ADVOCACY In the Time of
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by DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation egular readers of Hardwood Matters are well aware of the Hardwood Federation and our efforts on behalf of the industry in Washington, D.C. We often refer to ourselves as the “Voice of the Hardwood Industry” as we work to support positive federal policies that support the economic viability of hardwood companies and employees across the country. We are your advocates in our nation’s Capital, one of hundreds of trade associations that work to support various industry sectors by presenting their priorities to the Administration and Congress and explaining how action in the right direction will help create jobs and strong local economies. Equally important is we are here in D.C. to play defense, continually building relationships on and off the Hill so that we are in position to kill an emerging policy threat to our sector even before it gains traction. Trade associations, like the Hardwood Federation, are important to the business community because they are able to focus day in and day out on a specific set of problems and can consistently communicate with and educate policymakers on the impacts proposed legislation and regulations can have on employers and employees in their communities. Trade associations also
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