Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 23,000 members across 67 chapters.
Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps contractors and industry partners:
ABC membership represents every specialty within the U.S. construction industry, primarily serving the commercial and industrial sectors.
ABC's membership spans every specialty within the U.S. construction industry — from commercial builders to industrial contractors — united by a shared commitment to merit, safety, and open competition.
ABC is the construction industry's advocate at every level of government — federal, state, and local — as well as in the courts and the media. Through legislative advocacy, legal action, regulatory engagement, and public relations efforts, ABC protects:
At the heart of ABC is a simple but powerful principle: construction contracts should be awarded to the most qualified and responsible bidder — regardless of labor affiliation. The merit shop philosophy promotes:
This belief system has shaped the organization since its founding in 1950, when seven contractors in Baltimore came together to defend free enterprise in construction.
Today, ABC remains one of the most influential organizations representing America's construction industry and broader business community.
The Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter brings national strength to a regional level. We provide members with an organized, strategic platform to address industry issues collectively — amplifying their voice and expanding their impact.
We exist to ensure our members can compete, grow, and lead.
ABC Minnesota/North Dakota continually strives to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry while defending and advancing the merit shop philosophy. We advocate for open competition and a construction environment where contracts are awarded based solely on merit — regardless of labor affiliation.
To lead the construction industry by championing merit, free enterprise, and opportunity — where anyone can succeed based on performance and integrity.
ABC was founded in 1950 on courage and conviction. ABC MN/ND has proudly carried that legacy forward for decades. As we approach our chapter's 50th anniversary, we continue building on a foundation of leadership, advocacy, and service to the construction community.
In an increasingly regulated and competitive environment, contractors need more than membership — they need representation, resources, and results.