183. Emily Bardach, Executive Director of AWPA, on Advocacy, Strategic Planning, and Building Momentum

When your industry is everywhere but almost invisible, how do you tell your story? And how can associations help members navigate tariffs, supply chain pressures, and changing market dynamics?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Emily Bardash, Executive Director of the American Wire Producers Association (AWPA). Emily discusses:How AWPA represents companies that manufacture wire and wire products, from bridge cables to tiny springs in Windex bottles.Why “wire is everywhere,” touching construction, infrastructure, agriculture, defense, medical devices, automotive parts, and everyday household products.How AWPA is a small but vital industry association with about 85 members, many of them family-owned businesses.Why association staff must understand each client’s unique culture, including details like whether spouses are important at events.How AWPA shifted its advocacy focus from “free and fair access to wire rod” to “building a resilient wire industry across the full supply chain.”How strategic planning helped AWPA’s board align around a new mission, vision, and playbook.How AWPA took risks with its annual conference, including booking a higher-end venue, stronger speakers, and better storytelling through photography and video.How AWPA is building momentum through advocacy, LinkedIn, facility tours with members of Congress, and more frequent Hill visits.References:AWPA Website