CHAPTER NEWS Fall Volume
Attract • Build • Conserve
Dynamic Speaker Series Inspires ABC South Texas hosted our third annual Dynamic Speaker Series, an event created with one goal in mind: to bring our members speakers whose stories, experiences and messages will leave a lasting impact long after the program ends. This year, we welcomed Justin Wren, Founder of Fight for the Forgotten, humanitarian and former professional MMA fighter, who shared his powerful personal journey and challenged attendees to think differently about adversity, leadership, service and living with purpose. His message reminded us of the influence we can have when we use our experiences and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. Each year, we search for a speaker who will do more than simply motivate for an afternoon. We look for someone who will challenge us, inspire us and leave us thinking differently. Thank you to our sponsors, members and guests who made our third annual Dynamic Speaker Series another memorable experience.
October 1, 2026
Included in this issue 2 Message from the Chapter President
4 Patriots and Politics 5 Metric & Scorecard Update 7 Letter from Board Chairman 8 Apprenticeship Graduation 9 New Members 10 Legal Update 11 Safety Corner 12 Accounting Update 13 STEP 14 Independence Open 17 Training & Committees 20 Apprenticeship Update
The ABC South Texas Chapter News is published by the South Texas Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC). ABC is a national non-profit trade association of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and associates who share a common interest in advancing the construction industry by aggressively supporting the Merit Shop philosophy. For advertising inquiries contact the chapter office at (210) 342-1992. Send comments or questions to 814 Arion Parkway, Suite 111, San Antonio, Texas 78216.
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ABC STX Chapter News
Message from the Chapter President
Diamond Sponsors
Message from the Chapter President Michelle Seward Davis
As we move into the final months of 2026, I find myself reflecting on one word more than any other: gratitude. This has been an extraordinary year for ABC South Texas. We continue to set records: the most new members welcomed to our chapter, our largest number of STEP participants, record support for PAC and FEA, and the largest number of apprentices enrolled in our program. I am incredibly proud of those accomplishments, but the numbers are not what make this year special. It is the WHY behind them. Something remarkable happens when people discover what they are passionate about and find a way to use that passion to serve something greater than themselves. That is what I see happening throughout ABC South Texas. I see members sharing their knowledge and experiences to make our industry safer. I see members passionate about workforce development mentoring apprentices and introducing young people to careers in the skilled trades. I see members giving their time and expertise simply because they want to help someone else succeed. I see members stepping up to create new committees and serving veterans. I see members showing up to City Hall for the first time when proposed policies and votes would harm our industry. I see competitors joining forces to end cancer. That is the WHY. None of this happens without an incredible team of people: our staff, committees, volunteers, Board members, instructors, employer sponsors, industry partners and members. Each brings different talents, experiences and passions to ABC South Texas, and each plays a part in what we are accomplishing together. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” — 1 Peter 4:10
After more than 30 years of being involved with ABC, I have learned that the strongest organizations are not defined by awards, rankings or records. They are defined by their people. People willing to give their time, share what they know, invest in the next generation, stand together when it matters and serve something greater than themselves. That is what I am most grateful for. So yes, I am incredibly proud of the records we continue to break. But I am far more grateful for the people and the purpose behind them. To everyone who has given their time, shared their gifts, supported our programs, mentored someone, served on a committee, showed up for our community or stood up for our industry: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your commitment to our chapter and continuing to show up for one another, our industry and our community.
