1 Thursday, May 29, 2014 NASBP Fly-In: Instructions for a Successful Visit to Your Congressional Office Presented by: Larry LeClair National Association of Surety Bond Producers Colleen Clarke Roanoke Insurance Group

2 Thursday, May 29, PRESENTERS BIOGRAPHY SLIDE Larry LeClair is a Government Relations professional that has advocated policy interests on behalf of trade and professional associations for nearly 20 years at both the state and federal level. Larry is currently NASBP’s Director, Government Relations where he is the policy advocate and lobbyist for the association. Colleen Clarke is Vice President, Surety Trade Relations for Roanoke Insurance Group, Schaumburg, IL. She serves as the NASBP representative on the Customs Surety Executive Committee advocating on behalf of the surety industry. Colleen was appointed by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Treasury Department to the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) of Customs & Border Protection and served the maximum 2 terms from

3 Thursday, May 29, Today’s Agenda Program Event for June 11 & 12 Review of NASBP Fly-in Issues Update on Import Bonds (Colleen Clarke) Tools & Techniques for Hill Visits Navigating Capitol Hill Scheduling Your Congressional Appts. Consult Fly-in website for Additional Information What to do after the Fly-in

NASBP Fly-in Program Agenda Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill June 11 Welcome Reception 6:30 p.m., Thornton Room June 12 7:00 a.m. (breakfast), Capitol Room – –7:45 a.m. Welcome Remarks, NASBP President, Tom Padilla, NASBP Government Relations Chair, Kevin Garrity – –8:00 a.m. Rep John Duncan (R-TN-02) – –8:30 a.m. Rep Grace Meng (D-NY-6 th ) – –9:00 a.m. Adam Hepburn, Legislative Director for Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY-22 nd ) – –9:30 a.m. Concluding Remarks/Instructions, Larry LeClair – –4:30 p.m. Closing Reception, Columbia A Room Thursday, May 29,

5 5 NASBP Fly-in Issues (Refer to Your Talking Pts. Document) 1. 1.Understand the Importance of Surety Bonds 2. 2.H.R. 776, the Security in Bonding Act of 2013 A. A.Individual Surety Provision B. B.Increase the guarantee of Small Business Administration’s Bond Guarantee Program 3. 3.Bonds on federal P3 Agreements

6 Thursday, May 29, NASBP Fly-in Issues The Construction Procurement Coalition (11 members, see your talking points document for a list) Omnibus Contracting Reform Package includes NASBP’s Legislative Priorities:   H.R. 776 (individual surety/Small Business Administration’s Bond Guarantee Program)   Bonding on Federal P3 Agreements   Threshold increase to the Miller Act Coalition seeks a Senate Bill Sponsor

7 Thursday, May 29, Import Bonds Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) background GSP Expiration on July 31, 2013 Importers are paying higher duty amounts Bonds amounts increasing Harm to economy Unknown if Congress will pass an extension this year

8 Thursday, May 29, Tools & Techniques for Hill Visits Be Prepared: Know your talking points Be succinct and concise Make a connection—use examples Make an “Ask” —Support H.R. 776 Be flexible Know opposing views Be honest Leave-behinds—Talking Points Document

9 Thursday, May 29, Navigating Capitol Hill House Office Buildings coded by number – –3 Digit room is Cannon – –4 Digit room beginning with 1 is Longworth – –4 Digit room beginning with 2 is Rayburn Meeting is in room 103: Cannon 1 st flr. Meeting is in room 1133: Longworth 1 st flr. Meeting is in room 2133: Rayburn 1 st flr.

10 Thursday, May 29, Scheduling Your Congressional Appts. See the Fly-in website for a sample meeting letter Call the Capitol Switchboard ask to be connected to your Rep/Senator’s Scheduler Follow up, Follow Up, Follow up Contact me if you are having difficulty

Consult the Fly-in website for Additional Information Questions about: – –Hotel Accommodations – –Transportation – –Meeting/Reception Times – –Local Restaurants Thursday, May 29,

12 Thursday, May 29, After the Fly-in Follow-up After Your Visits: – –Are there follow up/questions? – –Send a thank you note – –Please give NASBP your feedback about the Fly- in – –Stay engaged in your association: Volunteer as a GAR in your state Attend GR Committee Meetings

13 Thursday, May 29, QUESTIONS? If you do not have the opportunity to have your question addressed during the Seminar, you may contact the presenter directly: Larry LeClair, National Association Surety Bond Producers Contact info – Colleen Clarke, Roanoke Insurance Group Contact info —