Summer 2026 Final

ABC South Texas Advocates for a Level Playing Field

ABC South Texas was proud to represent our members at the 2026 ABC National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., joining contractors and chapter leaders from across the country to advocate for the merit shop construction industry.

The conference brought together ABC members to discuss the legislative and regulatory issues impacting our businesses, workforce, and communities. Throughout the event, attendees participated in national board and committee meetings, specialized sessions, and discussions with industry experts covering workforce development, fair and open competition, labor policy, infrastructure, tax policy, and regulatory reform.

The conference concluded with visits to Capitol Hill, where ABC South Texas met with members of the Texas congressional delegation to share the priorities of our industry while also meeting with congressional candidates. These conversations reinforced the importance of protecting free enterprise, expanding workforce opportunities, supporting commonsense immigration solutions, preserving fair and open competition, and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens that affect construction companies of every size.

Advocacy is one of the core pillars of ABC, and events like National Legislative Conference ensure the voices of merit shop contractors are heard where important decisions are made. We appreciate everyone who represented ABC South Texas and helped strengthen our industry’s presence in Washington. Together, we continue building a stronger future for the construction industry and protecting the principles that allow our members to compete, grow, and succeed.

Message from the Chapter President

Michelle Seward Davis

This year, our nation celebrates an extraordinary milestone, 250 years of freedom. As I reflect on what that means, I cannot help but think about the boldness and courage of our Founding Fathers. They embarked on what many considered the greatest experiment in self-government the world had ever seen. Against incredible odds, they declared that liberty, opportunity, and the consent of the governed would become the foundation of a new nation.

Their vision was never a guarantee. It was an act of extraordinary faith, courage, and sacrifice. They understood that freedom would require each generation to protect it, strengthen it, and pass it on.

President Ronald Reagan captured that responsibility perfectly when he said: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same...”

Those words are just as meaningful today as they were when they were first spoken. Freedom is the opportunity to dream, to work hard, to create, to build, and to determine our own future. It is the belief that success should be earned through dedication, perseverance, and personal responsibility, not predetermined by circumstance.

That is why I believe so strongly in the merit shop philosophy.

The merit shop reflects many of the same ideals that inspired our nation’s founding. It is built on the belief that opportunity should be available to everyone, that success should be earned through ability, character, and effort, and that every qualified contractor deserves the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. Likewise, every craft professional deserves the freedom to pursue a rewarding career based on skill, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

Every day at ABC South Texas, I see those values in action. I see apprentices discovering careers that will change the course of their lives. I see member companies investing in their people, developing future leaders, and creating opportunities for thousands of men and women across South Texas. ABC members across the nation continue to build the American dream.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us remember that the freedoms we enjoy today exist because generations before us chose courage over comfort and conviction over complacency. It is now our turn to honor their legacy by protecting the principles of free enterprise, fair and open competition, and opportunity for all.

Thank you for being part of ABC South Texas and for helping ensure that the next generation inherits not only a stronger construction industry, but also a nation where freedom continues to create opportunity for every American. Together, let us remain faithful stewards of the ideals that gave birth to our nation and continue building a future where every individual has the opportunity to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Diamond Sponsors

