Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/472195
ORGANIZING THE PLANT TOUR PUT TOGETHER INTERNAL PLANNING GROUP, IF NECESSARY The planning group should be responsible for organizing the logistics of the plant tour. DECIDE WHO WILL MEET WITH THE LEGISLATOR Don't be concerned with party affiliation. After all, your intent is to develop a good rapport with public officials who may influence the future of your company and your industry. CRAFT LAWMAKER INTRODUCTION Decide who will provide remarks and the topics you want to cover in welcoming the elected official. ESTABLISH LOOK AND FEEL OF WELCOME AREA Determine how you want the entrance to your plant to appear when your guest arrives. Think about the type of signage you want to use and whether any displays will be set up here or somewhere else. RESERVE A ROOM FOR THE GUEST TO ADDRESS YOUR STAFF Determine the best room for the lawmaker to talk with your staff. Set up a podium and microphone if necessary and arrange seating. Determine if refreshments will be served. CREATE NAME BADGES FOR GUEST AND STAFF Name badges are a must for your plant tour. Create name badges for your guest and any staff who accompanies him or her, as well as employees of your plant. DETERMINE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT If your plant tour requires it, determine what safety equipment will be needed. These include construction helmets, goggles, gloves, etc. BRIEF TOUR GUIDES Inform your tour guide(s) of what the plant tour will entail (what machinery, if any, will be shown on the tour, who the guest will meet with and where, the length of the tour, etc.). PRECRAFT TOUR SCRIPT Write out an outline of what you hope to cover during the plant tour. HIRE/DESIGNATE PHOTOGRAPHER Have a photographer on hand to take pictures of your lawmaker's visit. These photos are excellent opportunities to publicize the event and for the lawmaker to remember the visit. PREPARE AN INFORMATION PACKAGE Prepare materials for the legislator that emphasizes the benefits that good manufacturing jobs bring to workers, suppliers and your area's economy. Put together a one- pager that highlights your company's characteristics and accomplishments. RESEARCH LAWMAKER'S BACKGROUND Research your guest's biographical, political, business, social, educational and legislative background and voting record to identify areas of common interest. Find out what committees and subcommittees your lawmaker is on and try to match your legislative agenda with his or hers. For NWPCA's congressional profiles, please PalletCentral.com. RESEARCH TALKING POINTS, YOUR COMPANY STORY, CURRENT EVENTS, LEGISLATIVE ASKS, ETC. Educate the legislator on the great things manufacturing does. Share your personal stories and examples of how government regulations and policies, as well as partisan politics and red tape, all impact manufacturing and your workers. Don't just talk economic data or statistics. PREPARE A MAP OF THE TOUR SITE Consult with employees to determine a route for the tour, noting which areas contain top-secret information or any safety hazards. These areas should be off-limits to the legislator, staff and press. WRITE OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE LAWMAKER Include any questions that you want to ask your lawmaker. These can be questions on regulations and policies that are currently in effect, proposed legislation, manufacturing in general, etc. 8