Associated Builders & Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

ABC Florida Gulf Coast is the Tampa-based chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, a national construction trade association with 67 chapters and 24,000 members. Chartered in 1969, the chapter covers Florida's west coast from Gainesville down to Naples.

The chapter has more than 650 member companies, among them general and specialty contractors, suppliers of materials and professional associates. It is led by an elected board of directors along with committees and a professional staff.

ABC promotes the merit shop philosophy, which favors open competition and awarding contracts on merit alone, regardless of labor affiliation. Members can take part in safety programs, apprenticeship training, leadership development, business networking and legislative advocacy.

Workforce offerings include NCCER assessments and an online core course. Professional development covers the NEXGEN Leadership Program, a Young Professionals group and Business Essentials for Construction Leaders.

The chapter runs the Excellence in Construction awards and hosts events such as golf tournaments, cigar socials and a fishing tournament. It also rents out its meeting room and provides jobsite signs and a safety captive program.