Richard Shanahan 2016-07-29 07:00:38
Capitol Connections Showcases the Visibility of Our Industry Within the Policy Debate
CAPITOL CONNECTIONS, May 18–19 in Washington, D.C., saw 115 ELFA members visit 182 Senate and House offices. Participants reported a higher recognition of our issues and awareness of the equipment finance industry when visiting congressional offices, showing that our voice is being heard and recognized. ELFA attendees also met with two executive branch agencies that have a direct role in setting the regulatory framework for our industry.
Keynote speakers at the event included Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), who addressed the LeasePAC reception, and Rep. Pat Meehan (R-PA), who addressed the group breakfast. At the opening luncheon, former Rep. Jim Gerlach, now President & CEO of the Business and Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC), gave attendees insight into successful methods of visiting congressional offices from his point of view as a former representative. Following Gerlach’s remarks, Zack Marsh of Mintaka Financial and Nathan Gibbons of First American Equipment Finance, a City National Bank Company, participated in a role-playing exercise to give attendees some perspective into different scenarios they might encounter as they visited offices. Thompson Coburn sponsored this year’s Capitol Connection program by providing hotel key cards.
Next Steps Capitol Connections participants are encouraged to maintain a dialogue with their legislators and regulators to build on the successful contacts made during Capitol Connections. A meeting in the congressional district during the August break is a mutually beneficial opportunity to establish a local connection beyond a meeting in Washington. Ideally, ELFA members will be used as a resource to these members of Congress and regulatory bodies so that our voice is heard on a continuing basis. Please visit www.elfaonline.org/Advocacy/ for issue briefs and additional information on ELFA’s grassroots program.
For more information, please contact Richard Shanahan, ELFA Director of Government Relations, at rshanahan@elfaonline.org.
Advocacy Award
ELFA Vice Chairman Tony Cracchiolo, at right, presents the 2016 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award to Dennis Brown, ELFA Vice President of State Government Relations. The award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the association’s federal or state advocacy programs.
LeasePAC Event
LeasePAC Committee Chair Martha Ahlers and ELFA President & CEO Ralph Petta, at center, present the highest participation award to Nathan Gibbons of First American Equipment Finance, a City National Bank Company. The LeasePAC Committee recognized several individuals and companies for their leadership at the LeasePAC Reception. Learn more at www.Elfaonline.org/Advocacy/Fed/PAC/PA/?fa=Awards.
Nathan Petri, Brett Boehm and Shari Lipski met with Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL), at right.
Chris Enbom, Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) and Paul Frechette
Rep. Pat Meehan (R-PA), at left, spoke to Capitol Connections attendees. Pictured with him are Mike Toglia, ELFA President & CEO Ralph Petta and Andy Fishburn.
Kirk Phillips, Dan Waller and Laura Eckhardt had a chance to speak with Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX) during their visits.
Rep. David Price (D-NC), center, visits with ELFA members.
Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA), second from right, meeting with ELFA members from Pennsylvania.
Tom Dwyer, Shari Schmidt, John Heist and Jeff Dicosola met with Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), at center.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), center, meets with employees from BMO Harris Equipment Finance Company.
ELFA members meet with Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), third from right.
Long-time ELFA supporter Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) met with ELFA members.
Outside the U.S. Senate chamber, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE), second from left, with Jeff Van Slyke and Russ Hallberg from LeaseTeam and Deena Miller from Key Equipment Finance.
Opening luncheon speaker Jim Gerlach, President & CEO of BIPAC.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) speaks to members at the LeasePAC reception.
Don Link, Peter Bullen, Jeff Elliott and Tim Evans spent time with Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH), at center.
As a follow-up to her visit to LEAF Commercial Capital last year, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), second from right, met with Craig Ault, Kris Darby, Laura Mosness and Katie Emmel.
Illinois ELFA members with Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL), second from left.
©Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. View All Articles.