August 2024 Volume 6

HELLO FROM FIA’S NEW GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Welcome Laura Johnson WASHINGTON UPDATE

H aving spent more than 15 years working with Ohio’s elected officials, last week I joined the amazing team at the Forging Industry Association, as they work to promote and support the North American forging industry. As FIA’s new Govern ment Affairs Director, I aim to bring unique knowledge and hands on experience working with government officials to help shape public policy. In today's dynamic landscape, the importance of government affairs excellence cannot be overstated. Individual industries need to figure out how state and federal laws impact its business, how to respond to it, who the allies are, and who they need to be engaged with on these specific issues. It also means there is not just one centralized conversation. Under standing how federal, state, and local political dynamics overlap elevates our industry and helps us to stand out. As FIA’s Government Affairs Director, I will work closely with FIA’s Public Policy Committee and FIA President & CEO Jim Warren to increase lobbying effectiveness for FIA's North American member companies in the forging industry. Of critical interest at this time is our work highlighting unfair trade practices, workforce development and also the role North

Laura Johnson

American forging plays in our national defense. Working with our partners at The Franklin Group, SMI and the attorneys at Cassidy Levy Kent, we will advocate for meaningful solutions that benefit our members. I will focus on developing and maintaining relationships with policy makers on Capitol Hill and federal agency officials as well as at the state level. This position will seek out appropriations and other funding for the industry within and outside our military agencies. Additionally, I will manage the Public Policy Committee, Canada Advisory Committee, launch both D.C. and State government lobby days, and organize member meetings with lawmakers and the mili tary. Raising funds for our Association PAC - the ForgingPAC – is another priority in this role. To show our support for those policy makers who support us, it is important that we remain visible with our political contributions. Since my arrival, I have found a committed team dedicated to the members and each other. I look forward to working with everyone here in an effort to advocate for policy, funding and support of our members. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your interests or questions about government affairs. I can be reached by email at laura@forging.org or phone at 216-781-6260.

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FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2024