ABC-SEMI Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2, 2022

4 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. History Has Its Eyes on Southeast Michigan ABC SEMI MARKS ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY A belief in 1950 that construction projects should be awarded based on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidder had great momentum behind it and spread rapidly across the United States. This created various local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors. In 1972, the Renaissance Center was not a part of the Detroit skyline, the Detroit Tigers won the America League East, and the Merit Shop Philosophy was on the mind of a few southeast Michigan contractors. Six southeast Michigan contractors decided to accept the ABC responsibility in 1972 to fight towards equal opportunities for work. They were granted a chapter-in-formation status by the ABC National Board and, within a year, the Metropolitan Detroit chapter grew to 30 members strong. The Metropolitan Detroit chapter expanded to become the Eastern Michigan chapter, which encompassed all counties in metro Detroit, along the Lake Huron coast, and up into the thumb. At that time, there were five chapters in Michigan: Eastern, Central, Saginaw Valley, Western, and Northern. “I can’t believe how quick they grew the first membership of the chapter,” said Pat Acciavatti, founder of Pamar Enterprises, Inc. who joined ABC in 1981. In 1979, the chapter had 90% membership retention, which was their best year yet. Carrying that momentum, the board and staff knew they wanted to provide training to their members, and worked to lay the foundation for what is now one of the most sought-out craft training schools in the area. ABC Southeastern Michigan Merit Award for outstanding safety in 1985 with the old ABC logo 1985 2022

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