ABC Student Chapter Handbook 2011

8/3/2019 ABC Student Chapter Handbook 2011

1/18

Associated Builders and Contractors

STUDENT CHAPTERS PROGRAM HANDBOOK

A LIFETIME NETWORK

Student Chapter Handbook

Table of Contents

Introduction

ABC History

ABC Code of Ethics

Antitrust Policy

Principles of Merit shop

Trimmer Education Foundation

Formation of an ABC Student Chapter

Meeting Guidelines

Benefits of Membership

Ideas for Activities

Student Chapter Officers

Qualifications

Titles and Duties

ABC National Support

Student Chapter Liaisons

Faculty Advisor


ABC Chapter Support

Member Liaison

Annual Awards

Construction Management Competition

Student Chapter Excellence Awards

Student Essay Competition

John Trimmer Teaching Award

Scholarships

EdCon & Expo Activities


Publications

ABC Newsline

Construction Executive


2/18

2

INTRODUCTION

The Associated Builders and Contractors Student Chapter Handbook has been

developed to assist in the successful operation of an ABC student chapter. It offers

basic information about ABC and its Trimmer Construction Education Foundation;

principles of the merit shop and free enterprise system; and the purpose and

responsibilities of ABC student chapters. This book provides information for officers and

members of ABC student chapters, as well as the sponsoring ABC chapter, faculty

advisors and student chapter liaisons.

Best of success in your endeavors!

Associated Builders & Contractors


3/18

3

ABC HISTORY

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 75

chapters representing more than 20,000 merit shop construction and construction-

related firms with nearly two million employees. ABC's membership represents all

specialties within the construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that

perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.

ABC is the construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial

branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as

with the news media.

ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy,

which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards

contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.

Through its national office and chapters, ABC's objective is to provide its

members with an organization to deal with issues on an industry-wide basis.

ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education,

workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national

and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and

business development through an online contractor search directory.

ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create

an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded

on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and

dedication to the merit shop philosophy spread rapidly, and within time, ABC became

the fastest-growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one

of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the

merit shop construction industry.


4/18

4

Core Values

ABC values economic freedom within a free-market economy, with open and fair

competition and diverse participants constantly striving to achieve the highest levels of

personal and company performance.

ABC values the highest levels of personal and corporate standards of behavior

characterized by responsibility, accountability and integrity, with demonstrated personal

and industry professionalism by all participants.

Mission

ABC will continually strive to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the

construction industry. ABC will promote and defend the merit shop philosophy. This

philosophy encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction

based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.

Vision

The Vision of ABC is an environment in which people and companies succeed based on

free-enterprise principles within the free-market system.

Core Purpose

The Core Purpose of ABC is to advance and defend the principles of the merit shop in

the construction industry and to provide members and their employees with an

opportunity to succeed.


5/18

5

ABC CODE OF ETHICS

As a member of ABC, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc, I will strive to observe the

following principles in the conduct of my business:

maintain a standard of performance with the owners best interest and my

obligations;

quote only realistic prices and completion dates and perform accordingly;

cooperate to the fullest extent with the architect and other agents of the owner

toward fulfilling a common goal;

solicit quotations only from firms with that I am willing to do business;

make all payments promptly within the terms of the contract;

observe and foster the highest standards of safety and working conditions for my

employees;

establish realistic wage schedules for my employees commensurate with their ability

and their industry so they can enjoy the dignity to which they are entitled; and

actively participate in the training of skilled tradesmen for the future welfare of the

merit shop industry.


6/18

6

ANTITRUST POLICY OF ABC

From the inception of the association, one of the major tenets of Associated Builders &

Contractors has been opposition to monopolies. A natural corollary of that policy view is

favor for antitrust laws. Since violations of antitrust laws have arisen recently, the

association deems it advisable to reiterate our long-standing position on the subject.

Federal and many state laws prohibit contracts, combinations or conspiracies in

restraint of trade and unfair competition. We are conscious of the existence and

potential effect of these laws on our organization at the national, state and local levels.

