“Advocacy for the equipment finance industry has never been more important,” said Petta. “With a big infrastructure bill in the offing and tax changes afoot, we need to be talking to our elected officials about the important role our industry plays, and today you will.”

Capitol Connections is designed to educate members of Congress and select Administration officials about the nearly $1 trillion equipment finance industry’s role as a major source of capital and investment in the United States, and to positively influence federal policymakers who set the legislative and regulatory framework for the industry.

Opening Speaker

Andy Fishburn, ELFA VP of Federal Government Relations, introduced opening speaker Rep. Patrick McHenry, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. McHenry opened his remarks with a story about his father’s experience acquiring equipment to start a small business. He noted the value that ELFA members provide in delivering solutions to businesses nationwide.

McHenry, pictured above, also highlighted the value of members coming together under the ELFA umbrella to advocate for the equipment finance industry. “It’s really important you’re organized,” he said. “No one else is going to carry your issues in Washington. No one else is going to be willing to invest the time and effort into making sure people are educated on leasing and lending in this space... Please stay active. Please stay engaged. I know it’s more difficult in the digital format, but that’s why it’s even more important you’re organized as an association. In addition to that, you’ve got a great staff representing you in Washington.”

McHenry commented on a range of issues, including infrastructure, Section 1071 of Dodd-Frank, cryptocurrency and cybersecurity.

ELFA Director of Federal Government Relations Chelsea Neil closed the session by sending the attendees off to a day of meetings with legislators. More than 150 ELFA members were scheduled to meet with more than 180 Senate and House offices. In addition to advocating for the equipment leasing and finance industry on tax and financial services matters, attendees heard from keynote speakers on a range of hot topics. 

As pictured above, during his meeting with ELFA members, Rep. Dean Phillips paused for a photograph in front of the U.S. Capitol on his way to vote.

Mid-Day Session

After a busy morning of virtual meetings with congressional offices, attendees convened  for a mid-day session. Michelle Speranza (pictured below), Chief Marketing Officer at LEAF Commercial Capital Inc., introduced her Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, who spoke to attendees from a car heading on her way to vote. Dean, who is the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district and serves on the Financial Services Committee, commented on the environment in Washington and the world of financial services. She also noted that her father had a connection to the equipment finance industry.



Throughout the afternoon, members engaged in additional meetings with legislators and staff members from across the country.



ELFA members meeting with U.S. Representative Steve Womack.

Closing Session
Following afternoon meetings with more congressional offices, Capitol Connections attendees came together for the  closing session. ELFA Board Chair Kris Snow address the attendees, saying, "I know we all missed being in Washington, D.C. in person this year, walking the halls, networking at the opening reception, and sharing our experiences at the closing dinner...  But just because this year’s Capitol Connections was virtual, that doesn’t mean that the advocacy that we conducted today was any less important."



Snow presented the David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award to Randy Haug, Executive Vice President, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of LTi Technology Solutions (seen in photo holding plaque), who expressed his thanks to the association. Then leading political analyst Amy Walter, National Editor of the Cook Political Report, closed out the day sharing her insights on policy and politics.

Many thanks to everyone who attended Capitol Connections and helped advance ELFA's advocacy priorities on behalf of the equipment finance industry.