Merit Shop

• Merit Shop is a free enterprise business ethic that emphasizes freedom, competition and choice.
• Construction contractors should be free to bid and capture work based on proven performance and price.
• Employees should be compensated and promoted based upon ability, desire and performance.
• Construction projects should be completed on time, delivered within the budget, and built with quality.

• ABC was founded in 1950 by five general contractors and two specialty contractors in Baltimore, Maryland. Their momentum quickly reached the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
• The Eastern Shore Chapter was the first chartered chapter to serve the Merit Shop industry.

• Member representatives run ABC chapters.
• The Eastern Shore Chapter Board of Directors meet once each month to review and vote on association business.
• Meetings are open to all Eastern Shore Chapter members.
• Each board member is elected to a three-year term by the general membership.
• ABC's national board has nearly 250 representatives and meets three times annually.

Special Events

• Annual Events, such as the crab feast, clay shoot and golf tournament draw members, their employees, state and local government officials, and the general public for some fellowship and networking.
• The Excellence in Construction Awards Program recognizes significant challenges in Merit Shop construction and rewards those companies who excell in their craft.
• The Legislative Forum brings the chapter together with our elected officials.
• Many other events are held throughout the calendar year.

Dues

• General contractors, construction management companies, specialty contractors, suppliers and professionals remit dues based on their gross annual construction volume.
• ABC dues are not tax deductible as charitable contributions, However, they can be deducted for federal income tax purposes under business expenses.
• Any questions concerning the deduction of ABC Eastern Shore Chapter dues under federal income tax laws should be discussed with your accountant.