Whether it has been politically orchestrated, or simply human nature is subject to debate. But it is undeniable that the destruction wrought on South Louisiana by hurricanes Katrina and Rita has been greatly diminished in the minds of the people of most of the country. The responsibility to rebuild, as it has so many times in the past, must fall squarely on the shoulders of the people of this great state. The effort began even before the flood waters receded. Organizations whose purpose in life is to build, shifted to re-build mode overnight. The political system, nearly lifeless during the tragedy, was activated and pressed into motion by individuals and companies prepared to take the lead in both planning and implementation. The private sector had a can-do attitude, and got to work. At the forefront of this effort from the very beginning, has been an organization named Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.

ABC's governmental relations mission is "to promote and protect the merit shop philosophy and the free enterprise system". Its nation-wide membership looks to the organization for guidance on issues affecting their right to conduct business throughout the country. In Louisiana ABC maintains a statewide legislative and legal rights committee comprised of volunteer members from around the state. This committee devotes considerable time and effort to review and recommend positions on legislation pending in Louisiana. It supports legislation making it easier for new businesses to locate here as well as legislation encouraging business to expand. More