Sponsors, Leadership, Events
Annual Sponsors Platinum Jack Laurence Lynwood
Gold Metro Noble Texas Builders SpawGlass VIA Metropolitan Transit
Silver American Interiors Chamberlin Cokinos Dewalt Flo-Aire Service MK Marlow South TX Building Partners Texas Disposal Systems San Antonio Masonry & Steel VIA Metropolitan Transit
Bronze ADKF Beck Landfill Bee Done Rental Frost Bank Galaxy Builders Mobile Air RSM Satterfield & Pontikes Terracon WS&P Insurance You Name It Specialties
ABC STX Chapter News
Board of Directors Executive Committee
Mark Baublit, Chairman Marksmen General Contractors Drew Addison, 1st Vice Chair Acrisure Jim Robertson, 2nd Vice Chair Americrane Matt Delgado, Treasurer MidFirst Bank Justin Kanas, Secretary Noble Texas Builders Chris Martinez, Past Chairman Central Electric Bob Kilgore, Chapter Attorney Gardner Law Firm Jonathan Bradley SpawGlass Dan Byrom Joeris General Contractors John Cruz Broadway Bank David Cupit Marek Brothers Systems Joel Frederick Quarter Moon Plumbing Eric Groat Robins & Morton Kobi Gunther Harvey Cleary Brent Hawley TDIndustries Mark Hebert Bartlett Cocke Rob Huddleston AiRCO Mechanical Josh King You Name It Specialties Justin Kuehler Jack Laurence Corporation Eddie McDuff Flo-Aire Service, Inc. Tess Shelton Nichiha Ryan Speer Marsh McLennan Christian Trevino Cokinos
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Upcoming Events, Q4 THURSDAY October 1, 2026 Lunch & Learn: Surety Bonds & Construction Industry Update ABC Office, 11:30 AM THURSDAY October 1, 2026 TECH Committee Presents Nationally Recognized Case Studies from Members ABC Office, 1:00-3:00 PM WEDNESDAY October 7, 2026 I-LinCP Fall Mega Mixer River North Icehouse, 4:00-7:00 PM WEDNESDAY October 21, 2026 Development Services, CPS, SAWS & Capital Improvements ABC Office, 7:30 AM THURSDAY October 22, 2026 TCCI Trades Day Freeman Coliseum EXPO Hall WEDNESDAY October 28, 2026 Chili Cook-off Pickrell Park, Networking 11AM-3 PM THURSDAY November 5, 2026 Lunch & Learn: Negotiation Skills ABC Office, 11:30 AM MONDAY November 9, 2026 Red, White & You Hiring Event Boeing Center at Tech Port TUESDAY November 10, 2026 Excellence in Construction Awards Tobin Center, 5:00-8:00 PM TUESDAY - THURSDAY November 17-19, 2026 ABC National Leadership Conference Lost Pines, Texas WEDNESDAY December 2, 2026 Annual Sponsorship Info Session ABC Office, 11:30 AM Trainings & Committees on Page 17 Go to members.abcsouthtexas.org/ eventcalendar to register
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ABC STX Chapter News
Patriots and Politics
Patriots & Politics 2026
Connecting Our Industry with Public Leaders
ABC has long embraced a powerful phrase: “Get Into Politics or Get Out of Business®.” It is a reminder that the decisions made at City Hall, the State Capitol and in Washington can directly affect how our members compete, build and operate their businesses. That message is at the heart of ABC South Texas Patriots & Politics. The evening is about more than one event. It is about building relationships with elected officials, candidates and community leaders and creating opportunities for them to hear directly from the construction industry. Strong relationships allow us to educate decision-makers about the men and women who build our communities, the businesses that employ them and the real-world impact public policy can have on our industry. Advocacy does not begin when an issue reaches the council chamber or the Capitol. It begins with relationships. It means showing up, staying engaged and making sure decision-makers understand our industry before important decisions are made. For ABC South Texas, that also means continuing to defend the Merit Shop philosophy and the principles of free enterprise and open competition. Our members should have the opportunity to compete based on merit, regardless of labor affiliation, while creating careers and opportunities for the skilled men and women who build South Texas. As we move toward the November General Election, staying informed about important election dates and voting information remains important. 2026 TEXAS GENERAL ELECTION DATES October 5: Last day to register to vote October 19: Early voting begins October 23: Deadline for eligible voters to apply for a ballot by mail October 30: Early voting ends November 3: Election Day Patriots & Politics is a reminder that relationships matter, engagement matters and our voice matters. ABC South Texas will continue working to ensure our industry is understood and that the principles of the Merit Shop philosophy remain part of the public-policy conversation.
