NATM Companies Encouraged to Host Virtual Plant Tours

NATM has had a number of successes in its Government Affairs program over the past several years due in large part to the relationships NATM members have built with their local members of Congress. Through NATM's plant tours, legislative roundtables and Capitol Hill visits, NATM has built an awareness of the trailer manufacturing industry and the impact it has on the various states and legislative districts.

With over 60 new members in Congress, it is crucial that companies in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry continue to build relationships and awareness of the industry with legislators. With many of the new congressional members joining the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, NATM is encouraging both suppliers and trailer manufacturers to schedule virtual plant tours this year. All members of Congress have an impact on the outcome of any legislation, so it is important to recruit advocates that understand and support the trailer industry.

With the highway reauthorization expiring in 2021 and continued pressure for infrastructure investment, it is expected that President Biden and Congress will seek to make bold decisions in the area of transportation, which makes engagement with key decision makers critical. Further, several iterations of the bill in both the House and Senate contemplate additional underride requirements that would be potentially more expansive than existing regulation. All NATM members are encouraged to get involved in the Association’s government affairs outreach, particularly if you see your Member of Congress on the list below.

Historically, plant tours have taken place onsite at member company facilities. As COVID-19 protocols limit visitors, NATM is encouraging members to host virtual plant tours online for 2021.

For those companies interested in engaging, NATM has template invite letters and other resources to make the process easier. NATM’s government affairs group K&L Gates will contact the congressional offices and schedule the event once the company completes the template invitation letter. The Association will provide a suggested tour outline and talking points. With the switch to virtual, the plant tours will take place on a Zoom call and feature a slide deck of photos of the facility and/or a pre-taped video walk through.

If your business is represented by a new legislator, listed below, or sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Committee list here), NATM highly encourages you to host your representative for a virtual plant tour.

If you are interested in hosting a plant visit, contact Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call NATM Headquarters at (785) 272-4433. If your business is represented by a new legislator, listed below, or sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Committee list here), NATM highly encourages you to host your representative for a virtual plant tour.