NLBMDA/NBMDA/WDMA Joint Welcome Reception and Silent Auction
Monday, March 15, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
For the first time, NLBMDA, NBMDA and WDMA members will be holding a joint networking reception. This is the perfect time to meet new business associates and catch up with old ones. Not only will you be able to participate in a relaxed and fun social event, you will be able to make an impact on the industry’s legislative initiatives by participating in the evening’s silent auction. All proceeds raised will go toward supporting industry government relations initiatives in the 111th Congress. To donate an item, please check the box on your registration form and a staff member will follow up with you.
Lobbying 101 (optional hill visit training)
Tuesday, March 16, 7:00 am – 7:30 am
Whether this is your first time visiting your members of Congress or just looking to brush up on the basics, the Lobbying 101 optional session will give you hints and tips to get your message across clearly and effectively.
Washington Briefing Breakfast & Keynote Presentation
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)
Tuesday, March 16, 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Sen. David Vitter is an independent and outspoken reformer while advocating mainstream conservative principles. In the Senate, Sen. Vitter serves on the Committees on Armed Services; Banking, Housing and Urban Development; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Working on these committees allows him to focus on jobs, infrastructure, and economic development. Sen.Vitter was the first U.S. Senator to raise serious concerns about EPA's new lead abatement rule, which may have a dramatic impact on the window, door and skylight industry. He continues to raise questions about EPA's implementation of the rule directly with the EPA Administrator. At the breakfast, he will share his perspective on the major issues facing Congress and the industry.
The annual Washington Briefing Breakfast will also feature your association government relations staff review of the specific talking points you will need for effectively communicating the industry’s position on key issues during the Capitol Hill and federal agency visits
Federal Issues Panels
Tuesday, March 16, 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
ENERGY STAR Programs in Transition
Zachary Shadid, Operations Manager, ENERGY STAR for Homes, US Environmental Protection Agency
Douglas Anderson, Operations Manager, ENERGY STAR Home Improvement Program, US Environmental Protection Agency
Major changes are being made to existing ENERGY STAR programs. In late 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) announced a major reorganization in the administration of all ENERGY STAR programs shifting primary oversight of them to EPA. In addition, tighter energy performance requirements for windows, skylights, and doors became effective in January, with activities by the EPA to tighten them further expected to begin later this year. And, new ENERGY STAR requirements for new home construction are being finalized and will become effective January 1, 2011. This session will provide the latest updates on these activities and discuss the implications for industry and ENERGY STAR Partners.
Featured Speaker
Tuesday, March 16th 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Charlie Cook
Respected Authority on U.S. Elections and Political Trends
Publisher, Cook Political Report & NBC News Political Analyst
A conference favorite returns! When Charlie Cook makes a pronouncement based on his analysis of the political scene in America, people who want to “be in the know” sit up and listen. For more than two decades he has been Washington’s most trusted—and most accurate—voice on all things political, whether it’s the outcome of a national, state, or local election or the likely vote tally on a bill before Congress. As the publisher of The Cook Political Report and a political analyst for NBC News, his prodigious writing output is the direct line to politics for those who want to know what is happening behind the scenes in America’s halls of power. Once deemed “the Picasso of election analysis” by the Wall Street Journal, Cook produces the sharpest political handicapping in the business, serving as the one-man, go-to-source for Americans who want to be truly informed.
Capitol Hill and Federal Agency Visits
Tuesday, March 16 , 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Your elected officials rely on feedback from the constituents in their districts to keep them apprised of the economic climate and to provide real-world feedback on how legislative actions impact employers and jobs in their communities. In addition, federal agency officials often do not get to hear from the business people that their proposed regulations will impact. During the conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit their members of Congress on Capitol Hill and/or meet with federal agency representatives to discuss industry issues and concerns.
Capitol Hill Legislative Reception
Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Following visits to Capitol Hill, share your thoughts on your Hill visits with your friends and colleagues at the annual Legislative Reception. Members of Congress and their key staff members are also invited to attend and it serves as a perfect way to show appreciation for our supporters on Capitol Hill.