MEMA Advocacy: Always Working for Suppliers

Dear MEMA Members,

In the months following the election, many of you have raised questions about what lies ahead—particularly regarding trade, relationships with key strategic partners, immigration, federal funding and others.

At MEMA, our mission is to advance and champion your business interests, even in challenging and unpredictable environments. I want to take this opportunity to highlight the work MEMA is doing to put action behind our mission. Our focus is on delivering real value with tangible outcomes that pave the way to greater success. Much of this happens behind the scenes – through relentless, boots-on-the-ground shoe leather advocacy, building partnerships, educating members of Congress, and ensuring your voice is heard where it matters most.

Since the start of January, MEMA has held over 25 meetings on Capitol Hill, and on inauguration day, MEMA issued a public letter to the Trump administration; the letter signaled our desire to work with the administration on policies impacting our industry. This is part of the delicate and ongoing process of building trust, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that your priorities are represented effectively in Washington, D.C.. Advocacy is a long and intricate dance – With Ana and our D.C. team at the helm, we can trust that your priorities are being championed with skill, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to advancing your business interests.

Our Government Advocacy Committee (GAC) is the primary MEMA method by which our members engage in the advocacy process. MEMA members may join the GAC at no cost. Led by the MEMA Advocacy team, the GAC meets quarterly and focuses on major policy issues. The GAC is also supported by subcommittees and working groups, which meet more frequently to provide additional depth and discussion into key topics. These groups are vital to keeping members informed with timely updates and actionable insights. Some of the subcommittees include:. Some of the subcommittees include

•  Vehicle Safety Subcommittee
  • Staff Contact: Emily Sobel
•  Environment and Materials Management Subcommittee
  • Staff Contact: Emily Sobel
•  Trade Working Group – meeting almost weekly to address evolving issues in global trade
  • Staff Contact: Bill Frymoyer

The next GAC meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. and virtually via Zoom. Learn more, here.

The MEMA OE Suppliers group councils, which meets either semi-annually or quarterly, also provides updates on advocacy. These groups provide specific feedback related to each group's focus, such as HR, Lega, Sales, Warranty etc. These groups are an excellent way to stay informed and connected on critical developments.

In addition to these efforts, we also regularly provide updates through:

• Our bi-weekly advocacy newsletter, On The Hill (confirm your subscription here)
• Weekly Advocacy updates to the Board, Group Boards and MEMA Executive Councils
• Monthly webinars from our Washington, D.C. advocacy team 
  • Contact Michelle Russo to be added to the invitation list
• Monthly CEO and Heavy-Duty Business Forum webinars, and
• Events and meetings held throughout the year.

I also encourage you to check out our advocacy page, it is a valuable resource, offering key updates and talking points on trade, emissions, safety, taxes, and other vital issues impacting your business.

If you have any questions or would like to connect, please do not hesitate to reach out via the contacts below. Together, we remain committed to supporting you and advancing the success of your businesses.

Thank you for your engagement and partnership.

Collin Shaw
President, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers