We need to talk PAC (Political Action Committee), which is not my favorite thing to write about. I haven’t mentioned it in an editorial since September 2022; I checked. However, industry advocacy is one of the primary functions of OCA – and the PAC is an integral component of advocacy’s success. Without your support of the PAC, we are weakened in our efforts on your behalf.
The importance of the PAC was brought to the forefront at a recent Board of Directors meeting. Michelle Holdgreve, OCA’s Director of Legislative Advocacy, was running through the list of legislative initiatives facing the industry. One of OCA’s veteran members chimed in that, given all the issues being thrown our way and the total donation amount given thus far in 2025, Michelle needs more PAC support.
Industries such as ours are shaped by shifting policies, complex regulations and growing demands. The strength of the Ohio Contractors Association to influence legislative outcomes has always rested with our professional staff and our members. Every milestone achieved – whether it’s securing favorable legislation, improving safety standards, or expanding funding opportunities – is made possible by the active involvement and support of our membership.
Member contributions – which are financial, intellectual and participatory – are the fuel behind OCA’s ability to effectively represent our members. Your dues and donations support expert advocacy at the Statehouse, strategic partnerships with other interested groups and legal and regulatory guidance that benefits contractors of all sizes. So that your voice is always heard, PAC contributions ensure OCA can maintain a constant presence when decisions are made.
Contributions also go beyond dollars. When you serve on a committee, share your insights in a survey, attend an OCA event or pick up the phone to contact a legislator, you are shaping the industry’s future. I routinely testify on behalf of OCA, but sometimes there are issues that are complex or politically charged that need the voice of a business owner or representative. This type of contribution was never more front-and-center than when Mandy Gerken of Gerken Companies offered testimony in June before the House Public Insurance and Pensions Committee regarding unemployment compensation. The cumulative value of these types of engagements is immense – it builds credibility, sharpens our messaging and amplifies our collective impact.
The benefits come full circle. OCA’s legislative wins and policy advancements reduce uncertainty in the field, protect your bottom line and open the door to new opportunities. Training programs, safety resources and networking events – all supported by member contributions – enhance your team’s capabilities and strengthens your business.
In the months ahead we will face pivotal decisions, each of which impact how you do business. These challenges underscore the importance of a unified and well-supported industry voice. That voice is OCA, and your association is only as strong as the members who stand behind it.
Your involvement matters. For the PAC – whether it be $50 or $500 or $5,000 – your contribution counts. And together, we build the roads – literally and figuratively – to a stronger future. Your participation in this way benefits everyone in your company. Please go to www.ohiocontractors.org and make your personal (it cannot be corporate) donation today. It’s an investment in your future.