ABC awarded former National Chairman James (Jim) W. Elmer, founder and president of James W. Elmer Construction Co., Spokane, Wash., a Life Membership award. He was presented this honor June 11 at ABC’s National Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C.

“We are proud to present Jim with this prestigious award for his many years of dedicated service and leadership with ABC,” said ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman. “He has been a tremendous advocate for the merit shop construction industry, as well as an unwavering advocate of open competition and free enterprise.”

Elmer has been involved in ABC since 1986 and has served as chairman of several committees, including the Government Affairs Coordinating Committee. In addition, he was a member of ABC’s Board of Directors and Legislative Committee, as well as served as a Political Action Committee trustee. In 1998, ABC presented him with the National Grassroots Member of the Year Award. Elmer was ABC’s Region 1 vice chairman and was elected to serve as 2011 ABC national chairman.

At the local level, Elmer served as 1991 chairman of ABC’s Inland Pacific Chapter. In 1998, the chapter awarded him the Bo Engstrom Award for his extraordinary service.  

Elmer’s 38 years of construction experience includes working on several heavy industrial construction projects involving fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. In 1990, Elmer incorporated James W. Elmer Construction Co., which specializes in design-build commercial, light industrial, multifamily and tenant improvement projects.

Elmer has a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Washington State University.