The upcoming issue of The Merit Times highlights the people, programs, and priorities shaping the future of California’s merit shop construction industry. This edition places a strong focus on workforce resilience and well-being through ABC’s Total Human Health Initiative, exploring how contractors are supporting employees beyond traditional jobsite safety through mental health awareness, suicide prevention resources, and holistic approaches to workforce wellness. As the industry continues to navigate labor shortages and evolving workforce needs, the issue examines why investing in employee health, culture, and support systems is more important than ever.
The newsletter also provides an update on ABC California’s ongoing legislative and advocacy efforts, including highlights from the 2026 Legislative Action Day in Sacramento and key bills impacting workforce development, project delivery, and industry regulations. Readers will also find coverage of California chapters earning national recognition at the 2026 ABC National Craft Championships, showcasing the exceptional talent emerging from merit shop apprenticeship programs.
Rounding out the issue are special features recognizing industry leaders making a lasting impact on workforce development and training. ABC SoCal Trustee Dick Deisher is honored for his induction into the Apprenticeship Hall of Fame, while plumbing instructor Tatton Kilmer is celebrated as the 2026 ABC Craft Instructor of the Year for his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence in apprenticeship education.
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ABC California Chapters Earn National Recognition at the 2026 ABC National Craft Championships
Southern California Features
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About ABC of California
MISSION: ABC of California exists to Protect, Promote, and Advance Free Enterprise, Fair and Open Competition and Workforce Development for all ABC Members in California.
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BUILDING A RESILIENT WORKFORCE: TOTAL HUMAN HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that workforce well-being extends beyond physical safety alone. Across the construction industry, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting the overall health of their employees both on and off the jobsite.
Associated Builders and Contractors continues to promote this effort nationally through its Total Human Health Initiative, which focuses on building a resilient workforce connected through strong relationships and engaged in construction work to a high standard of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
The initiative emphasizes four key dimensions of health:
Body
Heart
Mind
Soul
Together, these categories encourage a more complete approach to workforce wellbeing and reinforce the idea that supporting employees goes far beyond traditional jobsite safety practices.
ABC members care deeply about their employees and recognize that the construction workforce remains the industry’s most valuable resource. As the industry continues to face workforce shortages and changing workforce demographics, investing in employee
well-being has become increasingly important for attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
The construction industry has also continued important conversations surrounding mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Through ABC’s ongoing mental health initiatives, thousands of construction professionals nationwide have participated in suicide prevention and awareness training programs designed to encourage dialogue, reduce stigma, and provide workers with practical help-seeking and help-giving tools.
Since 2022, ABC has delivered suicide prevention and awareness education through dozens of chapters nationwide and continues to expand resources focused on mental well-being throughout the construction industry.
ABC is also a founding member of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, reinforcing the association’s ongoing commitment to supporting workforce mental health and creating healthier workplace cultures across the industry.
Members interested in learning more are encouraged to explore ABC National’s Total Human Health resources, including the Total Human Health Toolkit and Workforce Assessment materials designed to help companies strengthen workplace culture, employee wellness, and workforce resilience.
ABC CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATE
As the 2026 legislative session continues, Associated Builders and Contractors of California remains engaged in tracking key legislation and representing the interests of merit shop contractors across the state.
In April, ABC California hosted another successful Legislative Action Day in Sacramento, bringing together contractor members, chapter leaders, apprentices, and industry professionals to meet directly with legislators and staff. The event created an important opportunity to discuss workforce development, regulatory challenges, fair and open competition, and issues impacting the future of construction in California.
Current Legislative Priorities & Industry Issues
ABC California continues monitoring legislation related to:
• Local agency design-build authorization
• Electrician certification and renewal processes
• Skilled and trained workforce requirements
• Regulations impacting specialized facility construction
Through continued engagement with lawmakers and industry stakeholders, ABC California remains committed to promoting policies that support opportunity, responsible project delivery, economic growth, and long-term industry success.
For additional updates and a full list of bills currently being tracked, members and industry partners are encouraged to visit the ABC California Key Bill List for the latest legislative information affecting California’s construction industry.
