When members of ABC SEMI visited Merlo Construction’s active job site in Mt. Clemens, they were welcomed by Bryan Baker, who led a tour of one of southeast Michigan’s most significant industrial developments currently underway—the new Alro Steel distribution facility.

The 2025 Construction Leadership Institute wrapped up a transformative series this fall, bringing together emerging leaders from across the construction industry to refine their skills and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Building on the momentum from the first three sessions, the cohort delved deeper into the practical and strategic aspects of running a successful construction business.

For more than 60 years, Trojan Development Co. has been a trusted name in Michigan construction. Founded in the 1960s by the late Mr. Cinader, the company has always been rooted in hard work, adaptability, and family. Today, owner Tim Cinader and his son, Jason Cinader, carry forward that legacy, blending tradition with innovation as they bring projects to life that strengthen communities across Southeast Michigan.

When ABC SEMI and SEMCA purchased their new Sterling Heights headquarters earlier this year, the vision extended far beyond a new address. Leaders set out to create a space that would serve as both a gathering place and a lasting reflection of the organization’s values—a space rooted in the belief that the greatness of America lies in freedom, liberty, and opportunity.

In early October, ABC Southeastern Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy marked a major milestone with the grand opening of its new Sterling Heights campus a state-of- the-art training facility that promises to reshape the landscape of skilled trades education across Southeast Michigan.

The first day of school always brings a buzz of excitement—but this year at the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA), the energy was electric. Not only did SEMCA welcome back a record number of apprentices, continuing its steady march toward 1,000 trade school students, but it also opened the doors of its brand-new Sterling Heights campus for the very first time.

This spring, the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025—a remarkable group of apprentices ready to step into the region’s thriving construction workforce.

That question sparked the launch of Kids Building Michigan, a now-annual, hands-on event that introduces youth to careers in construction and skilled trades through live demos, real equipment and interactive exhibits.

Webster started by creating a Facebook group with a few friendly competitors called Start ‘em Young, brainstorming ways to engage youth. That effort soon grew into something bigger.

Investing in great leadership is one of the smartest moves any construction company can make. That’s the goal behind the new Construction Leadership Institute—a professional development series created to help emerging leaders strengthen the communication, people skills and strategic thinking needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced industry.

Southgate’s skyline is getting a remarkable transformation as The Bank Tower, the tallest building downriver, undergoes a major makeover to become a modern apartment community.

On June 5th, more than 150 ABC SEMI members gathered at Fieldstone Golf Club in Auburn Hills for our annual Golf Outing—a day of friendly competition, networking and plenty of laughs.

As Michigan’s construction industry continues to grow, so too does the need for a strong, unified hub for training, connection and advocacy. This fall, both the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan will begin a new chapter with the opening of a brand-new, 100,000-square-foot facility in Sterling Heights.

The construction industry thrives on the dedication, skill and craftsmanship of tradespeople who bring projects to life. Each year, the ABC National Craft Championships showcase the best and brightest in the skilled trades, providing a national stage for apprentices and craft trainees to demonstrate their abilities, compete against their peers and earn well-deserved recognition.

In the fast-paced world of construction, safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s a commitment to your team’s well-being and your company’s success. A well-trained workforce is not only more confident and productive but also better equipped to prevent accidents, reduce downtime and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

Specialized Recruiting Group, leads the SE Michigan professional recruiting division of Express Employment Professionals, a globally recognized staffing leader with over 850 offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. While EEP boasts more than 40 years of experience and consistent recognition as one of the top staffing companies in the U.S., SRG brings a unique advantage: a local, personal touch.

For Eric Buszka, part owner and vice president of finance at Service Electric Supply, running a business isn’t just about selling electrical supplies—it’s about carrying on a family legacy and staying true to the company’s commitment to service. SES, the only wholesale electrical distributor in the ABC SEMI membership, has built its reputation on reliability, quality and a strong dedication to the trade.

After a February ice storm closed schools and public buildings, Kent Underlayments was hard at work in West Bloomfield, completing a 4,000-square-foot Gypsum floor underlayment pour for the new Chaldean Community Center.

Poured floor underlayments are a mixture of gypsum, Portland cement and sand. This product is applied to wood decking, structural and precast concrete. Kent Underlayments, a division of Kent Companies, has been providing this specialty service for over 30 years, demonstrating unmatched reliability and expertise.

The planning conference is a time for ABC members to guide the direction of the association to better serve the members and the industry as a whole. The ABC Board of Directors is a crucial part of making decisions for the chapter to focus on for the year.

The Associated Builders and Contractors Southeastern Michigan Chapter kicked off the year with the highly anticipated 2025 Planning Conference, a dynamic event designed to outline the association’s priorities and initiatives for the coming year. Held this year at the charming Amway Grand Hotel, the conference brought together association leaders, members and partners to discuss key trends, opportunities and challenges shaping construction.

This quarter, we’re exploring the boom of technology on construction and how members can take steps to stay ahead during this growth. Below is a discussion between CEO Keith Ledbetter and Grok, xAI’s AI Assistant about how AI is set to upend construction over the next 15 years.