On October 2nd, the ABC board of directors and membership committee will compete for the coveted 2007 membership drive trophy. Tom Farrell will be captaining the membership committee as he will try to lead his team to their 2nd title in as many years. Doug Hunter will captain a very strong board of directors team; the board picked up two general contractor free agents last year (Mark Roberts - A&M Construction and Amy Thompson West - Tocci Building Corp.) who are looking to make an immediate impact during the competition.
I spoke with Tom during our last membership committee meeting and he has built a solid team around him as well. The membership committee is notorious for adding big name players to their roster as we remember the impact of Ray Caruso in 2005 and 2006. Caruso, a past ABC chairman,is a recruiting machine as he is averaging over 10 new members a year during the competition. Caruso is one of the top recruiters in the nation and a member of the Beam Club Hall of Fame for recruiting over 150 members into ABC.
There is still time to join either team if you would like to participate in the 2007 membership drive. Remember ABC is the only association dedicated to advocating on behalf of the merit shop philosophy and that means we are the only association willing to defend your right to work in an open and competitive marketplace anytime,anywhere.
Last year during the membership drive ABC members recruited 46 new companies and participants walked away with more than bragging rights. Prizes were awarded after the drive and members left with Red Sox tickets, Capital Grille gift cards, Nike golf clubs, golf balls, foursomes to Pinehills, trophies, and Ray Caruso won the $2,500 grand prize vacation!

To participate in the membership drive contact me. If you are unable please submit contact information for companies that you feel would be a good fit to join ABC.

Jim Abbott is the vice president/director of membership of the Associated Builders and Contractors-Mass. chapter, Burlington.