History of AUC

AUC represented the interests of over 500 members statewide. When AUC (Associated Underground Contractors) was founded 55 years ago, the majority of its members were underground contractors. Since then, the organization expanded to include many other areas in Michigan’s heavy construction industry such as road/bridge building, electrical contracting, painting, plus more, and thus became Michigan's Heavy Construction Association. Member companies received a variety of services, including labor relations, legislative representation, construction safety services, regulatory involvement (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, etc.), utility damage consultation, seminars, and publications.

History of MRBA

MRBA was founded in 1928 by a small group of Road Construction Contractors. The objectives were the coordination of road improvements and the securing of adequate funding to get Michigan "out of the mud"; allowing commerce to move and the State's economy to grow.

In the 30's MRBA's efforts were directed toward adequate protected (Constitutional) funding and the elimination of the inhumane use of prison labor on road maintenance and construction projects.

In the 40's MRBA joined the war effort and, with limited resources and under very adverse conditions, built roads so that men and materials could move to the arsenals of democracy. At the same time the industry contributed its resources to the military effort at home and abroad.

With the formation of labor unions after the 2nd world war, MRBA formed its labor relations division to unify management's desire for a fair and uninterrupted relation with its work force.

The 1950's brought the Interstate Highway program which to date is the largest public works program in the history of the world. MRBA and its members met the challenge and, in cooperation with the State Highway Department, developed Specifications and Regulations that assured quality and cost effectiveness. That program and joint effort continued through the 60's, the 70's and into the 80's.

Affirmative actions directed at involving minorities in the industry became not only the law but an objective of MRBA in its desire to assure equal opportunity for all and preference for none. Those efforts, started in the 60's, continue today.

Employee safety became a focus in the 70's and a priority of MRBA. Increased awareness was the objective of the continuous seminars conducted throughout the State; resulting in reduced accidents and improved productivity. "Safety makes Cents" remains a theme of MRBA today.

In the 70's, 80's and into the 90's, MRBA became aggressively involved in Public and Government Relations, seeking public understanding of the need of good roads for safety, convenience and an improved standard of living. At the same time, MRBA worked to convince legislative bodies of the need to adequately fund Highways for the good of the motorists and for the continued growth of Michigan's Economy. Also, MRBA continued working with MDOT during those years to assure that construction contracts were fair, clear and assured a quality product.

Today all of MRBA's efforts of the past continue for the benefit of its members and their customers.

What is MITA?

MITA is a statewide construction trade association formed in 2005 through the merger of Associated Underground Contractors and the Michigan Road Builders Association. The membership consists of nearly 800 Michigan companies representing construction disciplines such as road and bridge, sewer and water, utility, railroad, excavation and specialty construction. The organization consists of 14 employees as well as a number of professional consultants, including Public Affairs Associates of Lansing.