Previous Page  9 / 64 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 9 / 64 Next Page
Page Background

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