Annual Sponsors Board of Directors Upcoming Events, Q3

Platinum

Jack Laurence

Lynwood

Gold

Metro

Noble Texas Builders

SpawGlass

VIA Metropolitan Transit

Silver

American Interiors

Chamberlin Cokinos

Dewalt

Flo-Aire Service

MK Marlow

South TX Building Partners

Texas Disposal Systems

San Antonio Masonry & Steel

VIA Metropolitan Transit

Bronze

ADKF

Beck Landfill

Bee Done Rental

Frost Bank

Galaxy Builders

Mobile Air

RSM

Satterfield & Pontikes

Terracon

WS&P Insurance

You Name It Specialties

Executive Committee

Mark Baublit, Chairman Marksmen General Contractors

Drew Addison, 1st Vice Chair Acrisure

Jim Robertson, 2nd Vice Chair Americrane

Matt Delgado, Treasurer MidFirst Bank

Justin Kanas, Secretary Noble Texas Builders

Chris Martinez, Past Chairman Central Electric

Bob Kilgore, Chapter Attorney Gardner Law Firm

Jonathan Bradley SpawGlass

Dan Byrom

Joeris General Contractors

John Cruz

Broadway Bank

David Cupit

Marek Brothers Systems

Joel Frederick

Quarter Moon Plumbing

Eric Groat

Robins & Morton

Kobi Gunther

Harvey Cleary

Brent Hawley TDIndustries

Mark Hebert

Bartlett Cocke

Rob Huddleston

AiRCO Mechanical

Josh King

You Name It Specialties

Justin Kuehler

Jack Laurence Corporation

Eddie McDuff

Flo-Aire Service, Inc.

Tess Shelton

Nichiha

Ryan Speer

Marsh McLennan

Christian Trevino Cokinos

THURSDAY

July 9, 2026

Lunch & Learn: Labor Law Update

ABC Office, 11:30 AM

SATURDAY

July 11, 2026

Member-Exclusive Family Event Popstroke, 12:00 PM -2:00 PM

FRIDAY

July 17, 2026

Apprenticeship Graduation

Aggie Park, 5:00 PM

THURSDAY

August 6, 2026

Dynamic Speaker Series: Justin Wren Palladium IMAX, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

THURSDAY

August 13, 2026

Lunch & Learn: ABC Discounts ABC Office, 11:30 AM

WEDNESDAY

August 19, 2026

Development Services, CPS, SAWS & Capital Improvements ABC Office, 7:30 AM

FRIDAY

August 28, 2026

EIC Project Submission Deadline 5:00 PM

THURSDAY

September 10, 2026

Patriots & Politics

TBD, 5:30 - 8:00 PM

THURSDAY

September 17, 2026

Lunch & Learn: Building a Defensible Space

ABC Office, 11:30 AM

MONDAY

September 21, 2026

Fall Golf Tournament Canyon Springs, 9:00 AM Tee Time

Trainings & Committees on Page 17

Stars & Stripes Classic: A Tournament Worth the Wait

A Tournament Worth the Wait - continued on page 14

Sometimes the best plans require a little flexibility.

While Mother Nature had other ideas for our original tournament date, the Stars & Stripes Classic became a reminder that even when plans change, preparation, adaptability, and a positive attitude make all the difference. Just like our members, we adjusted, regrouped, and found a way forward.

Because the weather didn’t force the decision until the morning of the event, many of our players, sponsors, and volunteers were still able to gather for breakfast, morning beverages, networking, and prizes before the tournament was officially postponed. While the golf had to wait, the camaraderie didn’t. We brought the fun inside and enjoyed the same laughter, conversations, and prize giveaways that usually mark the end of a successful tournament.

The second time was the charm.

With beautiful skies and a sold-out field, golfers returned to River Crossing Club for a day filled with friendly competition, great conversations, and plenty of laughter. The weather cooperated, the course was in outstanding condition, and the Stars & Stripes Classic turned into everything we had hoped it would be.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our sponsors, whose continued support makes events like this possible, and to our Golf Committee, volunteers, and staff for their flexibility and commitment throughout the process. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the vendors, members, and committee members who quickly stepped up to donate additional prizes after we had already awarded many of the original prizes on the first tournament date. Your generosity ensured our golfers enjoyed the same outstanding experience when we returned for the rescheduled event.

Thank you for showing up not once, but twice. Your enthusiasm, patience, generosity, and flexibility turned an unexpected challenge into a memorable success. We appreciate everyone who helped make this year’s Stars & Stripes Classic one to remember, and we look forward to seeing you this fall at the Independence Open.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

√ County Commissioner Moody performed the 2026 Board Installation

√ Flood relief efforts continue

√ Roc Solid Build for child with cancer

√ Supported Blood Cancer United

√ Partnered with Workforce Solutions Alamo and Texas Veterans Commission for Vet Outreach Career Fair

PROGRAMS & COMMITTEES

√ UTSA Competition Team was supported by the Board and Members

√ Scorecards completed

√ Board member recruitment and committee involvement on-going

√ UTSA Capstone Class - Safety & Public Speaking

EVENTS

√ Continuing to elevate overall member experience at all events

√ AI Tools in the industry

COMMUNICATION

√ TECH Committee Survey & Kickoff Complete - Formalizing Why, How and What

√ Communications Committee chair identified and plan being formalized

√ GrowthZone Drip Campaign for new and future members

TRAINING

√ Safety Topics & Training: full calendar

√ Leadership Forum Completed

√ Safety Culture Intelligent Leadership

√ Blueprint Reading 101 completed

√ Advanced Communication for the field

√ CTE Workshop for Educators

√ Crane Basics, Rigging and Flagging

√ Specialty topics: Construction Economic and Tax Update, Feb

Prop A and Construction Outlook, March

AI Tools in the Industry, June

√ LOGIC & FLI Education Topics to date: Find Your Why, Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Women in Leadership, Basics of Trap Shooting, Generations Part 2, CMC Steel Tour, Pay it Forward Lessons

ADVOCACY

√ City Council Jobsite Visit: District 1

√ Meetings with Rep. De La Cruz, Land Commissioner, Commissioner Moody, Councilwoman Spears, Rep. Chip Roy, Rep. Cuellar, Councilwoman Kaur, Rep. Castro Chief of Staff, Councilwoman Gavito

√ Business Coalition: Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Judge Sakai, Candidates for Texas 35 & 21

√ National LegCon: 8 Attendees

√ 7 Members identified for CCR Working Groups

MEMBERSHIP

√ Annual retention: 91%

√ Contractor retention: 86%

√ New Members: 37

PAC / FEA

√ PAC: $66,441

√ FEA: $24,980

APPRENTICESHIP

√ Open enrollment underway

STEP

√ 38 members completed STEP application - urging early participation and sub-committee formed

Quarterly Recap

Continued on Pages 16-19

Letter from Board Chairman

Mark Baublit, Chairman

ABC Family and Friends,

2026 Board of Directors

2026 is already halfway over and we are excited to report from the Board and Chapter Staff that we continue to diligently focus on our priorities from our Strategic Planning at the beginning of the year. Membership growth continues to be our number one priority for ABC South Texas as it paves the way for growing our resources and impact on our communities. Each of our Executive Committee, Board Members, Staff and Committees have been charged with metrics and deliverables that remain visible on our Board Room wall and updated every month. We have now surpassed two hundred members for the first time since 2017 and are remaining focused on hitting the 225 Member goal by the end of this year. It is never too late to join us on this impactful journey as we lead through purpose in bettering our employees’ lives and fulfilling our WHY through our businesses.

I am asked often by our Board and Committees, how do we attract and retain members effectively, as both are equally important. First and foremost, ABC represents and advocates for the merit shop, which is 97+% of the construction work force in the State and 90% in the nation. We are the backbone of our country as a large and vital part of the economy. We are active and on the offensive daily to protect your businesses and employees from oppression by government or labor restrictions that prevent you from bidding or performing work on projects throughout our nation. Our mission is simple, EVERYONE should have an opportunity to bid and construct work on ALL projects, regardless of labor affiliations. We advocate for protecting free and open enterprise, which saves taxpayers substantial money through open competition. We just got back from DC for our yearly Legislative Conference where we met with our Representatives and Senators to discuss immigration, visas, skilled trades through our apprenticeship, and workforce development as the focus of our ABC National key priorities. If you fully understand the battles, we are fighting and advocating for your businesses currently with our current Mayor/City Council locally and our State and our National Legislators alone, on a weekly basis, you would clearly see that your membership dues are negligible for that fight alone and worth every dollar of investment. “Get into politics or get out of business.” Without ABC, your businesses would be highly limited in work opportunities and overtly oppressed by government and labor restrictions. ABC is your voice for the merit shop.

