U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.) recently visited HARDI member Johnstone Supply’s Kenilworth, New Jersey, location to meet with employees.

Lance spoke to the company’s employees about tax reform, health care and workforce issues. He also discussed the issue of online sales tax avoidance, among other topics.

“I enjoyed visiting Johnstone Supply in Kenilworth and seeing firsthand the work the company does in the sale of heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration products,” Lance said. “I was pleased to be briefed on the issues facing the industry and what I can do in Congress to work toward improving the business climate. The Zimmermanns and their colleagues had excellent questions on public policy and impressed me as being very civic-minded.”

Bob Zimmermann, president and co-owner of Johnstone Supply, said he enjoys meeting with lawmakers.

“Engaging with government leaders may not be top of mind for most business owners, but there is a real value in discussing these issues with our elected officials, and we appreciated Congressman Lance being accessible to our team and willing to engage,” he said.

Kate Zimmermann, Johnstone Supply’s director of benefits and training development, said she was glad Lance took the time to visit the facility and meet with employees.

“It was a great opportunity to discuss some of the challenges that face our company and our industry with Congressman Lance, but what we truly appreciated was his willingness to talk about solutions to those challenges,” she said.