Join Us in D.C. and Make Your Voice Heard
The annual Hardwood Federation Fly-In to D.C. is quickly approaching. This year we will meet in Washington, D.C. from Tuesday, May 13 through Thursday, May 15 to take our story to the Hill. Make your plans now to join us as we advocate for the U.S. hardwood industry.
An advocate is defined as a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. Advocates also are known, in government and politics, as lobbyists. Whether you call it advocating or lobbying, the goal is still the same: to educate or persuade members of the government, including members of Congress, to enact legislation and policies that benefit their group.
Advocacy can take place at any level of government. Have you ever disputed a parking ticket? Signed a petition for a new stop sign? Met with a school principal about the bully that pushed your child during recess? What about applying for and defending a permit for your business? You are an advocate for yourself and for things you care about: your family, your community, and your business.
As the level of government moves up, the role of the advocate becomes more important. The higher the office…local to state to federal…the more issues elected officials and full-time government workers must deal with on a daily basis. Not only are there more matters to consider, but they also become increasingly complex the closer to Washington one gets.
Trade associations, like the Hardwood Federation, are important to the business community because they are able to focus day in and day out on a specific set of problems and can consistently communicate with and educate policy makers on the impacts proposed legislation and regulation can have on employers and employees in their communities. Trade associations also develop consistent messaging that represents general industry agreement on important issues. In a perfect world, everyone in the industry can deliver the same message and strengthen the argument to make policy that best supports hardwood businesses. Your day-to-day focus is on business, not on politics. The Hardwood Federation focuses on politics to make your job easier.
Join us for the Hardwood Federation Fly-In
May 13 – 15
Washington, D.C.
The Hardwood Federation team is proud to represent the industry in Washington, but we can’t and don’t do it by ourselves. The Hardwood Federation Fly-In to D.C. has always been a highlight of our advocacy program. The second Trump Administration is moving at a blistering pace, making decisions and initiating policies that could have long-term, significant impacts on the U.S. hardwood industry. The noise in D.C. is loud and unending, but we continue to raise our voices over the din. We urge you to join us in May. Meet your federally elected officials. Tell your story.
Network with your peers. Help us make the case for policies that work FOR the hardwood industry, not against it.
The Fly-In is an excellent opportunity for members of the hardwood industry to educate members of Congress about the U.S. hardwood industry and let their members of Congress know just how businesses and employees are affected by the decisions being made on Capitol Hill. The impacts of Trump trade policies and tariffs on our sector will almost certainly be our top priority issue. A close second will be restoring important tax cuts that support our hardwood businesses. Regulatory and transportation issues also could rise to the top. In this fast-paced environment it is difficult to say for sure, but we are confident the most current concerns will be at the top of the list.
You can find out more about the Hardwood Federation, our priority issues, and the Fly-In at hardwoodfederation.com.
From past experience, we know that direct communication with knowledgeable industry members is key to establishing and growing legislative contacts and their awareness of the hardwood industry. Your participation is important and very much valued. Please reach out to us if you have questions or thoughts.
Dana Lee Cole is the executive director at the Hardwood Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based hardwood industry trade association that represents thousands of hardwood businesses in every state in the United States and acts as the industry advocacy voice on Capitol Hill. She can be reached at dana.cole@hardwoodfederation.com.