Associated Builders and Contractors is a trade association that promotes the Merit Shop Philosophy in the commercial and industrial construction industry throughout the United States. Merit Shop Merit Shop is a free enterprise business ethic that emphasizes freedom, competition and choice. Construction contractors should be free to bid and capture work based on proven performance and price. Employees should be compensated and promoted based upon ability, desire and performance. Construction projects should be completed on time, delivered within the budget, and built with quality. History ABC was founded in 1950 by five general contractors and two specialty contractors in Baltimore, Maryland. Their momentum quickly reached the the Anne Arundel County, southern Maryland and Eastern Shore areas of the state.The ABC Chesapeake Shores Chapter was the first chartered chapter to serve the Merit Shop industry, chartered under the name ABC Eastern Shore. Special Events Annual Events, such as the crab feasts, clay shoot, holiday gala, and golf tournament draw members, their employees, state and local government officials, and the general public for some fellowship and networking. The Excellence in Construction Awards Program recognizes significant challenges in Merit Shop construction and rewards those companies who excel in their craft and in promoting a safe work place. The Legislative Forum brings the chapter together with our elected officials.