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Supplier Advocacy Network
May 19, 2020

The Supplier Advocacy Network (S.A.N.) is a MEMA grassroots initiative to grow the supplier voice with a series of in-district events. The program aims to connect supplier companies with Members of Congress to promote key messages of the industry and advance the interests of the businesses. Overall, the first phase of the program targets 12 critical manufacturing states and addresses important issues to our industry such as USMCA, data access, and tariffs. For more information about the program or if your company would like to participate, please contact Melanie Weiland at mweiland@mema.org or at 202-312-9242.

 

Upcoming Events

Future events will be posted here.


Past Events

Apr. 27, 2020 - Roundtable Call with Rep. Brenda Lawrence

 

MEMA, with member companies Denso and the Piston Group, hosted a supplier roundtable call with Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI14) on April 27. As part of MEMA’s ongoing grassroots efforts to connect supplier companies with members of Congress, the congresswoman and member companies discussed issues directly impacting motor vehicle parts manufacturers, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Michigan’s response to COVID-19, and federal aid to businesses weathering the pandemic. MEMA thanks its cohost and participating member companies, as well as the Congresswoman, for engaging in this event and highlighting the important work of our suppliers.
 


Nov. 6, 2019 - Roundtable Discussion with Rep. Bill Huizenga in Holland, Mich.

On Oct. 6, MEMA invited member companies to meet with Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) at the Coastal Automotive facility in Holland, Mich. Members talked with the congressman on issues such as the USMCA, tariffs on U.S. manufacturers, and other issues affecting motor vehicle parts suppliers.


Oct. 8, 2019 - Roundtable Discussion with Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) in Rochester Hills, Mich.

MEMA invited Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) to our supplier roundtable event with Coastal Automotive to discuss issues affecting the motor vehicle supplier industry. The meeting took place Oct. 8 at Coastal Automotive’s headquarters in Rochester Hills, Mich.


Aug. 30, 2019 - Roundtable Discussion with Rep. Fred Upton in Holland, Mich.

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) participated in MEMA’s roundtable event at Coastal Automotive in Holland, Mich., taking part in an important conversation with motor vehicle parts suppliers about policy issues that impact the industry.


Aug. 27, 2019 - Roundtable Discussion with Rep. Greg Pence in Columbus, Ind.

The Supplier Advocacy Network held a roundtable discussion with Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN) on Aug. 27 at NTN Driveshaft in Columbus, Indiana. Rep. Pence was joined by industry leaders and MEMA staff, who discussed current issues that impact the motor vehicle supplier industry.

 


Aug. 21, 2019 - MEMA Hosts Roundtable with Three Members of Congress in Plymouth, Mich.

Three members of Congress joined MEMA and business leadership Monday for high-level discussions about the risks and challenges created by a series of international trade policies that have impacted the motor vehicle supplier industry. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich), Haley Stevens (D-Mich), and Andy Levin (D-Mich) joined MEMA President and CEO Bill Long, OESA President and CEO Julie Fream, MERA President and CEO John Chalifoux, and a room full of industry business leaders to discuss the state of the supplier industry and how current and evolving issues, such as the USMCA, will affect it.

 

The event was held at the Robert Bosch Plymouth Township Technical Center, in Plymouth, Mich. Despite an “innovation renaissance” in Detroit and within the entire auto industry, legislators and participants alike heard a steady message during the discussion: the motor vehicle parts supplier industry is a global but fragile industry at its breaking point. In particular, the cumulative effect of imposed and threatened tariffs, and the uncertainty that those policies create, will discourage growth in investments, jobs, and innovation in the United States. “This was an important opportunity for these dedicated members of Congress to hear straight from our members how decisions in Washington impact businesses across the country,” said MEMA President and CEO Bill Long. “It is our role to provide the opportunities for communication at this level, and we are grateful for all of those who came and shared their input today.”


Additional Resources for S.A.N. Participants

 

Invitation Kit

Meeting Materials

Townhall Events

View upcoming townhalls here

 

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