The Repo Alliance: Giving a Voice to a ‘Ghost’ Industry in Washington

Recently, the Repo Alliance became a stand-alone 501C3 non- profit. We did this with the support of our long-standing partner The American Recovery Association (ARA). The goal of the repo Alliance is to provide a voice for the entire collateral recovery industry in Washington DC. Since our formation during the pandemic days, we have provided a strong voice to lawmakers who at the time were considering far reaching moratoriums that would have shut down our industry completely. Although states took actions that caused a bump in the road, we were able to defeat all state and federal mass moratoriums.

In our formation days we met with every association and recognized group. As you know only four groups stepped forward to begin our initiative.

I was the President of The American Recovery Association (ARA) at the time and spear headed the belief of “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu”. With the help of the other founding groups, we started the search for a lobbyist. As you know we settled on our current lobbyist Van Scoyoc and Associates.

We all know Congress can be difficult to deal with and understand. One fact remains in most cases the loudest voice or the one in the room gets attention. “CHRISTMAS TREE” PROVISIONS, Legislation “ADORNED” with numerous, often unrelated, amendments from various lawmakers. Thes additions “ORNAMENTS” often provide special benefits to special interest groups or “PORK BARREL” spending added to a must pass bill to insure it gets support. It is criticized often because these “ORNAMENTS” generally would have a hard time passing on their own merit.

Until the voice of the Repo Alliance the collateral recovery industry was a “GHOST” industry a hidden, unseen, misunderstood and underestimated segment. We for years suffered reputational harm from social media, television shows and news coverage that often was one sided. Do we need a lobbyist? Do we need to be at the table? I can assure you no one is going to protect us. We have to be on guard or become victims.

According to the Commission on Ethics and lobbying, Overall, in the United States spending on lobbying efforts reached $360.6 Million in 2023 an all-time high.

Here are the amounts others in our space spend on having a voice.

Motorola solutions: 2.04 million

Lenovo: 1.52 million

American Bankers Association: 7.4 million

National Automobile Dealers Association 5.5 million

Ally Bank 2.95 million

Towing and Recovery Association of America: $140,000

Overall automotive Industry (Toyota, GM), etc. 85.5 million

Ally Bank 2.95 million

Capital One 3.24 million

If you thought what a waste of money, you are wrong having a voice and an ear to the ground on Capitol Hill is key to sustainability and regaining market balance. By the way none of this was spent in support of the collateral recovery industry to the best of my research.

No one is coming to step in on our behalf, it is up to us. The Repo Alliance on your behalf has met with many members of congress during our annual Fly In and by phone throughout the entire year. We have met with the CFPB and recently have had very engaging conversation with the Senate Smal Business committee. Your donations to the Repo Alliance are now tax deductible. You make a difference. Step up let’s protect our industry from unknowing, sometimes uncaring politicians. Our industry is a key element in the automotive finance picture we help protect the American consumers ability to garner affordable auto financing. If you think interest rates are high, imagine what they would be if the lenders had no way of mitigating their losses.

Donate Today to protect tomorrow.

David A. Kennedy

President

Repo Alliance Inc.