FEDERAL INSIGHT By Richard Shanahan Amplifying Our Voice to Build Connections Capitol Connections Showcases the Visibility of Our Industry Within the Policy Debate C APITOL 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 Busi-ness 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 Con-nection program by providing hotel key cards. Next Steps Capitol Connections participants are encour-aged to maintain a dialogue with their legisla-tors 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 op-portunity to establish a local connection be-yond 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. 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 LeasePAC Event 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 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 . 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. 42 JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE