A First Look at Legislative Days in Washington, D.C.

Stepping into Washington, DC for the first time carries a weight that’s hard to describe until you experience it. The towering marble monuments, the depth of history etched into every building, and the quiet significance of the memorials all remind you quickly—this is a place where decisions are made that shape our industries, our communities, and our future.

Attending Legislative Days with the National Pest Management Association as a first-time participant was both humbling and energizing. Representing the Washington State Pest Management Association as its President—and more importantly, speaking on behalf of independent small business owners—brought a strong sense of responsibility. These are the voices that need to be heard, and this is the place where that matters most.

The Power of Connection

Over the course of two full days, what stood out immediately was the power of connection. Networking with fellow state associations revealed a clear and consistent theme: while our businesses may operate in different regions, the challenges we face are remarkably similar.

Chief among them is the need for science-based decision-making, particularly when it comes to state-level preemption. Without it, a patchwork of local regulations from cities, towns, and counties can make it increasingly difficult to operate effectively and serve our customers.

The Importance of Relationships

Equally impressive was witnessing the impact of strong relationships at the national level. Billy Olsen, SPAR and Samantha Malone exemplify what effective advocacy looks like. Their ability to build and maintain meaningful connections in Washington, DC directly benefits organizations like WSPMA and, ultimately, the small businesses we represent.

These relationships are not just helpful—they are essential. Without them, our efforts would be significantly more challenging.

Finding Your Voice

Meeting with our state representatives was, at first, an intimidating experience. Walking into those offices, you can’t help but feel the gravity of the environment. But that feeling quickly shifts once you realize something important: elected officials are there to listen.

They want to understand what matters to their constituents and why. Our role is not to overwhelm them, but to be a clear, credible resource—someone they can turn to when decisions need to be made.

This experience served as a reminder that involvement matters. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, showing up, speaking up, and building relationships can make a lasting difference.

Opportunities like this don’t come often—and when they do, it’s important to seize them.