Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/688506
50 The PCB Magazine • June 2016 I spoke with IPC's VP of Government Rela- tions, John Hasselmann, immediately following the welcome dinner at IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2016. Among the topics we discussed was the importance of industry executives coming to Washington to present a collective message to policymakers. Patty Goldman: John, how was the dinner discus- sion tonight? John Hasselmann: Thank you, Patty, it was good. This was an opportunity for those who have been here before, and those who haven't, to network and get acquainted. We also had two speakers, Republican senior strategist Charlie Black and Democratic senior strate - gist Scott Pastrick, to talk about the current state of politics, not just in Washington but nationally. When you go into a meeting with a member of Congress or a policymaker, it's important to remember there are other things happening in the headlines, and they may be distracted by that. We need to be the advocate and say, "We need to talk to you about this even though there's a lot of other stuff going on out there." Goldman: Right, your goal is to keep them focused on your issues, and of course they've got a million other issues that they are also focused on. Hasselmann: Exactly. But the collective group here is a very powerful voice. When you have these executives coming into town, represent- ing the electronics industry, and they are here together on the same page, not necessarily as competitors, that makes an impact. IPC's Hasselmann on IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2016: Why it Matters IPC's John Hasselmann(L) and John Mitchell (R) pose with Congressman Bill Johnson (R-OH) with the capitol building in the background.