FEDERAL INSIGHT By Richard Shanahan Amplifying Our Voice to Build Connections C Capitol Connections Showcases the Industry’s Visibility Within the Policy Debate APITOL CONNECTIONS, held May 13-14 in Washington, D.C., saw more than 100 ELFA members visit 150 Senate and House offices. Participants reported that the congressional offices they visited demonstrated an increased awareness of the equipment finance industry and a great recognition of our issues, showing that our voice is being heard and recognized. ELFA attendees also meet with two executive branch agencies that have a direct role setting the regulatory framework for our industry. 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 mutu-ally 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. Keynote speakers at the event included Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), who addressed the LeasePAC reception, and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH), who addressed the group breakfast. At the opening luncheon, Chris Cillizza from the Washington Post briefed attendees on the political landscape they would be encountering as they visited their congressional members. ELFA member law firm Thompson Coburn sponsored the Capi-tol Connections program by providing um-brellas, which were fortunately not needed due to the beautiful weather. Capitol Connections participants are encouraged to maintain a dialogue with Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) (center) with Woody Sutton and former ELFA Chairman Rick Remiker at breakfast on Thursday. Zack Marsh, Donna Christensen and Brian Madison met with Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) (third from left). Lori Frasier, Noah Ahn-O’Connor and Tom Peterson had the opportunity to meet with newly-elected Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) (second from left) as they visited Colorado members. Jester Honored ELFA President & CEO Woody Sutton (at left) and Chairman Bob Rinaldi present the 2015 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award to Valerie Jester, President of Brandywine Capital Associates. The award recognizes an ELFA member who has made an extraordinary contribution to the association’s federal or state advocacy programs. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/News/Press/ pressreleases_report.cfm?ID=21911. LeasePAC Event LeasePAC Committee Chairman Chris Enbom and Woody Sutton present the highest-participation award to Alan Sikora 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. Neil Witman, David Miele and Mike Doyle had a chance to speak 42 JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE