On May 6th and 7th, the founders of Repo Alliance, Dave Kennedy, Mike Peplinski, Stephanie Findley and Marcelle Egley Sparks, along with their guests Vaughn Clemmons, Richard Grosvenor and Todd Case, traveled to DC and met with representatives of Van Scoyoc and Associates, the recovery industry lobbyist firm, and several Congressional Senior Policy Advisors.
Due to the dedicated efforts of Van Scoyoc and Associates, and the strategic plan they have designed and are implementing for us, we were able to focus this visit on the negative impacts that changes in the industry have had on us as small businesses. By designing our visit and messaging with this focus, we were able to expand the universe of Congressional targets and, for the first time in the history of the recovery industry, we were provided the opportunity to meet with members and staff of the Small Business Committee. Our many meetings included senior staffers for the committee itself.
During NARS 2025, lenders expressed how important it is for them to have the opportunity to get to know us by attending industry events. The same is true of us meeting with Congress, but on a larger and potentially more consequential scale. Since the founding of Repo Alliance during the pandemic, we have been working to develop and deliver our industry’s message to key congressional leaders across several key committees.
This year, the engagement moved to a new exciting level as we expanded our outreach to those serving on the Small Business Committee. We have had a number of successful meetings with these members over the last several months and our May fly-in was designed to build off of the traction we were seeing.
And that approach proved to be successful. As we moved from one congressional office to the next, staff members were engaged and receptive, offering to take concrete steps to support our efforts to address those unfairly challenging our businesses.
We were able to educate key staff on many issues including one-sided contracts, market imbalance, offloading of liability by lenders, and the implications for being able to address wrongful repossessions. Every staff member was engaged, taking notes, asking questions and gaining insight into our industry. It was clear that small business issues and issues challenging Main Street America are major points of concern of interest to this Congress.
There is no question our message was heard loud and clear. Shortly after we left D.C., staff reached out to follow up and last week we had our first, very long and productive meetings with the senior staff for the committee. As promised, they are looking into the issues we have raised. We definitely have their attention.
As always, we will keep you informed of our efforts and progress.
WHO IS REPO ALLIANCE?
How and when was the group formed?
The initiative started several weeks ago with an invitation from ARA to all National and State Associations and other major industry leaders.
Is the Repo Alliance another association?
NO! The Repo Alliance is a collaborative effort of the groups which decided to answer the call and develop a fundraising program to further the interests of OUR industry and provide a voice at both National and State levels.
Which organizations came together?
American Recovery Association (ARA), the California Association of Licensed Repossessors (CALR), Texas Accredited Repossession Professionals (Texas ARP), and Harding Brooks Insurance.
How do you contribute?
- A Square account has been established.
- Click here to donate through Square.
- Champion, Promote and Spread the word about this industry initiative!
Can I use any other method to contribute?
YES, you can mail a check, payable to Repo Alliance at 1400 Corporate Dr., Suite 175, Irving, TX, 75038.
Will funding reports and expenditures be available for review?
- YES, this initiative will be completely transparent on monies raised with information available on the website.
- One hundred percent of all monies raised will be used to pay for lobbying efforts. Everyone involved other than the lobbyist is a volunteer.
Why hire a dedicated lobbyist instead of just working with other lobbying groups?
We are working with other industry lobbyist groups but have realized without OUR OWN VOICE, we would be trusting the future of the Recovery Industry to the priorities of others. Riding the coattails of these other groups, puts our agenda as simply an afterthought.
What are the GOALS?
- Change the negative, reputational image of the Recovery Industry.
- Educate legislatures of the vital role we play.
- Fight against language in bills or guidance from agencies that would decimate the recovery industry.
Contact Us
833-737-6255
833-REPOALL
Repo Alliance Progress & Updates from May DC Meeting – Repo Alliance Progress & Updates from May DC Meeting – Repo Alliance Progress & Updates from May DC Meeting
Repo Alliance Progress & Updates from May DC Meeting – Repossess – Repossession – Repossession Agency – Repossessor
Facebook Comments