ABC provides many opportunities for members to build their businesses and build relationships so that they can do business with one another.

The opportunities are found through attending monthly networking events, participating in a committee or a council, advertising in the ABC member directory, participating in the ABC Partner Program and sponsoring an event. ABC also offers a Member 2 Member program where discounts are offered from ABC members to ABC members. This is in addition to the National Business Partner program where ABC members can find additional discounted resources.

ABC also has a contractor referral program that is used as a way to connect contractors who are searching for business partners for their next job. The program can identify suppliers and specialty contractors for work on individual projects. This program allows staff to select a specific list of contractors from the membership for your next job.

ABC also offers a variety of ways for contractors to increase their visibility and reputation in the industry by participating in the following programs.

Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) program

AQC is an accreditation program which publicly recognizes and honors those construction firms which have documented their commitment in four key areas of corporate responsibility:

• Safety (STEP Gold or Platinum Level required)

• Employee Benefits

• Training

• Community Relations

Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP)

This program recognizes ABC member companies who have a superior safety record. STEP also serves as an evaluation tool to help identify areas in which contractors can improve to reach the ultimate goal—sending every worker home safe to their families every day.

Safety Alliance Program

The ABC Safety Alliance Program provides contractors an opportunity to take their safety programs to the highest STEP level – then have them validated by a certified safety consultant. Participating in the Safety Alliance Program gives you an edge over your competition when negotiating on a project, as well as assisting with lowering your workers comp rates and improving employee morale.

Green Contrator Program

The newest ABC program is designed to document the merit shop construction community’s efforts to develop a sustainable workplace environment—both on and off the jobsite—as well as recognize ABC member firms that are green industry leaders.

For additional information on any of these programs, please contact Kim Trautman at ABC, (425) 646-8000.