Rep. Burchett (TN-02) Visits Homesteader LLC
Tracks
Rep. Burchett (TN-02)Visits Homesteader LLC By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor These visits show what impact legislation can have on businesses and on families.” During the visit, Mountain and his team were able to communicate the challenges facing their business and the needs of the constituents in Congressman Burchett’s district. Supply chain issues, workforce shortages, and tariffs have created complex, multifaceted problems and solutions, and it is important for legislators to see firsthand how their constituency is being affected. The one piece of advice Mountain gave is important. “Stay in touch with legislators,” he said. “If we don’t express our voices, we won’t be heard.”
Homesteader LLC hosted Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-2) in May 2021. As part of NATM’s ongoing efforts to increase its government affairs outreach and education, NATM trailer manufacturer member Homesteader LLC hosted Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-2) on May 21, 2021, at their facility in New Tazewell, Tenn. Congressman Tim Burchett took office in January 2019 and currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Transportation & Infrastructure committees. He also sits on the subcommittee on Aviation; Highways and Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Burchett has visited with Homesteader president Anthony Mountain previously. During this most recent visit, Mountain and Burchett discussed current challenges facing the light- and- medium-duty trailer industry, including supply chain issues, workforce shortage, and side underride protection. According to Mountain, Burchett has been a long-time supporter of the trailer manufacturing industry and promises to continue his support in the years to come.
NATM’s Government Affairs program actively works to reach out to legislators on behalf of its membership. But, to successfully advocate on behalf of the industry, it is crucial for NATM Member companies to contact the Association and alert them of potential challenges. With NATM Member companies ranging from small shops to million-dollar companies, running a business is already a full-time job without the added responsibility of working with legislators. The Association will continue to work on behalf of these member companies to identify the possible impacts of legislation and strengthen the communication between the trailer industry and lawmakers through plant visits, legislative round tables, and its annual Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill visits in Washington, D.C. For more information about Homesteader LLC, visit www.HomesteaderTrailer.com or call (423) 626-9040. For more information about hosting your representatives or becoming more involved in NATM’s Government Affairs programs, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.
Homesteader LLC was family-founded in 1985 and retains the same ownership today, 36 years later. They craft several lines of enclosed trailers, including hydraulic dump trailers, concession trailers, and horse trailers. Homesteader LLC has been a dedicated member of NATM since 1996. Congressman Burchett’s visit to Homesteader’s facility is an important step in continuing to advocate for the needs of both component suppliers and manufacturers in the light- and mediumduty trailer industry. Mountain, shared, “It’s beneficial to have these visits because it brings light to the industry and its needs.
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September/October 2021
The homesteader crew with Congressman Burchett. www.NATM.com
