The mission of the associated builders and contractors, INC. (ABC) is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, (continued on schedule o) regardless of labor affiliation. ABC is a national association founded in 1950 representing 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with over two million employees. Founded in 1969, the florida GULF coast chapter of ABC is devoted exclusively to representing the interest of over 600 of its member companies from gainesville to naples florida. The organization's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, empolyee benefits and information on BEST practices and business development.