The last several years have presented extraordinary challenges for most businesses, including chemical distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers. With the start of a new Congress this year, there are many issues at the forefront of NACD members’ minds as our industry seeks to address and overcome new and legacy regulatory, labor, and economic challenges to ensure we can continue growing our businesses.
As one of the most important components of NACD’s advocacy efforts throughout the year, the Fly-In presents a unique opportunity for NACD members to play a key role in these important discussions. By sharing real-life experiences with Members of Congress and their staff, we can help keep critical issues top of mind for lawmakers when policy decisions are up for consideration later in the year.
Last year’s Fly-In, the first we’d been able to conduct in-person since 2019, drew more than 50 NACD members who participated in more than 100 meetings with congressional offices. Through this advocacy work, NACD members demonstrate the importance of the chemical industry and highlight the economic impact in Members’ districts and states.
Seasoned Fly-In participant Robert Moser, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Government Affairs at Brenntag SE and former Chairman of NACD’s Government Policy and Advocacy Committee (GPAC), underscored the importance of participating in the NACD Fly-In. “Members of Congress and their staff may rarely know the significant impact the chemical industry has on their district and constituents,” said Moser. “The Fly-In gives NACD members the opportunity to explain how and why our industry is so important to the customers, communities, and industries it serves. Many Members of Congress and their staff come away from these meetings with a better understanding of our work and how we do that work safely and responsibly.”
Brittney Palet, a Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) Assurance Specialist at Azelis Americas, acknowledged that the prospect of discussing policy with Members of Congress can be intimidating but found that she was given the tools she needed to prepare and participate in the meetings. Palet, who joined the Fly-In for the first time in 2022 and plans to attend once again this year, said, “As someone who was relatively new to the chemical industry, I found the Fly-In was the perfect introduction to the industry and the current issues we are facing. NACD has such a tight knit community, and they were wonderful in preparing us for these meetings. Most of my nerves were alleviated before going to Capitol Hill thanks to NACD’s regular email updates, the ReACT phone app, and their presentations to the Fly-In group.”
NACD members will have plenty to discuss with lawmakers this year, including:
“NACD members undoubtedly have an impact,” said Moser. “These meetings are always greeted with a friendly reception and consist of great conversation. Representatives, senators, and their staff are open to learning how their policy decisions can impact our day-to-day. We may not know what’s around the corner for our business, so laying the groundwork to have an open line of communication with Congress is of great value for the future.”
“Although I was newer to these issues, I was able to pull from my own experience and learn from other NACD members in the meetings,” said Palet. “I left D.C. with new knowledge, a stronger network, and a greater appreciation for our work. I’d recommend the NACD Fly-In to anyone. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity.”
Your voice and experience matter. By supporting the growth of the chemical industry, we can strengthen our nation’s ability to compete in the 21st century global economy.
Want to learn more about how you can get involved? Check out our Fly-In page, here, to register today!
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