Washington, D.C. – (May 29, 2024) — Earlier this month, Washington, D.C., was abuzz with energy and purpose as more than 50 industry leaders from across the country convened for the highly anticipated AMPP Advocacy Day. This day-and-a-half event, organized by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), brought together stakeholders from various sectors within the industry to advocate for critical legislative issues and shape the future of the materials protection and performance field.
Day One: Orientation and Opening Reception
The event kicked off with an orientation at the Courtyard Marriott Navy Yard, where participants gathered for informative sessions and networking opportunities. The training began with a welcome message from AMPP’s CEO, Alan Thomas, who set the stage for the day ahead by emphasizing the importance of advocacy and collaboration in advancing the industry's interests.
Thomas highlighted the event's significance, stating, "Advocacy Day offers us an extraordinary platform to engage directly with the decision-makers who can shape the future of our industry. It is our chance to highlight the critical importance of our work and its significant impact on preserving the integrity and longevity of our nation’s infrastructure and security."
Throughout the orientation, participants received an overview of AMPP’s advocacy agenda and gained valuable insights into the legislative topics that would be the focus of their meetings on Capitol Hill. Group introductions and planning exercises allowed attendees to strategize and coordinate their advocacy efforts effectively.
As the day progressed, anticipation mounted for the evening's opening reception at the Silver Social venue. The reception, a key part of the event, provided a relaxed and informal setting for participants to connect with fellow advocates and build meaningful relationships. The prospect of networking and relationship-building was met with excitement, underscoring the collective commitment to advancing the industry's priorities.
Kimberly-Joy Harris, AMPP Board Vice Chair, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Advocacy is not merely a responsibility—it is a powerful tool through which we shape the future of our industry, ensuring safety, sustainability, and excellence across all facets of materials protection and performance. Together, we are not only advocating for change but leading it."
Day Two: Senate and House Meetings
Armed with knowledge, passion, and a shared sense of purpose, participants embarked on Capitol Hill for a day of meetings with legislators and policymakers. AMPP's legislative priorities guided these engagements, driving discussions on critical issues impacting the materials protection and performance field.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy is a cornerstone initiative for AMPP and our members. It allows industry stakeholders to convey their concerns and priorities directly to policymakers. This direct engagement ensures that legislators hear and consider their voices during policymaking.
Sam Conner, a weapons systems sustainment engineer at Jensen Hughes, who serves as a director on the AMPP Board and board liaison to the AMPP Advocacy and Public Affairs Program Committee, emphasized the significance of advocacy.
"Advocacy empowers us to drive meaningful change within our industry,” he said. “By actively engaging with policymakers, we can shape policies that address critical challenges and pave the way for innovation and growth."
Conner elaborated, "From workforce development and training, to infrastructure policies, and Department of Defense initiatives, the legislative issues AMPP advocates for are integral to overcoming obstacles and working towards a world protected by safe, reliable, sustainable materials.”
Advocacy is crucial in raising awareness about the industry's importance and contributions to society. By highlighting the role of materials protection and performance in safeguarding critical infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and driving innovation, advocates can garner support for policies that champion the industry's continued advancement.
AMPP Legislative Priorities
Central to AMPP's advocacy efforts are its legislative priorities, which encompass a range of critical issues vital to the industry's success:
1. Increase Funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) Corrosion Policy and Oversight Office (CPO): Corrosion prevention training is vital for protecting vital assets and ensuring military readiness. By advocating for increased funding for the CPO, AMPP aims to address budget constraints and enhance the effectiveness of corrosion prevention efforts within the DoD.
2. Support the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act (H.R. 4064/S. 1932): Bridges are essential components of the nation's infrastructure, and their maintenance and repair are paramount. AMPP supports legislation mandating corrosion planning and training for all federal investments in bridge repair and maintenance, safeguarding critical infrastructure and enhancing public safety.
3. Advocate for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722): Workforce development is crucial for the industry's long-term viability and competitiveness. AMPP supports legislation expanding the uses of tax-favorable 529 savings plans to cover costs associated with workforce training and credentialing programs. This facilitates access to education and training opportunities for industry professionals, ensuring a skilled and qualified workforce for the future.
International Agenda
"Our industry's challenges and opportunities extend far beyond national borders,” said AMPP Global Center Board Chair Juan Caballero. “By engaging with international stakeholders and united efforts to create synergies, we can drive meaningful change and foster collaboration on a global scale."
Having engaged with international stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership, AMPP delegates now turn their focus inward, contemplating the impact of their group efforts and the broader implications for the industry.
Conclusion: Empowering Change Through Advocacy
As AMPP Advocacy Day 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on the impact of our collective efforts in shaping policies that will drive the future of the materials protection and performance industry. The engagements on Capitol Hill and with international stakeholders emphasize the industry's commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering collaboration on a global scale.
Your Voice Matters
What happens on Capitol Hill directly affects AMPP members and the corrosion prevention and coatings industry. AMPP is dedicated to advocating for policy changes that address critical challenges and unlock the industry's full potential. But policy changes start with you.
Take Action Today
Every registered voter is in a powerful position to make a difference. By sharing your concerns and opinions with your representatives in Congress, you can amplify the industry's voice and influence decision-making. Members of Congress rely on constituents like you to understand the issues that matter most.
Sign Up for Alerts in our AMPP Advocacy Action Center
Stay informed and engaged by signing up for alerts in our AMPP Advocacy Action Center. Receive updates on legislative developments, advocacy opportunities, and ways to get involved in shaping policies that impact the materials protection and performance industry.
Advocacy matters. Together, we can drive positive change and ensure a brighter future for our industry.
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ABOUT AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global community of professionals focused on the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. AMPP was established in 2021 following a merger between NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. The new association unites 145 years of corrosion control and protective coatings expertise and service to industry and members worldwide. Today, AMPP is the world’s largest corrosion control and protective coatings organization, serving more than 35,000 members in over 140 countries. AMPP is headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, and additional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. www.ampp.org