Wilmington, NC: Ilario Pantano, Republican Nominee for North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District, announced today that he has received the endorsement of the Carolinas Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). 

“I am grateful to have the support of ABC and the business owners they represent,” Pantano said. “ABC is committed to high standards of business conduct and free enterprise principles.  They are a lifeline of jobs, progress, and building toward our future and  I am proud to have them on my team.”

The Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. represent the interest of merit shop contractors and its employees in the protection and enhancement of the free enterprise system within the construction industry.  ABC contractors believe strongly in their right to manage their companies and job sites free of coercion and artificial restraints. Further, they believe workers should be hired and paid on the basis of individual merit,  that contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, and that the continuation of craft and safety training is the life blood of their industry.

Upon endorsing Pantano, Doug Carlson, ABC President and CEO made the following statement: “The Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC) is proud to support leaders who support Free Enterprise and the Merit Shop Philosophy.  Ilario Pantano supports small businesses and believes in getting government out of the way to let entrepreneurs and small business thrive to create jobs.”

Pantano credited their shared free market principles and their shared desire to reduce government interference in private enterprise. “ABC is free enterprise in action. They promote responsible and ethical business practices, they help create jobs, and they promote merit-based progress.  The builders and contractors of ABC and I agree that business owners know better than the federal bureaucracy how to manage their concerns.  They know that I will do everything possible to reduce the excessive taxes, regulation, and litigation that is choking the life out of our small businesses."

For more information on the Carolinas Chapter of ABC,  please visit:www.abccarolinas.org.

###