Peer Groups


The Leader Development Group at the
annual site tour (AMLI SLU project).

 

National Peer Groups


ABC’s peer groups offer like-minded business owners an environment conducive to sharing ideas and discussing business opportunities and challenges–all with the goal of improving their businesses. 

Peer groups consist of six to ten ABC member companies within a trade or interest area and with similar annual revenues. Members in the same peer group do not operate in the same competitive market, which fosters trust and an open exchange of information. 
PEER GROUP BENEFITS

  • Forum for executives to discuss key business issues
  • Opportunity to learn from fellow contractors that have faced similar business challenges
  • Sounding board for new ideas 
  • Strong network of peers who embrace the merit shop philosophy 
  • Business consultants who can serve as a corporate advisory panel
  • Ability to have candid conversations about operational challenges and the need for cost savings, improved productivity and increased efficiencies

 

How a Peer Group Works

Ground Rules for Participation
  • Peer group members must be an executive of an active ABC member company.
  • All members are required to sign a confidentiality agreement; information disclosed in the group is confidential.
  • Participation in face-to-face meetings and conference calls is required. Members who frequently miss meetings will be considered inactive and will be removed from the group.
  • Participants agree to time and financial commitment and may be asked to host a peer group meeting.
  • Member must be willing to be open and transparent with other peer group members for the collective good of the group. 
  • All the travel and meeting costs are the responsibility of peer group members. ABC National can provide meeting space at national meetings. 

HOW DOES A PEER GROUP OPERATE?
  • Peer groups meet periodically, including at least two face-to-face meetings per year. Frequently, meetings are held at members’ locations. ABC also can provide facilities for peer group meetings in conjunction with ABC National meetings. In some cases, groups meet by conference call, based on the needs and interests of the group.
  • An agenda is created for each meeting and the format can be determined by the group. Some groups have a rotating leader at each meeting and any member can suggest an agenda item for the meeting. Possible agenda topics include specific financial matters, employee/personnel matters, strategic planning and business operations. 
  • In some instances, members will be asked to provide information prior to the meeting. For example, if an agenda topic is P&L, key financial data may be gathered prior to the meeting. Groups that hire a facilitator will likely provide this information directly to that individual. Although groups may not utilize a facilitator at every meeting, it may be useful when discussing certain items.
  • Successful peer groups have a strong foundation of personal relationships, in addition to providing a forum for idea exchange. Social activities may be scheduled at the face-to-face meetings to help foster the relationships, such as sight-seeing, golf or a dinner out as a group.
PEER GROUP LIAison
The peer group liaison plays an important leadership role and serves as the primary contact between ABC National and the other members of the group. The liaison is responsible for the following: 
  • Primary contact in regular communication with ABC National staff 
  • Welcome new members to the group
  • Provide an updated contact list of all peer group members to ABC staff 
  • Alert the ABC staff liaison when there is a change in the group
  • Share best practices developed from the group, as appropriate
  • Access point for resources from ABC 
  • Enforce the ABC membership requirement for group participation

Resources Provided to Peer Groups

Peer groups are a valuable benefit of ABC membership. ABC National provides resources to each group to ensure it has what it needs to operate efficiently. Those resources include:
  • List of vetted facilitators skilled in working with peer groups 
  • List of vetted speakers for peer group meetings
  • Provide assistance with filling peer group vacancies
  • Dedicated conference call line for peer groups
  • LinkedIn group for peer group members only 
  • Complimentary meeting space at ABC National meetings and the National office
  • Start-up assistance
More information about these resources can be found in the Peer Group Member Only section. Contact [email protected]  for access to the Member Only section. 

Join a Peer Group

GROUND RULES FOR PARTICIPATION
  • Peer group members must be an executive of an active ABC member company. 
  • All members are required to sign a confidentiality agreement; information disclosed in the group is confidential.
  • Participation in face-to-face meetings and conference calls is required. Members who frequently miss meetings will be considered not active and will be removed from the group. 
  • Participants agree to time and financial commitment and may be asked to host a peer group meeting.
  • Member must be willing to be open and transparent with other peer group members for the collective good of the group. 
  • All the travel and meeting costs are the responsibility of peer group members. ABC National can provide meeting space at national meetings.
Complete a Profile form
Many factors are considered when being considered for a peer group including:
  • ABC membership required
  • Company type/trade
  • Geographic location (non-competing members)
  • Annual volume
Complete the online profile form. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].