USPCA membership renewal time for some

A note from Stephanie Covall-Pinnix, Executive Director

It's USPCA membership renewal time for 16 lucky members. However, I thought I'd just share the renewal information with all of you so you could track our progress. It's hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since the inception of the USPCA. To date we have over 60 members from all over the United States. With your support this past year you've helped us:

-- Create a dynamic web-site and a weekly listserv with over 600 subscribers which include PCB Manufacturer's, PCB Suppliers, News and Magazine Journalists, Legislator's and their staff;
-- Generate statistics that for the US PCB industry by participating in survey's that are compiled and used as supporting materials that are presented to Congress;
-- Go to Washington DC 3 times this year to meet and educate over 20 legislators and their staff regarding the plight of the US PCB industry;
-- Heighten the awareness of the PCB industry in the press.

As you know, the deterioration of the U.S. printed circuit industry as Hi-Tech manufacturing has become a cumbersome problem facing the U.S. Based on the critical nature of the decline of this integral industry, it is absolutely imperative that the viability of the U.S. PCB Industry manufacturing base be taken into account when comprehending the future needs of the United States- five, ten, and even fifteen years down the road, when the loss of a Hi-Tech manufacturing and supply base in the U.S. would force reliance on other countries to supply component parts for future research and development, production and supply in the Hi-Tech sector. That's why it is imperative that we work with our National Legislators. They can help the industry by enforcing current legislation on the books and create new legislation that will help stabilize the US PCB industry.

The USPCA'S legislative goals for the 109th Congress
The USPCA's short term goals include: 1) Initiate an Industry Study with the Defense Science Board and the of Industry and Security to educate legislators and decision-makers about the alarming state of the U.S.'s depletion of a raw material supply base and the detrimental impact that this problem creates for the ability of the U.S. to manufacture electronics and Hi-Tech components for national defense and healthcare systems as well as the next wave of Hi-Tech manufacturing (Nanotechnology and Biotechnology); 2) to gain awareness of policy makers to enact legislation that requires U.S. tax dollars be spent domestically for DOD purchases and discourage the lure to hide behind Section 23 (US trade policy that allows them to purchase from anywhere in the world whenever they see fit) so as to avert the total depletion of U.S. raw material supply and Hi-Tech manufacturing base.

Legislator's who have pledged their support:
Representative Henry Hyde and Legislative Director Blaine Aaron R-IL
Representative Donald Manzullo Chief of Staff Bryan Davis, Senior Legislative Assistant Jennifer Osika, Director of Communications Rich Carter, Rich Beutel, Special Counsel, Brad Knox Oversight Counsel and Nelson Crowther General Counsel, Phil Eskeland Policy Director and Tom Loo R-IL
Representative Duncan Hunter and Special Advisor Robert Simmons R-CA
Representative Judy Biggert and Chief of Staff Paul Doucette R-IL
Representative Christopher Cox's Deputy Staff Director and General Counsel Select Committee on Homeland Security R-CA
Representative Zoe Lofgren's Chief of Staff David Thomas D-CA
Senator Olympia Snowe's Oversight Counsel Matthew Walker R-ME

Alliance Partners who have pledged their support
National Defense and Industry Council (NDIA)
General Lawrence Farrell, Jr.
General Barry Bates

United States Business and Industry Council (USBIC)
Alan Tonnelson - Research Fellowe
Kevin Carnes - Executive Director

Legislators and their staff the USPCA educated to date
Representative Phil Crane, Legislative Director Manny Rossman and Subcommittee on Trade Aid Stephanie Hennessy R-IL
Representative Jan Schakowsky's Legislative Aid Diane Beedle D-IL
Representative Thornberry's Legislative Aid Trey Bahm R-TX
Senator Carl Levin's Legislative Assistant Allison Pascal and Senate Armed Services Committee Staff member Peter Levine D-MI
Senator Mark Dayton's Legislative Director Mark Boucher D-MN
Senator Richard Shelby's Legislative Assistant Joseph Summers R-AL

US Trade Representatives Office
Director for China Paul Neurieter

USPCA plans for 2005:
-- Expand the USPCA Board of Director's. We've created a Board Member nominating committee. This committee is headed by Marty Lieberman from Micronutrients. We have identified 5 individuals from across the country who we'd like to consider adding to the USPCA Board. If you are interested in being considered for a board position please contact the USPCA office.

-- Offer "Spec Review". This covers Specs and regulations - ISO, CAT-E, 6012 class 3 Lead Free, and whatever else the IPC and our customers dream up.. We will create a power force in the industry that stops rampant regulations and new specs. If you'd like to get involved with this committee please contact the USPCA office.

-- Continue to set up legislator meetings across the country. Currently we have the following meetings with legislators in their district's for September/October:
- Representative Zoe Lofgren D-CA
- Representative Christopher Cox R-CA (tentative)
- Senator Norm Coleman R-MN (tentative)

The US PCB industry is part of a Hi-Tech manufacturing base that is critical to maintain the innovation process that leads to the improved products, technologies and processes which bring the higher standards of living and economic productivity to the US. If the US PCB industry continues to shrink until the critical base of Hi-Tech manufacturing is lost, then inevitably, we will lose the foundation for innovation and the increased productivity, economic growth, and higher standards of living as these processes move overseas. Please continue to support our efforts on your behalf and send in your renewal monies along with the enclosed membership form. We also encourage your generous donations! Thanks again for your support and we look forward to another productive year!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Covall-Pinnix
Executive Director - USPCA