ABC of the Carolinas Hosts 9th Annual Hard Hat Legislative Day in Columbia, SC
Columbia, S.C. – The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas continued tradition this month when it hosted its ninth annual Hard Hat Legislative Day in Columbia on Tuesday, April 10. Each spring, about 100 ABC Carolinas members – representing general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and service providers – gather for the association’s annual “advocacy day” at the South Carolina state house.
ABC of the Carolinas represents the interest of merit shop contractors and its employees in the protection and enhancement of the free enterprise system within the construction industry. As part of the 2018 South Carolina Hard Hat Legislative Day, ABC of the Carolinas leadership and members invited Catherine Templeton, 2018 GOP gubernatorial candidate, to join them for lunch at the Hilton Columbia Center. Templeton accepted ABC’s invitation and delivered brief remarks.
Luncheon attendees received a legislative briefing from ABC National representatives prior to meeting in teams with local elected leaders to discuss issues impacting construction here in our state. The group also had the unique opportunity to watch active sessions in both the House and Senate chambers. At the end of the day, ABC of the Carolinas hosted a reception for members of the South Carolina General Assembly.
“We look forward to this event every year. It really gives our members a chance to understand the legislative and political process. It also allows our membership a chance to advocate for themselves and their businesses,” said Chris Bullard, director of government affairs for ABC of the Carolinas.
“ABC of the Carolinas has long supported business friendly legislators who appreciate the importance of free enterprise and open competition throughout the commercial construction industry. I would like to thank this year’s attendees for continuing to fight for those principles,” added Bullard.
ABC members strongly believe in their right to manage their companies and jobsites free of coercion and artificial restraints. They also believe that workers should be hired and paid on the basis of individual merit, that contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, and that the continuation of craft and safety training is the life blood of our industry.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas represents the merit construction contractors and related firms in North Carolina and South Carolina. ABC of the Carolinas is a chapter of the national ABC organization which represents more than 26,000 members. For more information and news, visit www.abccarolinas.org.