The motivation for starting this blog was to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring Merit Shop Contractors. As a non-union contractor I am tired of being considered as something “less than” a union contractor. By representing ourselves as Merit Shop Contractors we can separate ourselves from both the union contractor and the illegitimate non-union contractor. The term “Merit Shop Contractor” needs to become synonymous with the highest quality and most dependable representatives of the construction industry.
This can’t be done alone. We need to associate with other "like minded" individuals and companies ... strength in numbers. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc (www.ABCil.org) is an established organization and is a great place to start. ABC offers Merit Shop Contractors tremendous resources: education and training; information to keep us better informed and ABC has strong representation politically on the state and national levels.
We also need to affect public opinion: 1) thru our actions and 2) by educating the public on what a “Merit Shop Contractor” is. Actions speak louder than words so presenting ourselves properly and delivering a good product is essential. We need to be willing to maintain a level of standard that separates us from the others. We also need to be vocal about who we are and what we offer. Let’s work together to develop an advertising campaign in support of hiring Merit Shop Contractors.
Right now the political climate is brutal towards the non-union contractor and small business. To counter that we need to get involved in our local, state and national politics. Getting involved doesn’t necessarily mean running for office. Involvement includes being informed; attending the City, County and School board meetings and offering our opinions. It also includes supporting groups that actively lobby on our behalf such as ABC, NFIB and our local Chamber of Commerce. Links to those sites are listed.
Please post comments and check out the attached links. Please pass on information you feel is valuable to other contractors and small businesses. Please join supportive and active groups. Thank you.
This is an excellent networking tool for merit shop contractors. Thanks for taking the time to establish this David!
ReplyDeleteIn addition to raising awareness of Merit shop contractors, I think it is impairative that we advocate in this state for licensing of trades. The lower eschelon subs that are allowed to run rampant in this state (from here and across our state borders),create a stereotype and undermine what we are trying to create in public awareness of the merit shops. It only fuels the fire of the union when we allow the "two guys and a pick-up truck" syndrome to continue. Their unethical and unsafe practices are giving merit shops statewide a bad name. When people think of merit shops, that is what they perceive.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point and I totally agree. This is another way to raise our credibility and will add that concern to this site's purpose.
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent point and ABCIL can advoate at the Capital for this type of legislation. Licenses are already required for electricians, plumbers and roofers in Illinois; I will check on the status of other trades and talk to our lobbyist about this matter.
ReplyDeleteHonestly guys do we really want more government control and regulation of our industry. Though I understand your point, letting our state/pro-union government have anymore say in how we run our business is the opposite of what I am looking for.
ReplyDeleteExcellent site though guys. It gives us a form to share views and horror stories as we try to educate the public on Merit shop beliefs.