The Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) Program was launched in 1993 to provide an accreditation program which publicly recognizes and honors those construction firms which have documented their commitment in four key areas of corporate responsibility:
- Safety
- Employee Benefits
- Training
- Community Relations
The AQC program is an effective tool used by many contractors to help them recruit and retain employees, secure bids and be recognized for their corporate citizenship and outreach activities in the community. All this serves to strengthen the image of the ABC member and the association.
The construction firms which meet the exacting criteria set forth in the application will be formally acknowledged by ABC as "Accredited Quality Contractors."
Contractors that successfully qualify as "Accredited Quality Contractors" are accredited for one year. Member companies must renew each year. If a member company has not been renewed for two years, it must reapply for the AQC program. Accredited Quality Contractors receive a plaque and other benefits, including:
- Wide recognition within the industry, the business community and the public
- National and local recognition in publications
- Authorization to use AQC language in bid documents
- Permission to use the AQC logo on letterhead, business cards and jobsite signs
In addition, Accredited Quality Contractors are acknowledged in ABC's national membership directory as being AQC certified.