The Indiana Chamber of Commerce held its 2023 D.C. Fly-in last week. This year, we held the first day’s meetings at the Embassy Suites at the Washington D.C. Convention Center. In addition to the outstanding group of speakers from executive branch agencies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Indiana’s congressional delegation, we had a great group of very engaged members and ideal weather.
Sen. Mike Braun (R) and Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar
We kicked off the first day with a familiar face: Bruno Pigott, the principal deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Water in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pigott is also the former commissioner of the Indiana Department of Energy Management and spoke about recent changes to Waters of the United States regulations, funding opportunities for water resources and water quality issues.
Next up was Ae′rek Stephens of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Small Business Division. Stephens discussed funding and loan opportunities for small businesses including minority, women and veteran-owned issues. The bank assists in financing and facilitating U.S. exports of goods and services. (NOTE: The EXIM annual conference is being held October 19-20 and the group is offering discounted pricing to our members. Visit the registration page and use code “INChamber2023.”)
Our friend Katie Mahoney, vice president of health policy for the U.S. Chamber, joined us on day one also. Mahoney discussed the general state of the nation’s health care system and issues that Congress, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Health and Human Services Agency were working on in this area.
Rep. Greg Pence (R)
Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar then conducted a fireside chat with Sen. Mike Braun (R), who talked about his experiences, observations and accomplishments in Congress as he is getting ready to conclude his term. He also discussed why he chose not to run for another term and instead run for Governor.
Kevin Dillon and Bob Nadeau of the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were the breakfast speakers on day two. They shared information about what CISA’s responsibilities are and how they interact with businesses. They discussed cyber threats and advisories, cybersecurity best practices, critical infrastructure security and resources/tools available to stakeholders.
Our attendees then visited the Capitol Visitors Center to meet with Sen. Todd Young (R). We then split up into smaller groups to visit the U.S. House of Representatives offices and meet with Reps. Jim Baird (R), Jim Banks (R), Larry Bucshon (R), Andre Carson (D), Erin Houchin (R), Frank Mrvan (D), Greg Pence (R) and Rep. Rudy Yakym III (R).
Sen. Todd Young (R)
We were quite pleased with the event and our members enjoyed the opportunity to discuss business concerns and pressing needs with both the Indiana members of Congress and key executive branch officials.
The event could not have taken place without the generous support of the Fly-In sponsors: Platinum Sponsor – Indiana American Water; Gold Sponsor – Zimmer Biomet; Silver Sponsor – The Build Indiana Council; and Contributing Sponsors – CenterPoint Energy, Hoosier Energy, Thompson Thrift and TruGreen.
We have the best members and I look forward to seeing you at next year’s Fly-in!
