Western Pallet Magazine April 2023 | Page 19

APRIL 2023

Understanding State Advocacy:

A Vital Tool for the Growth and Success of Manufacturing Businesses

State advocacy is particularly important for pallet businesses as policymakers may be unaware of the importance of pallets in supply chain operations, generating jobs, and providing an environmentally sustainable product. State advocacy, though, is important for any manufacturing business.

Manufacturing businesses play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. However, they face various challenges that can hinder their success, including regulatory barriers, access to capital, and workforce development. State advocacy helps manufacturers to address these challenges by promoting policies that support their growth and address their concerns.

One of the key areas of state advocacy for manufacturing businesses is regulatory policy. Regulatory policies can have a significant impact on manufacturers, affecting everything from production costs to compliance requirements. State advocacy enables manufacturers to engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that balance regulatory requirements with economic growth.

For example, state advocacy can help manufacturers to promote policies that incentivize the adoption of new technologies that increase productivity and efficiency. According to a study by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), “modernizing regulations that limit the deployment of new technologies” is one of the top policy priorities for manufacturers. Advocacy can help manufacturers to communicate this priority to policymakers and promote policies that support technology adoption.

Another area of state advocacy for manufacturing businesses is workforce development. Businesses require skilled workers to succeed, but many manufacturers struggle to find workers with the necessary skills. State advocacy can help manufacturers to address this challenge by promoting policies that support workforce

development programs and incentivize training and education.

For instance, advocacy can promote policies that support the development of apprenticeship programs, which provide on-the-job training and education for workers. According to a

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