Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Newsroom
Nov 21, 2025
SEL Founder Urges Civic Engagement and Civility at Pullman Chamber Luncheon
PULLMAN, Wash. — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Founder Edmund O. Schweitzer III joined Vice President of Corporate Affairs Adina Bielenberg for a candid, interview-style conversation about business, civility, civic engagement and the American Dream at the Nov. 18 Pullman Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center membership luncheon.The discussion covered several timely topics:The Role of Chambers of Commerce“No matter what we’re doing—whether we’re cooking lunches and dinners, educating students, caring for the sick at the hospital or keeping the lights on—it is really commerce,” Dr. Schweitzer said. “We are able, in our society, to practice our arts, and doing these things that we choose to do with our lives, our families, our communities, in service to one another.”He emphasized how the mission of the Pullman Chamber to promote, advocate, and support local businesses is what makes this work possible.Civility in Public DiscourseDr. Schweitzer urged attendees to embrace civility as a cornerstone of democracy. “If you try to engage without civility, you’re really disengaging,” he said. “Democracy depends on heavy doses of civility.”“Our democracy depends on our involvement as individuals,” Dr. Schweitzer said. “And that depends on civil communication between one another.”Legislative Overload and Executive OrdersHighlighting the pace of lawmaking, Dr. Schweitzer noted that during the Washington State 2025 legislative session, officials introduced 1,905 bills in just 104 days—an average of 19 bills per day. “This is no longer a republic when there’s no room for deliberation,” he said.He also expressed concern about the growing reliance on executive orders, emphasizing the need to preserve checks and balances envisioned by the Founding Fathers. “This is not a monarchy. It is a republic,” Dr. Schweitzer stated. “Presidents from both parties have been abusing executive orders for decades, short-circuiting the responsibilities of Congress.”“We’re now getting legislation jammed without the time to be participating,” Dr. Schweitzer said. “That’s why it’s so important we need to help; we need to talk to one another and pay attention.”Keeping Faith in the American DreamDespite polls suggesting declining optimism, Dr. Schweitzer shared a message of hope: “I disagree and have faith in America, have faith in the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. We need to return to our roots.”He encouraged business leaders to avoid lobbying for mandates or subsidies that favor one industry at the expense of others.“SEL has never asked the government for anything other than a free, flat, fair and open environment to do business and serve our customers,” he said. “And I encourage you to do the same.”About Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesSEL invents, designs and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability, safety and cost. SEL, a 100 percent employee-owned company that is headquartered in Pullman, Washington, has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers in 173 countries. SEL provides unmatched technical support, customer service and a 10-year worldwide warranty.