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Legislative Day 2019

Understanding and engagement in the political process is a continuum that impacts every business owner. Whether a seasoned lobbyist or someone with a basic understanding of the Legislature, you will gain tangible take-aways at the annual MMA Lobby Day. Learn why and how to invest in advocacy, steps to effectively advocate for your business and share your perspective with power players of the Michigan Legislature and Whitmer Administration.

Manufacturing’s success relies on the dedication of elected officials at the Capitol to understand the industry’s role in Michigan’s economic success and be committed to protecting that role through their votes. The Reception begins right after Lobby Day and Lobby Day attendees receive complimentary admission to the annual Reception immediately following at the MMA Headquarters.

Enjoy hors d’oeurves along with Michigan-made wine and beer while we honor exemplary leaders with the MMA Legislator of the Year Awards. Plan to attend and engage with Michigan’s leaders in a casual and friendly environment.

  • Learn the importance of advocacy with tips and resources.
  • Put your advocacy skills into action.
  • Network and connect with lawmakers, executive office and department leaders and staff in an informal and social setting
  • Develop a personal connection with your representative or senator
  • Honor exemplary leaders who will be presented with the MMA Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of their service to manufacturing success
  • Build connections with legislators, agency leaders and other manufacturing business owners at the respected and well-known Legislative Reception.

Keeping an Eye on Michigan’s Growth Strategy
Manufacturing plays a large role in the Whitmer Administration’s plan for economic growth in Michigan. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from Doug Ross, Senior Advisor to Governor Whitmer for Michigan Prosperity, about the Governor’s proposed strategies to ensure that Michigan manufacturers, large and small, have the tools and resources needed to grow and compete in a global economy.

Balancing Competitiveness and Stewardship
Michigan’s new Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) plays a critical function in balancing economic growth and environmental protection. A proponent of building external partnerships to achieve environmental stewardship and economic development, EGLE Director Liesl Clark will work with Legislative Day attendees on the Administration’s strategy to support a sustainable environment, healthy communities and a vibrant economy.

Advocacy in Action
Every year, hundreds of bills are drafted, debated and signed into law. Each one could significantly impact the ability of manufacturers to acquire raw materials, build and sell their products, hire talent and reinvest in local communities. Through relationship building, awareness and visibility, manufacturing advocates will engage with leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives in small group meetings as they share their company’s story, discuss manufacturing policy priorities and bring attention to Michigan’s most vital jobs sector.

Issues & Solutions: Moderated Lunch Discussion
In this moderated discussion, manufacturing executives, legislators and agency leaders will share their perspective on issues and solutions impacting Michigan manufacturers. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and have their most pressing issues addressed.

Your Association at Work
MMA’s Government Affairs team remains industry’s #1 voice on topics ranging from tax policy and health care costs to talent and the environment. Throughout the day, attendees will work side-by-side with these experienced professionals and learn about the complex balancing act of managing Michigan’s laws and rules to ensure Michigan manufacturers remain competitive in an ever-changing global economy.

Network with Decision-Makers and Honor Manufacturing Champions
Immediately following Lobby Day, the annual MMA Legislative Reception provides participants with opportunities to personally interact with legislators and policymakers as we honor the Association’s 2019 MMA Legislators of the Year. The Legislative Reception is complimentary for Lobby Day attendees.

  • MMA Lobby Day 2018 featured State Treasurer Nick Khouri; professional lobbyists representing Michigan manufacturers Amway, BorgWarner, Dart Container and Lafarge; the MMA government affairs team; and legislators during an exclusive luncheon.
  • MMA Legislative Reception 2018 featured honoring these legislators for their support of Michigan manufacturing with the MMA Legislator of the Year Award:
    • Senator Mike Shirkey
    • Representative Bronna Kahle
  • See highlights from 2018 in the October issue of MiMfg Magazine and on MMA’s Facebook page.
  • “The program was excellent! Very educational and informative. I feel the program was very ‘value-added.’”
  • “The MMA Lobby Day was an outstanding example of how the MMA works for the manufacturers and all the members. It also showed what can happen when members take action and work in conjunction with the MMA to bring issues to our representatives.”
  • “This program helped me in understanding the lobbyist side of things and how passionate the legislators are about the topics at hand. It was a really good, informational day.”
  • “The MMA Lobby Day is a real opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes at the State Capitol. I was particularly impressed with the depth of the discussions we were able to have with many of the legislators. This event offers an interesting and compelling way to understand a major influence on your business — state government.”
  • “[2018] was my first MMA Lobby Day. It was very well organized and extremely informative regarding pending legislation that impacts manufacturing in Michigan. I appreciate the respect many state senators and representative have for MMA and manufacturing companies.”

Contact Sarah Martin

Sarah MartinEvent Coordinator
Call 517-487-8521
E-mail martin@mimfg.org