AWFS^® LEGISLATIVE INVOLVEMENT

AWFS^® is dedicated to public policy efforts reflecting the specific interests of its members and those of the broader wood products manufacturing industry. Members of the AWFS Public Policy Committee stay abreast of emerging trends and take action to neutralize potential threats. The association is active at the state and federal level through participation in coalitions focused on Career Technical Education and skilled workforce development.

Read about AWFS, the Wood Products Manufacturing Industry and Career Technical Education

Annual Washington D.C. Fly-In

Through an annual “Public Policy Fly-In” to Washington, D.C., Members meet with their representatives to advocate around issues that keep the U.S. manufacturing base strong and competitive and to express support for Career Technical Education programs and funding to ensure tomorrow’s workforce.

2025 AWFS^® Fly-In (April 3, 2025)

AWFS^® staff, board members, and Public Policy Committee met with the following Congressional offices to discuss legislation and initiatives to support our members, the wood industry, and trade education for our future wood industry professionals:

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31)
Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10)
Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03)
Rep. Lisa C. McClain (MI-09)
Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14)
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02)
Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12)
Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12)
Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02)
Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02)

A big thanks to our AWFS Public Policy Committee and Fly-In attendees:

Bob Brown – Royal Plywood
Public Policy Committee Chair, AWFS^® Secretary/Treasurer
Karl Frey – Colonial Saw
AWFS^®Fair Trade Show Chair, AWFS^®-SWM Liaison
Phyllis Crystal – Uneeda Enterprises
Nathan Klomp – Specified Components Co.
John Henderson – John Henderson & Co.
Jeff Pitcher – C.P. Adhesives
Wade Gregory – WG Management Services
Kenn Busch – Material Intelligence LLC
Cassey Gibson – INNERGY
Angelo Gangone – AWFS^® E.V.P.
Tovi Spero – AWFS^® Education Director

What did AWFS^® advocate for? See our leave-behinds below:

2025 AWFS Fly-In Leave Behinds

Public Policy Updates

Powered by AWFS^®‘ lobbyists in Washington DC, LobbyIt tracks the latest in legislation in Congress related to key issues for AWFS^® members and the wood industry:

Career & Technical Education Funding
Workforce Development
International Fair Trade
Promoting wood products through sustainability

AWFS^® members get monthly updates on legislation and government insights. Want to be in the know? Join AWFS today!

We want to hear from you!

Are you impacted by current legislation? Would you like to join the public policy committee, attend a fly-in, or otherwise learn how to get involved?

See all of our committees here and contact:

Tovi Spero, AWFS^® Education Director
tovi@awfs.org
(323) 215-0311

AWFS® Public Policy Overview

AWFS® LEGISLATIVE INVOLVEMENT