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July-August 2019

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legged stool and requires the following – a well-funded PAC, regular congressional fly-ins, and the support of an active government relations team in DC. First, with PalletPAC, in addition to meeting with staff on the Hill, NWPCA personnel get an opportunity to build individual relationships with Members of Congress. Over the last year, the addition of the PalletPAC to NWPCA's advocacy arsenal has increased the opportunities to put our issues in front of Congressional Members from both sides of the aisle. For example, a current priority is to ensure that NWPCA members can robustly participate in the pallet to pellet marketplace. Currently, regulatory language is being interpreted in such a way that wood pellets are excluded from certification. This is leading to negative economic and environmental impact for something that almost everyone agrees is a misinterpretation. Because of the PalletPAC funds we've been able to secure champions in the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, that will work hand in hand with NWPCA to get the EPA to make the necessary adjustments to fix this issue. Second, the congressional fly-in is impactful and important. The simple fact is that with so many newly elected Members of Congress, many folks on the Hill don't know about NWPCA, since they are new. We have strong supporters who have been in Congress for years, but it is just as important to maintain those relationships as it is to build ones with the new generation of Members. The fly-in is crucial for that process. Hearing directly from NWPCA members, learning your history in the industry, your current challenges and triumphs, these are the conversations that stick in staff and legislators' minds, and that we capitalize on in future meetings. This last fly-in was very successful on this front and because of those meetings we now have nearly two dozen offices ready to work with us on policy priorities, including the pallet-to-pellet issue. Finally, NWPCA is supported by a strong DC- based advocacy strategy, headed up by NWPCA's Vice President of Advocacy and External Affairs, Patrick Atagi. Successful advocacy depends on consistent follow-ups, in-person, with Congressional staff. That is how we have built and will continue to grow support for our position with the EPA and other agencies. Upcoming meetings will continue the call for twin-33 trailers and ask staff to educate their bosses on the issue, pushing for the infrastructure package to include that change. The challenge of workforce development continues to hold back many NWPCA members from continuing to grow and meet demand, conversations at the staff level will keep the wooden pallet and container industry on legislator's minds as they look to put policies in place to address this issue. Ultimately, our efforts are only possible because of your engagement and support. Visiting the Hill matters. Sending an email or making a call to your representative matters. Providing us with feedback on policy matters. Don't let the noise turn you off from staying tuned in and getting involved. We look forward to seeing you at the next fly-in! PC Jason Ortega is vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs at Lobbyit. He can be reached at lobbyit.com or phone 202-587-2736. palletcentral.com PalletCentral • July-August 2019 11

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