Contact: Donna Puglisi (202) 595-1785              [email protected]

For Immediate Release Feb. 10, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Feb. 10 joined construction industry leaders from more than 100 companies in support of their pledge to employ 100,000 veterans in the next five years—a commitment that was made during the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment in Construction National Symposium.

"ABC believes in supporting our troops by providing them with the employment opportunities available in the construction industry," said ABC 2014 National Chairman and President and CEO of Compass Partners, LLC Dan Brodbeck. "With a projected nationwide shortage of nearly two million workers, ABC is committed to filling this skills gap, starting with our veterans."

The construction industry is anticipated to gain roughly 1.6 million new jobs by 2022 while facing a lack of experienced laborers and the retirement of an estimated one-sixth of the current construction workforce. The pledge to hire more veterans in construction not only reflects the patriotism seen throughout the industry but addresses the skills gap seen throughout the country.

First Lady Michelle Obama and DOL Secretary Thomas Perez announced the pledge as a part of an initiative to address the challenges and opportunities America’s service members and veterans face when transitioning back into civilian employment. 

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association representing 22,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.