Building Connections: Why and How to Host Elected Officials
For many pallet manufacturers, day-to-day operations leave little time for politics. But inviting elected officials, local, state, or federal, to visit your facility can strengthen your business, spotlight the industry, and build relationships that yield long-term benefits. Whether you’re tackling zoning issues, advocating for workforce support, or simply aiming to raise awareness, site visits offer a high-impact, low-cost opportunity to engage with decision-makers.
Why Should Pallet Companies Consider Inviting Elected Officials?
Elected officials shape the policies that impact how you hire, operate, and grow. From permitting and infrastructure to workforce development and tax incentives, legislators play a role, often behind the scenes, in the business environment.
A site visit helps humanize your business. It lets officials see firsthand that pallet manufacturing is high-tech, essential to the supply chain, and a significant employer in their district. For example, if you’re advocating for funding to expand a workforce training program or hoping to ease restrictions on industrial land use, having hosted a senator or representative who remembers your operation strengthens your case.
It also raises the visibility of the pallet industry more broadly. In many regions, manufacturing-related issues don’t get much attention unless a company reaches out to show the value and challenges firsthand.
The Invitation and Visit Preparation
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Inviting elected officials can take a number of paths. Kathleen Dietrich of Commercial Lumber has had challenges getting members of Congress to visit, but no problem with state-level lawmakers, just by asking and making a small donation. In one case she attended a breakfast meeting where the representative was making a presentation and made a successful invitation request in-person after the session ended.
For its part, WPA-member Challenger Pallet has hosted two different congressional visits. ‘We hosted our Utah Congressman in June of 2023 and our Idaho Congressman in February of 2024,” explained Justin Hegsted, company president. “Both of those visits were coordinated with Jason Ortega (NWPCA).
“Because of the committees they serve on, it was beneficial for them to visit our businesses, which are in their precincts.”
Preparation is key. Once a visit is confirmed, identify the purpose of the tour. Do you want to showcase recent investments, highlight sustainability practices, or build support for a pending issue? Having a clear focus ensures the visit is more than just a photo-op.
Assign a point person to lead planning and be the day-of guide. Draft a short itinerary: an overview of your facility, a walk-through of key operations, and a short sit4
Make sure your facility is clean and safe for visitors. Review basic safety protocols and ensure hearing protection, safety glasses, or other gear are ready. Plan for a few visuals, a plant map, production metrics, or photos of finished pallets in use to help tell your story.
What to Do During the Visit?
Start with a warm welcome and a quick explanation of who you are, what your company does, and why you invited them. Stick to big-picture points, your workforce size, market reach, and any unique features of your operation.
As you walk through the facility, highlight processes that showcase your strengths. If you’ve adopted automation, improved safety, or implemented sustainability initiatives, now is the time to share those.
Give your team a chance to shine. Introduce line workers or supervisors who can briefly explain their roles. This gives the official a human connection to your business and shows off your team culture.
During the discussion portion, you can raise any specific policy issues affecting your business. Be concise, respectful, and solutions-focused. Offer to be a resource for future questions or testimony. Provide a one-pager with key facts and contact information to leave behind.
How Should They Follow Up After the Visit?
After the visit, send a thank-you email or letter. Express appreciation for their time, recap one or two key takeaways, and reiterate your openness to future conversations.
If they showed interest in a particular issue, provide a follow-up link or document that elaborates on it. Share any photos from the visit (with permission), especially if you're posting them to your company's LinkedIn or website—this increases visibility for both your business and the official.
Finally, keep in touch. Hosting a visit is the start of a relationship, not the end. Reach out when legislation is pending or when you’ve hit a milestone worth celebrating. Over time, elected officials who’ve seen your operations up close can become champions for your business and your industry.
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