ABC Joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity

Associated Builders and Contractors today announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity. ABC will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship and criminal justice reform. As a partner on this important initiative, ABC will also host local and industry dialogues to further the discussion. “Now more than ever, diversity, inclusion and equity must be the forefront of all business decisions,” said Brad Lewis, chair of ABC’s Diversity Committee and corporate director of supplier diversity for Hensel Phelps, a large general contracting firm. “On behalf of ABC and its 21,000-plus members, we look forward to partnering with the U.S. Chamber to address the inequity in our country, develop action items that can be implemented in our workplaces and communities and meet the needs of a 21st century workforce.”  “The moral case for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with ABC on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”  This national initiative will build on the work already undertaken by ABC’s Diversity Committee—formed to better reach underrepresented communities within the construction sector—and provides leadership and direction to chapters and member companies to promote diversity as an empowering competitive advantage through education, awareness and business practices.