History

In 1959, a group of contractors organized the Ohio Valley Builders Exchange, Inc. to fulfill a need for unified contractor representation in organized labor dealings. These men also recognized the value of promoting the common interests of those in the construction industry and the need to establish guidelines for quality and professionalism.

In 1973, the name of the organization was changed to reflect more accurately what it did, and so it became the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council, Inc.

In 1984, the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council and the Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council joined their resources and collective membership to create Project BEST, to facilitate industry development and promote the Ohio Valley’s public and private construction. Their efforts are aimed at economic growth and increased job opportunities for the construction industry in the Upper Ohio Valley.

The principal activities of the OVCEC are supported by contributions made to the Construction Advancement Program (CAP). The Construction Advancement Program of the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council, Inc. was created in 1961 out of a recognition by employers of construction labor of the responsibility of collectively sharing in defraying the cost of conducting, administering, and servicing every phase of labor/management relations. These services include education/training, safety, industry relations, legislative affairs, HR, and public relations/marketing.

OVCEC is the voice of the construction industry in the Ohio Valley. We give architects, owners, and developers the confidence that OVCEC contractors deliver the best value for every construction dollar. Our members are the fabric of this community. They have designed, built, and maintained nearly every structure across the region. We’re proud of our history, the work we’ve completed, and the role we will continue to play in building the future of the Ohio Valley.