The Industrial Environmental Association (IEA) was formed in 1983 to promote responsible, cost-effective environmental laws and regulations, facilitate environmental compliance among member companies and provide related education activities for the community at large. The IEA's evolution has included an expanding role as the "voice" for manufacturing and associated companies in Southern California. By addressing legislation and regulation, and encouraging community involvement, the IEA advocates on behalf of business to ultimately improve the quality of life in the region. The Industrial Environmental Association actively insists on strong environmental compliance efforts among member companies as a matter of written policy. IEA member companies also share a commitment to create a positive perception of industry in Southern California. In the past, a lack of information may have colored the perceptions of regulators and other audiences about industry and its processes. IEA activism, however, is reversing those perceptions by proving, with deeds as well as words, that industrial companies care about the community, both environmentally and economically. As the quality of the environment is inextricably tied to our economic powers, the IEA believes that industry must be involved in the process of environmental policy-making. Furthermore, the IEA urges reliance on scientific, analytical data to evaluate regulations and willingly works closely with city and county government officials in an effort to realize environmental and community health protection.