Scorecard Update
ABC STX Chapter News
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COMMUNICATION
√ TECH Committee formed √ Communication Committee formed √ GrowthZone Drip Campaign for new and future members √ Instagram launched along with “HowTo” Reels”
TRAINING
√ Safety Topics & Training: full calendar √ Leadership Forum Completed √ Safety Culture Intelligent Leadership √ Blueprint Reading 101 completed √ Advanced Communication for the field √ CTE Workshop for Educators √ Crane Basics, Rigging and Flagging √ Profit Planning √ Foreman Training √ Specialty topics: Construction Economic and Tax Update, Prop A and Construction Outlook, AI Tools in the Industry, Labor Law Update, Risk Management √ LOGIC & FLI Education Topics to date: Find Your Why, Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Women in Leadership, Basics of Trap Shooting, Generations Part 2, CMC Steel Tour, Pay it Forward Lessons, Deescalation and Self-defense, The Standard with Eric Lundquist, and Navigating Difficult Conversations
ADVOCACY
COMMUNITY OUTREACH √ County Commissioner Moody performed the 2026 Board Installation √ Flood relief efforts √ Roc Solid Build for child with cancer √ Supported Blood Cancer United √ Partnered with Workforce Solutions Alamo and Texas Veterans Commission for Vet Outreach Career Fair √ Supported Girls, Inc. with jobsite tours √ FLI supported CASA with School Supply Drive √ Boys and Girls Club Trades Day
PROGRAMS & COMMITTEES √ UTSA Competition Team was supported by the Board and Members √ Scorecards completed √ Board member recruitment and committee involvement on-going √ UTSA Capstone Class - Safety & Public Speaking
APPRENTICESHIP
√ 201 students enrolled √ Meetings with NEISD to expand partnerships √ Networking event to increase employer sponsors and roadshow participants
EVENTS
√ Continuing to elevate overall member experience at all events √ AI Tools in the industry
PAC / FEA
√ PAC: $101,451 √ FEA: $34,890
√ City Council Jobsite Visit: District 1 √ Meetings with Rep. De La Cruz, Land Commissioner, Commissioner Moody, Councilwoman Spears, Rep. Chip Roy, Rep. Cuellar, Councilwoman Kaur, Rep. Castro Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Gavito √ Business Coalition: Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Judge Sakai, Candidates for Texas 35 & 21 √ National LegCon: 8 Attendees √ 7 Members identified for CCR Working Groups √ Meetings with District 2, 7, 8 and 9 √ Patriots and Politics: Elected Officials and Candidates √ Action Alert Active for Local Issues √ Two Letters to SA Express News
MEMBERSHIP √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Annual retention: 91% Contractor retention: 86% New Members: 55 New Contractors: 25 Total Members: 223 Anniversaries celebrated monthly Membership Committee Engagement
STEP
√ 62 members completed STEP √ 15 AQC applications completed
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ABC STX Chapter News
Quarterly Recap
Quarterly Recap Continued on Pages 16-19
July Lunch & Learn: Labor Law Update with Bob Kilgore, Gardner Law Firm
Family Event at Pop Stroke supported by LOGIC
FLI July School Supply Drive at Chicken N Pickle supporting CASA
Intelligent Leadership with Ted Turner
Profit Planning with Deaver & Saldivar CPA Firm
Girls, Inc with Robins and Morton
Letter from Board Chairman
ABC STX Chapter News
Letter from Board Chairman Mark Baublit, Chairman
2026 Board of Directors ABC South Texas Members, We are entering the last quarter of 2026 and are excited to report our membership retention and growth goals have been an incredible success this year. Thank you to each member of our staff, our incredible Board, the effective and influential Committees, and YOU as members embracing the importance that we are stronger together. The larger our unity base becomes the more effective we are in our intense and weekly governmental advocacy efforts for your businesses, workforce development attraction of our youth to the construction industry, apprenticeship impact to close the gap of our continued trade professional shortages, safety/ STEP and Total Human Health certifications and protections of our valuable workforce, and business development networking that creates strong friendships and a healthier construction community. Merit Driven; Unity in Purpose A huge priority focus from our leadership at our National ABC Board has been for all of the Subcontractor and Contractor members who have achieved their STEP Certification for this year is for each of you now to take the next “step” in becoming an ABC Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC). This is a deeper dive in focusing our members’ corporate leadership and all their company departments on having a culture of workplace excellence, developing talent, and establishing your commitment to your community. It is a strategic planning tool that identifies priority areas and drives continuous improvement across your organization. The DEADLINE is October 23, 2026. Recertify or Apply for the first time here: https://www.abc.org/Accredited-Quality-Contractors If you need assistance, please reach out to our ABC STX team for guidance and help. We are truly thankful for each one of you and know that your investment in ABC is changing the future of our construction market, for the better, and for the Merit Shop! Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Mark Baublit Marksmen General Contractors
