Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Industry Advocacy & Training in Michigan
Founded in 1967, we are the leading voice of free enterprise for the building and construction community in Michigan. Our organization advocates for independent contractors, offering membership programs that include legal services, leadership training, and exclusive discounts. With over 250 member companies, we promote merit shop construction principles, ensuring open competition and free-market opportunities. Our staff provides dedicated support for business development, political advocacy, and labor issues. We operate the Greater Michigan Construction Academy, accredited by NCCER, to deliver industry-standard training programs. Our high member retention rate reflects our commitment to advancing the construction industry through safety initiatives like STEP and recognition programs such as Excellence in Construction Awards.We prioritize economic freedom, accountability, and professionalism, fostering an environment where companies succeed based on merit. Our services extend to networking events, member engagement strategies, and tailored benefits that enhance business growth. With a focus on continuous improvement, we empower members to achieve excellence in commercial and industrial construction while maintaining a strong advocacy presence at local and national levels.
Services
Membership Benefits
Construction Training
Political Advocacy
Safety Certification
Industry Awards
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We have been advocating for Michigan construction businesses since 1967.
- Our members receive exclusive access to legal services and local/national discounts.
- We offer NCCER-accredited training programs through the Greater Michigan Construction Academy.
- We maintain a 92% member retention rate through targeted business development support.
- Our safety initiatives have reduced workplace incidents by up to 84% for participants.
Associations and certifications
- NCCER
Services
Membership Benefits
Our membership program provides access to exclusive construction industry resources including legal services, leadership training, and nationwide networking opportunities. Members receive local and national discounts on equipment, insurance, and educational programs. With three membership tiers available, we cater to general contractors, specialty contractors, and supplier organizations seeking business growth support through advocacy and professional development initiatives.
Construction Training
The Greater Michigan Construction Academy offers NCCER-accredited training in 11 construction trades including carpentry, electrical work, and welding. Our curriculum focuses on safety protocols, technical skills, and industry certifications to enhance workforce competency. Training programs are available at three regional campuses in Lansing, Midland, and Saginaw, with discounted rates for member companies and their employees.
Political Advocacy
We serve as the primary advocate for merit shop construction principles in Michigan, working to reduce regulatory burdens and promote free enterprise. Our advocacy efforts include legislative lobbying, labor policy consultation, and legal support for members facing industry-specific challenges. This representation ensures our members maintain operational independence while competing in a fair market environment.
Safety Certification
Our Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) helps construction firms implement world-class safety management systems. Participating members receive safety benchmarking tools, incident reduction strategies, and potential workers' compensation premium discounts. The program has demonstrated up to 84% reductions in workplace incidents while maintaining compliance with OSHA standards and industry best practices.
Industry Awards
We administer the Excellence in Construction Awards to recognize outstanding construction projects across Michigan. This annual competition highlights quality workmanship in categories ranging from new construction to specialized trades. Winning projects receive industry recognition and marketing opportunities, with top entries advancing to national-level competitions representing Michigan's merit shop construction community.
People
Angela Madarang
President
Angela leads ABC Greater Michigan's advocacy efforts, handling political, legal, and labor issues while directing leadership programs. With extensive industry experience, she focuses on creating favorable business environments for member contractors through strategic representation and policy development.
Cathy Geiger
Marketing & Community Affairs Director
Cathy manages marketing initiatives and community engagement programs, connecting members with business opportunities through events and promotional activities. She oversees membership communications and develops strategies to enhance member visibility within Michigan's construction industry network.
Greg Berreles
Membership and Business Development Director
Greg focuses on expanding membership through personalized outreach to construction firms of all sizes. He demonstrates the return on investment for ABC membership by highlighting training resources, advocacy benefits, and networking opportunities available to Michigan-based construction professionals.
Carly Laverdiere
Member Engagement Manager
Carly develops engagement strategies to improve member satisfaction and retention across Michigan. Based in Lansing, she organizes regional events and facilitates connections between members, focusing on creating collaborative opportunities that strengthen the construction industry network.
Jen Trevillian
Administrative Assistant
Jen provides essential administrative support to ensure smooth chapter operations. She coordinates internal communications, assists with event logistics, and offers direct support to members, maintaining the organizational infrastructure that enables effective service delivery to ABC's Michigan membership.
Questions
What is the primary mission of ABC Greater Michigan?
We advocate for merit shop construction principles, promoting free enterprise and open competition in Michigan's construction industry through advocacy, training, and member support services.
What training programs are available to members?
Members access NCCER-accredited training in 11 construction trades through the Greater Michigan Construction Academy, with discounted rates and multiple regional training locations.
How does ABC support member business growth?
We provide legal services, leadership training, exclusive discounts, networking events, and safety certification programs that help construction firms improve operations and market competitiveness.
What safety initiatives do you offer?
Our STEP program reduces workplace incidents through safety benchmarking, with participants achieving up to 84% lower incident rates and potential workers' compensation premium discounts.
Are there industry recognition opportunities?
Yes, our Excellence in Construction Awards recognize outstanding projects annually, with winners receiving industry recognition and potential national competition opportunities.
What membership types are available?
We offer three membership tiers: general contracting, specialty contracting, and supplier/associate memberships to serve diverse construction industry participants.
