The Hardwood Federation Fly-in 2025: Join Us in D.C. and Make Your Voice Heard!

The annual Hardwood Fly-In to D.C. is quickly approaching! This year, we will meet in Washington D.C. from May Tuesday, 13 through Thursday, May 15, to take our story to the Hill. Please make plans to join us as we advocate for the U.S. Hardwood industry in Washington, D.C!

An advocate is a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. Advocates are also known, in government and politics, as lobbyists. Whether you call it advocating or lobbying, the goal is still the same: to educate or persuade government members, including members of Congress, to enact legislation and policies that benefit their group.

Advocacy can take place at any level of government. Have you ever disputed a parking ticket? Signed a petition for a new stop sign? Met with a school principal about a bully who pushed your child during recess? What about applying for and defending a permit for your business? You are an advocate for yourself and for the things you care about—your family, your community, and your business.

As the level of government moves up, the role of the advocate becomes more critical. The higher the office… local to state to federal… the more issues elected officials and full-time government workers must handle daily. Not only are there more matters to consider, but they also become increasingly complex the closer to Washington one gets.

Trade associations, like the Hardwood Federation, are essential to the business community because they can focus day in and day out on a specific set of problems and consistently communicate with and educate policymakers on the impacts proposed legislation and regulation can have on employers and employees in their communities. Trade associations also develop consistent messaging representing general industry agreement on important issues. In a perfect world, everyone in the industry can deliver the same message and strengthen the argument to make policy that best supports hardwood businesses. Your day-to-day focus is on business, not on politics. The Hardwood Federation focuses on politics to make your job easier.

The Hardwood Federation team is proud to represent the industry in Washington. But we can’t and don’t do it by ourselves. The Hard-wood Federation Fly-In to Washington D.C. has always been a highlight of our advocacy program. The second Trump Administration is moving at a blistering pace, making decisions and initiating policies that could significantly impact the U.S. Hardwood industry. The noise in D.C. is loud and unending, but we continue to raise our voices over the din. We urge you to join us in May. Meet your federally elected officials. Tell your story—network with your peers. Please help us make the case for policies that work FOR the hardwood industry, not against it.

The Fly-In is an excellent opportunity for members of the hardwood industry to educate members of Congress about the U.S. hardwood industry and let their Members of Congress know just how businesses and employees are affected by the decisions being made on Capitol Hill. The impact of Trump’s trade policies and tariffs on our sector will undoubtedly be our top priority. A close second will be restoring essential tax cuts that support our hardwood businesses. Regulatory and transportation issues could also rise to the top. In this fast-paced environment, it is difficult to say for sure. But we are confident the most current concerns will be on the list.

From experience, direct communication with knowledgeable industry members is key to establishing and growing legislative contacts and their awareness of the Hardwood industry. Your participation is essential and very much valued. You can learn more about the Hardwood Federation, priority issues, and the Fly-In at www.hardwoodfederation.com. Please reach out to us if you have questions or thoughts.

By DANA COLE, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation