IWLA Public Policy Center (PPC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the IWLA Public Policy Center?

The International Warehouse Logistics Association Public Policy Center (PPC) is a new IWLA initiative intended to provide additional strategic funding for programs and research that enable IWLA to influence and inform public policy at the federal, state and local levels.

Q. Why is the IWLA Public Policy Center important?

With your help in funding the IWLA Public Policy Center, our industry will cultivate more allies, build the reputation of the supply chain sector in the legislative and political process, and promote greater opportunities for our workforce.

For example, IWLA is vigorously opposing negative legislation in California that seeks to penalize third-party warehouses for use of contracted labor. Similar attacks have been mounted in Illinois and New Jersey, and we can expect more in the future as unions persist in targeting the supply chain as the path to organize the retailers.

We must push back with an assertive and fact-based advocacy campaign that will effectively counteract these attacks and educate policymakers.
           

Q. How does the PPC differ from IWLA’s Government Affairs activities?

The IWLA Public Policy Center is funded by corporate contributions, separate from member dues, and directed by the companies that contribute to the PPC. By comparison, IWLA’s government affairs program is funded by general dues and directed by IWLA’s Government Affairs Committee.

Q. Is the Public Policy Center an IWLA Member Service?

The PPC is funded by members independent of normal annual dues. A fee schedule is based on the annual revenue a member derives from warehousing and related business. While all IWLA members will benefit from the success of the PPC, the PPC is governed by those companies that contribute to it.

Q. How will funds be used?

            The IWLA PPC is driven by four guiding objectives:

1. Commission intellectually rigorous and credible studies from non-partisan Class I Research Academic Institutions that have a supply chain discipline.

2. Leverage the research mentioned above with a public relations resource to deploy a communications campaign to the general media.

3. Retain legal counsel to develop briefs in regulatory proceedings as required where the industry’s legal protection is in question.

4. Engage additional grassroots resources on an issue-by-issue basis to realize our goals.

Q. Do you have specific examples of funding recommendations?

One example is to commission original research on the role of the 3PL industry in job creation, career ladders and the multiplier impact of employment in the warehouse-based logistics industry.

Another is to engage outside experts to assist IWLA in responding to FDA’s proposed regulations for preventive controls for food grade warehouses as required by the Food Modernization Act.

Q. Will contributions to the IWLA PPC be used to underwrite other IWLA activities?

No. You can rest assured that your contribution will be used directly and only for those activities voted on by the funding participants for new research and advocacy that benefit our industry.

Q. Will I have a role in deciding funding priorities?

Yes. Those contributing at the Tier 1 Level will approve funding priorities.

Q. What are the contribution levels?

Your contribution is based on annual revenues. The following is the funding schedule for Tier 1, this year of the launch. The amount of work commissioned each year will ascertain the budget for the coming year and the levels of subscription.

Q. Is my contribution to the PPC a one-time only contribution?

                No, the PPC is an ongoing entity and contributions will be requested annually.

 Q. Is a contribution to the PPC tax deductible?

Yes, to the extent that PPC-funded activities are not considered “lobbying activities” under the Internal Revenue Code.