"We’re creating an environment that’s inclusive for all people to come for training"
— Alicia Martin, ABCIL President
What we do.
THE VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP®
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Associated Builders and Contractors-Illinois is a state-wide construction industry trade association established in 1975 that represents more than 300 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABCIL help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.
ABCIL is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media.
ABCIL's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices, and business development through an online contractor search directory.
ABC (as a national organization) was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md., to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors helped to quickly spread the merit shop. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.