CHICAGO – Laystrom Manufacturing opened its doors last Friday to a visit with Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). Jeff Dec, the company’s soon-retiring president, discussed with Senator Aquino Laystrom’s role in developing equipment for the agriculture industry and the supply chain during the tour of Laystrom’s Chicago facility.
The visit was with the second state legislator Laystrom Manufacturing has hosted over the past few years. Previously, State Rep. Eva Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) visited the plant to see firsthand the type of manufacturing goes on in her Illinois House district.
And this past week, State Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) visited with George Gatto Jr, president of Gatto Industrial Platers, at the longtime TMA member’s facility in Chicago. Gatto, a member of the TMA Board of Directors, said he was happy to have Rep. Ford stop by.
TMA’s Advocacy Team works directly with TMA members to organize visits from elected officials. TMA’s state lobbyist David Curtin says that opening doors to lawmakers is crucial.
“Most lawmakers have little idea the types of important contributions small and midsize manufacturers in their districts are making on a day-to-day basis,” Curtin said. “Allowing them to see firsthand TMA members’ incredible work is more powerful than anything a lobbyist could attempt to convey.”
The TMA Advocacy Team is prepared to set up Legislator Connect visits with local and state policymakers. TMA members need only email info@tmaillinois.org to begin the process.
