The winner was Jacob Buning, a level 4 student at SEMCA, and a second-time competitor. When asked how the competition com pared to last, Buning’s fatigued and humorous response was that he was happy to have at least finished this year.

ABC Members helps other members transform their culture and leadership styles with a unique, but purposeful model.

The ABC Emerging Professionals program helps members develop up-and-coming leaders in their company. Last year, ABC had 15 individuals from various roles and backgrounds who participated in the program. These future leaders committed to six full day sessions focused on different areas of leadership and construction.

The Summit Company of Livonia, has solidified its reputation for delivering innovative and high-quality construction projects. Two standout achievements will take center stage, highlighting the company’s dedication to excellence and community impact.

As we enter 2025, it seems fitting to reflect on the previous term, but more importantly to look toward what is ahead. While ABC of Michigan, its members, and the merit shop took legislative lumps in 2024, it isn’t all a loss. In fact, it’s only a loss if we don’t learn from our experience and come out on the other end stronger than we already were. The aftermath of the 2024 election proved this to already be true for ABC of Michigan and its members.

As the curtain closes on 2024, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan has much to reflect on and celebrate. This year marked a period of growth, innovation and resilience within the construction industry, as our members navigated challenges and embraced opportunities with the determination and ingenuity that define our region’s builders.

As 2025 approaches, the Associated Builders and Contractors Southeastern Michigan chapter is gearing up for another dynamic year of growth, advocacy, and member engagement. The organization is committed to strengthening its foundation of safety excellence, promoting merit shop legislation, fostering leadership development, and expanding networking opportunities.

Meet Ed Trombley, owner and founder of Fleet Evaluation Services. A dedicated entrepreneur, Ed’s passion for helping the construction industry increase their profitability, boost efficiency and increase employee satisfaction, is now focused on ABC members in southeast Michigan.

ABC chapters across the state organized a joint Capitol visit this summer for leaders to gain a better understanding of political advocacy, which is the foundation of ABC. ABC of Michigan president Shane Hernandez led more than 50 leaders throughout the building, meeting with merit shop legislators and familiarizing everyone with the challenges for merit shop workers.

As Lansing, Michigan, steers into a new political era, the city’s recent policy changes are sending ripples through the local business community, particularly impacting merit shop companies. These businesses, known for their competitive, non-union work environments, are now facing an increasingly challenging landscape. Recent legislative developments and regulatory shifts are poised to redefine the operational terrain, potentially stifling the flexibility and autonomy that merit shop companies have long enjoyed

Just off from Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, construction crews sit building the new Japanese Solderless Terminals 10-acre headquarters. The 16,000 square-foot building will encapsulate the harmony between people and nature.

As an employer in the construction industry, you understand the critical need for skilled laborers to keep projects running smoothly and efficiently. The Construction Trades Program is designed to address this demand by equipping students with essential skills for a successful entry into the workforce. This program targets individuals who aspire to work in construction but may not know where to begin.

For many after high school, the path to college seems like the obvious and only choice for a successful career. For Nathan Olson, he thought about pursuing the college path and playing soccer for the school of his dreams, but the thought of going into the trades and ultimately building a company alongside his dad, who is a plumber, was a better dream. So, Nathan enrolled into his first semester at the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy in the fall of 2023 to study electrical.

Tom Barrett is back and running in the U.S. House District 7 for a second time, but this time it is an open seat due to Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin running for U.S. Senate. With the political makeup of this district and it being an open seat, Michigan’s 7th District will be one of the most expensive Congressional races in the entire country.

Congressman John James is the Representative of the people of Michigan’s 10th Congressional district. Prior to being elected to Congress John James served as President of James Group International (JGI) and CEO of Renaissance Global Logistics—a supply-chain management and logistics services company based in Detroit.

Mike Rogers (R) is running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Michigan. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024 after advancing from the Republican primary on August 6, 2024. This seat has been held by Democrats for over two decades.

Our ability to shape the future of Michigan is at a critical juncture. With 54 merit shop-friendly legislators in the State House, we’re just two short of the number needed to halt the influx of detrimental legislation we’ve witnessed. In 2022, a mere 1,500 more votes could have secured our position at 56, ensuring a promising future for ABC members in Michigan.

Emerging leaders from ABC member companies gathered in the Freedom Room at the end of May for the start of the 2024 Professional Development series. The series consists of six sessions, each focused on a specific topic future leaders should be familiar with. The opening session provided context for what ABC is and our mission, then transitioned to a deep dive into understanding individual personalities.

New ABC Board Members