RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Members of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) joined their motor vehicle parts supplier colleagues in participating in more than 130 visits to U.S. House and Senate offices on March 1 during the Legislative Summit organized by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) in Washington, D.C.
“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,” added 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, an 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:
- Stu Rothenberg, political commentator and publisher of the Rothenberg Political Report;
- Phil English, senior government relations adviser at Arent Fox and seven-term Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s Fourth District;
- Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM);
- Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy;
- Gregory Cohen, president, American Highway Users Alliance; and
- Geoff Burr, chairman of the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace.
The associations also honored Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) with the prestigious Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award, presented annually to a senator or representative who has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to supplier industry issues.
