps 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 is the only construction trade association providing value-added services throughout the entire channel of – general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, design professionals and associates.

The primary objective of this association is to foster and perpetuate the principles of the merit shop, open competition and free enterprise.

In addition, this association shall pursue and promote the following activities:

1. Encourage, develop and protect the construction industry.
2. Promote confidence and goodwill within the building and construction industry and between this industry and the general public.
3. Organize builders, general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers and related groups of all kinds into Chapters and organizations in order to encourage the free interchange of views and techniques and to facilitate the accomplishment of the primary objectives of the Association.
4. Organize and promote meetings, seminars, conferences, publications and other media of all kinds in order to maintain a well-informed industry and general public.
5. Promote and encourage continuing education, apprenticeship and other training programs for management and the crafts within the construction industry.
6. Promote safety and training within the construction industry.
7. Promote insurance, hospitalization, pension, training and other programs for the benefit of the general welfare of the employees of the merit shop industry.
8. Promote the ABC Code of Ethics for the construction industry as provided in the ABC National Policy & Procedures Manual.
9. Promote such other activities or services as may benefit the membership, further the objectives of ABC, and promote the principles of the merit shop, open competition and free enterprise.

Political Advocacy

As an ABC member you join over 23,000 companies nationwide that believe in 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. We take an aggressive role in politics from the national to local level with our own Director of Government Affairs. It is a top priority to keep YOU informed on regulations and legislation that can impact your business.

Legal Services

ABC Central Cal's Labor Attorney works in coordination with the ABC Board of Directors in assisting members with various legal needs. A brief complimentary telephone consultation is available to all chapter members and should you move forward with the services, it will be at a discounted cost.

Why Join ABC?

ABC is the only construction trade association providing value-added services throughout the entire channel of - general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, design professionals and associates. Our chapter currently serves over 100 members in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Inyo, Santa Barbara, and Sun Luis Obispo counties.

Contact our Membership Director, Alexis Chambers, for a membership application.

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Networking, Marketing and Business Development

ABC can help you meet the people you need to know in the industry. Our social events provide a flow of contacts and referrals to help build your customer base. Networking events provide an outlet and opportunity to share business experiences and learn from peers on handling similar situations; discuss matters of concern and discuss potential business opportunities. Receive first-hand information from speakers and experts on matters of specific interest in the building and petroleum industries.

Craft Training & Education

ABC is an accredited training sponsor of the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), which utilizes the Contren® curriculum, a competency based, task-driven modular approach. All of our craft training incorporates hands-on practical participation with text-book education. ABC Craft Instructors are journeyman/technician level in their field and are trained to deliver Contren® programs and share their expertise; mentoring our students in their chosen crafts.

Safety Training

ABC sets the industry standard for jobsite safety. Our quality safety courses help decrease workforce accidents and reduce members’ worker’s compensation costs making your business more productive. All of our Safety Training Courses are offered to our members at a discounted price. Some courses, such as Forklift and Oilfield Passport Safety Orientation are FREE for our members and their employees.

Discount Programs

Receive exclusive discounts with ABC’s National Business Partners. Our Association partners with a variety of national service companies, helping members run their businesses efficiently and productively. A few examples include: ABC members that are contractors or building material suppliers are eligible to receive 20 to 22 percent discounts on calling plans and accessories with Verizon Wireless (existing and new lines of service), save up to 29 percent on next day delivery with the FedEx discount, save up to $1,000 on one vehicle purchase with the GM discount, and so much more!