J.W. Allen & Company Visits Capitol Hill

Pictured (L to R): John Hyatt, Senator David Vitter, Jerry Becnel, J.W. Allen President and Kristi App, J.W. Allen Vice President

Each September members of the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) convene in Washington, D.C. for the association’s annual Government Affairs Conference (GAC). The GAC enables attendees to directly engage U.S. agency representatives in the discussion of trade related issues and gain firsthand insights into legislation impacting the trade community. Armed with an in-depth knowledge of critical issues gained during conference sessions, members hit Capitol Hill in force to visit their Congressional leaders in support of the NCBFAA’s mission and efficient trade processing.

J.W. Allen & Co. President Jerry Becnel had the pleasure of serving as the Chairman for this year’s event. Also attending from J.W. Allen & Company was Vice-President Kristi App, IFFCBANO President.

Marked by record attendance this year’s conference featured a diverse program providing a comprehensive overview of Congressional activities including FMC, FDA, FMCSA, Census and Customs legislation presently in Committee or pending before Congress. On a national level critical issues carried to the Hill included the modernization of trade processing, GSP renewal, proper funding of the Water Resources Bill, Trade Promotion Authority renewal and Ex-Im Bank reauthorization.

Pictured (L to R): John Hyatt, Senator Mary Landrieu and Kristi App, J.W. Allen Vice President

The Louisiana delegation worked to enhance the NCBFAA’s position by ‘bringing the issues home’ and offering insights into the impact many of the issues have not only on Louisiana businesses but also on an economic level for the state itself. The bottom line is simple, international trade is an economic engine for the state of Louisiana which must be nurtured.

Pictured (L to R): Jerry Becnel, J.W. Allen President, barbara reilly, NCBFAA Exec. Vice President and Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman, CA

Adding a little lagnaippe to a great conference, J.W. Allen’s Jerry Becnel and the NCBFAA’s barbara reilly siezed the moment and took advantage of a photo opportunity snagging a picture with California Congresswoman and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

Our involvement locally and nationally, aims to ensure you stay current on issues impacting your business.