ILMA Compoundings August 2016 - 9

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Ease and Importance
of Visiting the Hill
Frank H. Hamilton III

alking the halls of Congress and sitting down with an
elected official can be intimidating, but I know from
experience that the more you do it, the easier it gets.

This year, I attended my second NAM Manufacturing Summit,
which brought me face-to-face with several lawmakers from
my state, North Carolina, including Sen. Richard Burr and Rep.
David Rouzer, both Republicans. I also met with the staff of
state Rep. Ron Hudson (R-N.C.).
I know that in each meeting, I exposed key decision-makers to
something they either didn't know about or knew little about
before our discussion. The meetings left me with a feeling that
their eyes were opened, that they really appreciated us being
there and that it was helpful.
During my meetings, I discussed why independent peer review
is essential for EPA risk assessment on chlorinated paraffins
and how GHS implementation in Canada will hurt American
chemical manufacturers, as well as several big-picture topics
that apply to all manufacturers.
Sen. Burr impressed me with his knowledge of the big picture.
He talked a lot about how Washington works and explained
how many minor details get shoved into new legislation, some
of which have long-lasting effects on manufacturers. Rep.
Rouzer was engaged in the discussion and is sympathetic to the
issues we voiced.
I am proud that I was able to use my time to tell ILMA's story.
The regulators do not generally think on a granular basis and
do not know the essential nature of lubricants. Although
they may not know about the issue initially, when you start
discussing it, they engage and ask insightful questions.
Increased understanding about our key issues can only benefit
our industry.
The Summit provides a chance to both share and gain
knowledge. During the "fly-in" event, we had the chance to hear
from key decision-makers on the Hill, including Sens. Chris

Coons (D-Del.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). It
was interesting to hear their perspectives and gain their firsthand insight into the current environment on Capitol Hill.
We heard from Jeff Zients, director of the National Economic
Council and assistant to the president for economic policy,
who painted a brighter picture of the U.S. economy than most
of us see. We also took part in an informative and entertaining
session in which the campaign managers for Jeb Bush, Carly
Fiorina and Marco Rubio gave a candid look at their campaign
successes and shortcomings, as well as the presidential election.
One of my constant concerns is the challenge of standing out
amongst the long line of other constituent groups lobbying for
legislative attention and relief. I do not have a magic answer to
this, but each of my meetings and informational sessions has
given me new insights and ideas as I continue to brainstorm on
this mission. I also believe there is power in numbers. When we
show up in force, we have a louder voice.
I wish more of our members could see the benefit of going to
Washington, D.C., and participating, because if we don't tell our
story, nobody will.
Don't be intimidated by the process. If you have ever wanted
to spend time politicking on Capitol Hill, this is the easiest
way there is. Knowing what to discuss and how to phrase our
messaging is easy, as ILMA staff provide a briefing on our key
issues and NAM staff brief the group on a variety of big-picture
issues that affect manufacturing.
In addition to providing the briefings, ILMA and NAM schedule
all of the appointments for you. All you have to do is commit to
being there, and like I said, the more you do this D.C. routine,
the better you become.

Hamilton is president of South Atlantic Services Inc. and current
ILMA Board President. He may be reached at 910-763-3496, x118, or
fhamilton@south-atlantic-svcs.com.

Compoundings August 2016 * 9 * Vol. 66 No. 8

ILMA Compoundings August 2016

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