Ten students pursuing craft professional training in the construction industry were awarded the second annual Build Your Future scholarships through ABC’s Trimmer Construction Education Foundation. The scholarships are given to the top 10 students attending an NCCER-accredited program or a state/federally approved apprenticeship program in a merit-shop training facility. 

ABC's strategic partner CNA has released a new bulletin on proactive measures that can help to curb the spread of the Zika virus. Although the only confirmed cases of local transmission (not travel-related) have been in South Florida, many areas in the United States have the types of mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika.

At the ABC Future Leaders Lab, construction industry young professionals will partner with Blake Cavignac, founder of Young Pro Elite, in a collaborative workshop focused on improving productivity, performance and industry leadership. Once complete, these ABC young leaders will have built lasting connections with fellow next-gen leaders of the merit shop and a powerful blueprint for personal success.

After days of torrential rain and flooding, President Obama declared a major disaster in Louisiana. Residents are facing a prolonged cleanup effort after widespread flooding killed at least 11 people and left an estimated 11,000 homeless or temporarily displaced. ABC's New Orleans/Bayou Chapter is working with local organizations to aid flood victims. Monetary donations to support their efforts can be made to the ABC disaster relief fund with the Red Cross.

Technology-rich equipment, tools, drones, robots and vehicles are revolutionizing how America’s commercial and industrial construction projects are built, according to the July/August issue of Construction Executive magazine. Improved safety, productivity gains and expedited schedules are driving industry-wide investment in technology acquisitions and upgrades among contrac

ABC has added Iowa Chapter member Jeremy Price of Price Electric Inc. to the Beam Club presidential level. The Beam Club was established in 1966 to recognize ABC’s top membership recruiters for their commitment to growing the association. By recruiting five new members, ABC members are automatically enrolled in the Beam Club by their chapter. Members receive one point for each new member recruited. Beam Club activity is ongoing from year to year, with members’ point totals continually accruing and advancing them to the next Beam Club award level.

Intent to compete forms for the 2017 National Craft Championships are now available for ABC members and chapters who think their apprentices and craft trainees have what it takes to win the title of ABC National Craft Champion. The competition will take place Feb. 28 – March 3 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in conjunction with ABC’s Workforce Conference. Intent to compete forms are due Dec. 1, 2016. 

The Weitz Company of Minneapolis, Minn., a member of ABC’s Minnesota/North Dakota chapter, has been awarded Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) status by ABC. The AQC program recognizes and honors construction firms that document their commitment to excellence in five key areas of corporate responsibility: quality, safety, employee benefits, training and community relations. A company that meets the criteria set forth in the program, and has earned Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) Gold, Platinum or Diamond status, is formally designated an “Accredited Quality Contractor.”      

ABC hopes you enjoy the first edition of the redesigned Newsline eNewsletter! The new format is mobile-friendly and personalized, including an ABC chapter button that makes it easy for readers to visit their local chapter websites for events and news. Need to update your information or want to invite a colleague to subscribe?

ABC’s 2016 National Craft Championships gold medalists were honored before an audience of more than 40,000 at a July 1 baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Before the game, the champions and their families were given all-access passes to the field and were able to watch batting practice, followed by a picnic hosted by ABC in the fairgrounds just outside the stadium.