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ABC STX Chapter News
Apprenticeship Graduation
Celebrating the Next Generation of Skilled Craft Professionals ABC South Texas proudly celebrated the 2026 graduating class of the ABC Contractors Apprenticeship Trust (CAT), recognizing 19 apprentices who completed their four-year journey through our registered apprenticeship programs. Graduation represents much more than completing classroom instruction and on-the-job training. These graduates spent years developing their craft while working in the industry, learning from experienced professionals and building skills that will serve them throughout their careers. They leave the program with something incredibly valuable: a skilled trade, real-world experience and a career path filled with opportunity. This accomplishment would not be possible without the people who invest their time, knowledge and leadership in our apprentices. We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated instructors, who give their time to teach the next generation and share lessons learned through years of experience in the field. A special thank you to Shalon LeBlanc and Leah Villarreal for their dedication to our apprenticeship program and, most importantly, to our students. Their commitment behind the scenes helps keep our programs moving forward and ensures our apprentices have the support they need throughout their journey. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the CAT Board of Trustees and our Apprenticeship Committee. Their leadership, guidance and commitment to workforce development are essential to the strength and continued growth of our apprenticeship programs. Their investment helps ensure we are preparing skilled craft professionals who are ready to meet the needs of our contractors and our industry. We are also grateful for the continued support of our industry partners, Milwaukee Tool, DEWALT and Bosch. Their investment in our program and our apprentices helps provide the tools, resources and support needed to prepare the next generation of skilled craft professionals for successful careers in construction. And thank you to the employers, mentors and families who supported these graduates throughout four years of hard work and commitment. Apprenticeship succeeds because our entire industry is willing to invest in people and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. As South Texas continues to grow, developing the next generation of skilled craft professionals remains one of the most important investments we can make.
2026 New Members
Benefits of Membership • Access to ABC Insurance Trust: Health, Ancillary, Retirement regardless of company size • National and local discounts for Members and Their Employees • National Peer Groups • Employee Development through Committee Involvement and Affinity Groups • Peer-to-peer collaboration • Exclusive networking events and programs - build your relationships • STEP, Safety Training, Total Human Health • Apprenticeship Program & Professional Development for management & field • Strong Advocacy: national, state and local levels - always defending the Merit Shop Philosophy • Industry Recognition: Accredited Quality Contractor, Top Performers, STEP Levels, Excellence in Construction
ABC STX Chapter News
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2026 New Members Adolfson & Peterson Construction Alera Group Alliant Insurance Services Ardith Rademacher & Associates
Hayden Paving, Inc. HJD Capital Electric Inc. JMI Contractors L5 Site Services Lazear Capital Partners
Asel & Associates
Legends Glass Solutions
Automatic Fire Protection
LoneStar ProREZ Company
Bookout Commercial
Merchants Bonding Co.
Bottom Line Equipment
Omega GC
Buyers Barricades
Outsource
Catamount Constructors
Pillar Construction
CFS Forming Structures
Precise Contractors
Champion Glass
Precision General Contracting
Choate USA
Redondo Manufacturing
Christensen Group
Salco Solutions Group
Classic Forms and Products
Servpro of NE San Antonio
CliftonLarsonAllen
SG3 Plumbing
Crum & Foster
SMARTBUILD
Deaver and Saldivar CPA Firm
Structured Trades
Duro-Last
Team Housing Solutions
Earthtones Companies
The Baldwin Group
Ferguson Enterprises
The Prestigious Mark
Flasher Fleet Solutions
The Vanjen Group
Flintco
Tiger Adjusters
G&M Construction
Turner Construction
GDA Contractors
Upright Cleaning
Glaucon Capital Partners
Vistage-Cuthbert Capital
Gratr Landscape
Whitecap Risk Advisors
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ABC STX Chapter News
Legal Update
Labor & Employment Law Update Robert D. Kilgore, Special Counsel, Gardner Law Firm - Chapter Counsel
