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The Summit is the largest annual trade show for state legislators and their staff. They also gather there to exchange policy ideas for addressing common issues.

Why it matters … The NCSL Summit serves as a perfect stage for ReMA to demonstrate how recycling is much bigger than the bin and ReMA is the organization that represents the recycling industry. This year in Los Angeles, ISRI's members came together to sponsor the Summit's Exhibit Hall Luncheon for the fifth year in a row. They transformed a huge, empty convention hall space into ISRI’s own private exhibit hall setting up a mini recycling facility of all commodities that ReMA represents. ISRI’s West Coast Chapter, led by Chapter President Robb Cohn, went all out to create both a virtual and real-life recycling experience for state policymakers. With more than 2,000 legislators and their staff attending the Summit, it was a perfect opportunity for ReMA members from throughout the nation to meet and speak with elected state legislators. This year more than 70 ReMA members volunteered their time to put together the ReMA display and meet with their state legislators.

Be aware … Several State Senators and Representatives mentioned that they remembered us from previous years. There are few events that facilitate an opportunity for ReMA members to network at one venue with state legislators from around the nation. Unlike many of the other organizations in the Summit exhibit hall, ReMA does not come to sell a service or push a single model bill; instead, its members focus on making connections and informing elected officials about the scrap recycling industries. ISRI’s displays helped them have a better understanding of the recycling process. The economic study, made available to them as an interactive map, also illustrated the positive economic, environmental, and social impact our profession has not only on their districts and states but on the United States and the world’s economy.

But, but, but … ReMA did not conclude its educational effort with the Exhibit Hall luncheon. NCSL agreed to ISRI’s request to include recycling in the Summit’s agenda, along with an off-site facility tour. ISRI’s host West Coast Chapter organized at the Summit’s conclusion a tour where policymakers witnessed recycling in action at Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles.

ISRI thanks all of its members who donated their time and resources to bring the recycling industry to life this year at the 2018 NCSL Legislative Summit and making it such a tremendous success! Next year the Summit will be in Nashville, TN. Think about joining your colleagues from across America to help ReMA put on another great display of how the recycling industry works!

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