Secondly, our Apprenticeship program is growing and the momentum behind our vision of creating and having our own ABC Apprenticeship Program space is getting closer to becoming a reality. I want to personally thank our President, Michelle Davis, and our vital Board leaders Jim Robertson, Brent Hawley, Rob Huddleston and the entire Apprenticeship Committee and Contractors Apprenticeship Trust Board for their vision, leadership and political efforts to generate huge and real momentum in our ABC South Texas pursuit towards this goal. This remains a top priority as it will explode into something even greater than we can forecast that will help your businesses thrive as this is the foundation of healing our industry in our vastly growing region with the substantial skilled trades worker shortages.

Finally, retention is a substantial priority for our sustainability and growth. The best retention anchors are getting your leadership and staff involved and engaged in our Association’s Committees, Events, Affinity Groups, Apprenticeship Program, STEP and AQC Programs which are saving lives, and our Professional Development Courses. Engaged employees make engaged companies, unified in the industry for the fight for Merit and Business health. If you would take away from this article just these actionable items herein, and couple these with utilizing our ABC National Rewards programs that are included in your Membership to ALL your employees, you will more than offset the cost of your membership dues every year. Trust me, there is substantial VALUE in being part of the Associated Builders and Contractors. Come join us, stay and commit to the cause together, and you will find great joy in helping us elevate our industry as the most attractive career in the world full of tangible work product pride, employment financial rewards, and a workforce that is educationally debt free.

May God continue to bless the Merit Shop and ABC!

Mark Baublit Marksmen General Contractors

Meta, ABC Form Partnership to Launch Academy to Train and Create Jobs for Construction Craft Professionals

On June 8, 2026, Meta Platforms Inc. and Associated Builders and Contractors announced a partnership to educate and provide construction-ready career pathways for thousands of data center construction technicians kicking off in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas as a meaningful step toward meeting the growing demand for data center workers nationwide. America’s Workforce Academy is a $115 million investment in the next generation of construction professionals that includes a five-week training program and a job offer from contractors working on Meta projects at the conclusion of the program.

Once an online application process is complete, scholarships, travel, housing and stipends for living expenses are granted to qualified job seekers. They will then participate in career readiness and safety training followed by five weeks of hands-on education, which includes core training and craft training.

“America’s Workforce Academy is a transformational endeavor creating incredible construction-ready careers. ABC is proud to work with Meta, CBRE and academy community partners to welcome all who want to build their career dreams as a professional in construction,” said Michael Bellaman, ABC president and CEO. “As an industry leader, ABC believes in creating opportunities for all on a level playing field and is ready to meet the industry’s needs and help individuals achieve their career dreams. ABC is honored to partner with Meta to expand the pipeline of data center construction workers.

“This new program is an innovative talent solution that is a critical part of addressing the construction industry’s ongoing workforce shortage and creates an accelerated, new-entrant strategy for job seekers,” said Bellaman. “Utilizing ABC’s existing, proven, nationwide educational ecosystem, these programs will be launched at ABC chapter training centers in key markets like Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis and Houston. This new, national partnership will help train the next generation of craft professionals from entry points such as high school graduates, veterans and more.”

To learn more scan the QR Code below.

Benefits of Membership

• Access to ABC Insurance Trust: Health, Ancillary, Retirementregardless of company size

• National and local discounts for Members and Their Employees

• National Peer Groups

• Employee Development through Committee Involvement and Affinity Groups

• Peer-to-peer collaboration

• Exclusive networking events and programs - build your relationships

• STEP, Safety Training, Total Mental Health

• Apprenticeship Program & Professional Development for management & field

• Strong Advocacy: National, State and local level - always defending the Merit Shop Philosophy

• Industry Recognition: Accredited Quality Contractor, Top Performers, STEP Levels, Excellence in Construction

Welcome New Members

Alera Group

Alliant Insurance Services

Automatic Fire Protection

Bookout Commercial LLC

Bottom Line Equipment, LLC

Buyers Barricades

CFS Forming Structures

Champion Glass, LLC

Choate USA

Christensen Group

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Crum & Foster

Deaver and Saldivar CPA Firm, LLC

Earthtones Companies

Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

Flasher Fleet Solutions

G&M Construction Company

Glaucon Capital Partners

Hayden Paving, Inc.