We also are cognizant of the importance of these laws in our member-to-member

relationships, as well as in dealing with non-member firms. As an association, we will

not enter into any arrangements or understandings restraining trade or competition, by

any collusive acts that can be interpreted as seeking such ends. We strongly urge all

members to be aware of the hazards of such activities that could violate such laws.

We specifically call attention of our association officers, staff and members to such

unlawful practices as the following:

boycotting firms or products through management agreements;

courtesy bidding (to price bid to the advantage of any individual firm);

agreements to fix wages or prices;

promotion of bid depositories with penalties for violations;

agreement on so-called bid preparation fees to be shared among competitive

bidders;

agreements to use exclusively any materials, suppliers or services;

limitation of marketsto type, geography, size or similar carve-outs;

any agreements to prevent access to markets or suppliers.


7/18

7

As an association, we condemn such actions and urge our members to be aware that

such violations not only contravene the basic principles of the merit shop espoused by

the association, but entail on conviction of violating heavy criminal and civil penalties.

PRINCIPLES OF MERIT SHOP

The Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. is the voice of the merit shop in the

construction industry. We assume the responsibility of making that voice heard.

We believe the merit shop movement is a movement for the betterment of the

individual... the construction industry... the nation.

We believe in the system of free enterprise.

We believe employees and employers should have the right to determine wages and

working conditions, through either individual or collective bargaining, as they choose,

within the boundaries of the law.

We believe the employer must have concern for the general welfare of the employee

and there must be a fair compensation for work performed. By the same token, we

believe the employee has an obligation for satisfactory performance of assigned work.

We support sound legislation in the areas of workers compensation, safety and

unemployment compensation. We believe legislation embracing fair play for both

employer and employee is essential to the preservation of our free enterprise system.

The law must protect the right of employees to work regardless of race, color, creed,

age, sex or membership or non-membership in a labor organization.


8/18

8

We oppose violence, coercion, intimidation and the denial of the rights of the free

working person and free management.

We believe economy is incumbent on all branches of government and government

should award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder only. We oppose any unjust

pressure to violate these principles.

We believe work opportunities in this nation should be made available to all of our

people, regardless of race, color, creed, age, sex or national origin, and we support

programs towards this end.

We believe monopolies or any kind of price or wage fixing in either the public or private

sector are detrimental to our system of free enterprise.

We believe the destiny of all Americans can best be served by cooperation,

reconciliation and following the tenets of free enterprise and democratic government.

We believe business-people can best preserve these tenets by becoming active in

politics and civic affairs.


9/18

9

TRIMMER CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Trimmer Construction Education Foundation is ABCs educational adjunct, working

to build a better future for the construction industry by educating the construction

workforce. Since it was formed by the ABC National Board of Directors in 1971, the

foundations activities have grown to include training construction craftspeople and

providing financial assistance to outstanding construction management students.

All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible and both individuals and

corporations are eligible to participate.


10/18

10

FORMATION OF AN ABC STUDENT CHAPTER

Student chapters of Associated Builders & Contractors are established to gather,

receive and disseminate information and knowledge of construction, and provide

inspiration, advice and guidance to its members in the preparation for careers in

construction. It is the goal of the organization to study and develop an understanding of

the merit shop and free enterprise philosophies of the ABC. It shall accomplish this

purpose by acquainting student members with issues of importance in the construction

industry and with members of ABC through active association involvement in all phases

of the construction industry.

Responsibility for developing, promoting and continuing a student chapter program lies

with ABCs local chapters. However, the success of a student chapter depends on the

enthusiasm and interest of the students, as well as their schools construction faculty.

To participate in the Student Chapter program, a local ABC chapter should have a

standing committee and a committee chairperson to administer the program. The

program must have the endorsement and a strong commitment from the chapter

president, chief staff officer (executive director) and/or education director, and the

committee chairperson. To establish a student chapter a minimum of 10 members

should be enrolled. The student chapter bylaws must be approved and executed by the

sponsoring ABC chapter and submitted to the ABC national office for final approval. A

sample format of bylaws can be obtained from ABC National. Upon receipt of the

completed bylaws, a charter will be issued to the student chapter.