ABC CALIFORNIA CHAPTERS EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION AT THE 2026 ABC
NATIONAL CRAFT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Associated Builders and Contractors chapters throughout California once again demonstrated the strength of merit shop apprenticeship and workforce development programs at the 2026 ABC National Craft Championships.
Competitors from ABC Southern California and ABC San Diego earned national recognition across multiple categories, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and safety excellence among the next generation of construction professionals.
GOLD MEDAL RECOGNITION
Electrical: Commercial-Industrial
• Gabriel Cancinos — Construction
Electric
ABC Southern California
SILVER MEDAL RECOGNITION
Electrical: Commercial-Industrial
• John Van Gilst — Rymax Electric
ABC Southern California
Plumbing
• Christopher Ryan Tanueco — Z3
Plumbing
ABC Southern California
Sheet Metal
• Ty Mata — Brian Cox Mechanical
ABC San Diego
BRONZE MEDAL RECOGNITION
Plumbing
• Brandon Manchester — Empyrean
Plumbing Inc.
ABC Southern California
Team: Commercial
• Joseph Milford Flores Jr. — South Coast Heating & Air Conditioning
• Zachary Gober — Laser Electric Inc.
• Kellen Larson — Lusardi Construction Inc.
• Carlos Mosti Jr. — Pacific Rim
Mechanical Contractors Inc.
ABC San Diego
SAFETY RECOGNITION
Electrical: Commercial-Industrial
• Gabriel Cancinos — Construction
Electric
ABC Southern California
ABC California congratulates all competitors, instructors, employers, and apprenticeship programs involved in preparing these talented professionals for national competition. Their accomplishments continue to highlight the value of apprenticeship training, workforce development, and safety excellence throughout California’s merit shop construction industry.
ABC OF CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FEATURES
Dick Deisher – Apprenticeship Hall of Fame
Dick Deisher, ABC SoCal Trustee and steadfast advocate for workforce development, was recently inducted into the Apprenticeship Hall of Fame at the 33rd Biennial California Conference. This prestigious recognition is awarded only once every two years, and Dick was one of just three individuals honored this year. His induction also marks a significant milestone for the merit shop community, as he becomes only the third merit shop representative ever inducted into the Hall of Fame, following Anne Quick of ABC Northern California and ABC SoCal’s own Doug Sawyer.
Dick’s impact on apprenticeship and training spans decades. After serving 30 years in the United States Navy and retiring as a Command Master Chief and Master Trainer,
he brought his passion for leadership and education into the construction industry. Since becoming a member in 1997 and then an ABC SoCal Trustee in 2004, Dick has dedicated himself to strengthening apprenticeship programs across California. He has served on electrical committees for all four ABC California chapters, helped shape curriculum and standards as an NCCER Master Trainer, and continuously championed the success of apprentices both inside and outside the classroom.
At the center of Dick’s leadership is a simple but powerful reminder he shares at the beginning of every meeting: “We are here for the apprentices.” That mantra has become the foundation of his service and a reflection of the purpose that guides every decision he makes. Whether advocating for stronger training opportunities, mentoring future leaders, or ensuring apprentices
have the support they need to succeed, Dick has consistently kept apprentices first. His leadership has also helped improve the lives of countless apprentices and their families, including his efforts to secure health care coverage for apprentices from day one of employment.
Dick’s dedication, integrity, and unwavering belief in the value of apprenticeship have left a lasting impact on ABC SoCal, the merit shop industry, and the countless apprentices whose careers he has helped shape. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for Dick’s lifelong commitment to the trades.
Tatton Kilmer - 2026 ABC Craft Instructor of the Year
We were especially proud to celebrate Tatton Kilmer of Z3 Plumbing, ABC SoCal Plumbing Instructor, who was named the 2026 ABC Craft Instructor of the Year. Tatton was recognized for his outstanding commitment to workforce development, safety, and mentorship, exemplifying the core values of the merit shop through hands-on training, real-world application, and a strong focus on jobsite safety and code compliance. His leadership continues to shape the next generation of skilled professionals and elevate apprentices to succeed at the highest level.
