Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced that more than 170 of the top construction apprentices and trainees in the country will compete in the 30th annual National Craft Championships, March 1-2 during ABC’s Workforce Week ‘17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Over the last week, the Trump administration initiated a review of U.S. financial regulations and secured the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. For an overview of administration activity to date and insight into potential legislative and regulatory actions, register for the Feb. 16 webinar “Learn the Latest on the Trump Administration” presented by ABC’s general counsel Littler Mendelson, P.C.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to block implementation of the Obama administration’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order 13673, commonly referred to as “blacklisting,” through the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The bill (H. J. Res. 37) was passed by a vote of 236-187 after ABC sent a letter to the House urging lawmakers to support it. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a similar resolution the week of Feb. 13. 

ABC Member Natalia Luis of M. Luis Construction spoke about her meeting at the White House with President Trump on the difficulties small businesses face every day on Fox News earlier this week. After her meeting, Luis attended the signing of President Trump's executive order on small business regulation.

New study reveals essential intelligence on the risks faced by building owners, general contractors and trade contractors and the benefits achieved from specific risk evaluation and mitigation practices. A key determination of this study is that collaboration between building owners, general contractors and subcontractors can aid in keeping construction project costs under control, result in a timely delivery and enhance the safety environment.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced the finalists for its 2017 Craft Professional of the Year and Craft Instructor of the Year awards. Winners of both awards will be announced March 3 during ABC’s Workforce Week ’17 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act on Jan. 30 by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa). The bill, H.R. 743, was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

On Jan. 31, President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the U.S. Supreme Court seat left vacant by Justice Antonin Scalia.  Judge Gorsuch currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit and previously worked as Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice. 

In its first two weeks, the Trump administration took a series of significant executive actions in the areas of federal regulation, infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, immigration and health care.

ABC and Dexter + Chaney, a leader in cloud-based construction ERP software and developer of Spectrum® Construction Software, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at providing contractors with the technology tools they need to update their processes as their businesses grow. Dexter + Chaney joins ABC’s other strategic partners, Autodesk, CNA, Fringe Benefit Group, Tradesmen International and United Rentals.