News
Informing the Industry
Take a look at the top stories, information, and updates our membership needs to know to stay ahead in this competitive industry. Through policy and economic updates, thought leadership, and webinars, ABC keeps the industry informed.
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ABC Western Michigan Announces the 2026 Safety Award of Excellence Finalists
Safety is the foundation of every successful construction project. It protects people, strengthens companies, and helps ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. Each year, ABC
Know the Candidates. Know the Issues.
Defend the Industry. Vote Informed. Every election affects Michigan’s commercial construction industry—and your vote matters. Before you head to the polls on Tuesday, August 4, take a few minutes to
E.B. Sonheim: Building Systems, Strengthening People
E.B. SonheimDirector of Marketing | Feyen Zylstra For E.B. Sonheim, success in construction has never been about chasing projects, it has always been about investing in people. Over the past
Alaina Ekdom: Changing How People See Construction
Alaina EkdomDirector of Brand and Experience | EV Construction Over the past decade, Alaina Ekdom has helped shape how EV Construction presents itself to employees, clients, trade partners, and communities
Bill Fryling: Leading Safety Through Trust
Bill FrylingSafety Director | Buist At 17 years old, Bill Fryling joined Buist as a high school co-op student, expecting it to be the first step toward a career in
Todd Hanninen: Building Success That Lasts
Todd HanninenHalyard Over nearly three decades in construction, Todd Hanninen has led crews, managed complex projects, and helped shape some of West Michigan’s most recognizable developments. As General Superintendent for
Jeramy Smith: Building More Than Systems
Jeramy SmithPleune Service Company Over more than two decades in the trades, Jeramy Smith has built a reputation as a skilled craftsman, problem solver, and leader. As a foreman for
Joel VanDuyn: Solving Problems, Building People
Joel VanDuynFeyen Zylstra For Joel VanDuyn, the electrical trade has always started with a simple question: “How does that work?” As a kid, he was constantly taking things apart to
Jordan Gilbert: Building a Career Through Merit and Craftsmanship
Jordan GilbertAllied Electric Jordan Gilbert has built a reputation for tackling complex projects, solving difficult field challenges, and leading crews with a level of professionalism that consistently earns the respect
CSM Group Appoints Dr. Jim Getting, CSP as Senior Director of Safety
CSM Group has appointed Dr. Jim Getting, CSP, as Senior Director of Safety, effective May 18, 2026. Dr. Getting joins from MIOSHA, where he spent 19 years as a Senior
Uncertainty (Still) Continues to Dominate Outlook
The construction industry continued to navigate turbulence throughout the first quarter of 2026. Industrywide employment oscillated, growing rapidly in January, falling in February, and bouncing back nicely in March. The
ABC Western Michigan Announces Gold Medalist at 37th Annual National Craft Championships
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, March 31—ABC Western Michigan today announced that Joe Montney Jr., apprentice at Total Fire Protection and student at the West Michigan Construction Institute, earned first place in
