On May 22, 140 ELFA members spent the day in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of the equipment finance industry during our Capitol Connections Program. Throughout the day, ELFA members met with more than 140 congressional offices to highlight the impacts that the CFPB’s Section 1071 Rule will have on our industry.
In addition to advocating for the industry, attendees also heard from keynote speakers throughout the event. The day began with Rep. Andy Barr (KY-6th), a key sponsor of the Small Lender Act, addressing attendees and answering their questions. Political commentator A.B. Stoddard closed the day’s program speaking about the current political climate.
Next Steps?
It is critical to maintain an ongoing dialog with your elected representatives. The meetings held and relationships built during Capitol Connections are only a data point if the conversation ends there. In the coming weeks, members of Congress will be returning to their districts for the August recess, which is a perfect time to schedule an in-district meeting. Members of Congress look forward to spending time learning about employers in their districts and states. If you are interested in building a relationship with your member of Congress through an in-district meeting, please contact the ELFA Federal Government Relations team at [email protected].
ELFA President and CEO Leigh Lytle and Congressman Andy Barr, before he addresses the Capitol Connections opening breakfast.
Eddie Gross, attendee of 21 out of the last 22 Capitol Connections, was awarded the David H. Fenig Award Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award for his tireless work on behalf of the equipment finance industry.
Jena Morgan, Susan Carol, James Currier and John Perry get ready to turn into advocacy superheroes in the Longworth building’s telephone booths.
Counterclockwise from left: Michael Clune, Eddie Gross, Mehul Madia, Jennifer Dulac-Silverman, Alistair Canal and Nancy Pistorio meet with Rep. Claudia Tenney and her staff.
Kathleen Canum, Matt Iacobucci, Katie Emmel, Brian Eschmann and Matthew Hart meet with Rep. Judy Chu and her staff.
Martin Klotzman, Brittany Ogden, Jeff Bilbrey and Jon Albin meet with Rep. Julia Brownley.
James Cress, Kirk Phillips, Jeff Elliott, Andy Fishburn, Jon Biorkman, Michelle Speranza and ELFA Chair Rob Boyer learn that Congressman Roger Williams and his staff only take meetings standing up!
Joe Banister, Christine Brown and Brian Kestenbaum meet with Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan.
Political commentator A.B. Stoddard closed the event speaking to attendees about the state of American politics.
