[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 190 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS FLORIDA EAST COAST 
                                CHAPTER

 Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the 
Associated Builders and Contractors--ABC--Florida East Coast Chapter 
and the many vital contributions to commercial, industrial, and 
infrastructural construction that contractors make, improving the 
quality of life for the people of Florida.
  The ABC Florida East Coast Chapter was founded in 1968 and recognized 
as the leader of the merit shop construction industry and one of the 
oldest organizations representing the construction industry in Florida 
for 55 years. The ABC Florida East Coast Chapter is the single largest 
provider of apprenticeship education in the State of Florida, educating 
nearly 700 apprentices annually.
  The mission of ABC Florida East Coast Chapter is the advancement of 
the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open 
competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards construction 
contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. It 
represents the profession responsible for the construction of 
commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects such as schools, 
hospitals, office buildings, sports venues, factories, energy 
production plants, water systems, waste disposal and treatment 
facilities, roads, bridges, and other public and private facilities 
that are the foundation on which the economy of Florida stands and 
grows.
  I recognize that the ABC Florida East Coast Chapter, through its 
education trust, is building tomorrow by recruiting, educating, and 
training approximately 8,500 skilled workers in the past decade who 
drive the construction industry forward with the merit shop principles 
of free enterprise and open competition. The ABC Florida East Coast 
Chapter's tireless collaboration with builders, contractors, and 
educators has contributed significantly to the resilience and growth of 
the construction industry. By providing quality education and fostering 
a diverse and skilled workforce, the ABC Florida East Coast Chapter is 
playing a crucial role in building a stronger America.
  I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the ABC Florida East 
Coast Chapter and the ABC Institute for its unwavering commitment to 
apprentice education. As we look toward a future of economic growth and 
opportunity, their efforts serve as a shining example of the positive 
change that can be achieved through dedication and 
collaboration.

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