NATM Companies Encouraged to Host Plant Tours
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NATM Companies Encouraged to Host Plant Tours By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
NATM has had a number of successes in its Government Affairs program over the past several years due in large part to the relationships NATM Members have built with their local Members of Congress. Through NATM’s plant tours, legislative roundtables, and Capitol Hill Visits, NATM has built an awareness of the trailer manufacturing industry and the impact it has on the various states and legislative districts.
process easier. NATM’s government affairs representatives, K&L Gates, will contact the congressional offices and schedule the event once the company completes the template invitation letter. The Association will provide a suggested tour outline and talking points. For those events that are virtual, the plant tours will most likely take place on a Zoom call and feature a slide deck of photos of the facility and/or a pre-taped video walk-through. If your business is represented by a new legislator, listed on page 12, or sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, NATM highly encourages you to host your representative for a virtual plant tour. If you are interested in hosting a plant visit, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call NATM Headquarters at (785) 272-4433.
With over 60 new Members in Congress, it is crucial that companies in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry continue to build relationships and awareness of the industry with legislators. With many of the new congressional members joining the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, NATM is encouraging both suppliers and trailer manufacturers to schedule plant tours, virtual or in-person, this year. All Members of Congress have an impact on the outcome of any legislation, so it is important to recruit advocates that understand and support the trailer industry. Industry interest in the Highway Reauthorization Bill continues as Congress continues to work toward a resolution. Of particular concern for the industry is potential inclusion of side underride requirements. Further, workforce shortages and supply chain challenges continue to plague the industry, and Congressional education and support are critical. All NATM Members are encouraged to get involved in the Association’s government affairs outreach, particularly if you see your Member of Congress on page 12. Historically, plant tours have taken place onsite at member company facilities. As COVID-19 protocols limit visitors, NATM is encouraging members to host virtual plant tours where onsite is not feasibleFor those companies interested in engaging, NATM has template invite letters and other resources to make the
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July/August 2021
Participants at the 2019 Regulatory Roundup. www.NATM.com
