Capitol Connections demonstrates the visibility of the industry within the policy debate.
ON MAY 15, 125 ELFA members spent the day in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of the equipment leasing and finance industry during Capitol Connections. Over the course of the day, ELFA members visited more than 175 House and Senate offices.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) addresses ELFA members during the opening breakfast.
In addition to advocating for the industry, attendees heard from several keynote speakers. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) spoke to the group and answered questions from the audience during the opening breakfast. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) addressed the LeasePAC reception. Paul Begala, a former advisor to President Clinton, spoke to attendees about the current political landscape during the closing dinner.
Paul Begala, former advisor to President Clinton, speaks during the closing dinner about the current political landscape.
A special thank you goes out to Thompson Coburn, who sponsored this year’s Capitol Connections program by providing access to a Congressional directory app for an entire year for attendees.
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. This 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 district and states. If you are interested in building a relationship with your Member of Congress, please reach out to Chelsea Neil at [email protected].
Advocacy Award
ELFA Chairman Jud Snyder presented the 2019 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award to Moorari Shah, Counsel for Buckley LLP. The award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the association’s federal and state advocacy programs.
LeasePAC Event
LeasePAC Chairman Connie Eimers and ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta presented the award for Highest Percentage Gains in Receipts for a Company Campaign to Michelle Speranza of LEAF Commercial Capital Inc. The LeasePAC Committee recognized several individuals and companies for their leadership at the LeasePAC reception.
Mike Wiedemer met with his Member of Congress, Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY), pictured at right.
Lori Frasier, Sarah Palmer, Amy Gross and Brian Eschmann met with Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), pictured at center.
Allen Snelling, Chris Lerma and Matthew Iacobucci met Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), second from right.
Kara Miyasato, Lisa Fleischer, James Cress and Josh Kessler on the balcony of the Rayburn building with Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), pictured at center.
Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), second from left, met with Kimberly Montgomery, Laura Mosness and Mike Romanowski.
Thomas Pericak, Andrew Kemmerer, Jesse Johnson, Brittany Ogden and Randy Haug met with Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), pictured third from left. 
Todd Anderson and Brian Fleming (at left) sat down with Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) and a member of his staff.
