With the 119th Congress officially in session and the new administration soon taking office, there are plenty of new faces walking the halls of Capitol Hill. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect opportunity to begin arranging a site visit through ACD and inviting your local representative to tour your facility. Each year, ACD members boast of the fantastic experiences they've had meeting representatives and forging important long-lasting relationships. After meeting in person, you’ll have a key ally to turn to should you ever have a question or concern regarding an upcoming policy change or legislative issue. In 2024, ACD supported members in conducting almost 30 site visits. Brenntag, Univar Solutions, and Brainerd Chemical have once again led the way, hosting several members of Congress to their facilities.
Some members, like Kurt Hettinga, President of Superior, Inc., have worked particularly hard to arrange site visits following redistricting, which created an opportunity to establish new connections. Kurt has been proactive in organizing several visits around his facilities to build these important relationships.
Recently, Stephen Halpin, President at Norman, Fox & Co., welcomed an incoming member of Congress to one of his sites. The ACD team has taken steps to help him lay the groundwork for this, recognizing the value of his previous relationship with the retiring incumbent.
Although the House and the Senate have packed calendars in the months ahead, their staff are already planning trips back to their districts to meet with constituents. With the new administration poised to make important policy decisions on taxes, tariffs, and more in the months ahead, it’s important chemical distribution remains top of mind. While some of you may be hesitant about hosting a site visit due to logistical concerns, rest assured that ACD is here to help with the arrangements and make the day as rewarding and beneficial as possible.
If you’re interested in hosting your own site visit, it’s simple to set up. Get in touch with Tyler Farrar, Manager, Government Affairs, and he’ll talk you through the process, coordinating everything with your local representative’s office to get a mutually convenient date arranged.
In advance of the meeting, myself and Brian Callahan, Vice President, Legislative Affairs, will be on hand to make sure you’re up to date on any relevant industry issues or policies that you may want to discuss.
The structure of the day is entirely up to you, with plenty of time to walk your visitor through what your business does, your position in the supply chain, the industries you support, and your role within your local community. This is a valuable chance to highlight the importance of your business and address any policy or legislation that directly impacts you or the wider industry. A particular highlight is a tour of your facility, giving them the chance to meet your team and see first-hand the services you provide. Engaging decision makers and educating them on the invaluable role you and your business play in their everyday lives is vital.
And remember, you’ll also have the chance to join the ACD team and your peers May 14-15, 2025, in Washington DC for our annual Washington Fly-In. If you’ve never been to Capitol Hill before, it’s truly a fascinating experience that shouldn’t be missed.
This year's event is going to be especially important, as we engage with a business-friendly administration that is looking to ease the regulatory burden.
A lot will be accomplished in the first six months of the administration, and with our Fly-In taking place in May, we are perfectly positioned to effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to us.
Learn more about our Site Visit Program on our website at www.acd-chem.com/government-affairs/host-capitol-hill/. Registration for our 2025 Washington Fly-In is now open at https://www.acd-chem.com/education-meetings/meetings/washington-fly-in/
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