Official Publication of the Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter

2025 Pub. 1 Issue 2

Milestones of Advocacy

Computer rendition of many buildings under construction

The construction industry in the United States was undergoing significant transformations in the mid-20th century. Amid these changes, new organizations began to emerge, driven by the need to advocate for innovative practices and cultivate a skilled workforce. The Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABC RMC) was formed in 1974 and has since become the leading advocate and expert on construction matters in Colorado, representing merit shop construction principles.

1950s

ABC National was founded by seven contractors in Baltimore, Maryland, with the goal of advocating for merit shop principles.

ABC expanded its network and began providing services to its members, including apprenticeship programs and safety programs.

ABC expanded its network and began providing services to its members, including apprenticeship programs and safety programs.

1960s

ABC National solidified its leadership position in the merit shop construction industry and saw its membership grow.

ABC continued to advocate for its members’ interests in areas like right-to-work and prevailing wage. 

ABC continued to advocate for its members’ interests in areas like right-to-work and prevailing wage. 

1970s

ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABC RMC) was founded in 1974.

Colorado State Senator Richard Plock, District 6, attended the ABC RMC event.

Colorado State Senator Richard Plock, District 6, attended the ABC RMC event.

Colorado Senator Ted Strickland

Colorado Senator Ted Strickland

The Construction Education Foundation and ABC PAC were developed during this decade.

1980s

Colorado Governor Ray Romer attends ABC RMC event.

Colorado Governor Ray Romer attends ABC RMC event.

Representative John Ulvang

Representative John Ulvang

ABC continues to grow and evolve, expanding its services and advocating for its members’ interests on a national and state level.

1990s

Colorado Governor Bill Owens, 40th Governor of Colorado, works with ABC RMC on policy.

Colorado Governor Bill Owens, 40th Governor of Colorado, works with ABC RMC on policy.

Members advocate at Congressional visits.

Members advocate at Congressional visits.

ABC RMC continues to represent the merit shop construction industry nationwide, focusing on developing people, winning work and delivering projects safely, ethically and profitably.

2000s

Senator Nighthorse Campbell receives the ABC Eagle Award, signifying political support for the construction industry and backing of merit shop principles in construction.

Senator Nighthorse Campbell receives the ABC Eagle Award, signifying political support for the construction industry and backing of merit shop principles in construction.

Former Colorado Speaker of the House, Chuck Berry meets with Colorado’s House Leadership.

Former Colorado Speaker of the House, Chuck Berry meets with Colorado’s House Leadership.

2010s

Then Colorado State Senator Jack Tate meets with ABC RMC members.

Then Colorado State Senator Jack Tate meets with ABC RMC members.

U.S. Representative from Colorado, Mike Coffman, with ABC RMC members.

U.S. Representative from Colorado, Mike Coffman, with ABC RMC members.

2020s

ABC National celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history.

ABC RMC celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues to shape the future of Colorado’s construction industry.

ABC RMC EICs Event Celebrating Member Accomplishments.

ABC RMC EICs Event Celebrating Member Accomplishments.

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer celebrates ABC RMC 50th anniversary at the Chapters EIC Gala.

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer celebrates ABC RMC 50th anniversary at the Chapters EIC Gala.

ABC RMC Construction Day at the Capitol.

ABC RMC Construction Day at the Capitol.

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