HJD Capital Electric Inc.

Lazear Capital Partners

LoneStar ProREZ Company

Merchants Bonding Co.

Omega GC, LLC

Outsource, LLC

Pillar Construction, Inc.

Precision General Contracting

Redondo Manufacturing

Salco Solutions Group

SG3 Plumbing, LLC

SMARTBUILD Construction Solutions

Team Housing Solutions LLC

The Baldwin Group

The Vanjen Group

Turner Construction Company

Upright Cleaning, LLC

Whitecap Risk Advisors

Labor & Employment Law Update

Robert D. Kilgore, Special Counsel, Gardner Law Firm - Chapter Attorney

Bob Kilgore is Chapter Counsel for ABC-South Texas. He is Special Counsel to the Gardner Law Firm and is Board Certified (Labor & Employment Law) by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

“They did a bad, bad thing. They did a bad, bad thing.”

That song from Stanley Kubrick’s movie, Eyes Wide Shut, has been going through my head lately. A lot.

Not because it’s a weird film. Not because it’s a catchy tune.

It’s because the House of Representatives, with bipartisan support, passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act (“FLCA”) on June 9, 2026. If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, it would dramatically change how collective bargaining works. And not for the better.

When the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”) was passed in 1935, Section 8 (d) of the law imposed a good-faith bargaining obligation on both employers and unions once a union became the designated bargaining representative of a company’s employees. A core principle was that no party was ever required to accept any specific proposal or make any particular concession. A final contract could only be reached through agreement. The NLRB has also long recognized that upon reaching a good- faith impasse, the NLRA entitles an employer to unilaterally implement its last, best, and final offer and a union can strike in support of its demands.

Negotiating a “first contract” between a company and a union is complicated and intricate, as the parties must address a wide range of mandatory subjects of bargaining from scratch. It is so complicated that new contracts usually take between 18 and 24 months to negotiate.

Rather than give the parties the ability to negotiate meaningfully, the FLCA instead imposes arbitrary but strict deadlines for bargaining and takes negotiation and decision making out of the hands of the parties and gives a panel of arbitrators the right to impose contractual terms on the parties for a period of up to two years.

Here’s how it would work under the new law:

• Parties would be legally required to begin negotiating within 10 days of receiving a written bargaining request.

• If the parties can’t reach a contract within 90 days, either side can notify the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (“FMCS”) to request mediation.

• If mediation does not resolve the dispute within 30 days, the dispute is referred to a three-person arbitration panel to determine the contract’s terms. This is known as “interest arbitration.”

• The arbitration panel determines all terms of the parties’ first contract. This becomes the baseline for all future contracts. The FLCA also allows these arbitrators to make their decision based on these five factors:

° the employer’s financial status and prospects;

° the size and type of the employer’s business;

° cost of living;

° the employees’ “ability to sustain themselves, their families, and their dependents” based on compensation received from the employer; and

° wages and benefits of comparable employers.

The FLCA also appears to prohibit unilateral implementation of an employer’s last, best, final offer—whether during negotiations for a first contract or for a successor agreement. Nothing in the legislation precludes unions from striking if an impasse is reached. The bill seeks to add to Section 8 (d) an obligation “to maintain current wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment pending an agreement.” The NLRA has always required maintaining the status quo while negotiations are ongoing; this new language appears to extend that obligation in perpetuity—even if the parties reach a good faith bargaining impasse.

Why does this matter? This new law disregards the reality of bargaining—or at least bargaining as we know it. Four months is rarely enough time to go from a blank page to a fully negotiated agreement. In addition to keep running your business, you must also add scheduling issues, in-depth discussion, negotiation, and drafting to reach an agreement in that timeframe. The bargaining process changes significantly when a board of arbitrators (who won’t have to live up to the terms of the agreement they force upon the parties) starts making the parties’ decisions for them. For example, unions often have less incentive to reach agreement quickly if they believe interest arbitration will yield more favorable terms.

