U NITING THE I N Capitol Connections Draws Members to Wa T HE 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 fi nish line to enactment? Who will be appointed to what positions and how will that change the implementation of the law? How will all this aff ect my business and our industry? With all the mixed feelings and expectations for the new policy outlook in Washington, the equipment fi nance indus-try has an opportunity. Th rough ELFA, we have the ability to unite the industry’s voice to demonstrate to our elected offi -cials the importance and impact we can have on the economy of the country and on policy ideas. Th at happens through the involvement and engagement of member companies in our political programs. What can you do to help the industry navigate this ex-citing 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 commit-tees 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 representa-tives helps ELFA devise the right response to numerous state and federal changes to regulatory or legislative proposals. Member company employees from all diff erent business types ensure our response as an industry to the issues that come up are balanced and refl ective 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 sena-tors 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 Capi-tol 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 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 /. ORHAN CAM/ SHUTTERSTOCK 38 MARCH/APRIL 2017 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE