ABC and  several other major business groups have invited leading contenders for the 2016 presidential race to speak with their members in a series of teleforums.

Qualifying candidates from both parties will be invited to answer questions in a live telephone call that will go out to tens of thousands of organization members across the nation. The series will begin next month and will continue as candidates’ schedules permit. This is an opportunity for candidates to speak about their economic plans and, most importantly, hear directly from job creators about their concerns.

“ABC was founded on a commitment to free enterprise and our members are excited to share their experiences as job creators,” said ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman. “Construction plays an important role in the overall economy and a healthy broader economy means more construction jobs across the country. Our members will be listening carefully for policies that embrace free enterprise, encourage economic growth and lead to an improved tax and regulatory environment.”

Invitations have been sent to the following candidates (alphabetical order):

• Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush
• Dr. Ben Carson
• Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Senator Ted Cruz
• Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
• Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
• Ohio Governor John Kasich
• Senator Marco Rubio
• Senator Bernie Sanders
• Businessman Donald Trump

The candidates qualified for the initial invitation by maintaining at least 4 percent in the Real Clear Politics average of polls during the period starting from the first GOP debate and ending on Labor Day. Should additional candidates average at least 4 percent for a 30-day time period prior to the start of voting, an invitation to participate will be sent to them.

The teleforums will be administered by the National Federation of Independent Business. Information on how to join the teleforums will be provided once individual calls are scheduled. The technology being used will provide you the opportunity to participate either by telephone or a web-based portal. As an ABC member, you will be contacted via email with specific registration and participant information once we have confirmed our first candidate.