Loper Bright is a 2024 Supreme Court decision that rejected the longstanding doctrine that afforded administrative agencies wide discretion and deference to the agency’s interpretation of the laws they enforce. Under Loper Bright, courts independently determine whether an agency-created doctrine is consistent with the agency’s statutory authority, rather than defer to an agency’s purported expertise in evaluating and enforcing the law. Although Loper Bright involved enforcement of Environmental Protection Agency regulations, legal commentators have anticipated that this decision would affect a wide range of federal regulators. We are now seeing this come to pass in the area of labor and employment law. In Hospital Menonita de Guayama, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals held that the NLRB’s successor bar doctrine (which limits when an employer can challenge the majority status of a previously unionized employer) contravenes the plain language of the National Labor Relations Act that conditions union status on support from “the majority of employees.” This decision signals that “agency expertise” may no longer hold sway on issues such as whether different types of employee conduct constitute protected concerted activity, whether certain types of employer actions unlawfully interfere with employee rights, and whether certain acts by employers and unions violate their statutory duties to bargain in good faith. The NLRB is not the only agency facing change. In Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Occupational Safety and Health Commission, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals applied the Loper Bright independent-judgment rule to OSHA’s recordkeeping rules. The law authorizes OSHA to require recordkeeping of “work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses.” OSHA regulations interpreted this to mean that a post-traumatic stress diagnosis arising from an incident that occurred at work had to be recorded as a work-related illness. When the employer declined to record the injury, OSHA issued a citation for violation of the recordkeeping standard and a $691 penalty. The employer appealed, and the Fifth Circuit vacated the rule, citation, and penalty. It concluded that the plain meaning of the statute limits recordable illnesses to physical, not mental, illness. Because OSHA exceeded its delegated statutory authority in promulgating the rule, it could not be enforced. Lesson learned from these cases: Court review of agency decisions will be a new frontier for challenging overreaching regulations. If you find yourself in a regulatory fight, you should engage a competent attorney who understands how Loper Bright may be used to win your case.
Safety Update
ABC STX Chapter News
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When People and Equipment Share the Same Space Logan Card, CHST, Gilbane Building Company - Safety Committee Chair
Workers, forklifts, telehandlers, excavators, loaders, dump trucks and delivery vehicles often operate in the same area. On an active construction site, that interaction can happen hundreds of times throughout a single workday. Every time their paths cross, another opportunity for an incident is created. Operators are expected to be perfect, while workers are expected to remain constantly aware of their surroundings. But when the site itself repeatedly puts people and equipment in the same space, awareness alone cannot eliminate the risk. Many worker-equipment incidents begin long before the equipment starts moving. They begin with site layout. Imagine a project where employees park on one side of the site and work on the other. To reach their work area, they must walk through equipment travel routes. On another project, portable restrooms are located across a haul road. A water station, break area, or laydown yard may require workers to move through active equipment areas several times a day. In each case, workers are repeatedly placed in the path of moving equipment simply because they are trying to get from one location to another. Too often, the conversation focuses on worker awareness. We remind employees to stay alert, wear high-visibility clothing, and make eye contact with operators. Those controls are important, but they do not address the underlying question: Dedicated pedestrian walkways, controlled crossings, physical separation, and strategic placement of site facilities can significantly reduce worker interaction with moving equipment. These controls are often far more reliable than expecting workers and operators to continuously manage the hazard through awareness alone. In many cases, worker-equipment incidents are planning failures, not just awareness failures. People and equipment will always be present on construction sites. Our goal should not be to simply warn workers about equipment. Our goal should be to design projects where workers do not need to share the same space with moving equipment in the first place.
Why do workers need to be in equipment travel paths at all? Blind spots are real. Blind areas vary by equipment type and can be much larger than many workers realize. This means that even experienced operators may not see a worker who believes they are clearly visible. The most effective solution is not another reminder to “be careful.” It is reducing the need for workers and equipment to occupy the same space. Project teams should consider pedestrian movement during logistics planning with the same level of attention given to deliveries, crane locations, haul roads, and material storage. Workers need predictable access to parking areas, work locations, restrooms, break areas, and water stations. Workers crossing equipment routes throughout the day may be creating unnecessary exposure.
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ABC STX Chapter News
Accounting Update
What is Your WIP Schedule Trying to Tell You? Karin Wasyliw, CPA, CCIFP, Audit and Assurance Director, Asel & Associates
What changed since the last WIP? Why are we under- or overbilled? Are we gaining or fading?
A good WIP schedule can be an early warning system. A bad one is just a very large spreadsheet.
How far along are we really?
Are our remaining costs realistic?
