Construction Workforce Leader Named ABC Vice President of Safety and Workforce

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Joel Thames has been appointed Associated Builders and Contractors’ new vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development. As a key member of ABC’s executive leadership team, he will lead health and safety, environment and workforce development initiatives. Thames has 20 years of construction experience and a strong passion for workforce development. He has been an involved member of the association both nationally and locally, holding numerous leadership positions, including past chair of the Trimmer Construction Education Fund Board of Trustees, past board chair of the New Orleans Bayou chapter and past chair of the chapter’s education and training … Read more

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ABC Honors Best Construction Projects, Leaders in Jobsite Safety and Contractor of the Year

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Associated Builders and Contractors announced its National Excellence in Construction and Health and Safety Excellence award winners and the Contractor of the Year. The winners were announced at the 36th annual EIC Awards Gala during ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. ABC Awards 86 Best National Construction Projects of 2025 ABC Celebrates 59 Contractors for Jobsite Health and Safety Excellence Coakley & Williams Construction of Bethesda, Maryland, Is ABC’s 2026 Contractor of the Year. The 36th Annual National Excellence in Construction Awards celebrate the best in merit shop construction, honoring the most outstanding construction projects and contractors of … Read more

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ABC Names 2026’s Top Craft Instructor, Craft Pro, Young Pro and Safety Pro

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Associated Builders and Contractors announced the honorees for the 2026 Construction Workforce Awards: Craft Instructor of the Year, Craft Professional of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and Health and Safety Professional of the Year. The winners were announced at ABC Convention 2026 held in Salt Lake City, Utah. These four construction professionals are shaping the construction industry by highlighting lifelong career opportunities, emphasizing healthy and safe work practices and expanding skill-building education. Tatton Kilmer, preconstruction manager and plumbing instructor, ABC Southern California chapter, Anaheim, Calif., is the 2026 Craft Instructor of the Year Jason White, mechanical supervisor and … Read more

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ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Rebounds in February, Contractor Confidence Grows

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.1 months in February, according to an ABC member survey conducted Feb. 20-March 6. The reading is up 0.1 months from January but down 0.2 months from February 2025. Backlog increased sharply during February in the Middle States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Notably, the Middle States is the only region with higher backlog than one year ago. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales and staffing levels increased again in February, while the reading for profit margins … Read more

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ABC Names 2026 National Chair, Executive Committee

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Thomas “Murph” Murphy, vice president of Power & Construction Group, Scottsville, New York, was elected 2026 chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ National Board of Directors. “I am blessed and honored to serve ABC and its members in the role of 2026 national chair,” said Murphy. “Starting my construction career in the field and learning the importance of every position on a jobsite makes me appreciate how the merit shop gives everyone the opportunity to rise from laborer to industry leader.” Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, ABC is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with … Read more

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