Jennifer L. Mendez, CRI Director of Government Affairs

Meet Jennifer L. Mendez, CRI’s Director of Government Affairs.

The carpet industry may be concentrated in North Georgia, but the issues that affect it happen on national and even international levels. Laws passed in state legislatures, city councils and county boards, and mandates from federal and state regulatory agencies can all influence the way carpet is manufactured and used. The Carpet and Rug Institute works very hard to stay abreast of hot button issues. Communicating with our members about legislation and proposed regulations of interest to them is something we take very seriously.

The woman who keeps CRI in the loop on all of this is CRI’s Government Affairs Director Jennifer Mendez. Jennifer lives in the Washington, DC area and works out of CRI’s Washington office. Jennifer is responsible for directing government relations on the federal, state, and local levels, and interacting with government agencies and other Washington-based trade associations.

Not merely an observer of public policy, Jennifer is a hands-on advocate for carpet. In addition to everything else she does, Jennifer is the Private Sector Co-chair of the Environmental Health Working Group of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and is a member of ALEC’s Natural Resources Task Force. She is a member of the Council of State Governments (CSG) and sits on their Environment Committee. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) and is Chair of their 2009 Leaders Policy Conference.

Jenn is active in her church and community, but her favorite job is being a mom to a lovely teenage daughter. As busy as she is, I admire the way Jennifer handles herself with grace and good humor. She’s a smart and beautiful Spanish-speaking bundle of energy, and everyone here at CRI Dalton looks forward to her visits.

Jennifer talked to me about her job and her life as a carpet industry champion.

BR: The Government Issues Committee's strategic goal 2009 is "no adverse legislation passed". That's a tall order. How are we doing?

JM: So far, so good - no adverse legislation has passed since I started with CRI. But it is a tough job, especially when there are states out there that have attempted to enact legislation that “de-selects” carpet. My job is to educate the legislators and their staffs - give them the correct information and help them make informed policy decisions.

BR: Do you ever feel like the little Dutch Boy with not enough fingers to stop the leaks?

JM: Sometimes it can seem a little overwhelming. I’m the only CRI staff member who focuses solely on issues at the state level. At times that includes state, county, city governments, and even school districts. That’s a lot for one person to deal with. Certain geographic locations are more of a challenge than others. Fortunately I manage our contract lobbyists and prioritize. That’s the only way to achieve our goals.

BR: What's your elevator speech on carpet?

JM: To lighten things up, I always like to say that CRI is evidence that there truly is an association for everything! I’m often asked what our issues are, and I explain that they are for the most part environmental. I talk about all the voluntary, proactive programs that CRI has undertaken, such as Green Label Plus, the ANSI/NSF140 Carpet Sustainability Assessment Standard (sustainability is the big buzz word these days – so that’s always a hit!), CRI’s Seal of Approval Program (SOA) and The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). I know, that seems like a lot for the elevator, but I talk quickly (remember, I’m a Yankee – we talk fast!)

BR: What is the best way to present information in order to get a Congressman's attention? The worst?

JM: The best way: Make it short and to the point and make sure they know how whatever issue you’re addressing affects their constituents.

The worst way: Make it long, technical and not at all about them!

BR: How do you like Dalton?

JM: I travel frequently, and I enjoy coming to Dalton. The people are friendly and welcoming, and I really enjoy the time I get to spend with the CRI staff - what an amazing group of people!! Coincidentally, I grew up in Dalton, Pennsylvania (my mom still lives there), although the name of the town is where the similarities end. The Dalton where I grew up had a population of a little over 1,000 people - no sidewalks and the shopping consisted of Brownie’s General Store and a pharmacy….

BR: How do you do it all?

JM: Prioritize, prioritize, and prioritize!! I work on the issues that I need to be REACTIVE on and then look for opportunities to be PROACTIVE. I’m a big list-maker and I check things off as I complete them…. A big part of my job is networking - meeting people, knowing who to go to for help in different states. As my network grows, my ability to accomplish things and promote the industry also grows. I thoroughly enjoy my job and I really believe that helps me get things done. I never wake up dreading going to work. My job is fun and someone once told me, “If your job isn’t fun, you’re in the wrong job”!!! (This is a favorite saying of CRI President Werner Braun.)

Thank you, Jennifer. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

- Bethany


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