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It is an honor to serve as the Board member representing the JFK Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association before our industry’s trade association, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, or NCBFAA. As one of eighteen elected individuals from around the United States who serves with the four-person executive committee, we tackle the issues which face our industry ranging from technology to management to interacting with government agencies whose activities and practices are so varied across every port in the United States that there are never a shortage of issues to be addressed.

The board meets quarterly (January, April, June and September) and the September meeting is always immediately before their Government Affairs Conference.

Held annually in Washington, DC, this is the time when industry professionals from around the country descend on our nation’s Capitol to hear about, and hear from, the agencies who regulate us and the Congress who writes the laws that govern us and them. On Tuesday, we then disperse across Capitol Hill, visiting offices of Senators and Congressman to discuss and seek their support on the issues which are impacting our industry.

The time spent in Washington is valuable for two reasons. First, it allows me to connect with my peers from around the country to hear what is happening in their individual ports and help me understand locally what is impacting our customers. Second, it allows me to network on behalf of the JFK Association, as well as Overton, to stress the importance of free and open trade, border security and fairness from the many government agencies with whom we work.