PCCA Journal|3
rd
Quarter 2015
9
Continued on page 10
InsideWashington
I
n September, PCCA took the
initial steps in a major expan-
sion of its federal government re-
lations program. Since deciding
to establish a ground game in
Washington advocacy, PCCA has taken
aggressive steps to implement it. In a
matter of weeks, a group of dedicated
PCCA members have stormed out of the
gate and planted a solid footprint in the
Nation’s Capital, proactively reaching
out to regulatory agencies and aligning
the association with key players repre-
senting the power and telecommunica-
tions industries.
Developing and implementing an
effective advocacy program is fundamen-
tal to the success of any national trade
association. Maintaining a government
relations platform not only ensures that
the industry’s voice is heard with regard
to issues of interest, but can also estab-
lish the association as a resource for
lawmakers and regulators to gain initial
industry feedback in advance of govern-
mental action. Becoming such a resource
is invaluable in terms of influencing
legislation and regulatory initiatives.
Providing a Strong
Offense and a Solid Defense
Like many national associations, PCCA
will work to expand the markets associ-
ated with its members. Although proj-
ects to build, repair, and replace electric
power and communications systems
are funded mostly by the private sector,
there are legislative opportunities to pro-
vide for a more robust market for PCCA
members and for the industry at large.
Representing construction contractors,
manufacturers, and suppliers, PCCA of-
fers the unique and sought-after perspec-
tive of the “job creators” in the power
and communications sector. Stakehold-
ers who can demonstrate economic
impact are needed in the debate, and
PCCA contractors hire the workers and
purchase the equipment needed to get
the job done right. This is a focal point
in our messaging.
At the same time, legislation and
the regulation that stems from it can
stifle innovation and productivity in
the construction industry and the many
services associated with it. While ac-
PCCA Government Relations Team
Hits the Ground Running in Washington
By Eben M. Wyman