Sometimes, it feels like our country has never been as polarized as it is today. The constant game of tug-of-war in Washington can be frustrating, with decisions—or lack thereof—having real consequences for “we the people.” For small- to medium-sized businesses, these political shifts aren’t just distant headlines; they can lead to policies that directly impact our livelihoods, either by stalling progress or introducing regulations that can have a tremendous effect on your company.
Navigating Politics as Manufacturers
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running a small- to medium-sized business. But just as manufacturers don’t simply “machine some parts,” we can’t afford to see political action as just noise from D.C. The truth is, every decision made in our nation’s capital can have a profound impact on what we do and how we do it. In a political system in which every decision has unintended consequences, manufacturing professionals must stay informed. And during an election year, that responsibility becomes even more important.
As you head to the polls next month, remember that NTMA is working with you and for you to ensure our political systems are working in our members’ best interests. While we’re active on Capitol Hill so our members don’t have to be, we suggest the following best practices to make sure you’re staying up-to-date and making the most of your NTMA membership:
Stay in the Know
As manufacturers, we understand the importance of precision and attention to detail. The same applies to understanding how political actions—whether a new regulation or a missed opportunity for reform—can affect us. Staying informed doesn’t mean being glued to the news 24/7, but finding a balance that keeps us aware without being overwhelmed.
This is where NTMA’s resources come in. Whether it’s our quarterly advocacy updates or the “Talking With One Voice” podcast, there’s a wealth of information available to help you stay informed. These aren’t just political briefings—they’re tools to help you understand how policy changes might impact your shop, your employees, and your customers.
Vote
Voting is more than just a civic duty—it’s a way to ensure that our voices are heard. As business leaders, it’s essential to vote with the future of our industry in mind. That means doing your homework, and not just on the big names at the top of the ballot. Most people start to play a guessing game once they get down a few rows, filling in boxes solely based on their political party affiliation or sometimes just because they like the sound of their name. However, it is essential to remember that state and local elections can have a significant impact on policies and regulations.
And while we should never tell our employees how to vote, we can certainly help them understand the stakes. Sharing bipartisan resources, like our advocacy updates, can empower your team to make informed decisions that could affect their jobs and the industry as a whole.
Leverage Your NTMA Membership
One of the greatest strengths of being part of NTMA is knowing that we’re not in this alone. If we asked each NTMA member why they renew their membership year after year, there is no doubt that our advocacy program would be at the top of the list. Our program is a testament to the power of collective action, with NTMA’s “One Voice” team tirelessly working to support manufacturing on Capitol Hill. Whether it’s through lobbying efforts, webinars, or direct consultations, NTMA ensures that your interests are represented at the highest levels.
In addition to the strides being made on the Hill, there are plenty of resources members can take advantage of. We host a virtual monthly advocacy webinar for members to stay informed on the latest developments and ask questions in real-time. In addition, we always include an advocacy event at our annual ENGAGE conference, where members can meet our lobbying experts. Some members have even reached out directly to The Franklin Partnership’s expert, Omar Nashashibi, to get insights on regional issues affecting their areas.
There are countless resources available for our members. Make the most of your membership!
Our Advice for Non-Members
Of course we want to expand our NTMA network, but we understand that some manufacturers aren’t prepared to make the investment just yet. That said, we don’t want to leave these small businesses in the dark. That’s why we offer free, non-gated content, including:
- NTMA’s quarterly advocacy updates: For quarterly news, check out advocacy updates on the NTMA blog. These blogs outline a specific issue or policy directly impacting our members. The most recent edition focused on OSHA’s proposed heat regulation for indoor and outdoor workspaces.
- The “Talking with One Voice” podcast: Released every two weeks, this podcast from NTMA’s advocacy team in D.C. breaks down the latest news in an insightful yet digestible format. Especially during an election year, members and non-members alike can benefit from these industry experts’ speculations and updates.
For the most robust updates from our advocacy team, join NTMA today!
