“It seems that every day we read about new legislative
initiatives and regulations that target our businesses. None of these issues has made it easier to
run a profitable business,” states Dennis Goode, CEO of M. Cooper Supply Co.
and chairman of ASA’s Government & Public Affairs Committee. “Unfortunately, too often we simply assume
that someone will step up and promote the best interests of our industry and
fight on our behalf. Events in Washington over the past year have made it
painfully clear that we can no longer afford the luxury of sitting on the
sidelines. Our industry must unify its voice to fight the daily attacks that
begin in Washington, D.C., and end on the doorstep of industry businesses.”
To that end, the ASA Government &
Public Affairs Committee has presented a case to the ASA Executive Committee
and argued that ASA needs to expand its part-time role in Washington to a
full-time, robust effort to fight for the PHCP/PVF industry. At this time,
issues are being introduced faster than ASA’s limited role can affordably
combat them. The ASA Executive Committee has authorized the committee to seek
three-year additional dues pledges from the membership, which will enable the
association to hire a dedicated, full-time staff person based in Washington, D.C. “This move is bold and visionary and exhibits
ASA’s commitment to the interests and success of its members by placing
increased resources and leadership needed to become part of the solution in Washington,” states Mike
Adelizzi, ASA’s executive vice president.
Most recently, ASA has joined with the
PMI to combat an attempt by the DOE to essentially outlaw the manufacturing of
multi-showerhead units with an arbitrary ruling, void of public comment. “One
thing is certain: these issues will escalate in the foreseeable future and will
place a great burden on members’ budgets in trying to deal with them, as well
as the association’s budget in trying to fight for industry interests,”
continues Adelizzi. “These issues just can’t be ignored, and ASA cannot
continue to fight the onslaught of attacks on our businesses alone.”
For more information on ASA’s advocacy
efforts, please visit
www.asa.net or contact Mike Adelizzi at
madelizzi@asa.net or 312.464.0090 ext.
201.
