Collector - November 2009

these efforts are critical to our company’s and our industry’s future.”

Early feedback on the meetings suggests members of Congress and their staff were engaged and knowledgeable about ACA’s issues. In fact, several lawmakers and staffers expressed interest in continuing the dialogue. Each member of Congress and staff person who met with an ACA member received a follow-up letter. ACA staff members will stay in communication with these individuals to build upon the important work accomplished during the fly-in.

As part of the fly-in, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.), and Sen. Charles Grassley ( R-Iowa) addressed members at ACA’s Federal Government Affairs Office.

Moore emphasized the importance of overcoming partisanship to find common ground to accomplish goals set by the American people.

Thune focused on the anti-business sentiment pervasive in Congress and noted the role of the Senate in preventing anti-business sentiment from becoming enacted legislation.

Grassley, who came to ACA’s office during a break in the health care bill markup, provided focused insight into proposed health care legislation and the direction and state of health care reform.

ACA is following up on various requests stemming from the fly-in and open house and continuing to press forward on its agenda. Please visit http://www.acainternational.org/ governmentaffairs for more detailed information on the issues critical to the industry and ways in which you can help. cm

Alexandra Adair is ACA International’s government affairs specialist.

Top left: Vice President Mark Neeb, Executive Vice President and General Counsel Rozanne Andersen, Past President Jay Gonsalves, President Karolyn Rubin, Treasurer Tom Stockton and CEO Gary Rippentrop (not pictured: President-Elect Martin Sher).