Richard Shanahan 2017-03-10 04:32:12
Capitol Connections Draws Members to Washington, D.C., May 17–18
THE BEGINNING OF EACH NEW CONGRESS AND ADMINISTRATION brings excitement, confusion, eagerness and trepidation. What policies will rise to the top of the agenda? What issues will gain debate time and cross the finish line to enactment? Who will be appointed to what positions and how will that change the implementation of the law? How will all this affect my business and our industry?
With all the mixed feelings and expectations for the new policy outlook in Washington, the equipment finance industry has an opportunity. Th rough ELFA, we have the ability to unite the industry’s voice to demonstrate to our elected officials the importance and impact we can have on the economy of the country and on policy ideas. That happens through the involvement and engagement of member companies in our political programs.
What can you do to help the industry navigate this exciting time to ensure that our voice is heard and the policies that support the growth and development of our industry are encouraged? Th e good news is there are lots of ways you can be part of uniting the industry’s voice.
Join a Policy Committee
Is your company represented on one of the policy committees that help monitor and shape the industry’s response to proposals? Whether it is the Federal Tax Committee, the State Legislative and Regulatory Subcommittee, the Federal Compliance and Regulatory Subcommittee or the Air Rail Marine Subcommittee, membership by company representatives helps ELFA devise the right response to numerous state and federal changes to regulatory or legislative proposals. Member company employees from all different business types ensure our response as an industry to the issues that come up are balanced and reflective of the industry.
Attend Capitol Connections
With seven new U.S. Senators, 52 new U.S. Representatives, eight new Governors and numerous newly elected state senators and representatives, the industry has an opportunity to teach these new public servants about our industry and our impact to the economy. Step one is to attend Capitol Connections, May 17–18 in Washington, D.C. Th is is our premiere member-engagement event, bringing more than 100 ELFA members to Washington to meet with Senators and Representatives to tell them about our business in their states and districts. ELFA prepares attendees ahead of time through webinars, speakers and opening luncheon skits so that meetings on Capitol Hill run smoothly and are productive for ELFA members and the offices being visited. Receptions and breakfasts bring elected officials directly to the event and give members the ability to interact, learn about the process and engage our representative government.
Host a Member of Congress in Your District
Capitol Connections is the premiere event for engagement with government officials, but it is only the beginning of the conversation. Effective government relations includes building a long-term relationship with those that represent your business at every level of government. One of the most effective ways to provide a deeper discussion of the industry is to host an elected official at your office. This is effective because the elected official is able to spend more time on just your business and our industry away from the hustle and bustle of Capitol Hill. Instead of a 20-minute meeting in his or her office in Washington or a state capitol, the elected official can spend an hour meeting with your senior staff and the rest of your employees and hearing what you do and how you equip businesses for success.
It may sound like a daunting task to host an elected official, but ELFA is your resource. The government relations team at the association can help draft invitation letters, identify the right contact in an office, help coordinate available dates, do prep work with your senior leaders and even be on-site during the event to help with logistical issues that may come up. The reward to your business and the industry is a greater awareness by the elected official of your impact to the area and the importance our industry has in the local and national economy. It also helps further develop the relationship between the elected official and the industry so the individual and staff know what issues impact our success and who to turn to with questions as policies are debated. This deeper relationship furthers the goals of our industry, makes us the go-to experts in policy discussions and helps to provide us the ability to shape policy.
Whether you join a policy committee, attend Capitol Connections or bring an elected official to your offices, there is great opportunity to help unite the industry’s voice and participate in the process. The new elected officials and the change in administration allow our industry to educate the new faces on how we equip businesses for success!
Richard Shanahan is ELFA Director of Government Relations. He can be reached at rshanahan@elfaonline.org.
Join ELFA members in Washington, D.C., for Capitol Connections, May 17–18.
This is a free event but is only open to ELFA members who register by April 14.
Get all the details at www.elfaonline.org/events/2017/CHD/.
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