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'Inside the TCMA' featured Article
A Fresh Perspective on Austin
Clifford Smith  |  March 6, 2019

Our On January 21 – 22, TCMA members took the I-35 challenge to convene in Austin, and the Interstate didn’t fail to live up to its reputation! With the legislature in session, the frenzy had begun with committee assignments being overseen by the new Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dennis Bonnen.

Meanwhile, our members came together to discuss issues facing manufacturing, especially our metal casting industry. This trek to Austin follows our mission statement, “To promote the common interest of the metal casting industry through the development of an effective legislative action program and improve communications with elected officials.”

 

So, with the stage set, TCMA members gathered at the capitol to meet elected and appointed officials.

TCMA Vice-Chairman and newly elected Representative Jared Patterson (District 106) led the way for our delegation to meet within the capitol extension building.

We met with and had great discussions with Representatives Keith Bell, Ben Leman, Steve Allison, Sam Harless, Stephanie Klick, and staff from the offices of Representatives Reggie Smith and Candy Noble, and Senator Kelly Hancock.

   

Earlier in the day, we met with Steven Schar, Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the TCEQ. Steven fielded questions from our members about numerous issues with permitting as the most talked about item.

Past TCMA Chairman Peter Macler, who serves as a TCEQ EnviroMentor, facilitated the permitting discussion with Mr. Schar for clarification on several points. Thanks, Pete!

We were pleased to hear that the TCEQ was willing to continue its working relationship with industry, especially foundries, to achieve compliance.

 

The gathering this year in Austin was invaluable. For those of you who were unable to attend, please make an effort to participate in the 2021 Austin annual meeting. In the meantime, we would like to hear from you if you would like to actively participate in the TCMA. The Board of Directors will meet in the fall, and we would encourage you to meet with us. Keep in mind that we will meet in Tyler for our annual meeting in 2020.