THE MERIT TIMES
ABC OF CALIFORNIA’S NEWSLETTER Q3 - SEPTEMBER 2026
This issue of The Merit Times celebrates the people and chapters helping shape a stronger, more connected construction industry across California. We begin in San Diego, where ABC San Diego marks its 50th anniversary with a pair of notable honors: recognition as one of the San Diego Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for 2026 and President & CEO Shandon Harbour’s selection as a Leader of Influence in Construction. Through its 50 Stories series, ABC San Diego is putting its members, apprentices, instructors, and partners at the heart of the celebration— showing how culture is built one person and one story at a time. We also head south to explore the energy and engagement taking place at ABC Southern California. From Camp NAWIC, where high school girls got a firsthand introduction to the possibilities of careers in construction, to the State of the Valley and its focus on preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, collaboration is clearly building momentum for the future. And at Meet the Generals, more than 130 industry professionals turned networking into opportunity, connecting subcontractors and members directly with 12 leading general contractors through targeted conversations and relationship-building. Together, these stories offer a snapshot of an industry investing in its people, expanding opportunity, strengthening relationships, and looking ahead. Inside, discover how ABC members are building not just projects, but the workforce, partnerships, and communities that will define California’s construction industry for years to come. 2 | ABC CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER
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ABC San Diego Named a Best Place to Work for 2026
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ABC SoCal Events
Connect With Us @abc-of-california | #ABCCA | abcofca.org
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ABC SAN DIEGO NAMED A BEST PLACE TO WORK FOR 2026 ABC San Diego was recently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for 2026 by the San Diego Business Journal, a distinction that reflects the chapter’s culture, team, and commitment to the people behind the build. The honor arrives at a perfect time during ABC San Diego’s 50th anniversary year, coinciding with a second recognition for the chapter: Shandon Harbour, President & CEO, was also named to this year’s Leaders of Influence in Construction list, joining other leading figures shaping San Diego’s construction industry. Culture has always been central to how ABC San Diego operates, and you can often hear it before you see it. If there’s a cowbell ringing somewhere in the room, ABCSD is celebrating something. That tradition says as much about the chapter’s culture as any award can. 4 | ABC CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER
That same spirit extends beyond the office into ABC San Diego’s 50 Stories series, a year-long spotlight on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram featuring the apprentices, instructors, members, and partners who define the chapter’s mission in their own words. It’s a way to feel that culture even from a distance, showcasing familiar faces, honest apprenticeship journeys, and the real success of being an Associated Builders and Contractors member. Fifty years in, ABC San Diego continues to prove that culture isn’t built overnight but rather earned daily, one person and one story at a time. Congratulations to the entire ABC San Diego team on this well-deserved recognition.
ABC San Diego team celebrates after taking home the evening’s Best Spirited Table Award. Photo courtesy Bob Hoffman Photography & Video. ABC CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER | 5
ABC SOCAL EVENTS Camp NAWIC ABC SoCal was proud to host Camp NAWIC this week, welcoming high school girls to explore rewarding careers in construction through hands-on activities, industry insights, and meaningful connections with professionals in the field. A special thank you to Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein and Council Member Cindy Ngoc Tran for speaking with the campers and encouraging the next generation of construction leaders. We are grateful to NAWIC Orange County for selecting ABC SoCal as this year’s host, as well as every sponsor who helped make the program possible. Thank you to our ABC SoCal members who volunteered their time, shared their experiences, and helped create an inspiring week for the campers. Together, we are building awareness, expanding opportunities, and introducing more young people to the many career paths available in construction. 6 | ABC CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER
State of the Valley: ABC SoCal was proud to connect with business leaders, community partners, and friends at the State of the Valley event hosted by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce. The conversation about preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games highlighted exciting opportunities to strengthen our communities, improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and ensure the Valley is ready to welcome the world. Events like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing business and community leaders together to build a stronger future for Southern California.
Meet the Generals: ABC SoCal’s Meet the Generals event brought together 12 General Contractors, subcontractors, and members for a valuable day of networking and relationship-building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry decision-makers, learn more about upcoming opportunities, and build business relationships that can support future growth. The event included three rooms of timed networking with each General Contractor and a trade show of industry vendors and contractors. Each General Contractor and subcontractor was given a packet of their best matches and a profile of each company they would meet. Connections were made, conversations were started, and new business opportunities took shape at the event with over 130 attendees. Members wanted more meaningful access to General Contractors, and Meet the Generals made it happen!
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