Manufacturers participate in 130+ congressional visits during Legislative Summit
“The messages that aftermarket supplier companies brought to the Hill are central to improving the economy and creating jobs,” said Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO. “AASA members communicated to our elected officials the vital role the automotive aftermarket plays in our nation’s economy.”
“We will continue to work throughout the year to advance these issues,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA. “We will strive to educate Congress on what we need as an industry to help the nation’s domestic manufacturing base grow and thrive.”
Topics discussed with elected officials included passage of a highway bill, advanced vehicle technology legislation, a R&D tax credit and a heavy duty vehicle safety technology tax credit. Summit attendees also urged Congress to block implementation of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ambush election and posting rules.
In addition to AASA members, Summit attendees also represented member companies of MEMA’s other affiliate associations: Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).
The 2012 Legislative Summit, held Feb. 29 and March 1, included presentations by
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Stu Rothenberg, political commentator and publisher of the Rothenberg Political Report;
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Phil English, senior government relations advisor at Arent Fox and seven- term Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s Fourth District;
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Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM);
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Karen Harbert, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy;
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Gregory M. Cohen, president, American Highway Users Alliance; and
- Geoff Burr, chairman of the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace.
For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, visit www.mema.org.
