ISRI webinar focuses on state policy

An Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) staff member, a lobbyist and a WestRock government relations executive will host an ISRI webinar Nov. 7 titled “Strategies for Building a Network of State Influencers.”

The online event, taking place from 2-3 p.m. Eastern, is open to ISRI members at no charge.

ISRI says the session is designed for members who want to start networking with the state policymakers “who are making decisions impacting their business operations.”

“Our full-time jobs in recycling facilities give us excellent perspectives, with limited time and resources, which must be targeted in intentional ways to influence the influencers," the group continues. "It is a perfect session for those who are uncertain how to get started networking with state influencers and can also serve as a refresher for those who have advocated in the past.”

Presenting insight at the event are: Danielle Waterfield, ISRI’s chief policy officer; Emily Ham, senior regional manager of government relations for paperboard producer WestRock; and Holly Chisa of Olympia, Washington-based HPC Advocacy, who also serves as the ISRI Pacific Northwest Chapter Washington State lobbyist.

ISRI says its goal for the hourlong event is to help attendees “learn how to successfully identify, approach, communicate and follow up with policymakers.” Adds the association, “Attendees will receive, via email after the webinar, a takeaway packet with information on key issues, ISRI resources and contacts that can assist their advocacy efforts.”

More information about the webinar, including how to sign up, can be found here.

Also on the government relations front, ISRI member company Comal Iron & Metals of New Braunfels, Texas, hosted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for a site visit in early October. The company, owned by Marcie and Roger Rodriguez, took part in the governor’s recent statewide small business tour designed to provide insights into small business concerns and operations in the state.

“Comal Iron & Metals is excited to welcome Gov. Abbott to our recycled materials facility this week,” Marcie Rodriguez says. “Recycling sustains manufacturing in Texas and the world, and we’re proud to show the governor how our facility is doing its part to provide Texans with products we use every day.”

Comal I&M is a third-generation, international recycling business founded in 1969 by Pasqual Rodriguez. The business is a member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of ISRI.