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Pallet C e nt ral • S e ptem be r- O ctobe r 2 0 24 15 likelihood of Congressional members visiting pallet facilities, a trend that has been on the rise in recent years. At the heart of the NWPCA Fly-In is the chance for members to share their personal stories directly with members of Congress and their staff. rough face-to-face meetings and discussions, NWPCA members can express their concerns and illustrate how the Association's advocated policies affect their companies, employees, and the families and communities that benefit from them. Importance Of Congressional Relationships Building and nurturing relationships with members of Congress and their staff is crucial for effective advocacy. ese relationships go beyond the immediate goals of any single legislative effort; they form the foundation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. For the NWPCA, the Fly-In represents the starting point—a chance to initiate conversations that can lead to lasting partnerships. rough consistent engagement and follow-up, the NWPCA Public Affairs team—supported by our consultants at Lot Sixteen—can cultivate these relationships over time, turning initial meetings into congressional champions of the industry. is continuity is essential in a dynamic legislative environment where issues evolve, and new challenges arise daily. Strategic Ini a ves And Policy Priori es During the Fly-In, NWPCA members discussed current legislative priorities and laid the groundwork for future initiatives. For this year's Fly-In, we focused on the following: • Pass a Farm Bill this year • Support for USDA programs: • Improvements for USDA's BioPreferred® Program • Permanent funding for USDA to partner with industry to serve as a public-facing third- party validator of the industry's positive carbon impacts • Continued support for APHIS and its collaboration with industry • Urging Senate passage of the bipartisan tax package that passed the House with NWPCA priorities and support • e need for immigration reform to alleviate the industry's workforce challenges By aligning their messages with policymakers' concerns and priorities, NWPCA members have demonstrated how the industry contributes to economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. ese discussions are pivotal in shaping legislative outcomes that support a growing and competitive industry landscape. A Founda on For Future Success e relationships created during the Fly-In are instrumental in shaping policy outcomes, advancing innovation, and ensuring the long-term viability of the wooden pallet and container industry. As the public affairs team at NWPCA continues to build on these connections, the team strengthens its ability to advocate effectively on behalf of its members and drive positive change in the legislative arena. As we know, passing legislation is a long and slow process. It might seem tedious, but by building relationships and ensuring NWPCA sets a solid foundation for success, we put our members' needs front and center with key members of Congress. With continued engagement and communication, legislators can fully understand the NWPCA mee ng with Rep. Scholten (D-MI) staff.

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