WASHINGTON – Dozens of motorcoach industry professionals took advantage of a beautiful, mid-60s spring day on March 20 to criss-cross Capitol Hill for the annual Bus & Motorcoach Industry Fly-In.
Operators, industry vendors, and other friends of the motorcoach industry from across the country took part in the meetings, visiting both the House and Senate side in order to educate Congressional staff about this vital transportation industry and the issues it faces.
The day coincided with a fly-in by US Travel seeking to promote the overall travel and tourism industry, so participants had the opportunity to explain the important role of motorcoaches in supporting the tour industry and many other customers.
The day concluded with a late-afternoon session to share success stories of visits to receptive Congressional offices.
Still time to join effort
Those who weren’t able to attend this year’s Bus & Motorcoach Industry Fly-In can still participate by meeting their elected officials while they are home for Easter break over the next few weeks. Congress members and staffers traditionally hold many meetings around their states to meet with voters.
“Make sure to share your story so they understand the value of our industry in employing workers and transporting various groups to destinations near and far,” said UMA President & CEO Scott Michael, urging people to use the link to a UMA handout for guidance.
Michael thanked the event’s sponsors Terrapin Blue, for helping document the event, and RMA Worldwide Transportation, for driving the attendees to the meetings.
UMA Chair Alan Thrasher and UMA’s Ken Presley, Vice President for Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO, attended a fundraising breakfast for U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama.
Britt spoke about the efforts to pass an appropriations bill and avoid a government shutdown. Britt gave the Republican response to President Biden’s State of the Union address last month to a national audience.
Thrasher spoke about the Fly-In and the ongoing efforts of UMA as the industry recovers in a post-pandemic world. He also spoke about the Alabama Motorcoach Association, highlighting a number of operators around the state.
“Sen. Britt is a champion of small businesses and recognizes the enormous contribution our industry makes to our communities,” Presley said.
Photos and video by Terrapin Blue
