Leaders Learn More About Issues Facing Industry

ASA held a Legislative Fly-In to Washington, D.C. on April 30 – May 1, 2008, bringing attention to the PHCP and PVF industry with members of Congress and several government agencies. Fifteen ASA members visited thirty-two Representatives and Senators presenting ASA’s positions on nearly a dozen issues, with special focus on tax legislation, water infrastructure funding and union card check legislation.

Meetings were also held with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Labor. On Wednesday afternoon, Deputy Secretary of Labor Howard M. Radzely spoke to Fly-In participants about workforce development issues, including statistics and impact scenarios regarding the shrinking U.S. labor force.

ASA’s Government Affairs program promotes the interests of the PHCP and PVF industry in Washington, D.C., through an aggressive legislative agenda, focusing on issues concerning taxes, labor management, workplace health & safety, and environment, water conservation and energy efficiency. To learn more about ASA’s 2008 Legislative Agenda, please visit www.asa.net or contact Chris Murin at cmurin@asa.net or 312-464-0090 ext. 205.

ASA members get ready for congressional visits! L-R are Todd Restel (First Supply, LaCrosse, WI), Don Robertson (Steam & Plgb Svc. Corp, San Francisco, CA), Tim Milford (Milford Supply, St. Louis, MO), Rex Martin (NIBCO, Elkhart, IN) and Jeff New (Mid-City Supply Co., Elkart, IN).

Rex Martin of NIBCO (C) and Jeff New of Mid-City Supply Co. (R) meet with Congressman Joe Donnelly from Indiana's 2nd District.

Greg Skagerberg (L) and Gerard Melgaard (R) from Goodin Company in Minneapolis visit with Senator Norm Coleman from Minnesota.

John Mills of WHCI Plbg Supply Co. in Union City, CA (left) meets with Congressman Gerald McNerney from California's 11th District.

Mike Adelizzi of ASA (C) and Herb Foster from Bradford White (R) talk to an aide in the office of Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA - 13th).

What people thought...

“I was very impressed with the degree to which our elected leaders understood the issues that we dealt with as business owners and their willingness to be open to supporting some key issues such as tax relief. They were interested in how legislative initiatives would impact our businesses and our ability to employ their constituents.”
Bill Kenny, Kenny Pipe & Supply in Nashville, TN

“We created great awareness among the elected representatives on the issues facing our companies and our industry…it was a win for us, for ASA and for the industry. I urge everyone to attend next year.”
Jeff New, Mid-City Supply Co., Elkhart, IN

“The Fly-In was a fantastic experience! It was awesome being able to take to some of the movers and shakers in Washington. I will do this again.”
Stanley Dreyfuss, SG Supply Company, Calumet Park, IL

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Fly-In. It was educational and inspiring to be a part of it.”
Domenic J. Messina, Peabody Supply Company, Peabody, MA