The Cutting Edge — October 2003

Public Policy

Since its inception in the new format with three industry associations, I have attended every Woodworking Industry Conference (WIC). One of the highlights each year of the WMMA Business Session at WIC has been the report from “Inside the Beltway” delivered by WMMA’s Public Policy consultants John Satagaj and Shelly London. Their presentation convinced me that they knew what was going on in our federal government and actually had some influence in the direction of future legislation through their lobbying activities.

Several years ago, my interest in public policy grew to the point that I attended my first WMMA Public Policy meeting in Washington, DC. That first meeting was the beginning of a journey upon which I encourage every WMMA member company to embark.

The first afternoon session was a detailed review of every issue affecting our wood machinery manufacturing interests: tax legislation, healthcare issues, legal liability reform, estate tax repeal, etc. We reviewed position papers and the current status of each of these issues. That evening we met with a leading economist who expanded on our discussions and answered questions. It was a powerful first day.

The next morning, I discovered the real reason we were in Washington. We descended on “The Hill” where our Representatives and Senators have their offices. Some of us had appointments established weeks in advance. Others did what we all do so often in our businesses. We made a “cold call.” Some were lucky and actually met with their Representative or Senator, but everyone was able to meet with someone in their office to let them know the important issues facing our businesses back home. Mark Chappell, Alexander Dodds’ Vice President, and I worked as a team and made these calls together, as our plants are near to each other in Michigan. We prepared a brief overview of our operations and also gave them position papers outlining what actions we hoped they would take when a specific bill came up for a vote.

The first two times I participated in this Washington meeting, Mark and I met with Vernon Ehlers, our Representative from Grand Rapids. Rep. Ehlers is very supportive of issues we face as his district has a large base of manufacturing companies. Last year we achieved our goal of meeting with Senator Debbie A. Stabenow, a first term Senator from the State of Michigan. Our 15-minute meeting stretched to 45 minutes as she listened to the issues facing our companies and our industry. She appreciated receiving factual information that she could use in hearings. At the end, she asked if we would put together a meeting with other small and medium sized manufacturers so she could meet with them in my factory on her next visit to Grand Rapids.

A short six weeks later, she spent two hours at Carter Products. Our group consisted of nine manufacturers with employee counts up to 500 people, plus representatives from The Right Place Program, a unit of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Each of us prepared a short, one page list of the top three issues facing our businesses. Senator Stabenow listened intently. At the end she responded by letting us know that she understood the importance of manufacturing to the State of Michigan.

She also asked if she could visit with us again. Everyone at this session felt we had made an impression that would translate into specific action back in Washington.

But for me the journey continues. I have written about the issues facing manufacturing for one of our industry trade magazines. I have circulated those thoughts to others at the local, state, and national levels, including writing to President Bush and Commerce Secretary Evans. I also make sure all my employees know that I am concerned for their future and working on issues that hopefully will make their jobs more secure.

These comments would not be complete if I did not recognize the assistance of John Satagaj, Ken Hutton, and the Public Policy Committee. I am running a business, so their advice and counsel has made my public policy activities more focused and hopefully more productive. Today WMMA also is involved in complementary groups such as the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Sound Dollar Coalition, Small Business Legislative Council, and others. This combination of groups appears to be making a difference. The passage of accelerated depreciation, the President’s recent announcement creating an Undersecretary of Manufacturing and increasing comments on unfair trade persuade me that progress is being made.

While all the coalitions and committees and reports are important, I am convinced that as far as our legislators are concerned, the most important element is hearing from real people who run real factories and face real problems back in their district or state. We elect them! They are there to represent our interests. While I will not prevail on every issue, I am convinced that my efforts are making a difference. What are you doing to make a difference? As a result of the September 22nd WMMA Public Policy Committee meeting, a recommendation will be made to the WMMA Board of Directors at their December meeting, which would welcome all WMMA members to attend the February visits to The Hill, with a travel stipend from WMMA. Stay tuned!

To learn more about WMMA’s Public Policy Committee, Click here.