Association Brings Parts Supplier Issues to Washington

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) brought parts supplier issues to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. this week with its annual Legislative Summit.
Industry issues discussed included brand protection, climate change, fuel economy, health care, raw material costs, tax incentives and vehicle safety. More than 100 supplier industry representatives met with some 90 Congressional representatives. The affair also included keynote speeches and discussions on supplier approaches to lobbying.
“As the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, parts suppliers play a critical role in the national economy,” said Bob McKenna, MEMA’s president and CEO. “Our elected officials need to understand the issues facing the industry as it navigates these challenging economic times, and now is the time to bring our message to Capitol Hill,” he continued.
Program highlights included keynote remarks on Tuesday, June 10, from John Engler, current president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and a former three-term Michigan governor. Tuesday’s sessions also featured a “best practices” panel with representatives from Gates Corp. and Robert Bosch LLC describing their successful government relations programs.
Tuesday evening, more than 250 people attended a Congressional Reception and Supplier Fair on Capitol Hill, which included a supplier fair.
On Wednesday, June 11, MEMA board chairman and president and CEO of Proliance International Inc., Charles Johnson, urged industry members to “use their seat at the table wisely” and be active on issues important to the industry.
Also on Wednesday, McKenna presented the Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award to Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) at a special luncheon on Capitol Hill. Five years ago, MEMA established the Joseph Magliochetti Industry Champion award to honor the service of outstanding public officials and to recognize their leadership in Washington in support of the industry.
“The Legislative Summit gives the supplier industry an opportunity to be involved in shaping policy that impacts our members,” McKenna noted. “We are very pleased to have had such great participation in this year’s event.”