Another problem is that FMCS, the agency that oversees mediation during the 30-day window referenced above, is nowhere close to being fully staffed. It could easily develop that an FMCS mediator is not available until after the 30-day period has expired.

Most troubling is the indirect, but very real effect FLCA would have on bargaining for successor contracts. Unilateral implementation upon reaching a good- faith bargaining impasse has long been a vital tool for employers. The possibility of implementing terms when negations stall has been an effective tool to encourage the parties to continue making movement toward each other. The continued use of unilateral implementation is very much in doubt with FLCA.

Fortunately, FLCA has only passed the House; it still needs to be passed in the Senate and signed by the President to go into effect. ABC National is closely monitoring this bill, but you need to do your part to ensure it does not get passed into law. Get the ABC Action App. It will alert you when the Senate votes on this bill and will prepare and send a letter on your behalf to your senators of your opposition. It is quick and easy to use. Or, send a letter of your own to Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz and let them know you oppose this bill (S. 844).

Don’t let them do a bad, bad thing. Let your senators know you oppose FLCA.

Lessons Learned from Thousands of Miles on Jobsites

Logan Card, CHST, Gilbane Building Company - Safety Committee Chair

As a safety professional, I spend a lot of my day walking jobsites. Whether I’m reviewing a pre-task plan, watching work in progress, or helping solve problems in the field, one thing I’ve noticed is that workers take cues from the environment around them.

One example I’ve run into more than once is a fire extinguisher being used as a doorstop. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. The door stays open, work keeps moving, and nobody gets hurt. But after a while, that fire extinguisher stops looking like life-saving equipment and starts looking like part of the jobsite. It becomes a doorstop instead of a fire extinguisher. If an emergency ever happens, I can’t help but wonder how many people would walk right past the fire extinguisher disguised as the doorstop because they’re so used to seeing it used for something else.

I've noticed similar things with housekeeping. On most projects, the busiest work areas are usually the cleanest because they receive the most attention. But every now and then, I'll walk into a storage room, mechanical space, or remote corner of the project and find a completely different picture. Materials have piled up, debris has accumulated, and small issues that would get corrected immediately elsewhere have become normal.

I've never heard a worker say, "This area is messy, so I'm going to take more risks today." That's not how people think. But I do believe people naturally take cues from what they see around them. Over time, those shared expectations and everyday behaviors become part of a project's safety culture. When lower standards become normal in one area, it becomes easier to accept other things that aren't quite right.

That's why I've come to believe safety culture isn't built by posters, slogans, or even safety meetings alone. It's built by the little things people see every day.

Some safety culture models suggest that only about 15% of culture is visible through policies, signage, and procedures. The other 85% is shaped by the everyday behaviors, expectations, and conditions workers experience each day. One of the strongest safety messages on any project isn't delivered during a meeting. Safety messages are delivered by what workers see constantly across the project, starting at the gate.

Safety culture is built one decision at a time. The conditions we accept, the examples we set, and the conversations we have each day shape the expectations of everyone on the jobsite. As you return to your projects, challenge yourself and your teams to notice the small things and correct them before they become the norm. Lead by example and never underestimate the impact of everyday actions. The safest jobsites are not defined by the absence of incidents. They are defined by a culture where doing the right thing is the standard.

Employee Meals in 2026: What South Texas Construction Contractors Need to Know

Mary Arzola, CPA and Tax Manager, RSM and Karen Field, CPA and Senior Manager, RSM

Commercial construction contractors have long used employer-provided meals as a practical tool on jobsites - keeping crews nearby during short meal breaks, supporting overtime or shutdown work, and managing remote or high-intensity projects. IRC §119 allows certain meals furnished “for the convenience of the employer” to be excluded from employee income if they are furnished on the employer’s business premises. The §119 rules have always been the subject of IRS concerns, but some construction fact patterns do support §119 treatment.

Beginning in 2026, however, the tax result changes for employers. Meals that satisfy the tax-free treatment to employees under §119, become nondeductible to the employer under §274(o).

