COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today announced the Associated Builders & Contractors of the Carolinas has endorsed Gresham Barrett for Governor. The large grassroots organization of contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals is committed to protecting and enhancing the free enterprise system within the construction industry.

Doug Carlson, President and CEO of the Associated Builders & Contractors of the Carolinas, pointed to Barrett’s diverse leadership experiences as making him uniquely prepared to lead South Carolina’s economic turnaround.

“The Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas are proud to endorse Gresham Barrett for Governor,” said Carlson. “We believe Gresham’s life experiences – serving in the U.S. Army, the South Carolina House of Representatives, the U.S. Congress and running a small business – make him uniquely prepared to lead our state’s economic turnaround.”

Carlson added, “Job creation is the cornerstone of Gresham Barrett’s campaign. As Governor, Gresham will focus on making our state the South’s leader in economic development, re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the gateway to the east coast, reforming our tax structure, reducing wasteful spending, recruiting new business, and rewarding companies who already call South Carolina home by providing them opportunities to grow and expand. The Associated Builders & Contractors of the Carolinas look forward to working with Gresham as our next Governor in building a better South Carolina.”

Congressman Barrett expressed his appreciation for the organization’s support stating, “The ABC of the Carolinas and I share a common vision of building a better South Carolina. Together we will pursue pro-growth economic policies that encourage entrepreneurship, empower individuals and ensure our state regains its rightful place as the South’s leader in economic development. I am very grateful to have the support of the Associated Builders & Contractors of the Carolinas, and I am honored and humbled by the trust they have placed in me.”