Plant Tours Make a Difference!

Congressman John Boehner (OH-8, R) (left) talks with Jim Hammer of Art Technologies.

PMA is recruiting companies interested in hosting congressional plant tours. Hosting a plant tour can be very beneficial to both your company and the metalforming industry in several different ways.

You may assume that lawmakers understand all of the issues that affect your business. The truth is, they don’t. As a matter of fact, many may not even know what your issues are. However, most of them are more than willing to learn. Although phone calls, letters and congressional office visits are important, there is no better way to educate policymakers on what really goes on in the manufacturing world than a plant tour. Representatives should gain a new respect of the manufacturing industry and maybe even a change of heart on a position that is hindering your ability to grow and provide jobs for their constituents. A plant tour can be even more educational for a lawmaker if your suppliers and customers attend. A congressperson can then better understand how an issue that impacts one industry affects other industries.

Plant tours are also a good way to spend quality time with your legislators. You will have their undivided attention for an hour or two, at which time you can discuss important issues. Many PMA members have forged close relationships with their congressperson because of plant tours. As a result, members of Congress have called PMA members to get their input on legislation that may affect small to medium-sized businesses. The more lawmakers that visit metalforming plants, the better understanding Congress as a whole will have of the industry, and the better represented the industry will be in Washington, D.C.

If you are interested in hosting a plant tour, contact Justin Ketchem at 216-901-8800 or jketchem@pma.org. PMA will offer the support needed to make a tour at your plant a success.