Dear Industry Colleagues,
As I mentioned in my first letter as ASA president last month, I am fortunate enough to have taken the reigns at a remarkable point in time for the association.
Being able to see the association operate from my leadership viewpoint is quite extraordinary. I am able to experience on a firsthand basis the difference ASA is making in how the PHCP and PVF industry moves forward.
Perhaps one of the most important differences a member of ASA can make is to visit Washington, D.C., and meet with members of Congress on behalf of our association and the industry. As a member-driven organization, valuable and consistent input is crucial.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of ASA leadership, we continue to develop a variety of channels to enable members to provide their input in Washington. Dan Hilton, our director of government affairs, has a daily presence on Capitol Hill in our ongoing battle regarding issues such as the Marketplace Fairness Act, tax reform, health-care reform, regulatory reform and many more.
And for many of you who may not be aware, if you would like to see who your members of Congress are, and more importantly, how they have voted on legislation important to our businesses, you can currently do so through ASA. Also, if you would like to review ASA’s Political Action Committee’s activities or grant it permission to solicit you (as required by law), you can do that as well by contacting Dan directly at 703/328-5234 or dhilton@asa.net.
There are many people who complain about failure in Washington. However, in the process of doing so those same people must ask, “When was the last time I contacted my elected official?” Better yet, have you ever sent a letter or an email on your company’s letterhead to any of your members of Congress? Have you invited them to tour your company headquarters or meet with your leadership team?
You may not be aware that ALL these things can be done through ASA. Over the last few years through our efforts in making direct contact, a large number of senators, congressmen and congresswomen have reached out to solicit ASA’s input on legislation impacting manufacturers and small businesses in our industry. We are making a difference! I urge you to visit the Advocacy section of ASA’s website at www.asa.net/Advocacy to see exactly what I am describing.
As I mentioned earlier, nothing can take the place of an actual face-to-face visit. What better time for our industry to step up to the plate than April 14-15 at ASA’s Legislative Fly-In in Washington. The event is strategically timed for mid-April. Before many trade groups will have the opportunity to bring their agendas to Congress, leaders of the PHCP and PVF industry will be joining forces front and center in Washington advocating on our industry’s most important issues.
At the same time, ASA’s Women in Industry Division is holding its Spring Conference in Washington. Please join me in Washington to ensure our voice is heard.
Further information on both events can be found on ASA’s homepage at www.asa.net and, as always, please feel free to contact ASA staff directly with any questions at 630/ 467-0000.
For more ASA advocacy-related material, read Dan Hilton’s article “How Will the President Use That Pen?” in this month’s ASA News section. I would love to see you in Washington in mid-April!
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