Congressional Facility Tour: Educating Legislators about the Industry
Educating policy-makers about the recreational boating industry is crucial to NMMA advocacy efforts. Congressional plant tours advance this goal by informing key Congressional leaders about the role your business plays in the community as well as the issues confronting both your business and the industry.
Hosting a plant tour “puts a face” on the industry and offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your products, share success stories, highlight the number of jobs your business creates and explain the economic impact of your business on the community.
Developing a relationship through a plant tour may also prompt a legislator to return your call or solicit your opinion when crucial issues arise.
A Win-Win Situation
All parties benefit from a Congressional Plant Tour: Legislators get to meet their constituents. Your business brings its concerns to the attention of individuals who can address them. And, sharing their work with Senators and Representatives instills a sense of pride in employees.
Congressional Plant Tour Checklist
- Identify your Member of Congress
- Send a letter inviting your Member of Congress to visit your facility. Include available dates and times, your company's line of business, location and number of employees.
- Contact your legislator's office 7–10 days after mailing your letter. To locate phone numbers, call 202.225.3121 for a House Member or 202.224.3121 for a Senate Member.
- Contact your local print and broadcast media outlets. Invite them to participate in the plant tour.
- Ensure that your plant complies with OSHA, INS and EPA regulations. Prepare your plant with signs marking any hazardous areas.
- Prepare a fact kit including industry- and company-specific information for the legislator. NMMA has industry information to add as well.
- Take photos during the tour, including pictures of the legislator with employees and a finished product.
- Send a thank you letter to the Member of Congress, and enclose copies of photos, media coverage and press clippings.
- Share your successful plant tour with the NMMA.
Questions? Contact:
Jim Currie
Legislative Director
202.737.9760
