ABC Florida Announces Creation of Industry Task Force for Building Structure & Safety Discussions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2021) — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Florida has announced the creation of an internal advisory panel of industry experts who will play a critical role in discussions relating to building structure safety in the wake of the Surfside tragedy.

“While we do not yet have all the facts of what caused the Champlain Tower to collapse, we know that the ongoing safety and integrity of older buildings will be a topic of discussion during the 2022 Legislative Session”, said Gary Griffin, ABC Florida board of directors chairman. “We want to be a constructive part of any discussion moving forward and be ready and able to offer industry input and feedback in real time.”

Members of the internal task force represent the five chapters throughout Florida that make up the statewide association:

• Mike Gruber – ECS Limited
• Jonathan Knudsen – Universal Engineering
• Mark LeBlanc – Specialty Engineering Consultants, Inc.
• Steven Lockhart – Finfrock
• Noman McMillan – CSI Contracting
• Scott Olthoff – Core Construction
• Franky Rygiel – Walbridge
• Steve Sanko, P.E. – Dash Door & Glass

As the largest Commercial Construction Association in Florida, ABC is uniquely positioned to provide significant industry experience and expertise to assist in these discussions and deliberations as they move forward.  “Safety education and quality control process have always been an important part of the culture for ABC and our member companies.  We hope to provide industry input to our legislature and assure that we never see another tragedy like this again”, said Griffin.

ABC of Florida, representing more than 2,000 member companies and five chapters throughout the state, is the largest commercial construction association in Florida, and the “Voice of Commercial Construction” in Tallahassee. Visit abcflorida.com.