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President’s Letter ABC Central Florida's Golden Jubilee: Shaping Tomorrow, Remembering Yesterday
In this edition of Building Central Florida, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable journey of ABC Central Florida as we mark our 50th anniversary. It's an honor to recognize our model members of the quarter, Blue Cord Design & Construction, LLC, and Burr Forman LLP, whose dedication and commitment are playing a pivotal role in shaping our association for tomorrow.
As we gear up for our grand 50th Gala on October 14th, we've had the privilege of reconnecting with some of our past presidents, such as Tim Dwyer (1999 PP) and Walt Juergensen (1976 PP). Walt took us on a nostalgic trip to 1976 when our state approved our first apprenticeship program, a milestone that paved the way for ABC Central Florida's growth. Today, ABC and its members nationally invest a staggering 1.5 billion dollars annually in workforce training, empowering nearly 1.3 million individuals with essential skills in craft, leadership, and safety education. We're also excited to announce the groundbreaking of our Innovation and Training Lab in Orlando and our upcoming role as the host for the ABC National Project Management Institute in January - Make sure your team members secure their spot, as this program is bound to fill up quickly.
Walt fondly recounted the early days of ABC, reminiscing about the vibrant breakfast meetings at Ronnie's restaurant. These gatherings united contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers under a shared cause – the protection and growth of the merit shop philosophy. It was a time of camaraderie, mutual support, and the birth of enduring friendships. Tim, reflecting on his tenure, highlighted the evolution of our industry. He marveled at the sophistication in executing projects, emphasizing how ABC fosters fellowship among competitors and subcontractors, all working together for the advancement of our open shop industry.
In this issue, we delve into essential partnerships that drive our mission to Build Central Florida. We express our gratitude to Diane O'Dell of the Universal Orlando Foundation and Sean Snaith, Ph.D., Director of the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Forecasting, for their insightful contributions at our Future Economy Builders' Luncheon. Additionally, we share the exciting developments from our Builders Breakfast with Allen Johnson, Chief Venues Officer at Orlando Venues, shedding light on the enriching cultural facilities owned by the City of Orlando.
This edition also explores the concept of prefabrication, its risks, and the promising payoffs. We hosted a panel discussion shedding light on how prefabrication can be a cost-neutral solution, emphasizing its time-saving capabilities. Furthermore, ABC remains at the forefront of defending our members' interests. We are actively engaged in the fight through the ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, standing against the recent decision by the National Labor Relations Board. Employers, it's crucial to be prepared and trained for any situation that may arise and ABC is here to help you do just that.
ABC, as a steering committee member of the Coalition for Workplace Safety, standing with 40 other employer organizations, challenging the U.S. Department of Labor's on OSHA walkaround proposed rulemaking. We firmly believe that promoting safety practices are key to creating impactful changes. “OSHA can have a bigger impact on jobsite safety by fostering positive partnerships with employers and promoting safety practices that produce results," said Ben Brubeck ABC Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs. “For example, in ABC’s 2023 Safety Performance Report, topperforming STEP participants achieved a 688% improvement in safety performance compared to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics construction industry average in 2022.”
As you read through this issue, you'll discover the collective efforts of ABC Central Florida and its members, all working tirelessly to develop individuals, secure work, and ensure safety, ethics, and profitability in Central Florida and beyond.
We are here to serve you. Please reach out to our team for any issues that arise, and we and our partners will jump into action. Thank you for your continued support as we strive for excellence in the construction industry.
For the love of the Merit Shop,