For contractors with long-term projects, the work-in-progress (WIP) schedule shows how projects are actually performing, not just how much has been billed or collected. Billing follows the contract and billing cycle, while revenue recognition follows progress toward completion. If revenue simply followed billings, an early invoice could make a job look great on paper while the next check is already spoken for by the lumberyard. So, what is your WIP schedule telling you?
Are your projected margins changing?
Don't just ask whether a job is profitable. Ask whether it is as profitable as you expected. Compare current projected margins to the original estimate and prior WIP period. A consistent fade may point to labor inefficiencies, rising costs, estimating issues, or scope changes. Unexpected gains deserve a look too.
Why are you underbilled or overbilled?
Don't stop at the balance. Ask what is driving it. Growing underbillings may signal delayed billing, unapproved change orders, disputed work, or costs getting ahead of progress. Overbillings can help cash flow, but that cash isn't necessarily available to spend. Some of it still has a job to do.
Are your estimates keeping up with reality?
WIP is only as good as the estimates behind it. A job sitting at 90% or 95% complete month after month deserves another look. Are remaining labor, subcontractor costs, punch-list work, closeout costs and unresolved changes realistically reflected? If the project has changed but the cost-to-complete estimate hasn't, your WIP may be telling yesterday's story. A good WIP review shouldn't just confirm that the spreadsheet adds up. It THE BOTTOM should generate questions. The value of WIP isn't simply getting the accounting right. It's identifying issues early enough to do something about them.
STEP
ABC STX Chapter News
Record Number of STEP Participants to be Recognized at EIC Follow the Roadmap from STEP to AQC to ABC’s Top Performers ABC South Texas is proud to celebrate a record 62 STEP participants to date, demonstrating our members’ continued commitment to building a stronger culture of safety. This year’s achievements include an impressive 25 Diamond, 15 Platinum, 5 Gold, 8 Silver and 9 Bronze recipients. These companies will be recognized during the 2026 Excellence in Construction Awards on November 10 at the Tobin Center. While the deadline to be recognized at EIC has passed, there is still time to participate in STEP! We highly encourage members who have not yet completed the STEP Safety Management System assessment to do so before the end of the year. STEP provides an opportunity to evaluate your safety program, identify areas for improvement and demonstrate your company’s commitment to sending every employee home safely each day. Companies achieving Gold, Platinum or Diamond are also encouraged to take the next step and complete the Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) application process, providing an opportunity to earn national recognition as an ABC Top Performer. Congratulations to all of our 2026 STEP participants for raising the standard and demonstrating that Merit Shop contractors are leading the way in safety.
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ABC STX Chapter News
Independence Open
Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Par ABC South Texas celebrated 250 years of freedom on the fairways at our Independence Open at Canyon Springs Golf Club, and our golfers definitely came ready to Let Freedom Swing! From our 1776 Club to a little Boston Tea Party spirit and plenty of Let Freedom Swing fun, the theme of 1776 made its way around the course. We held these truths to be self-evident: not all golf swings are created equal, the pursuit of par is never easy, and a day on the golf course with ABC members is always worth celebrating. And George Washington would never tell a lie — there were some revolutionary swings out there! A special shout-out to American Interiors for providing the much-needed wraps at Hole 9. With hungry patriots making the turn, their timely provisions may have prevented another Boston Tea Party reenactment at the beverage station! Thank you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, golfers, golf committee, volunteers and staff who helped make the Independence Open another great ABC South Texas event as we continue celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Golf Committee Chairs: Pete Ballard and Kerry Stanush Gabe Ochoa, Don Salazar, Jennifer Clark, Benson Philips, Candace Rodriguez, Frank Rodriguez and countless volunteers. Sponsors 1776 Club (Title Sponsors) Automatic Fire Protection, Guadalupe Readymix and Joeris General Contractors Boston Tea Party Americrane, Baker Triangle, Flo-Aire Service and Terracon Let Freedom Swing Robins & Morton, Talent Corps and White Cap
National Discounts
ABC STX Chapter News
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ABC STX Chapter News
Quarterly Recap (continued)
August Lunch and Learn: ABC Members Getting Connected with National Discounts
Workforce Development Networking Event: Recruiting Sponsor Employers
August LOGIC: Women in the Field
August FLI: Navigating Through Difficult Conversations with Board members
Heroes in Trades (HIT): Veterans Affinity Committee Kick-off Meeting
Intelligent Leadership with Ted Turner
Safety Training & Committee Schedules
ABC STX Chapter News
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ABC members care about their employees.
