NAED CEO Releases Statement on the 2024 Election

ST. LOUIS — Wes Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Electrical Distributors, has issued the following in response to the 2024 national election results:

“The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) congratulates President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, and all incoming members of the 119th Congress. We look forward to working alongside this new leadership team to advance the needs of our industry and support the critical role our members play in American infrastructure.

“With a network of over 5,600 distributors and warehouses across every state and Congressional district, NAED’s reach is vital to the American economy. Our workforce of more than 500,000 is essential to building and powering America’s homes, businesses, industrial facilities, and data centers, helping drive innovation and progress across diverse sectors.

“As we look ahead, we see significant opportunities for the new administration and Congress to make meaningful improvements to our industry’s operational landscape. Our priorities include:

1. Strengthening the Supply Chain: Addressing challenges in the global and domestic supply chain will be critical to ensure the timely delivery of materials, products, and critical infrastructure to enhance resilience in the face of disruptions.
2. Workforce Development: Supporting initiatives that address workforce shortages and skills training will ensure that our industry has the talent necessary to keep up with growing demands.
3. Stable Tax and Regulatory Environment: Establishing a business-friendly tax code and regulatory framework will provide the predictability that companies need to invest in long-term growth and innovation.
4. Permitting Reform: Passing common-sense permitting reforms will help expedite projects that drive economic growth and modernize infrastructure.
5. Expanding Customer Choices: Embracing policies that foster innovation will allow us to offer customers a wider range of energy-efficient and technologically advanced products to enhance their lives.

NAED is committed to working with the administration and Congress to promote policies that strengthen our industry, support economic growth, and benefit all Americans.”