More than 125 ELFA members gathered on Capitol Hill on May 25 for Capitol Connections, the equipment finance industry’s biggest advocacy event of the year. Board Chair Mike DiCecco kicked off the program by highlighting its importance.

“I would like to welcome you all back to the first in-person Capitol Connections since 2019!” said DiCecco. “Capitol Connections is a unique event for ELFA… singularly focused on supporting the equipment leasing and finance industry to achieve a better public policy playing field.”

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.

New this year, the event featured a “hybrid” mix of in-person and virtual meetings with lawmakers from around the nation. Members met with approximately 150 Senate and House offices.

Advocacy Award

DiCecco and ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta presented the David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award to Chuck Cross, Senior Lead Counsel at Wells Fargo. Cross was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to ELFA's state advocacy program, particularly on the critical issue of state financial disclosure requirements, in addition to numerous other contributions.

Speakers

In addition to advocating for the industry, attendees heard from several keynote speakers.

Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota addressed the opening breakfast.

After a busy morning of in-person and virtual meetings with congressional offices, attendees convened for a luncheon featuring speaker Alan Ellison of the CFPB, who discussed Section 1071 of the Dodd Frank Act, which will create a data collection and reporting requirement for small business lending.

Political commentator and author Chris Stirewalt shared an entertaining analysis of the current political climate during the closing dinner.

LeasePAC Recognition

At the evening LeasePAC reception, LeasePAC Chair Kirk Phillips recognized a number of individuals and companies for their contributions to the association’s political action committee.

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