ABC-SEMI Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2, 2022

2 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Dear ABC Friends, Every once in a while, it’s important for an organization to contemplate the values and long-term goals on which it was created. This year, I’ve spent a lot of time reading and contemplating ABC’s bylaws so that we are focused on the most important things. There are seven key areas that are fundamental to ABC’s purpose. I am going to highlight three here: Defend Merit Shop Philosophy and Promote Free Enterprise — In today’s world, there’s a push to reward success not based on work performance, but on membership in preferred groups chosen by the political elites. ABC doesn’t seek special treatment for our companies. We believe the same rules should apply to everyone. ABC is unapologetically patriotic and pro-America, and promotes the values of our nation’s founding fathers. Influence Public Policy — You’ve personally witnessed how free market principles are under attack today among our elected leaders. Who is fighting for your company’s right to do work when you often find yourself among the non-preferred groups? ABC does. Other construction associations focus on industry services. And we do too, but ABC also fights for the values essential to your long-term success and the promotion of the free enterprise system. Our organization is highly respected in political circles; ABC is among the most coveted endorsements of candidates for elective office. We’ve already hosted four gubernatorial candidates at ABC this election cycle, as well as a variety of state and local officials. Engage in Employee Training — Employee training can take many forms. ABC Southeastern Michigan has full-time staff on hand that can provide your company safety services including our proprietary STEP contractor evaluation, job site analyses, toolbox talks, FirstAid/CPR, and OSHA certifications. ABC also has over 500 apprentices currently enrolled in a variety of formalized skilled trades training programs through SEMCA. In addition, we create specialty trades classes individualized for member companies when they have specific training needs. And finally, this fall we are launching a Business Leadership Academy designed to teach business owners and key managers how to better manage their people and projects. These are just three reasons why ABC exists. We encourage you to explore these areas and find ways where you can fully take advantage of your association. Sincerely, Keith Ledbetter | President and CEO ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter KEITH LEDBETTER ABC SEMI President President’s Letter

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