IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E 3 2 S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 John Hauschild engaged with the Global Electronics Association to gain access to its congressional representatives, and the Associa- tion was instrumental in helping this small business navigate to Capitol Hill and introduce TCLAD to congressional representatives and associated resources. "Rich helped us identify con- tacts, online resources, and indus- try partnerships that we have leveraged to increase our engage- ment and presence," John says. "In addition to meetings on the Hill, we were fortunate to have Sen. Derrick Van Orden visit our fac- tory in Prescott, Wisconsin. These meetings were focused on the crit- icality of TCLAD's and other PCB manufacturers' role in the domes- tic supply chain, and the need for private and public investment or incentives to help meet our cus- tomers' increasing product techni- cal performance requirements and retain the businesses and associ- ated talent here in the U.S." He also believes there are fund- ing opportunities that can help his company and others "to accel- erate technical development and investment in next-generation trends to better support U.S. com- mercial and defense applications." Today's contract manufactur- ers know they are competing in a global marketplace and advocacy is an important piece of their success. "We're not looking for handouts," says Steve at Mec- tronx. "We're looking for tools that can help us innovate. I hope the senator's team considers how future policy may affect Mectronx when making decisions about our country. It's vital for our represen- tatives in Washington to understand the important work we're doing back home, and how important high-re- liability electronics manufacturing is to our key supply chains." Rich values the feedback he gets from member companies. "They want to know whether their advocacy is making a difference," Rich says, "and most walk away energized, especially when they see first- hand that their stories resonate with policymakers. Often, those positive experiences lead to fol- low-ups like facility tours or con- tinued advocacy engagement." Sen. Van Orden left his visit to TCLAD impressed by the U.S. supply chain, vertically integrated mate- rials, and product manufacturing capabilities, John says, "and espe- cially our critical role of supplying critical technologies to America's Navy, Army, and Air Force." Rich says interactions between member companies and members of Congress is generally positive on both sides. "Currently, there is an interest on both sides of the aisle around strengthening manufactur- ing, and to better understand sup- ply chains," he says. "So, members of Congress and their staffs are recep- tive to our message and are inter- ested in the work of our members." TCLAD Managing Director John Hauschild is seated at the desk of U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), who initially visited the factory before meeting in Van Orden's office. TCLAD on Capitol Hill. ▲ G O V E R N M E N T R E L AT I O N S