The April 22 online event is a good way for advocacy newcomers to learn about how to get involved with ACA’s efforts at the federal and state level. Register now to secure your spot.
3/29/2021 14:30
The 2021 Washington Insights Virtual Fly-In is less than a month away and ACA International members new to advocacy are invited to learn what it’s all about and how to help advance our advocacy strategy year-round.
ACA is watching the activities of the 117th Congress closely and engaging with congressional leaders and regulators. The April 22 Washington Insights Virtual Fly-In, which has an exciting agenda featuring representatives of federal and state regulators and members of Congress, is part of that process.
Join fellow ACA members, ACA staff and key D.C insiders to discuss what is happening “on the Hill” and how ACA’s efforts are impacting your business operations. Register now for your entire staff to join the conversation for one payment of $99.
“Washington Insights is always one of my favorite industry events,” said Jeff DiMatteo, president of American Profit Recovery Inc., as well as the New England Collectors Association. “I walk away having learned so much, but more importantly knowing I have done something to help our industry. This year is a great year to attend if you have never done so before. There is no need to travel, and you can still participate in this always important event.”
A session from U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., followed by a presentation by ACA CEO Mark Neeb will officially kick off this highly anticipated event.
Leaders of ACA’s Women in Collections Resource Council (WICRC) will host a new session highlighting their experience advocating in Washington, D.C.
WICRC chair Fran Fisher, business development manager—ARM at Payscout, and WICRC members Pauline Kussart, president, The Stark Collection Agency Inc., and Anita Manghisi, president, Independent Recovery Resources Inc., will be joined by U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa., and U.S. Rep. Victoria Sparks, R-Ind., who will share their perspective on the new makeup of the 117th Congress.
“If there was ever a time to be involved in advocacy, it’s now,” said Kelsi Hamilton, CCCO, director of compliance and legislative affairs at Dynamic Collectors Inc. in Chehalis, Washington, who also serves on the Washington Collectors Association Board of Directors. “Developing relationships and educating our elected officials is one of the best layers of insurance you can have for your business. Everyone benefits when you join the cause.”
The remainder of the advocacy event, sponsored by VoApps, has an exciting agenda featuring representatives of federal and state regulators and members of Congress.
Leah Dempsey, ACA’s vice president and senior counsel of federal advocacy, and Travis Johnson, managing principal at 1607 Strategies, will moderate the session with Cramer, who serves on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Cramer is a proponent of simplifying Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses. He also opposed Operation Choke Point efforts and supported protections for preserving banking relationships through legislation.
Throughout the day, members will hear updates on the importance of advocacy at the state and federal level.
Interactive sessions include a presentation on connecting with members of Congress led by Dempsey; ACA President Scott Purcell, president, Professional Credit Service; Brian Watkins, president, Southern Oregon Credit Service Inc.; and Richard Perr, managing partner, Kaufman Dolowich Voluck.
Additional confirmed speakers and moderators include:
- Jack Brown III, president, Gulf Coast Collection Bureau Inc.
- Jedd Bellman, assistant commissioner for Non-Depository Supervision, Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, Maryland Department of Labor.
- Michael Klutho, shareholder, Bassford Remele.
- Andrew Madden, vice president, state government and unit affairs, ACA.
- Patrick Russell, director of federal advocacy, ACA.
Russell and Klutho will lead a Q&A discussion about the new Democrat majority in Congress with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas.
During the afternoon, Nathan Simington, the newest commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, will talk about working with new leadership at federal agencies, including the FCC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with ACA Federal Affairs Committee chair Tamar Yudenfreund senior director, public policy, Encore Capital Group, and Dempsey. Andrew Smith, partner, Covington & Burling LLP, Washington, D.C., who recently led the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection will also join the discussion.
The event will conclude with a presentation on working with new leadership at federal agencies and a virtual happy hour with ACA’s Political Action Committee.
Register now to be a part of this important event focused on helping your businesses succeed through state and federal advocacy. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Email [email protected] for more information on sponsor opportunities.
Watch the Washington Insights website for more details as we confirm members of Congress to participate in sessions during the event.