ASA Members Meet With Congressional Leaders

ASA hosts Legislative Fly-In, Sets Advocacy Agenda

(L-R): Dan Hilton, ASA Director of Government Affairs; Tom LaGuardia, Milwaukee Valve; Dave Prahler, First Supply; Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-1); Joe Poehling, First Supply

On May 3 and 4, 2011, more than 30 dedicated members of the American Supply Association came to Washington, D.C., for ASA’s Legislative Fly-In. Those in attendance not only had the chance to develop relationships and learn from their peers, but they also had the opportunity to educate their congressional leaders on critical industry issues. The event kicked off with a discussion on the state of the economy and the new health care law. Members of ASA engaged in spirited discussions with top economists and health care experts. ASA President Bill Kenny (Kenny Pipe & Supply, Nashville, TN) stated, “This [advocacy] may not have been something we necessarily wanted to do, but for the sake of our industry and our individual businesses, it was something that we needed to do.”

(L-R): Harold Arrowsmith and John Martin of Anvil International; Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7); ASA President Bill Kenny, Kenny Pipe & Supply

On Wednesday, May 4, ASA members kicked off their day listening to Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) describe the looming challenges that face our economy. A representative from Chicago, Roskam serves on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxes, trade, Social Security and Medicare. In addition to his committee assignment, Roskam is also number four in the Republican House leadership, currently serving as Chief Deputy Whip. He talked to members about his efforts to hold a listening session on his party’s behalf with members of his conference on their feelings about the upcoming “Debt Ceiling” vote. Following the Congressman’s talk and a brief question and answer session, members of ASA channeled their energies to educating their elected officials on how changes in law would impact our industry.

(L-R): Stan Dreyfuss, Porter Pipe & Supply Co.; Dennis Goode, M. Cooper Supply; Roskam staffer; Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-6)

In addition to the Legislative Fly-In, members of the Government and Public Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Dennis Goode (M. Cooper Supply, Mokena, IL) met for several hours to outline their advocacy agenda moving forward. With changes proposed to the tax code, our health care system, as well as the ongoing issue of copper theft, it is evident that ASA has a role to play in Washington. If participation in this year’s Legislative Fly-in is any indication, ASA’s voice is likely to be heard loud and clear.

Please contact Dan Hilton, ASA Director of Government Affairs, at 703.328.5234 or dhilton@asa.net for more information.

Pictured here (left to right): Staff of Representative Tim Holden (PA-17); Mark Taylor, Bradford White Corp.; John Tice, APR Supply Co.; Bruce Carnevale, Bradford White Corp.; Scott Weaver, APR Supply Co.

Picturer here (left to right): Members of ASA’s Government and Public Affairs Committee: Dennis Goode, M. Cooper Supply (Committtee Chairman); Jeff New, Mid-City Supply Co.; Dan Hilton, ASA Director of Government Affairs; Ethan Flowers, Texas Plumbing Supply Co.; Mike Hall, Collins Pipe & Supply Co.; Gerard Melgaard, Goodin Co.