FEDERAL INSIGHT By Richard Shanahan Uniting the Industry’s Voice C Capitol Connections Showcases the Visibility of the Industry within the Policy Debate APITOL CONNECTIONS, held May 17–18 in Washington, D.C., saw 123 ELFA members visit 206 Senate and House offices to advocate for the association’s key policy priorities. Participants reported an increased recognition of the equipment finance industry and ELFA’s advocacy priorities when visiting congressional offices, showing that our voice is being heard and recognized. ELFA attendees also met with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to discuss data collection issues under the Dodd-Frank Act. Keynote speakers at the event includ-ed Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who ad-dressed the LeasePAC reception, as well as Russ Sullivan and Harold Hancock of McGuireWoods, who debated the prospects for tax reform at the opening luncheon. Next Steps Capitol Connections participants are en-couraged 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 mutual-ly beneficial opportunity to establish a local connection beyond a meeting in Washing-ton. 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. Thank You to Our Sponsors Thompson Coburn sponsored this year’s Cap-itol Connection program by providing pen flashlights. International Decision Systems sponsored the Capitol Connections opening luncheon and inserted a little fun to the event through the Capitol Steps Challenge. Dominic Janney of Canon Financial Services, Inc., took home the top prize in the challenge by taking more than 41,000 steps during the day-and-a-half event. Bob Neagle from Ascentium Cap-ital LLC took second place and Ross Taylor of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLC took third. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) speaks at the LeasePAC reception about tax reform and creating a competitive business environment. Laura Mosness and Katie Emmel met with Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), center. Long-time ELFA advocate Rep. Pat Meehan (R-PA), center, met with Miles Herman and Brian Kestenbaum of LEAF Commercial Capital as a follow-up to last year’s visit by the Congressman to their office in Philadelphia. Advocacy Award ELFA Chairman Tony Cracchiolo and ELFA President & CEO Ralph Petta present the 2017 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award to Robert Boyer, President of Susquehanna Commercial Capital. The award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the association’s federal or state advocacy programs. LeasePAC Event LeasePAC Committee Chair Gary LoMonaco and ELFA President & CEO Ralph Petta 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/leasepac/awards . Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), center, meets with David Miele and Colleen Daly. 38 JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) meets with ELFA members from Pennsylvania.