The Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, the largest organization representing and advocating for open shop contractors in New York State, recently inducted Mastic Beach resident Jeff Grube, of Chesterfield Associates, Inc., into its Hall of Fame. ABC inducted its 2022 class of inductees at its annual Construction Excellence Celebration. The event was held at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, NY.
Nominees for this prestigious honor are put forth by ABC Empire State Chapter members to recognize some of their own for dedication and the long-lasting impact their efforts have had on the open shop construction industry. The honor is recognized by the presentation of a red Hall of Fame jacket with a custom “inductee” patch. The jacket is a symbol that will allow the wearer to stand out at ABC functions so all will know of their contributions.
“It was truly a welcome surprise when I was informed that I’d be inducted into ABC’s Empire State Chapter Hall of Fame,” said Grube. “There’s something very special going on at ABC as our chapter and its membership work together to make our industry better and safer every day. ABC fights for us. It protects our livelihood. As members, we have to be willing to roll up our sleeves and join that fight, which is why I have chosen to take an active role for over 20 years. You don’t do what we do for recognition, you do it because you believe in a cause. I believe in the merit shop industry. I’d like to thank ABC for this honor and Chesterfield Associates for everything it has given to me over the last 40-plus years.”
“Jeff has supported the Chapter and the industry in many ways. He’s always there to give his time, knowledge, and resources,” offered Empire State Chapter President, Brian Sampson. “When he decided to ‘retire’ from the Board, Jeff helped ABC find his replacement, and served as her mentor. When a new ABC member was struggling to survive, Jeff gave them opportunities to bid his work and introduced the company to other ABC members. As he did with that Board member, Jeff served as a mentor to the company. He supports the Chapter’s many events, enrolls his apprentices in ABC classes and, as a Beam Club member, helps recruit companies to ABC.”
Over the course of the last two decades, Jeff Grube twice served on the Empire State Chapter’s Board of Directors. He also served on its Executive Committee for many of those years and was Chairman of the Board in 2006. Additionally, Grube was Chair of the Education Committee for many years before recently turning over the reins. However, he has not walked away from education. Grube uses the knowledge he has gained from running Chesterfield Associates’ apprenticeship program to help ABC build its own.
Locally, Grube chaired the Long Island Regional Leadership Committee for many years, and now serves as a member-at-large.
“What separates Jeff from many others, is his commitment to construction and free enterprise,” said Long Island Member Engagement Director, Donna McGoey. “Years ago, Chesterfield developed a dockbuilder apprenticeship curriculum at its own expense. Instead of keeping this competitive advantage to themselves, Jeff and Chesterfield offered up the curriculum to other ABC members so they can meet bid requirements. By doing so, Jeff invited his competition in. He simply wanted to make the trade better.”
Jeff Grube is emblematic of what ABC represents and the Empire State Chapter is proud to induct him into its Hall of Fame.
The Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, part of a national construction industry trade association established in 1950, was founded on the merit shop philosophy. ABC Empire State Chapter helps its more than 400 members develop skilled tradesmen and women, submit winning bids for work and deliver that work in a safe, ethical and timely manner for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abcnys.org.
