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.

• 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.

• Member representatives run ABC chapters.
• The Chesapeake Shores Chapter Board of Directors meet once each month to review and vote on association business.
• There are several committees, made up of member volunteers that work toward specific goals of the chapter.
• ABC's national board has nearly 250 representatives and meets three times annually.

Special Events

• Annual Events, such as the crab feasts, clay shoot, holiday gala, bull and oyster roast 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 excell in their craft and in promoting a safe work place.
• The Legislative Forum brings the chapter together with our elected officials.
• Many other events are held throughout the calendar year.

Dues

• General contractors, construction management companies, specialty contractors, suppliers and professionals remit dues based on their gross annual construction volume.
• ABC dues are not tax deductible as charitable contributions, However, they can be deducted for federal income tax purposes under business expenses.
• Any questions concerning the deduction of ABC Chesapeake Shores Chapter dues under federal income tax laws should be discussed with your accountant.