Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas Announces Darath Mackie as Chairwoman of ABC Upstate Council
February 3, 2011
GREENVILLE, SC – February 3, 2011 – The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas announces the 2011 leadership team for the ABC Upstate (SC) Council.
Darath Mackie, business development manager for Greenville-based Cely Construction, has accepted the role of Chairwoman. She will work closely with the 2011 local leadership team, which includes: David Garrett (Stryker Electric) as Vice Chair and Mark Wise (Emory Electric) as Secretary. Committee Chairs and other Council members include Shane Bolding (O’Neal), government affairs; Brian Gallagher (O’Neal), membership; Joan Krause (BE&K Building Group), public relations; Jeff Smith (BB&T Insurance Services), safety; Angie Massey (Waldrop Mechanical Services), education/schools; John G. Creech (Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart), Bob Jacques (Hajoca), Ron Kountz (Clarkson Industrial Contractors), Chris Moore (Carolina Power), Scott Vanvick (Bonitz Group) and Don Warren (Moss & Associates). Bill Caldwell (Waldrop Mechanical Services), who is the 2011 Chairman of the Board for the entire ABC of the Carolinas chapter (of which the Upstate SC Council is a part) serves as board liaison.
“People in our industry (construction) have always understood the importance of networking, but they are finding it even more strategic in these tough times,” said Mackie. “In fact, unlike some business associations, we have seen an upturn in our membership over the past 12 months — as well as an increase in member involvement and participation.”
Mackie went on to say, “In the coming year (2011), we will continue to focus on helping our industry move forward by promoting workforce development and training through formal and informal partnerships with local high schools, technical schools and universities. A focal point for our education committee is to provide our members with more educational opportunities related to green building practices. We also intend to increase our visibility in the area of community service, including raising public awareness about good environmental stewardship. One of our underlying objectives is to elevate the overall image of the construction industry. Like other ABC chapters around the country, we will continue to address the many issues facing the construction industry while representing the interests of free enterprise in our own region.”
ABC’s Upstate Council is comprised of 130 local and regional member companies in Greater Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson for which construction is their primary business or a major market of focus. More than 750 individuals from these Upstate companies participate in the organization’s year-round activities, which include regularly scheduled lunch-and-learn programs, social functions, specialized education and training, involvement in government affairs on both a local and national level, and community service.
About ABC of the Carolinas
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas represents the merit construction contractors and related firms in North and South Carolina. ABC of the Carolinas is a chapter of the national ABC organization which represents more than 25,000 members.
For more information and news, visit www.abccarolinas.org.
