Berry named new public affairs director for ABC Mass. chapter

The Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recently named Mike Berry as its public affairs director. He joins ABC after working for over three years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, most recently for State Representative Jay Barrows of Mansfield. According to ABC Mass. president Greg Beeman, Berry comes on board at a key time. "Mike will be a great addition to our team," he said. "We are working in these challenging political and economic times to make sure our member firms have every chance to compete fairly in the marketplace and Mike's passion for public policy will serve our organization well," Beeman said. As public affairs director, Berry will be responsible for overseeing the chapter's government relations efforts and coordinating the chapter's external and internal communications and public relations. He will also work to ensure that the message of ABC supports the mission and objectives of the association. "This is a great opportunity to work for a first class organization," said Berry. "The mission of ABC supports the right of free and competitive enterprise while protecting the rights to work of blue collar employees and entrepreneurs. It is a mission I believe in and I look forward to advocating on its behalf." Berry is a 2006 graduate of Merrimack College and is a 2009 candidate for a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) degree from Bridgewater State College. He was an associate member on the Walpole Economic Development committee and is currently a member of the Walpole school committee. ABC represents more than 475 contractors and related businesses in Massachusetts that employ over 20,000 workers. Nationally, ABC represents more than 30,000 firms in 79 chapters. ABC members subscribe to the merit shop philosophy that all construction contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, regardless of labor affiliation. This allows maximum opportunities for workers and contractors and maximum value for taxpayers and consumers.