Capitol Connections Goes Virtual

ELFA’s premier volunteer event demonstrates the industry’s visibility within the policy debates 

ON MAY 19, 150 ELFA members spent the day advocating on behalf of the equipment finance industry during our first virtual Capitol Connections event. Throughout the day, ELFA members zoomed with more than 145 House and Senate offices. 

In addition to advocating for the industry, attendees also heard from keynote speakers throughout the event. The day began with Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) addressing attendees and answering their questions. During the mid-day session, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) addressed attendees. Amy Walter, Editor in Chief of the Cook Political Report, closed the event speaking about the current political climate.

Next Steps?

ELFA members are encouraged to maintain a dialogue with your legislators, to build on the foundation created during Capitol Connections. In the coming weeks, Members of Congress will be returning to their districts for the August recess and that it is a perfect time to schedule an in-district meeting. Members of Congress are usually very willing to spend time learning about employers in their districts and states. If you are interested in building a relationship with your Member of Congress, please reach out to Chelsea Neil at [email protected]. 

Ben Court, Sean Svoboda, Kaitlin Bonner, Brad Peterson, Todd Clegg and Robert Kruger met with Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), who was standing outside of the Capitol.

Julia Gavrilov and Matthew McKeon met with Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) and a member of his staff.

During the mid-day session, Michelle Speranza (bottom left) introduced her Member of Congress, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) (bottom right), who gave brief remarks. The ELFA Federal Advocacy team of Andy Fishburn and Chelsea Neil were also in attendance.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) (bottom left) addressed ELFA members during the opening session. Members of the ELFA team, including President and CEO Ralph Petta, Andy Fishburn and Chelsea Neil, were also in attendance.


Jesse Johnson, Ricky Rios, Larry Scherzer, Panfilo Federico and Zorina Smith met with Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (bottom right).


Andrew Blacklock, Nick Gibbons and Mark Farlin met with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and a member of his staff.


Dan Nelson, Jon Biorkman, Mark Loken, Deb Reuben, Ryan Schlenner, David Verkinderen and Thomas Hitchcock met with Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) (bottom left) and a member of her staff.


Eric Bunnell, Sean McKenna, Lauren Aron, Luke Bourne, Taylor Coakley and Robert Moskovitz, met with Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) and a member of his team.