Common construction examples of meals provided at the convenience of the employer that may still be tax-free to employees, but generally non-deductible to the contractor

• Remote jobsite meals. A civil contractor working at an isolated South Texas project provides meals from an on-site food truck or field trailer because there are few or no places nearby for employees to eat and return within a reasonable meal period.

• Emergency response availability. A contractor requires a limited number of supervisors or safety personnel to eat on site so they can respond immediately to equipment issues, safety incidents, or other emergencies.

• Continuous operations work. During a major concrete pour or other critical-path activity, employees cannot leave the site without disrupting the work or creating safety concerns.

What still may be deductible

The good news is that this change in deductibility does not apply to every meal-related expense. The planning opportunity is not trying to force routine crew meals into a deductible category. It is making sure meal costs are classified correctly.

• Travel meals. If a project manager travels away from the worksite to another city for business and is on travel long enough to need to eat one or several meals, that meal expense is generally analyzed under the normal business travel meal rules and is generally 50% deductible if properly substantiated.

• Occasional employee recreational events. An annual company picnic, holiday party, or similar recreational event primarily for rank-and-file employees (and their families if desired) is generally 100% deductible under §274(e)(4).

• Occasional office meals. Sandwiches brought in for a once-a-quarter project management meeting, or pizza ordered for employees working late to finish a bid, may still be treated as 50% deductible and de minimis to employees if modest and infrequent.

• Meals treated as compensation – A general contractor pays employees working a remote project an extra $25 per day labeled as a “meal allowance.” The amount is paid in cash through payroll, is included on Form W-2, and is subject to withholding and employment taxes. If the amount is treated as wages, the employer may generally deduct it as a compensation expense (100% deductible).

Construction takeaway

For South Texas contractors, feeding crews may still make perfect business sense. But beginning in 2026, some routine jobsite and office meal expenses may no longer support a federal tax deduction. The best response is practical: review your chart of accounts/expenses and track employee jobsite meals, travel meals, taxable meal allowances, client meals, and employee recreational events separately. That will help preserve the deductions that remain and avoid overstating those that do not.

Safety Excellence Starts with STEP

Follow the Roadmap from STEP to AQC to ABC’s Top Performers

Thank you to the companies that completed their ABC STEP Health and Safety Management System application by the May 31 deadline and received their America 250 Commemorative Challenge Coin. Your commitment to safety and continuous improvement reflects the values that define both our industry and our chapter.

While we celebrate those accomplishments, we still have work to do. If your company has not yet completed its STEP application, there is still time to participate. Every application strengthens your company’s safety culture while demonstrating that merit shop contractors continue to outperform industry safety averages.

We’re also excited to introduce our newly designed 2026 STEP Hard Hat Stickers, available by achievement level. These stickers are a visible symbol of your company’s commitment to safety and a great way to recognize your team’s achievement on every jobsite.

To be recognized on stage at the Excellence in Construction Awards Gala at the Tobin Center on November 10, companies must complete their STEP application by August 31. In addition, companies achieving Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status are eligible to apply for Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) recognition and be considered among ABC Top Performers, recognized as some of the nation’s highest-performing contractors.

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your company’s commitment to safety and excellence. Complete your STEP application by August 31 and join us as we celebrate the industry’s best on November 10.

Golf Committee

Chairs: Pete Ballard and Kerry Stanush

Gabe Ochoa, Cody Wagner, Chris Uptmore, Stacie Maples, Bowie Davis, Don Salazar, Candace Rodriguez, David Loredo, Frank Rodriguez, Masie Carpenter, Benson Philips and Dewayne Grimes and countless volunteers.

Sponsors

Title Sponsors: Americrane and Milwaukee

Joeris General Contractors, White Cap, Ford of Boerne, Harvey- Cleary, Pesado Construction, CEMEX, Robins & Morton, Temporary Wall Systems, Lone Star Pro Rez, Safety Mojo, Lynwood Building Materials, Galindo & Boyd, ATKG, WS&P Insurance, Satterfield & Pontikes and Christensen Group.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Construction Backlog Indicator Survey

Associated Builders and Contractors’ monthly Construction Backlog Indicator is a forward-looking national economic indicator that reflects the amount of work already under contract but not yet performed by commercial, industrial and heavy highway/infrastructure contractors. A natural leading indicator, ABC’s economic dataset incorporates more than a decade of responses from contractors located throughout the United States. It is the only leading indicator of its type that offers such an acute level of specificity regarding the future level of activity among construction firms. It takes less than 3 minutes to complete and crucial for updating the Construction Confidence Indicator.