11/18

11

MEETING GUIDELINES

Most student chapters meet monthly, if not semimonthly to plan community service

projects, social activities, field trips and fundraisers. This time also can be used to

provide the membership with guest speakers who will address current issues in the

construction industry. Often, the sponsoring ABC chapter will invite the student chapter

to attend its regular meeting allowing students the opportunity to interact with ABC

members.

Below are suggested guidelines to follow when conducting the meeting:

Call to order

Roll call

Approval of minutes

Reports from committees

Old and new business

Program

Adjournment

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Becoming a member of an ABC student chapter provides students with the opportunity

to become more knowledgeable of the construction industry while learning the

importance of the merit shop philosophy and free enterprise. Involvement in the student

chapter provides interaction with ABC member contractors, construction faculty and

staff, and students with similar interests and career goals.

As a member of the student chapter you are entitled to special services and benefits

offered by ABC and its foundation such as receiving ABC and Trimmer Education

Foundation publications; participation in the annual construction management

competition; and a subsidized registration to attend the annual ABC convention.


12/18

12

IDEAS FOR ACTIVITIES

Field Trips

Ideally, ABC student chapters should plan field trips/site visits once per semester. Trips

can be coordinated by the school and/or the local ABC chapter and member

contractors. Visiting construction sites exposes students to the work environment, safety

aspects and latest technological advances in the construction industry.

Community Service Projects

Many ABC student chapters engage in community service work by volunteering their

time and skills to benefit a group of citizens such as the handicapped, elderly or

underprivileged. Service projects often are undertaken by working in conjunction with

other community organizations. Some local organizations include:

Parks & Recreation Department

Community Development Association

Housing and Development Office

Department of Conservation

American Industrial Arts Association

Chamber of Commerce

Department of Social Services

Public & Private Schools

Hospitals

Community Centers


13/18

13

Professional Development

Work with your local ABC chapter to have a monthly guest lecturer visit your student

chapter. Ask for a student discount on safety and management education courses at the

local ABC Chapter. Seek opportunities to job-shadow or intern.

Fund Raising Projects

There are numerous ways for a student chapter to raise money to finance its projects

and activities. Additionally, the sponsoring ABC chapter can be helpful in assisting with

fund raising among the ABC membership on behalf of the students.

Listed below are some fund raising ideas:

Sell items with your school logo

Car washes

Sports competitions or tournaments

Auctions and raffles

Sponsor campus social events

Host a breakfast, fish fry, barbecue or picnic

Host a golf tournament or skeet shoot

Contests

Construction and handyman projects

Themed events such as Mardi Gras, Disco/Retro, Vegas Night, Hawaiian luau, etc.

Costume Party / Masquerade Ball


14/18

14

Career Awareness Projects

Many ABC chapters participate in career days at local high schools. This is a great

opportunity to get involved and promote construction as a top career choice. Ask your

local ABC chapter what volunteer opportunities are available, such as hosting a nail-

driving contest, a blueprint reading workshop, or building a bridge out of balsa wood or

sugar cubes.


15/18

15

STUDENT CHAPTER OFFICERS

Qualifications: When electing officers for the ABC student chapter, no more than three

students graduating at the end of the academic year should be elected.

Titles: The Executive Committee consists of the President, two Vice-Presidents, the

Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Faculty Advisor.

Duties: The President is the presiding officer at all meetings and in addition to the

monthly meeting, has the authority to call special meetings. The president and vice-

presidents work together to establish committees as required for the proper functioning

of the organization. The president also acts as the official liaison between the

organization and the Associated Builders and Contractors. In the absence of the

president, a Vice-President shall be the presiding officer. When necessary, the

president has the authority to delegate official responsibilities to the vice-presidents.

