Online registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to register, please contact Heather at houthuse@awpa.org.
To view the preliminary Schedule of Events, click here.
To make a hotel reservation, click here.
For a printable brochure, click here.
Manufacturing in Action
Cautious optimism is the watchword in the Manufacturing sector right now. The Administration focus on US jobs might provide opportunities for industry. Despite the amount of time being spent on healthcare reform and the investigation in Russian meddling in the elections, manufacturing issues are also on the table.
With economic indicators on the rise and the regulatory environment being scrutinized, things are definitely looking up. But some other factors are creating pressure. Most importantly, what will come of the Section 232 investigation of steel imports? How will any remedies for big steel impact the wire industry? Will the Administration take into consideration the number of downstream steel jobs when it announces the next big steel trade policy measure? At the writing of these materials, we are waiting to hear announcements from the Department of Commerce and the Administration.
At this year’s meeting you will hear from experts on international trade, get an update on NAFTA renegotiation, and hear the latest about regulatory reform. Come to Washington, DC this September to network with colleagues and customers, and to speak to lawmakers to advocate for your company and for domestic steel wire manufacturing. There may never be a more important time to speak to your legislators about your industry’s issues. The AWPA will provide the tools, but YOU are the best ambassador for your company and your employees. Join your industry colleagues in DC this September and make your voice heard.
Combining Congressional advocacy, committee meetings, time for business, and two evening receptions for renewing relationships with colleagues and customers, the Government Affairs Conference should not be missed!
Program Information
Committee & Board Meetings
Committee meetings will be held Monday, September 25th and Wednesday, September 27th. The Executive Committee meeting, the Membership Committee meeting, and the Stainless, PC Strand and Rope Product Committee meetings will be held Monday afternoon. The Board of Directors meeting will take place on Wednesday morning. Please check the Schedule of Events for specific times.
Opening Reception
Monday evening will provide time dedicated to meeting old friends and checking in with your knowledgeable industry colleagues. The reception on Monday evening gives attendees an opportunity to mix and mingle, and begin discussing the issues on your personal agenda and AWPA’s government affairs agenda.
General Session Program
International Trade Update
Global trade is more complicated than ever. With the US pulling out of the TPP, and a shift toward bi-lateral agreements, what can we expect going forward? Get the inside perspective on how the new Administration may handle this essential issue.
NAFTA: Reform, not Withdrawal?
The Administration officially began the process of renegotiating the NAFTA treaty in May. This trade deal could have a serious impact on the American economy. Get the latest information on the process and the elements of the treaty that may be affected.
Regulatory Reform
With the new Administration comes a new perspective on regulation from Executive branch agencies. Every day it seems that a regulation is either withdrawn or revised. Come hear from an expert on what rules are being changed, which ones are being revoked, and if these changes can last.
Wire & Wire Products Caucus Briefing & Lunch and Congressional Visits
On Tuesday ADVOCACY takes center stage. AWPA encourages all members to participate in the Caucus Briefing and Congressional Visits. The Caucus Briefing and Congressional Visits keep both AWPA members and our Congressional Representatives up-to-date on the current trade issues facing the steel wire industry. In order to have an impact, we must use this opportunity to educate our legislators about the industry and the issues we face, and encourage them to influence government policy on our behalf. Your participation is vital to ensure the level of turnout that will make an impression on your legislators. With the current regulatory and legislative challenges facing the industry, the information you will provide is more important than ever. Tuesday afternoon begins on Capitol Hill with a lunch and Wire Caucus briefing on trade, and Congressional Visits will take place in the afternoon.
Congressional Visits Debriefing Breakfast
On Wednesday morning we will gather for breakfast and discuss the results of our congressional visits from Tuesday. Bring your scorecards, and let your fellow AWPA members know who you met with, and how they responded. Sharing this information is the important next step in our advocacy efforts – Janet Kopenhaver, AWPA’s Director of Government Relations, will use this information to focus efforts where they can make the most impact, and will provide follow-up information to Representatives and Senators after your meetings.