The Indiana Chamber’s annual D.C. Fly-in offers you a unique opportunity to hear and get feedback from Indiana’s entire Washington D.C. delegation – as well as a cadre of other high-ranking officials from the Japanese embassy or consulate, U.S. Treasury Department, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The 2021 D.C. Fly-in – which will be held virtually via Zoom for the second consecutive year – is Sept. 22 and 23, and registration is now open. The event is free for Indiana Chamber members and $99 for non-members. Registration is still required for Chamber members.
There will be four hours of programming, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., each day, highlighted by lawmakers updating attendees on developments in the nation’s capital that could impact the Hoosier state and local businesses. There also will be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
“This is an important opportunity to connect Chamber members with our delegation in Washington D.C. and let them hear what the delegation is working on and considering in terms of federal legislation,” says Greg Ellis, Indiana Chamber vice president, energy and environmental affairs and federal relations.
We are putting together an even more robust program this year that will consist of a number of speakers from outside the delegation, he adds. “We have secured high-ranking officials from several federal agencies to share their insights on policy areas impacting your business.”
Among the hot topics discussed will be the U.S.’s relationship with Japan and how that is impacting the Hoosier business community.
Attendees will hear from the consul-general of Japan based in Chicago or the Japanese ambassador to the U.S. about the relationship with Indiana as a business partner and what is needed to continue that good relationship.
Attendance for the two-day event was strong last year, and indications are it will be the same next month.
“Interest from Chamber members is high on a number of topics, including education and COVID’s impact on students’ level of learning, foreign and domestic affairs and the economy,” Ellis states.
This event is no one-way discourse, he stresses. The D.C. Fly-in also is an opportunity for Indiana business leaders to voice their thoughts and concerns to the state’s delegation.
“Our delegation in Washington wants to hear what Chamber members think is working, and what needs to be fine-tuned,” he notes. “Lawmakers want to make sure the laws they’re passing aren’t having a negative impact on Indiana’s economy, and in fact, are having a positive impact in keeping the economy going. This is all about making Indiana better.”
Sponsorship opportunities for the event are still open; please contact Greg Ellis at gellis@indianachamber.com or (317) 264-6881 for details.
Anthony Schoettle is the director of communications for the Indiana Chamber. He started with the Chamber in 2021 after a long career in journalism. He’s won multiple awards for his storytelling ability on a wide range of business topics.
