ABC of the Carolinas is a family of contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals seeking to promote and improve the image of construction and address the many issues facing the industry. The Carolinas Chapter together with 23,500 member firms nationally promote equality amongst construction managers, general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals. With one voice our members seek to improve the construction industry as a whole. Associated Builders & Contractors was founded in Baltimore, MD in 1950 to promote the "merit shop" and the free market system as it relates to the construction industry. Additionally, ABC promotes the "fairness factor", by which all members are seen as being equal. All businesses, from general contractors to suppliers, and sub-contractors to industry professionals, have a voice and vote. This is something that is not found in any other construction association. ABC chartered the Carolinas chapter in 1998.