Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/579895
10 PalletCentral • September-October 2015 palletcentral.com INSIDE NWPCA Capitol Hill Corner Advocacy Doesn't Take a Vacation C ongress recessed for the month of August and returned on September 8th to resume their work. The recess, however, didn't mean a respite for NWPCA staff or its members. NWPCA Board Member, Terry Rodino, Recycled New Pallets, had the opportunity to meet with Members of Congress in early August, and NWPCA met with Hill staff while the bosses were back in their home states. Trifecta Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH 8th District); Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN 2nd District); Governor Mike Pence of Indiana: What do these three have in common with NWPCA? Terry Rodino enjoyed a private lunch with Walorski and Boehner, and afterwards Governor Pence stopped by to say "hello." Meetings like these help this organization achieve its strategic goals to be relevant and raise the profile of the pallet industry. They also help NWPCA staff in Washington, DC by opening the doors to future Hill visits. Offices of the Speaker and Congresswoman are coordinating with NWPCA a convenient time to meet and discuss the wooden pallet industry issues on a deeper level. The focus when Congress returns to session will be on funding and appropriations bills, including addressing a long-term fix to the Highway Trust Fund. In addition to resolving key budget issues, Congress also needs to raise the debt ceiling again this fall. Members of Congress typically use this opportunity to slip-in pet provisions into spending bills. NWPCA will be monitoring legislation closely as Congress returns to business. Wrap-up Many thanks to Western Pallet Association President, Carolyn Beach-Skinner, for hosting Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA 10th District) at Westside Pallet in Newman, California. The Congressional Mill Tour was a tremendous success and highlighted to the Congressman how integral pallet manufacturers are to the local community. In this case, the wooden pallet connections to agricultural businesses in California are enormous with the industry providing significant entry and mid-level jobs. The Congressman was also able to see twin 28' feet trailers loaded with wooden pallets. He had specific questions on the benefits of extending the trailers to 33', which Westside Pallet staff answered. Preparation for these visits is important, and Beach-Skinner and her staff were well prepared. Congratulations to Carolyn on a successful Congressional Mill Tour! PC Speaker of the House, John Boehner Taking a shortcut between Hill meetings through the basement of the Cannon House Office Building, we found these. Good to see Congress using wooden pallets.