Capitol Connection: Direct Legislative Action—IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2017

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

There’s an old saying in politics that you may have heard: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” 

This ties in to why IPC–Association Connecting Electronics Industries invests so much into our government relations efforts. We place a high priority on government relations because so many public policy debates have large impacts on our industry. Our members continue to value our advocacy efforts on issues such as taxes, regulations, immigration and the environment. 

Only by showing up—week in, week out, month after month—can you begin to break through the massive amounts of noise and get your message heard by those who matter in Washington. We thus urge you to take the opportunity to show up in D.C. this spring by attending IPC’s IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2017, May 1−3. 

Limited to senior executives of IPC member companies, it is the best chance our members will have all year to meet directly with Trump Administration officials and key members of Congress and their staff—to have our voices heard on the many issues that directly affect our industry. 

IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2017 is a chance to not only connect with leading policymakers on issues critical to your business, but also to meet with your peers—whose presence can amplify your company’s voice. In fact, the more people and companies that come, the louder will be our voice. 

With a new President and new Congress, this is a critical moment to advocate for better public policies that will support a stronger, more advanced manufacturing economy. From regulations to corporate tax policy, from federal support for research and development (R&D) to a smarter approach to the environment, IMPACT can help advance policies that will shape the electronics manufacturing industry—and your business—for years to come. 

During these two and a half days, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Collaborate with fellow executives who share your commitment to the industry
• Learn more about the policy issues we face
• Speak with Congressional leaders and the administration in support of our common priorities
• Share your company’s concerns or experiences 

Last year’s IMPACT played a key role in advancing action on the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act, an IPC-endorsed bill to reform toxic substances regulations. 

This year presents a similar opportunity to help shape U.S. laws related to: 

• A lower corporate tax rate and incentives for business investment
• International trade agreements to advance open and fair trade between countries
• Ambitious workforce development and training initiatives, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Investment in basic and applied R&D, as well as advanced manufacturing innovation 

Commit to joining your fellow IPC member executives in D.C. on May 1−3 and register today. 

In-person meetings with your elected officials are some of the most effective ways to demonstrate your company’s influence. Attending IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2017 will help ensure that we’ve done everything we can to help educate and influence our legislators as they consider policies that affect the electronics manufacturing industry. 

John Hasselmann is VP, Government Relations, IPC–Association Connecting Electronics Industries.