Coastal Automotive welcomed Representative Bill Huizenga, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and other automotive manufacturers to its Holland-based manufacturing headquarters on November 6. The visit was coordinated as a part of The Supplier Advocacy Network (SAN) program developed by MEMA.
The program aims to educate members of Congress on motor vehicle parts suppliers and the issues that directly impact industry leaders. SAN encourages and assists local manufacturers from 12 states in welcoming local representatives to their facilities for round table discussions and facility tours.
“It’s been an honor to welcome representatives Elissa Slotkin, Fred Upton, Mary Whiteford, and now, Bill Huizenga into our facilities this year,” said Mark McConnell, Vice President of Finance for Coastal Automotive. “These events ensure automotive manufacturers keep a strong industry voice in Washington. The policies made at the federal level directly impact Coastal Automotive and all other companies in West Michigan and across the globe.”
Melanie Weiland, of the Washington, D.C. MEMA office, and other local business representatives attended the event, taking a tour of the facility and participating in the round table discussions centered around the impact of political uncertainty on auto suppliers as well as housing, workforce development and education it relates to talent.
“The supplier industry is facing a critical time with the wave of new policies directly impacting our companies,” said Bill Long, MEMA president and CEO. “We at MEMA have worked hard to be the voice of this invaluable industry for 115 years and we advocate for those policies that best promote growth and strength for the supplier industry.”
The event was Representative Huizenga’s second visit to Coastal Automotive. He also toured Coastal Automotive’s Holland location in 2017.
