IPC Members Speak Directly with Federal Officials in DC
By Rich Cappetto, Senior Director, North American Government Relations
Key Summary
• IPC hosted its first 2024 Impact Day, bringing industry leaders to Washington, D.C.
• Executives met directly with congressional offices across both parties to discuss PCBs, advanced packaging, CHIPS implementation, and workforce incentives
• Advocacy centered on a “silicon-to-systems” approach and strengthening U.S. electronics manufacturing
• Participants represented multiple IPC member companies engaged in PCB fabrication, assembly, and materials
• IPC encourages broader member involvement in future advocacy events
Leaders of IPC member companies descended on Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 15 for the first IPC Impact Day of 2024. IPC Impact Days are a chance for industry executives to speak directly with government officials on policies that are crucial to our industry, including investments in domestic PCBs and advanced packaging under the Defense Production Act; the need for a “silicon-to-systems” approach to the CHIPS and Science Act; and incentives for workforce training and industry certifications.
The industry executives who attended were Pratish Patel, CEO of Electronic Interconnect; Ben Koo, VP of Pioneer Circuits; David Raby, President and CEO of STI Electronics; John Hauschild, Managing Director at TCLAD; Tony Revier, Senior Strategic Adviser at Uyemura; and Stephanie Austin of Zentech.
In addition to private issue briefings and networking opportunities, the executives met with the offices of House Speaker Mike Johnston (R-LA); House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD); Alex Padilla (D-CA); Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); Ron Johnson (R-WI); Katie Britt (R-AL); Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); and Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL); Lou Correa (D-CA); Colin Allred (D-TX); Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL); and Dale Strong (R-AL).
IPC thanks those who attended and made their voices heard on behalf of everyone in the electronics manufacturing industry!
If you would like to be involved in a future IPC Impact Day, contact me at richardcappetto@ipc.org. In the meantime, we invite you to check out other ways you can be involved in IPC advocacy.
IPC Impact Day is an advocacy event where leaders from IPC member companies meet directly with federal officials to discuss policies affecting electronics manufacturing, including PCBs, advanced packaging, CHIPS implementation, and workforce training.
Participants highlighted the need for Defense Production Act investments in PCBs, a “silicon-to-systems” approach to CHIPS and Science Act programs, and incentives to expand workforce training and certifications.
Executives from Electronic Interconnect, Pioneer Circuits, STI Electronics, TCLAD, Uyemura, and Zentech attended, representing key segments of the electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Executives met with congressional offices including House Speaker Mike Johnston, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, multiple senators across both parties, and representatives from several states tied to the electronics industry.
IPC members can join future Impact Days or participate in additional advocacy efforts by contacting IPC’s government relations team and exploring available engagement opportunities.