Metalcasters Speak Out on Importance of Manufacturing to U.S. Congress

Released May 11, 2010

More than 125 attendees representing the metalcasting industry gathered in Washington, D.C. on May 5-7 2010 to emphasize the need for policies that spur economic growth and improve manufacturing’s competitiveness at the 2010 Metalcasters Alliance for Government Affairs Conference.

Economist and Professor Peter Morici was the luncheon keynote speaker, offering insight into the Capiaol Hill economic, tax and trade agenda. Attendees heard presentations on pending legislative and regulatory issues, as well as this fall’s election campaigns.

During the breakfast session, Representative Jim Gerlach (R-PA), discussed the legislative agenda for the remainder of the 111th Congress and the need to highlight the importance of manufacturing in the current economic recovery and to the United States' national security.

Conference participants met with their lawmakers and key staff from 22 different states in more than 100 pre-scheduled meetings during Metalcasting Advocacy Day. They discussed their concerns on having the Environmental Protection Agency regulate green house gas emissions, over lack of permanency in tax code, currency manipulation, card check and climate change legislation. Friday was set-aside for upcoming regulations. Attendees heard about several new OSHA enforcement directives and upcoming rules, including crystalline silica and combustible dust.

"This year's Metalcasters Alliance for Government Affairs Conference was a great opportunity for the metalcasting industry to bring critical issues and concerns to Washington, D.C.," said Jerry Call, AFS executive vice president.

“The die casting industry was well represented at the Government Affairs conference," said NADCA President Daniel L. Twarog. "Over twenty people attended from the die casting industry and visited 30 different Congressmen and Senators. Our message on manufacturing’s importance was delivered and well received.”

The conference, cosponsored by the American Foundry Society and North American Die Casting Association, is the premiere legislative event for metalcasters each year.

For more information on the 2010 Metalcasters Alliance for Government Affairs Conference, contact Stephanie Salmon, Metalcasters Alliance for Government Affairs Office, at ss@wafed.com or 202/842-4864.

The Michigan Delegation meets with Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to discuss critical metalcasting issues at the 2010 Metalcasters Alliance for Government Affairs Conference.

2010 Issue Briefs

• Support Climate Change Provisions to Permit the U.S. Metalcasting Industry to Remain Competitive
  Manufacturing State Senator Letter to Authors of Climate Proposal
  
• Oppose the Employee Free Choice Act
• Congress Must Prevent EPA from Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Support Policies that Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing