Construction equipment distributor executives from around the nation, as well as manufacturers and service firms that support the equipment industry, will descend on the nation’s capital April 25 to 26 for AED’s annual Washington Fly-In. A video about the Fly-In and online registration are available at www.aednet.org/fly-in.
Half of the event (Day 1) is devoted to providing participants with updates on key legislative subjects impacting the construction equipment industry. On Day 2, dealers spend a full day in meetings with their members of Congress. AED’s Washington-based staff is available to assist with scheduling appointments on request.
Highlights of April 25 tentative program lineup include:
• Energy Policy Roundtable
Shale energy has been a game changer in equipment markets. The Keystone XL pipeline project would create construction industry jobs and lessen our reliance on foreign oil. U.S. coal deposits contain more energy than that of all the world’s oil reserves. Find out how radical environmentalists (and their administration allies) are creating barriers to opportunity and how AED and its business community partners are fighting back.
Toby Mack, president and CEO, AED (moderator)
Marty Durbin, executive vice president, American Petroleum Institute
Ron Eidshaug, vice president of Congressional and Public Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Government Affairs Luncheon
One of AED’s most experienced and piquant political watchers shares insights on the hot House and Senate contests, how the race for the White House is shaping up, and why it matters for you, your company, and the economy.
Bernadette Budde, senior vice president, business industry political action committee
• Tax Reform Roundtable
With the national debt mounting and the U.S. tax code in shambles, comprehensive tax reform is looming. Leading policy experts discuss proposed changes, factors driving the debate, and how AED should position itself as things heat up.
Christian A. Klein, vice president of government affairs and Washington counsel, AED (moderator)
Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), member, house ways and means committee and chief deputy Republican whip (invited)
Mark Bloomfield, president and chief executive officer, American Council for Capital Formation (invited)
Caroline Harris, chief tax counsel and executive director of tax policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Chairmen’s Briefing on Infrastructure Policy
What is the outlook for the highway bill? What’s it going to take to get federal water infrastructure funding back on track? What does the new airport construction bill mean for you?
Sen. Barbara Boxer, chairman, senate environment and public works committee (invited)
Sen. Jim Inhofe, ranking member, senate environment and public works committee (invited)
On April 26, Fly-In participants will enjoy the following breakfast program before heading to Capitol Hill for prearranged meetings with senators, representatives and congressional staff for the remainder of the day.
• Big Six in 2012 — AED PAC Breakfast
Attendees will meet six House freshmen who have quickly made their mark on Capitol Hill, played a leadership role on key issues, and built strong ties to the equipment industry. (Note: Only members whose companies have given AED PAC solicitation consent in accordance with the Federal Election Campaign Act may attend. Call 703/739-9513 for details.)
Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), member, house energy and commerce committee (invited)
Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), member, house transportation and infrastructure, small business, education and workforce committees
Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.), member, house transportation and infrastructure, agriculture, and science, space and technology committees (invited)
Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), member, house transportation and infrastructure, budget and agriculture committees
Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), member, house financial services committee (invited)
Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), member, house appropriations committee
A lunch buffet will be provided April 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the AED “War Room,” where participants can stop in to share feedback from congressional meetings and gather printed materials for communicating key legislative priorities.
An evening reception with fellow attendees and members of Congress is the closing event of the Fly-In, and features presentation of AED’s Legislative Leadership Award.
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