Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/963057
68 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2018 Fourth, to amplify our voice, we will be bol- stering our grassroots outreach, so IPC mem- bers can more easily and effectively communi- cate with their elected representatives and de- velop long-term relationships. John: What policy initiatives should be top of mind for electronics manufacturing profession- als? Chris: Three issues immediately come to mind: workforce development, manufacturing com- petitiveness and regulatory reform. IPC members almost universally are report- ing challenges finding qualified workers. The electronics industry can't wait for governments to act. That is why IPC is leading the way with significant new investments in global educa- tion and workforce programs that will prepare a new generation of workers for our industry. We are marshalling our advocacy resources in Washington, Brussels, and elsewhere to help unlock government support that will acceler- ate the impact of these initiatives. We are also working to bolster the manufac- turing base globally by championing supply chain resiliency, R&D investment, and favor- able tax regimes. We expect legislative and reg- ulatory action on these issues this year. And we are also focused on regulation—both reform- ing the regulatory process as well as streamlin- ing and rationalizing the regulations currently on the books. The Trump Administration has put the brakes on many rulemakings that were in the pipeline, but we need to take advantage of this opportunity now to ensure that regula- tions are based on sound science and mitigate the burden on our industry. John: What is IPC doing in these policy areas? Chris: IPC is a solutions organization and we are bringing that mindset to our advocacy ini- tiatives. In each of the issues I have referenced above, we are leveraging the industry's exper- tise to offer real solutions to policymakers. As an example, IPC and its members have been leaders in the dialogue on conflict minerals. In partnership with other organizations, we have developed and are updating guidance for due diligence and standards on data exchange— the latter of which we would like the EU to recognize as an industry scheme. I encourage industry members to reach out to me to learn more about our work on other topics. John: How has your prior lobbying and con- gressional experience prepared you for this po- sition? Chris: I've had the good fortune to work for two Silicon Valley members of Congress on the issues that matter most to the high-tech busi- nesses in their districts—intellectual property, trade, export controls, R&D, and IT infrastruc- ture deployment. In these roles, I worked close- ly with Executive Branch officials, the congres- sional committees of jurisdiction, and small and large technology companies. I later joined Prime Po licy Group, one of Washington's pre- mier government relations firms. There, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse clien- tele—multinational firms, startups, local gov- ernments, academic institutions and trade as- sociations. In fact, I represented IPC for close to nine years during which time I helped IPC de- velop and implement advocacy strategies to re- alize its advocacy goals in Washington. Having w orked with trade associations for many years, I appreciate that my job is to deliver value to IPC's members and the electronics industry. John: This will be your first IMPACT Washing- ton, D.C. as an IPC staff member. What are We are marshalling our advocacy resources in Washington, Brussels, and elsewhere to help unlock government support that will accelerate the impact of these initiatives.