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The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) continues to make significant strides toward increasing the industry’s exposure in Washington, D.C. Many members of Congress are now advocating for our industry, in large part, due to GMA’s government relations efforts along with the support and involvement of GMA members.
It is critical that GMA members continue to educate members of Congress about national issues affecting companies within their districts and states. GMA appreciates the hard work of our members, and will continue to be a strong industry advocate.
The following issues and action items will be addressed during our Fall-2016 Lobby Day:
- Congratulate U.S. House and Senate members on their re-election and identify new ways to work with the newly elected 115th Congress.
- Brief members of Congress on GMA’s government relations work at the state and local level.
- Push for renewal of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA–2016)
- Request an update on the status of the recently extended FAA bill and stress the need for long-term FAA funding.
- Discuss the implementation of the FAST Act with members of Congress, highlight the inclusion of geosynthetic language in the bill.
- Highlight the life cycle costs and benefits of incorporating innovative geosynthetic materials in pavements and other construction applications.
- Emphasize the benefits of using geosynthetic liners in coal ash waste and other environmental sites
How to Attend
There is no registration fee for GMA members to attend GMA Lobby Day. A fee of $1,000 is collected from other IFAI division members and non-GMA members. Please register ASAP to ensure effective scheduling of meetings with your congressional delegation.
Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 30
3–6 p.m.: GMA Executive Council Meeting
Residence Inn Downtown
1199 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20005
(Executive Council Members Only)
7–10 p.m.: GMA briefing dinner
Location: TBD
All Fall-2016 Lobby Day participants are invited to the GMA dinner. The dinner will begin with a summary of GMA activities. GMA’s government relations firm, Whitmer & Worrall, will provide participants with a briefing on the following day’s activities and an overview of the current state of politics in Washington, D.C. Participants will receive a folder containing information for their individual or group visits with congressional delegations, including meeting times and locations. Prior to dinner, a special guest will be announced. Dinner will be served around 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 1
7:45 a.m.: Kick-off and continental breakfast at Whitmer & Worrall
Whitmer & Worrall
1000 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20005
9 a.m.: All-day meetings on Capitol Hill
5 p.m.: Optional debrief at Whitmer & Worrall
Hotel Information
GMA will be staying at the Marriott Residence Inn Downtown (within walking distance to Whitmer & Worrall).
To Reserve:
Call: 1-800-331-3131 or 202-898-1100
Group Rates
When making reservations please state you are with GMA Fall Lobby Day-2016 for reserved room block and our group rate of $199/night.
This rate expires November 1, 2016.
Marriott Residence Inn Downtown
1199 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, D.C., 20005
Jon Curry is division supervisor, Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), with the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).