Prior to each meeting, an officer should contact the chief staff officer (CSO) of the local

ABC chapter to obtain current legislative news and, throughout the academic year, the

ABC chapter should be kept informed of the goals and activities of the student chapter.

The Secretary is responsible for keeping all official records, minutes and documents for

the organization as well as all official correspondence, notices, mailings and distribution

of these materials as required. Copies of minutes from the monthly meetings should be

forwarded to the local and national offices of ABC to be placed on file.

The Treasurer is responsible for the handling of all money associated with the

operation of the organization including the collection of dues, the payment of all debts,

purchasing, and the maintenance of all financial records.


16/18

16

STUDENT CHAPTER LIAISONS

Faculty Advisor

The function of the Faculty Advisor is to help the ABC student chapter with overall

direction, goal setting and achievements, as well as provide continuity to the

organization. Advisors should offer guidance to the student chapter by assisting with

programs in fund raising, school projects, community service, leadership development,

industry involvement, membership recruitment, club meeting enrichment, and special

projects. The student chapter should select a faculty advisor with an interest in the

organization and its programs.


The future of ABC depends on the young people of today; the future voices of the merit

shop. We believe in the merit shop philosophy of construction and support activities

encouraging participation in ABC at the college and university level. Staff at the ABC

National office is able to assist with ideas for marketing, promotion, and programming.

ABC Chapter Support

The sponsoring ABC chapter is available to assist members of ABC student chapters

with the planning of meetings; field trips and outings; fund-raising activities; and with

arranging for industry speakers. Invitations to regular ABC chapter meetings generally

are extended to the student chapter membership to allow students to informally meet

with industry representatives. The ABC chapter can be instrumental in helping to secure

employment opportunities; some ABC chapters assist with fund-raising events within

their membership for the student chapter.

Member Liaison

In an effort to strengthen and expand the ABC student chapters, it is suggested that

each ABC chapter assign a contractor member to act as liaison to the student chapter.


17/18

17

The liaison is appointed on behalf of ABC to develop a good and consistent working

relationship with the student chapter as well as the schools faculty and staff.

ANNUAL COMPETITION, AWARDS PROGRAM AND SCHOLARSHIPS


This annual competition offers student chapter members an opportunity to demonstrate

knowledge, skill, and aptitude in solving a construction problem involving actual field

challenges. In addition to estimating, scheduling, and safety, each competition also

features a focused component, such as dispute resolution. The competition is open to

all members of ABC student chapters. Participation is in teams of 2-4 students, with no

more than one team representing any one college or university. First prize is awarded to

a team in each category; additionally, an overall Construction Management Champion

prize will be awarded to the team accumulating the most points in the three combined

areas. The competition is held during the ABC EdCon & Expo.

Student Chapter Excellence Awards

This award is made annually to recognize outstanding ABC student chapters. First,

Second, and Third place prizes are awarded. All winning student chapters receive a

plaque as well as a cash prize. Winners are announced at the ABC EdCon & Expo

during the Construction Career Awards Breakfast. Applications are typically due a

month before the conference.

Scholarships

Since 1971, Trimmer Education Foundation Scholarships have awarded nearly

$300,000 to students in construction management programs. Awards are based on

academic performance, the advisors evaluation, extracurricular activities, employment

experience, and financial need. Applications are typically due in late May; scholarships

are typically awarded over the summer. Awards are made directly to the student school.


18/18

PUBLICATIONS

Newsline

Newsline is ABCs weekly electronic publication, highlighting industry and member

activity nationwide. To sign up for this publication, simply sign up at

www.abc.org/Newsline.

Construction Executive

Construction Executive, ABCs award-winning monthly publication, reaches more than

44,000 top management decision-makers in construction and construction-related firms

across the United States. Three monthly copies of the magazine are available FREE to

ABC Student Chapters upon request.

ABC Student Chapter Handbook 2011

Documents

Transcript of ABC Student Chapter Handbook 2011