About Us

Strength in Merit, Success in Construction

Who We Are

Advancing Free Enterprise in Construction

Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and 24,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps members offer a robust employee value proposition, 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. Visit us at abc.org.

Ohio Valley Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC Ohio Valley) is dedicated to promoting a strong construction industry built on open competition, economic freedom, and opportunity for every individual and business. Through active advocacy, workforce development, and high-quality education, we help our members stay informed, stay prepared, and stay positioned for long-term success.

Our members support a construction environment where companies can operate independently and responsibly, without unnecessary interference. We believe hiring and advancement should be based on skill, performance, and professionalism, that projects should be awarded through a fair and competitive bidding process, and that consistent craft and safety training remains critical to protecting workers and strengthening the future of our industry.

Our Mission

ABC Ohio Valley is a construction trade association built on the merit shop philosophy. We work for our community of members by providing innovative and valuable tools necessary to win work, increase productivity, and enhance profitability.

Member firms range from small family businesses to large corporations. While the size and specialty of ABC member companies varies, we are united in the belief that America was built on free market principles and that all work should be awarded solely on the basis of the best value proposition offered (i.e. on the merits of the organization’s offer).

We are dedicated to helping contractors in the Ohio Valley achieve these goals.

Our Vision

ABC Ohio Valley will continue to be a recognized, innovative leader in providing advocacy, services, and resources to our members. We will dedicate resources to increase the quantity, quality, and diversity of candidates interested in construction careers.

As a training partner, we will set the standard for custom educational opportunities, which drive the growth and advancement of construction professionals. We will continue developing our safety partners to extend the benefits of quality education to multiple industries. We will maintain a 70% contractor ratio while strategically growing OVABC membership and increasing engagement of existing members.

Our Team

ABC Ohio Valley is driven by a dedicated team and industry leaders committed to helping members succeed and advancing merit shop construction. Our Board of Directors represents companies across the construction industry, guiding the chapter and supporting its future growth.

Supporting Stronger Construction Businesses

ABC Ohio Valley helps build the foundation for a successful contracting company. As a member, you will receive our dedicated support in each of these areas, allowing your organization to thrive.

ABC Ohio Valley’s programs are designed to support every stage of a contractor’s growth and success. From developing a reliable workforce to navigating today’s regulatory environment, these focus areas work together to strengthen your business from the inside out. As a member, you gain access to practical tools, expert guidance, and proven programs that help reduce risk, improve performance, and position your company for long-term stability.

Through workforce development, training, safety, communication, marketing, and advocacy, ABC Ohio Valley provides hands-on support tailored to the real challenges contractors face. Whether you are recruiting skilled workers, investing in professional development, improving jobsite safety, expanding your business network, increasing visibility, or ensuring your voice is heard at the local, state, and federal level, our six pillars give your company the resources and connections needed to compete, grow, and thrive in the Ohio Valley construction market.

Workforce Development

Find current workers ready to step onto your job site

Find future workers through career tech and traditional high schools, scholarship

Reduce turnover through crew leadership and mentoring

Training

Custom skilled trades education programs and registered apprenticeship

Professional development programs to retain your finest employees

Funding options to save money or get training for Free

Custom Training, Classroom Training (Mid America OSHA), Online Training, Apprenticeship, STEP, Project Management

World-Class Safety

ABC has partnered with Mid-America OSHA Education Center to bring our members World Class Safety Training

ABC Safety Peer Groups and Annual Conference share updates and best practices — reducing or eliminating injuries and illnesses

ABC Safety programs and services: Safety Inspections/Audits, Toolbox Talks, STEP, OSHA Challenge, Safe and Healthy Construction, Drug Free Workplace

Communication

ABC offers products and services that allow members to establish a strong communication network between their field personnel and office. With efficient knowledge sharing across all crews, users will save time, increase work quality, and empower their workforce to stay safe.

ABC fosters communication between members enabling General and Prime Contractors to more easily find quality Subcontractors/Owners/Developers; Subcontractors to connect with General/ Contractors.

ABC enables access to vetted professionals:
- Attorneys who understand construction & labor law
- HR professionals to help with hiring, firing, benefits, and staying compliant
- Insurance professionals to help with bonding and mitigating risk
- Technology professionals to help with estimating, payroll, job costing, etc.

Marketing

ABC helps members strengthen business connections, raise their company profile, and WIN new business

ABC helps members enhance their brand and reputation, attracting more positive attention

ABC exclusive Professional Development and Peer Groups improve sales techniques and how to use of proven marketing techniques to improve profit margins.

Events, Social Media, Press Releases

Advocacy

BC is the largest and most widely recognized construction trade association, acting exclusively for merit shop. As a member, your voice is heard in local, state and federal government

ABC employs full-time legislative staff AND contract lobbyists to protect your rights, keeping markets free and open

ABC works with developers on best practices to create bidding opportunities and worksite rules that benefit all contractors and the industry.

Issues and Endorsements

Programs Built for Contractor Success

Training, Safety, Advocacy, and Resources for Ohio Valley Contractors

Explore the wide range of programs and support available through ABC Ohio Valley, including safety education, workforce development, industry training, member networking, advocacy, and business resources. Each service is designed to help contractors operate more effectively, build stronger teams, and stay competitive, while supporting a construction industry in the Ohio Valley that values professionalism, integrity, and long-term opportunity.

Safety Training That Strengthens Jobsites and Teams

Build a culture of safety with hands-on training led by industry professionals. ABC Ohio Valley equips contractors and crews with practical knowledge that reduces risk, improves jobsite performance, and supports safer, more efficient projects across the Ohio Valley.

Build Strong Connections Across the Industry

Connect with contractors, suppliers, and construction professionals through meaningful networking opportunities. ABC Ohio Valley events are designed to foster collaboration, share insights, and help members build relationships that support growth and success throughout the Ohio Valley.

Advocating for Contractors and the Industry

ABC Ohio Valley represents the interests of merit shop contractors at the local, state, and federal levels. Through active advocacy efforts, we work to support fair regulations, protect open competition, and create a business environment where construction companies can grow and innovate.

Workforce Training and Development That Delivers Results

ABC Ohio Valley offers education, resources, and skill-building programs that help construction professionals meet industry standards, strengthen their capabilities, and grow their careers while supporting a more skilled and reliable workforce.

Workforce Development

ABC Ohio Valley supports contractors through apprenticeship programs and targeted training that prepare workers to step onto the jobsite ready, skilled, and safety-focused, helping teams perform efficiently and consistently.