MEMA has chosen Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) as this year’s recipient of the Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion award. MEMA will honor Rep. Rokita with a special luncheon during MEMA’s annual Legislative Summit which will be held in Washington, D.C. February 29 – March 1. Additionally, a line-up of speakers that includes noted political commentator Stu Rothenberg, noted former member of Congress Phil English, National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons, and American Highway Users Alliance President Gregory Cohen will also be featured at the Legislative Summit.  AASA, HDMA, MERA and OESA members should register for the event and make hotel reservations to participate in this important annual industry event.  Keep in mind that the deadline to receive special MEMA hotel room rates is February 1.

Legislative Summit attendees will also enjoy the very popular Congressional Reception and Supplier Fair on the evening of February 29.  Exhibit spaces are still available for that event.  AASA, HDMA, MERA and OESA member companies should consider showcasing your company in front of this unique policy-making audience.  March 1 will feature small group meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff, giving participants the chance to talk about what your company needs from its elected officials.

Please join us in Washington for another outstanding industry event.  AASA, HDMA, MERA and OESA members with questions on the Legislative Summit may contact Ann McCulloch.

Confirmed Legislative Summit Speakers

• The Honorable Todd Rokita, the 2012 Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award recipient and member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District.  Rep. Rokita serves on the House Budget Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee.  He has been a true leader and champion for motor vehicle parts manufacturers, authoring and supporting critical legislation to curb the National Labor Relations Board and other burdensome regulatory activity.  Additionally, Rep. Rokita led an effort to send a Congressional letter to the Government Accountability Office to encourage further study of the use of remanufactured products in federal fleets.  Previous to his service in Congress, Rep. Rokita served as Indiana’s Secretary of State.

• Stu Rothenberg, noted political commentator and publisher of the Rothenberg Political Report. Rothenberg also writes a column in Capitol Hill’s Roll Call twice a week. He has contributed op-ed pieces to The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Orlando Sentinel. His political expertise has made him a frequent guest on the network television news circuit, where he has appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press and TODAY, ABC’s This Week and Nightline, and The McLaughlin Group. With the increasingly important November elections rapidly approaching, Stu’s insight will help suppliers decipher the political landscape.

• The Honorable Phil English, senior government relations advisor at Arent Fox and seven-term Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Western Pennsylvania’s 3rd District. Rep. English has an extensive background in tax and trade issues, having served on the Ways and Means Committee. He was co-chair of the Congressional Service Industries Caucus and a member of the President’s Export Council. As suppliers look to key issues for 2013, Rep. English will offer his insight on tax reform and what suppliers need to do to help achieve meaningful results.

• Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM is the largest manufacturing association in the United States representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector. Jay will speak to the supplier industry about NAM’s “Manufacturing Renaissance” initiative on the policies that are needed to make domestic manufacturers globally competitive.

• Gregory M. Cohen, president, American Highway Users Alliance. The American Highway Users Alliance serves as the united voice of the transportation community promoting safe, uncongested highways and enhanced freedom of mobility. Since 1932, the organization has represented the interests of millions of highway users and businesses who move America’s goods and services.