ABC contractors deliver value and quality in uncertain times

In today's uncertain economic times, the notion of value is especially important in the construction industry. From a financing and budgeting perspective, value is now a frequently a "make or break" element in determining whether a project is built or not. The merit shop contractors who belong to ABC understand and appreciate the significance of value...and are able to deliver it. ABC's merit shop contractors deliver value by working efficiently, free from restrictive jurisdictional rules that require excess labor and drive up costs. Management and trade workers collaborate directly on a shared goal of meeting the client's needs. ABC believes another key aspect of the value proposition is an open and competitive marketplace. Open and fair competition for public and private projects results in more bidders and lower costs. This is why ABC continually promotes the concept of open competition to the industry, the business community, government officials and the general public. ABC members support competition because they are confident in what they bring to the marketplace. In addition to value, the commitment to quality construction of ABC contractors is a hallmark of ABC contractors. Featured in this edition of the New England Real Estate Journal are the winners of ABC's annual Excellence in Construction Awards. These projects showcase the level of quality and craftsmanship that exist among ABC's merit shop contractors. You will see that the range of projects and the results achieved is truly impressive, as noted by our panel of expert judges. Through ABC's Gould Construction Institute, our members are providing in-depth apprenticeship, craft and management training needed to develop their employees to be the best in the industry. ABC members have access to these invaluable tools and resources that will enable them to excel and set the standard for quality construction throughout New England and the entire country. ABC's Gould Construction Institute is fully licensed by the Mass. Department of Education, Division of Occupational Education and is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). And with more than 40 member firms being named winners of ABC's Safety Training Evaluation Program (S.T.E.P.) in 2008, it is evident that these merit shop contractors are taking the lead when it comes to providing a safe working environment for their workforce. A safe worker is a priority for all ABC members. Safety is nothing to take for granted and the members found in the pages of this directory understand that proper education and training in this critical area are essential to the overall success and development of the construction industry. So if you're looking for a contractor that can provide quality construction with a safe, well-trained workforce, ABC members can meet your needs. For more information visit www.abcma.org. Gerald Simmer is chairman of ABC-Mass. chapter, Burlington and is GM of operations for Shawnlee Construction, LLC, Plainville.