ABC Carolinas Members Attend LegCon in Washington DC
Last week, a contingent of ABC Carolinas members descended upon Washington, D.C., for the annual ABC Legislative Conference (LEGCON), converging on Capitol Hill to learn policy, connect with peers, and press ABC’s agenda with top lawmakers.
“Attending ABC’s Legislative Conference is always a powerful reminder of the impact we have when we show up and speak up,” said Kristen Powell, ABC Carolinas President and CEO. “Seeing our Carolinas members walk the halls of Congress—sharing their stories, advocating for our workforce, and championing free enterprise—is both inspiring and energizing.”
Carolinas attendees opened the week with intensive briefings from policy experts and ABC leadership, then ventured into the halls of Congress to engage legislators firsthand. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson headlined the PAC reception—offering members insight on federal priorities and legislative direction.
“Engaging in ABC’s annual visit to the Capital to advocate for the construction industry is a vital opportunity to ensure our voices are heard,” said Cristi Lewis, CohnReznick and 2025 ABC Carolinas Chair. “Celebrating ABC’s 75th anniversary brings an added sense of pride and achievement to the occasion.”
The LegCon event provided the perfect opportunity for ABC Carolinas members to meet and engage with ABC members from around the country to exchange strategies on regulatory challenges, and advocacy. Those hallway chats echoed across Capitol Hill, bolstering ABC’s unified voice.
Carolinas members didn’t just listen—they spoke up. From Hill visits to corner-turned-conversations, they shared real-world narratives about the industry’s challenges, the need for more skilled labor, apprenticeship training, and merit–shop values. Gathering momentum around issues like funding, workforce pipeline creation, and red-tape reduction, their messages found receptive ears across party lines.
The featured headline events that amplified ABC Carolinas’ presence included:
75th Anniversary Gala: A milestone celebration featuring former President George H.W. Bush. The evening honored decades of advocacy and provided networking moments for Carolinas executives, ABC national leadership, and dignitaries from across the built world.
PAC Reception: With House Speaker Mike Johnson in attendance, the PAC reception reinforced legislative access and influence. “Speaker Johnson’s remarks energized our delegation,” said a Carolinas attendee, citing ABC’s strategic outreach.
Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA) Reception: This event spotlighted champions of merit–shop construction. Carolinas members exchanged ideas with like-minded contractors and policy leaders, reinforcing ABC’s narrative on free enterprise.
This year’s conference was not merely a forum, it was a catalyst. ABC Carolinas members returned home armed with fresh relationships, sharpened messaging, and renewed momentum to influence policy in Raleigh and Columbia. As one participant summarized: “Our presence here signals that the Carolinas are not spectators—we’re shaping the conversation.”
In Washington, ABC Carolinas wasn’t just part of the story—they helped write it.
