According to Christian Richter, founder and president of The Policy Group, Washington continues to push key policy changes that stand to impact the surface finishing industry. The primary goal of NASF and The Policy Group—at least in this regard—is to arm industry members with the knowledge they need to navigate through various complex legal and environmental issues, while simultaneously furthering the interests of the surface finishing community in Washington.
“We’re focused on putting out fires in Washington before they start,” Richter said, citing a current regulatory climate that might not necessarily bode well for the manufacturing community moving forward. This is especially true, he said, with regard to everything from possible changes to unionized labor to impending regulations regarding certain metals and chemicals. The Policy Group’s role in all of this, he stressed, is ensuring that key decisions impacting the surface finishing community take into account potential repercussions on industry.
In keeping with those issues, NASF is encouraging active participation in the 2010 Washington Forum, so that industry members may gave insights as to what these changes may mean for them. Following is a preview of key items on the agenda:
- Forecasting the 2010 Elections and the Potential Impacts for Industry
- What Health Care Reform Will, and Will Not, Do
- Impact of Energy and Climate Change Legislation and Regulation on U.S. Business
- Workplace and Labor Issues, for example, "Card Check", Ergonomics and Harsher OSHA Penalties
- New Environmental Regulatory Initiatives, with a Special Emphasis on Metals
- Pending U.S. Chemicals Policy Reform - New Approach or European Model?
- Emerging Technologies and the Defense Supply Chain
Additionally, the Washington Forum will provide industry members a unique and valuable opportunity to meet with federal lawmakers on the most critical issues facing their business.
For more information on the event, or to register, please visit NASF’s website.