The efforts often are not siloed, with associations partnering together to provide support and enact change.
"NAHAD partners with the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, often on key legislative issues with the potential to impact our members' livelihoods," Mullins said. "The collective power of multiple voices helps lead to greater success."
Luke agreed that the first step is comparing priorities with those of other organizations and policymakers to find ways for policies, goals and interests to align.
One example is the implementation of rubber modified asphalt (RMA) to pave roads.
"Since our goal is to find circular and sustainable markets to utilize end-of-life tires, and legislators and state governments are looking to produce more sustainable and durable infrastructure with an improved environmental footprint, RMA is an innovative solution that is of mutual interest and benefit," Luke said.
Teams do not just work with the public-facing legislators, but work diligently with their staffs as well.
"Much of MEMA's effectiveness in achieving its goals comes from its behind-the-scenes efforts, such as the longstanding strategic relationships with key stakeholders our D.C. team has, conducting in-depth research to inform policy positions, and engaging in dialogue with regulatory bodies to ensure the industry's interests are considered in policy-making processes," Gardner said.
"We are regularly issuing comments and testimony on a variety of issues, and largely that work is behind the scenes."
Having an active role on Capitol Hill can go a long way as well.
Gust said he has a team member that will check in with legislative staff members to get a feel for any kind of legislation that may be coming, specifically things that might affect either small business, tires or rubber. He can then draft policy papers or give relevant information when applicable. This also ensures that when any questions come up, they know who to contact.
"I think that one of the benefits is, if an individual member company, for example, were to go and try to navigate through Capitol Hill, they're one company. We represent over 13,000 (companies)," said Gust.
"When we come into an office and have a discussion with them, they know they're not just dealing with one company in a specific state. They're dealing with numbers in every single state."
The amount of companies TIA represents can resonate with legislators and helps smaller companies have a voice.
Who USTMA might work with can be dependent on the level of government, Luke said. With states, USTMA typically works directly with the legislators themselves. Federally, the work typically is with professional staffers. The work also extends past the legislative office.
"Depending on the issue, USTMA works with a broad set of stakeholders at the national and local levels (federal and state legislators, regulators, academic and government research teams, other associations, environmental groups and other partners) to lead on critical issues related to cornerstones of our work: safety, environmental stewardship and economic impact," Luke said.
For instance, USTMA's annual Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors Program raises awareness on Capitol Hill about issues important to the U.S. tire manufacturing sector and the communities it serves.