The construction industry thrives on the dedication, skill and craftsmanship of tradespeople who bring projects to life. Each year, the ABC National Craft Championships showcase the best and brightest in the skilled trades, providing a national stage for apprentices and craft trainees to demonstrate their abilities, compete against their peers and earn well-deserved recognition.

In the fast-paced world of construction, safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s a commitment to your team’s well-being and your company’s success. A well-trained workforce is not only more confident and productive but also better equipped to prevent accidents, reduce downtime and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

Specialized Recruiting Group, leads the SE Michigan professional recruiting division of Express Employment Professionals, a globally recognized staffing leader with over 850 offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. While EEP boasts more than 40 years of experience and consistent recognition as one of the top staffing companies in the U.S., SRG brings a unique advantage: a local, personal touch.

For Eric Buszka, part owner and vice president of finance at Service Electric Supply, running a business isn’t just about selling electrical supplies—it’s about carrying on a family legacy and staying true to the company’s commitment to service. SES, the only wholesale electrical distributor in the ABC SEMI membership, has built its reputation on reliability, quality and a strong dedication to the trade.

After a February ice storm closed schools and public buildings, Kent Underlayments was hard at work in West Bloomfield, completing a 4,000-square-foot Gypsum floor underlayment pour for the new Chaldean Community Center.

Poured floor underlayments are a mixture of gypsum, Portland cement and sand. This product is applied to wood decking, structural and precast concrete. Kent Underlayments, a division of Kent Companies, has been providing this specialty service for over 30 years, demonstrating unmatched reliability and expertise.

The planning conference is a time for ABC members to guide the direction of the association to better serve the members and the industry as a whole. The ABC Board of Directors is a crucial part of making decisions for the chapter to focus on for the year.

The Associated Builders and Contractors Southeastern Michigan Chapter kicked off the year with the highly anticipated 2025 Planning Conference, a dynamic event designed to outline the association’s priorities and initiatives for the coming year. Held this year at the charming Amway Grand Hotel, the conference brought together association leaders, members and partners to discuss key trends, opportunities and challenges shaping construction.

This quarter, we’re exploring the boom of technology on construction and how members can take steps to stay ahead during this growth. Below is a discussion between CEO Keith Ledbetter and Grok, xAI’s AI Assistant about how AI is set to upend construction over the next 15 years.

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.