From the President – A Voice in Washington for the Handcrafted Soap Industry

HSMG ConferenceIndustry Advocacy & News13 Comments

The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild’s (HSMG) is an established and functioning non-profit trade association whose mission is to promote the handcrafted soap industry; to act as a center of communication among soapmakers, and to circulate information beneficial to soapmakers.

In the past three years there have been many threatening legislative proposals.  The three most recent pieces of federal legislation have been the FDA Globalization Act 2009 (HR 759), Safe Baby Act 2009 (S 925) and The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 (HR 5786 – still pending).

The HSMG Board of Directors has decided that the time has come to strengthen our policy positions and take an even more pro-active stance in advocating for the handcrafted soap industry, especially since a large portion of  the industry makes soap falls under cosmetic regulations.

To this end, the HSMG Board of Directors created a Legislative Advocacy Committee and has approved an official Legislative Advocacy Statement, including a clear delineation of advocacy policy and positions. We are now in an active search for a suitable professional advocate (lobbyist) to work on our behalf in Washington.

As the HSMG is supported solely by membership dues, we have established an Advocacy Fund and are seeking donations from both members and non-members to defray the costs associated with hiring a professional advocate and related expenses. All monies donated to the Advocacy Fund will be used solely and only for advocacy related activities. It is our hope that HSMG members, non-members, companies and consumers interested in preserving the industry donate today. These funds will specifically fund the hiring of a professional advocate and related expenses. For more information and/or to make a donation, see our advocacy webpages.

Updates and additional information will be communicated to you via the HSMG blog and eNews.

It is exciting for us to be able to take such an effective stance in the legislative arena, we are proud to be taking the voice of the handcrafted soap industry to our elected officials and government agencies.

Leigh O’Donnell

HSMG President

President@SoapGuild.org

13 Comments on “From the President – A Voice in Washington for the Handcrafted Soap Industry”

  1. This is a giant step for the HSMG and a much needed one. After listening to Senator Braun’s speech at the Conference I felt that we should have a professional advocate in Washington to represent us and look out for our interests. This is really a big day for us and I’m really proud to be a member of the HSMG. Now I’m heading to donate some money!

  2. I’ve been waiting for someone to do this since the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 reared it’s ugly head. We need an advocacy group in the worst way. There are thousands of Indies who need representation in Washington. Thank you!

  3. HSMG membership is so important for all soapmakers. This shows that if we band together we will have a voice that will make a difference. Please consider a donation to the advocacy cause. Applause to Leigh ODonnell and her legislative committee for taking the bull by the horns so to speak.

  4. THANK YOU SO MUCH for jumping to action HSMG and giving “us little guys” a firm & coherent voice. I agree with Delores – I’m proud to be a member of this organization (and always have been – but I’m even more proud now). I just donated on the site. I hope others will do the same, even if it’s a small amount from each of us, it will add up.

  5. I think this is a positive and much needed step in the right direction for the industry. Businesses that manufacture soap, natural cosmetics, and other beauty products need strong legal advocacy and representation against ill-informed and ill-thought out legislative proposals.

  6. The direction of the HSMG is taking into roles of Advocacy seems like such a natural evolution. I am proud of the HSMG for having the courage and foresight to move in this direction for the sake of not only our membership but ultimately for all small businesses. In Kaylas’ words: Bravo Soap Guild!

  7. I want to thank the HSMG for taking a strong stand and helping the industry by hiring a professional advocate. We cannot continue to be ignored by special interest groups and under estimated by big corporations that do not understand our industry. I look forward to having our voices heard loud and clear! Kudos…and…Thank You!!

  8. I completely agree and support this move toward advocating for the small business. Unfortunately, the old saying is true about politics getting involved in our lives whether we want it to or not. Ignoring it will not help, we have to fight for our rights to stay in a free market today and we are ready and able to support the Guilds efforts.

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