In 1928 a group of contractors in Tennessee organized an association whose sole aims would be to promote better contracting and conditions, to clarify specifications, and last, but certainly the most important, to secure the cooperation of the highway department through the commissioner of highways. Thus was the beginning of the Tennessee Road Builders Association (TRBA). Starting with 22 contracting firms and four equipment and materials dealers and $15,000, TRBA has grown to nearly 400 contractors and associates state-wide.