BIG RAPIDS – Providing equal opportunity for individuals in the construction industry is important to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Michigan. It is this belief that led the organization’s leaders to contribute to the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame (MCHOF) Endowment at Ferris State University.
“Our chapters and contractor members have long had a positive relationship with Ferris,” ABC of Michigan President and CEO Chris Fisher said. “We have members from across the state who have served on advisory boards, been involved in the Construction Management program and been elected to the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris.
“ABC and Ferris share a deep and profound appreciation for the importance of the construction industry and building our future,” Fisher added.
Ferris also exemplifies the principles of Merit Shop construction, which is a philosophy based on the belief every company has the right to bid and be awarded construction contracts based solely upon the merit of their work as opposed to their affiliation with labor organizations, he explained. The goal of the philosophy is to create equal opportunity in the construction field.
“The quality of ABC of Michigan contractors underscores the importance of a world-class workforce that is innovative, productive and at the top of their game,” Fisher said. “To achieve excellence, companies need the best talent possible. ABC and Ferris are on the forefront of groundbreaking trends in the industry, such as Building Information Modeling and green building, which will strengthen the core knowledge of industry professionals.”
Added College of Engineering Technology Interim Dean Ron McKean, “Ferris helps prepare Construction Management students to have the skills necessary to meet current and future demands in the construction industry, and gifts such as ABC’s help strengthen the educational opportunities Ferris provides.”
ABC of Michigan is a statewide trade association dedicated to providing Michigan with high-quality, affordable, safe and on-time construction. ABC of Michigan is an equal opportunity organization that opposes all discrimination in the construction industry, including discrimination based on union affiliation. A leading construction industry voice with state government, ABC provides many member services including legislative advocacy, networking opportunities, member benefits, legal updates, business development and educational opportunities.
The MCHOF Endowment was established by Ken and Cynthia Lawless of Portland, Mich., to provide further recognition of recipients of the Distinguished Constructor Award. The MCHOF is located in Ferris’ Granger Center for Construction and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and it serves as a permanent place for faculty, staff, students and the community to appreciate the achievements of leaders in the Michigan construction industry.
Selection for induction into the MCHOF as a recipient of the Distinguished Constructor Award is by a committee of professionals representing ABC, Associated General Contractors of America, Construction Association of Michigan, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Michigan Association of Home Builders and Ferris State University Construction Technology and Management department. Criteria for selection include achievement in technical, managerial and leadership areas, state or national prominence as a result of industry or community activities, and service to the profession and community.
“The Distinguished Constructor Award recognizes an individual who has left a significant mark on the construction industry and community because of their consistent service and achievement,” McKean added.
For more information or to make a gift to the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame Endowment or Ferris State University, please contact The Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or [email protected]. Details about establishing scholarships or endowments may be obtained from the university’s Advancement Office at (231) 591-3825.