We missed you in DC! Well, most of you, as about 70 people showed up for the Federation Fly-In this year. Understanding and participating in the political process is so important. It is also something I consider a privilege. For all my frustrations with politics here, I still feel this is the most amazing country and absolutely unique in the ability for an ordinary citizen to participate in the process. Where else can you walk into the offices of a Congressman or a Senator and sit down with them to discuss the issues of the day? It’s an amazing experience and I encourage you to join us in the future. Scroll through below to learn more.
We had the best weather ever for a Fly-In. If you’ve never been to DC, come, and bring your children. I’m sure you are all familiar with the story that DC was designed specifically to impress and intimidate, and with an open National Mall designed to provide the people with access. I find it a beautiful city and inspirational. 
We started the event with a presentation by NH Representative Annie Kuster, shown here with Rick Holden of Derr Flooring and Jamey French of Northland Forest Products. 
A larger group listens to Representative Kuster. 
If you think you aren’t ready to lobby, don’t worry. Before you walk the Hill, everyone meets to go over issues. You learn the talking points and the procedures. 
Here I am with Representative Derek Kilmer of Washington state. Representative Kilmer is a great supporter for the timber industry. 
I partnered with Jeff Wirkkala of Portland’s Hardwood Industries and Lorna D. Christie, the CEO of the NHLA. We did 6 meetings in a very relaxed day. The HF team did a great job with our schedule. 
Next year, YOU should be posing in the front of the Capitol! 
Lorena, Jeff and I met with Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. 
Come to DC next year and be part of the process!
Elizabeth Baldwin is Environmental Compliance Officer for Metropolitan Hardwood Floors. In her 25 plus year career in the wood industry has visited over 70 countries and hundreds of facilities of all sizes and types. She describes herself as a “jack of all wood trades.” Familiar with jungles of all sorts–having camped out along the Amazon and walked the halls of Congress–she blogs for the NWFA on both environmental and regulatory issues for educational and informational purposes only. Her blog is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. Persons seeking legal advice on compliance with CARB, TSCA, the U.S. Lacey Act or any other law, regulation, or compliance requirement/claim should consult with the regulatory agency directly and/or a qualified legal professional.