Members who need the latest survey link or would like to request participation for colleagues not currently receiving the survey can contact Erika Walter at ewalter@abc.org. Visit abc.org/economics for the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index, plus analysis of spending, employment, job openings and the Producer Price Index.

& Committee Schedules

ABC members care about their employees.

The Total Human Health Initiative encompasses multiple dimensions of health organized within four, simple and easy to remember categories: Body, Heart, Mind, and Soul. This critical link in the ABC STEP Safety Management System® is designed to help members focus and improve the complete health, wellness and livelihood of their employees. abc.org/thh

Body Mind Heart Soul Body Mind Heart Soul

2026 QTR 3 Trainings

SAFETY

July 14-17:

OSHA #2045 Machine Guarding

July 27-29:

OSHA #502 Update for Construction

July 29-31:

OSHA #503 Update for General Industry

August 18-21:

OSHA #510 Construction Standards

September 8-10:

OSHA #2455 Safety & Health Program Management

Field & Management

July 16, 23 & 30:

Intelligent Leadership Executive Coaching

July 21, August 4 & 8, September 1&15: Foreman Training, 7:30 AM - 9:40 AM

August 10: Profit Planning, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Visit members.abcsouthtexas.org/eventcalendar

2026 QTR 3 Committee Meetings

Workforce Development

3 PM, ABC Office

July 15

August 19

September 16

Government Affairs

3 PM, ABC Office

July 13

August 10

September 14

Membership 9 AM, ABC Office

July 7

August 4

September 1

Safety

12 PM, ABC Office

July 8

Near Misses

August 12

Electrical, Caught in Between, Struck By

September 9

Safe & Sound, JHA

Apprenticeship

4 PM, ABC Office

July 15

August 19

September 16

Technology

August 12

ABC Office, 4 PM

LOGIC

July 11

Family Event Support

Popstroke, 12 PM

August 20

Women in the Field Panel

ABC Office, 4 PM

September 17

Self-Defense

ABC Office, 4 PM

Future Leaders

July 29

School Supply Drive

Chicken N Pickle, 4 PM

August 26

Best Practices Roundtable

ABC Office, 4 PM

September 23

Leadership

ABC Office, 12 PM

Events

Plenty of opportunities to join an events committee: Golf, Family Event, Chili Cook-off, & EIC. Contact Mary at ABC

Bi-monthly Updates with Development Services, SAWS, CPS and Capital Improvements

Training the Next Generation

As another successful apprenticeship year comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and look forward to recognizing 19 graduates at our Apprenticeship Graduation on July 17. Open enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is now underway, providing the next generation of craft professionals the opportunity to begin rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Under the leadership and guidance of our Apprenticeship Committee, we remain committed to continuously strengthening the program by enhancing curriculum, expanding opportunities, and ensuring our apprentices receive the training and support they need to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. Together, we are building the skilled workforce that will continue to shape the future of South Texas.

Members who are passionate about developing people and strengthening the workforce are encouraged to get involved through the Apprenticeship Committee, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the ABC office. Committee participation provides a direct opportunity to support student success, guide program development, and invest in the future of our industry.

Chapter Staff

Michelle Seward Davis President president@abcsouthtexas.org

Dana Stone Accounting bookkeeper@abcsouthtexas.org

Shalon LeBlanc Workforce, Apprenticeship & Education Director shalon@abcsouthtexas.org

Leah Villarreal Safety, Workforce & Apprenticeship leah@abcsouthtexas.org

Mary Delaney Events & Membership events@abcsouthtexas.org

Chantel Wilmer Admin Assistant frontdesk@abcsouthtexas.org