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Body
Mind
Heart
Soul
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The Total Human Health Initiative encompasses multiple dimensions of health organized within four, simple and easy to remember categories: Body, Heart, Mind, and Soul. This critical link in the ABC STEP Safety Management System® is designed to help members focus and improve the complete health, wellness and livelihood of their employees.
abc.org/thh
2026 QTR 4 Trainings SAFETY
October 2: First Aid & CPR October 6-9: OSHA #3095 Electrical Standards October 27-30: OSHA #510 Construction Standards December 15-17: OSHA #3085 Principles of Scaffolding FIELD October 15: ADA in Construction October 19:
Texas Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep 4 weeks every Monday & Wednesday MANAGEMENT October 30-31: Beyond the Comfort Zone: Forging Leaders Through Stress and Skill Visit members.abcsouthtexas.org/eventcalendar
2026 QTR 4 Committee Meetings Workforce Development 3 PM, ABC Office October 14 November 18 December 16
Government Affairs 3 PM, ABC Office October 12 November 9 December 14
Membership 9 AM, ABC Office October 6 November 3 December 1
Safety 12 PM, ABC Office October 14 November 11 December 9
Apprenticeship 4 PM, ABC Office October 14 November 18 December 16
Communication 3 PM
October 6, Virtual November 3, ABC Office December 1, ABC Office
Technology
October 1, ABC Office 3 PM November 4, 1 PM Virtual December 2, 1 PM Virtual
LOGIC
October 13 Build Your Brand ABC Office, 12 PM November 19 Jobsite Tour December 17 Joint HH with FLI & HIT Oak Hills Bowling Center, 5 PM
Future Leaders
October 28 Chili Cook-off Support Pickrell Park November 5 Lessons in Advocacy ABC Office, 4 PM December 17 Joint HH with LOGIC & HIT Oak Hills Bowling Center, 5 PM
Heroes in Trades (HIT) ABC Office
October 26, 8:30 - 10 AM November 30, 4 - 5:30 PM December 17 Joint HH with FLI & LOGIC Oak Hills Bowling Center, 5 PM
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ABC STX Chapter News
Quarterly Recap (continued)
September Lunch & Learn: Building a Defensible Space with WS&P Insurance
Foreman Training
September LOGIC: Self-Defense
September FLI: The Standard with Former Navy SEAL Eric Lundquist
VitalCog Training
Candidate Mark Teixeira - Texas House District 21
Quarterly Recap (continued)
ABC STX Chapter News
Milwaukee Members of the Month and Safety Members of the Month
New Member Orientations with Membership Committee and Delivering Membership Directories
Jobsite Visit with Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Hosted by Bartlett Cocke
ABC Members Supporting Boys and Girls Club Trades Day
Bi-monthly Updates with Development Services, SAWS, CPS and Capital Improvements newsletter designed by:
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ABC STX Chapter News
Apprenticeship Update
Record Enrollment Kicks Off 2026-2027 Year The ABC Contractors Apprenticeship Trust (CAT) has officially kicked off the 2026–2027 apprenticeship year with a record number of students enrolled in our registered apprenticeship programs. This record enrollment represents more than growth in our program. This is how we help reduce the shortage of skilled trades professionals. By developing the people already working in our industry, we are building a stronger pipeline of trained craft professionals prepared to meet the growing workforce needs of South Texas. A special thank you goes to our employer sponsors who make this possible by enrolling their employees in the program and committing to their education, on-the-job training and professional development. Their investment demonstrates a commitment not only to their employees, but to the long-term strength of our entire construction industry. We will also continue partnering with schools, community organizations, workforce partners and industry leaders to introduce more people to the opportunities available in the skilled trades and connect them with pathways into construction careers.
Chapter Staff Michelle Seward Davis President president@abcsouthtexas.org Mark Mathews Director of Operations mark@abcsouthtexas.org Shalon LeBlanc Workforce, Apprenticeship & Education Director shalon@abcsouthtexas.org Mary Delaney Membership Director mary@abcsouthtexas.org Leah Villarreal Safety, Workforce & Apprenticeship leah@abcsouthtexas.org Dana Stone Accounting bookkeeper@abcsouthtexas.org
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