Over the last year, PESA has focused on connecting members of Congress with PESA Member Companies through facility tours and briefings. These events are valuable opportunities to build relationships with officials at various levels of government and showcase the sector’s impact in communities.
For Congressional members and staff who participate, these tours are excellent ways to meet constituents and learn about their jobs. PESA Member Company employees have an opportunity to educate government officials about their company and show legislators how current issues impact the workforce.
In New Mexico during a roundtable at Basic Energy Services, Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2) discussed regional issues and the economic impact of the oil and gas industry, as it provides nearly one-third of the revenue for the state’s general fund.
PESA also hosted tours in Oklahoma, where Member Companies have significant operations and one in five jobs is directly or indirectly supported by the oil and gas industry. For Rep. Kendra Horn (D-OK-5), her visit to Kimray was an opportunity to assure attendees during a town hall that she understands the necessity of the oil and gas industry not only to Oklahoma’s success, but also the United States.
Altogether, PESA hosted tours with the majority of Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation in 2019. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-4) visited Kerr Pumps, the largest machining company in the state, and Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK-1) visited Gardner Denver, where employees had the opportunity to ask questions during a town hall.
During the fall, PESA focused on the industry’s presence in Texas and Louisiana, where most Member Companies are headquartered or have significant operations. At M&M International, it was an opportunity to highlight manufacturing capabilities and the services provided to both onshore and offshore production companies during the visit of Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA-3). He addressed employees in a town hall where issues such as tariffs and LNG exports were discussed.
For Sen. Cornyn (R-TX), an industry roundtable complimented his tour of Sunbelt Steel’s facilities in Houston, during which he learned about employees’ roles in steel production. The next day, Cornyn visited NOV and conducted a town hall with over 200 employees.
DistributionNOW hosted Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX-36) for a discussion and tour at a major distribution center in La Porte.
PESA will continue to host these important meetings in 2020. Officials and Member Companies can tailor the visits to fit company culture and interests – such as town halls, employee guided tours or discussions with executives. Member Companies who are interested in hosting facility tours in 2020, please contact Tim Tarpley, Vice President Government Affairs.
PESA will also continue building relationships between government officials and Member Companies during its annual Washington D.C. Fly-In February 10-12.
