With the advent of the metals theft issue, which had its roots in the states, not in Washington, DC, ISRI became acutely aware that it had to get its messaging before state legislators and other state officials.
After reviewing its options, it was decided that the most efficient and quickest way to argue metals theft and other issues of importance to the scrap recycling industry was before state lawmakers. The National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) was a perfect choice to take our issues to all 50 states because it is the largest association of state legislatures and, hence, state legislators, in the nation. NCSL was the place ISRI chose to raise its visibility before some of the most powerful state legislators in the United States. It made sense for ISRI staff as well as for ISRI members.
ISRI became a private sector member of NCSL in 2012. Since then it has represented the scrap recycling industry before NCSL’s membership where activity dictated that the Association educate those legislators whose various states were witnessing metals theft or other activity.
New regulations, laws, taxes, and more are being discussed every day in Washington, DC and the states. The decisions made by policy makers have considerable financial, administrative, and practical impact on the recycling industry. In coordination with ISRI chapters, ISRI has sought to raise the industry's image among the state lawmaker members of NCSL. Through this outreach, ISRI has inserted its industry expertise and network into state policy discussions on matters impacting the scrap recycling industry. ISRI has also provided the chapters with supplemental policy and legal resources to facilitate the goal of developing a strong, cohesive and coordinated message across state lines.
As a result of its work before NCSL and other state-related associations, ISRI has been able to brand itself as the Voice of the Recycling Industry within NCSL and other policy associations representing state officials across the nation. The annual NCSL Legislative Summit has become a significant platform by which ISRI educates policymakers – at the same time building a positive image of the industry. Participation in NCSL also provides an opportunity for ISRI members, themselves, to engage state lawmakers on policy matters of importance.
The goal of ISRI’s participation at the NCSL Legislative Summit is to increase the visibility of ISRI and the scrap recycling industry among state policymakers. To achieve this goal, ISRI implemented a few core marketing strategies and set out to ensure the ISRI logo and brand name is prominently displayed throughout the Summit in order to give ISRI members in attendance a point of reference when introducing themselves and the industry to conference attendees. To continue this momentum, though, ISRI members need to be actively involved representing their companies and the industry.
Tag Your Friend or Colleague
For those who have always wanted to tag a friend or colleague as a volunteer for something, now is your opportunity. ISRI is looking for industry representatives to help swarm the NCSL Legislative Summit with recyclers and build on the industry’s Bigger than the Bin public and government relations effort. With planning underway for the 2016 Summit in Chicago, August 9-11, ISRI is asking members to represent the industry again this year by participating in the Summit alongside ISRI staff. If you want to go or know of someone else who has what it takes to be a great industry representative, please send us your – and their - names now.
The ISRI Council of Chapter Presidents will be selecting member ambassadors for full and exhibitor registrations to the event. Nominations for complimentary registrations are due by May 30, 2016 in order to give the Council time to review and contact the nominees. If you are not sure that you or a friend would be interested, the following outlines some of the opportunities available.
At the NCSL Legislative Summit you have the opportunity to:
Help recycling take center stage at the ISRI-Sponsored Exhibit Hall Luncheon on Wednesday, August 10 from 12 Noon to 1:20 p.m. Showcase displays around the hall will present scrap commodities while members help explain who we are.
Network with more than 1,200 state lawmakers and staff in one location.
Build industry recognition and support among state policymakers and staff during the conference and at ISRI-sponsored social events and workshops.
Attend the ISRI-Sponsored "Late Night" Event, an invitation-only party that ISRI will once again have sought-after tickets to distribute.
Registration Details
While ISRI will have some complimentary registrations available to those selected from the nominations you submit, anyone can attend and ISRI encourages members to consider the potential opportunities as a reason for attending. Members can register for the Summit before May 23 at the Early Bird NCSL Foundation Member rate and save 33 percent off the regular price. If attending is something you are considering, ISRI recommends members secure lodging reservations now before the block sells out. (reservations can be cancelled without penalty up until July 11). ISRI does not have its own hotel block, but members should consider staying at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place as it is closest to the event. The housing deadline is July 11 and rooms are filled on a first-come first-served basis, so be sure to reserve your rooms early.
If you're interested in attending or know someone who should be considered, please contact Danielle Waterfield for more information.
We'd also love to hear from Chicago-area members who would like to help with ISRI's Exhibit Hall Luncheon on Wednesday, August 10! Members who are available to help explain the industry to attendees will receive free passes to the luncheon. We will also have equipment and commodities on display; if you're unavailable for the Summit but would still like to help, this is a great opportunity!