VI Washington Fly-in Prompts Congressional Tour of Vinyl Flooring Plant
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 10, 2011 – The April 14 Vinyl Institute Congressional Fly-in continues to prove its value, opening the lines of communication between participating vinyl industry executives and their representatives in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Erin Dempsey, in the Public Relations – Environment & Strategy Division of Centiva, joined other members of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute in visits to members of Congress and their staff, to discuss issues of concern to the vinyl flooring industry. Dempsey sent thank-you letters and plant tour invitations and as a result, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) toured Centiva’s resilient flooring plant in Florence on May 20.
Along with his Chief of Staff Mark Pettitt and District Field Representative Laura Webb, Congressman Brooks also met with 25 Centiva executives and employees to discuss issues facing the company, the congressional district, and the country. They discussed the history of vinyl manufacturing in the district and the importance of jobs in strengthening the local economy. Centiva representatives also expressed concern about the proposal from EPA to list phthalate plasticizers as a Chemical of Concern under section 5(b)(4) of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Other fly-in participants representing a variety of vinyl products have also capitalized on their Congressional visits to continue the dialog about vinyl issues, with follow-up letters and invitations to visit their facilities. Chris Huffaker, the Legislative Assistant for Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack, visited Pipelife Jetstream’s operation in Siloam Springs, with plans for the Congressman to visit later this year. And Bruce Hollands of the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association returned to Washington in June to continue a dialogue on the need for open and fair competition in federal funding of water infrastructure projects.
The fly-in raised the profile of the vinyl industry’s economic and environmental contributions to U.S. business and prosperity, developing relationships with Congressional representatives, and encouraging legislation beneficial to the vinyl industry. More than 30 industry leaders representing resin suppliers and a variety of vinyl products held face-to-face meetings with 26 key Senators and Representatives, and 31 additional meetings with Congressional staff members.
A recent statement from Centiva reads, “The concerns of The Vinyl Institute and the Resilient Floor Covering Institute are mirrored at Centiva. We will continue to support the efforts of both organizations as they promote the safety, durability, and sustainability of vinyl flooring.”
More VI Congressional Fly-ins are planned for future years, specific dates to be determined.
The Vinyl Institute represents the leading manufacturers involved in the production of PVC/vinyl resin in the United States, and promotes the value of PVC/vinyl products to society.
For more information on The Vinyl Institute, contact:
Jeffrey B. Palmer
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Vinyl Institute
571-970-3327
jpalmer@vinylinfo.org
Also go to www.vinylindesign.com, www.achievegreen.net, and www.vinylinfo.org.