Leaders of EMS Companies Help IPC Advocate for the Industry
by Rich Cappetto, IPC Senior Director, North American Government Relations
As the U.S. Congress was making progress this week on a budget framework and annual defense authorization and spending bills for the coming year, more than a dozen senior executives from electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies joined IPC in the nation’s capital for the EMS Leadership Public Policy Roundtable. This two-day event featured expert-led discussions, networking and socializing, and meetings with lawmakers in their offices on Capitol Hill.
The group spent the first day engaging with leading policy experts on issues including the workforce pipeline, taxes, tariffs, and the state of the U.S. and global economy.
Building the Electronics Workforce: Erica Marie Price-Burns of Whiteboard Advisors, Annelies Goger of the Brookings Institution, and Zach Boren of the Urban Institute described the state of play on federal workforce policy and proposals that could help our industry. For example, short-term Pell Grants could be opened up for uses beyond college such as enabling students to pay for certification-based training. The industry leaders in the room reiterated their continuing challenges with replacing older workers as they retire, and the ongoing burden of recruiting and training workers. They shared tips on what has worked in their states, including IPC’s apprenticeships program; internships; and engagements with local community colleges.
Navigating Economic Trends: IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac noted that while recession risks have receded, inflation remains persistent, and the electronics industry continues to experience significant wage pressures. Manufacturing’s share of construction is at an all-time time, with electronics-related manufacturing accounting for nearly 55% of the total.
Surviving Trade Policy Shifts: Noted trade attorney Milla Kasulke of Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) reviewed the latest intelligence and uncertainties surrounding U.S. and global tariffs. The group had a lot to talk about, with executives sharing their concerns, hopes, and ideas on how the industry might adjust, and where engagement with the administration could be helpful.
Anticipating Tax Reform: Finally, former House Ways and Means Committee Staff Director David Stewart and Michael Hawthorn of Squire Patton Boggs examined the high stakes of the intensifying tax policy debate and the implications for EMS businesses. With more than $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and revenue raisers set to expire at the end of 2025, participants commented on which aspects of the tax law present the most opportunities and risks for their businesses.
The next day, participants went to Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers on the importance of supporting a strong and resilient domestic electronics ecosystem. Over the course of a packed day, IPC members met with 15 congressional offices including about a dozen senators and representatives, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the House Republican Conference. Altogether, industry leaders had the opportunity to voice concerns, build relationships, and shape IPC’s advocacy agenda.
The event was also an opportunity for great collaboration between various IPC staff and departments. Special thanks go to Dave Bergman, Thiago Guimaraes, Chris Mitchell, Nyron Rouse, and Mark Wolfe, as well as Jim Will of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics.
If you have any interest in helping IPC promote the industry’s agenda with your elected officials, we invite you to join our ongoing efforts. The IPC Government Relations (GR) Team advocates for you full-time, but our success depends on active feedback and participation from attentive people like you! It really makes a difference.
If you’re interested in helping us advocate for the electronics manufacturing industry, I invite you to reach out to me to learn more. If you haven’t done so already, you can also subscribe to the weekly IPC Global Advocacy Report; peruse our Advocacy pages on IPC.org; and follow any of us on LinkedIn.