The Associated Builders and Contractors was founded in 1950 by a
group of contractors in and around Baltimore who believed that
construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most
qualified and responsible low bidder. That belief produced the merit
shop philosophy which is based on free enterprise and fair market
principles.
The association evolved and changed through the years, but remains
connected to its foundations by the same push for a level playing field.
“Our bylaws and our policies are all around producing and advocating
F E A T U R E
64 YEARS OF
SUPPORTING
THE MERIT SHOP
