More than 70 individuals attended UMA’s annual Capitol Hill Days
More than 70 bus and motorcoach operators took to Washington, D.C., on April 25 and 26 for the United Motorcoach Association’s (UMA’s) annual Capitol Hill Days.
Prime Policy Group, UMA’s government relations firm, scheduled more than 300 individualized appointments for members to meet with their elected officials to discuss key legislative issues affecting the motorcoach industry.
With Rep. Scott Perry introducing H.R. 2120, a pro-growth legislative measure to enhance safety and rein in regulatory overreach, it was a top priority for members to meet with legislators, rally support for the measure, and urge co-sponsorship.
UMA’s key points for Congress this year focused on regulatory policies that the industry considers excessive, and advocacy for modernization and streamlining of Federal regulations to result in increased safety, growth for the industry, and expanding business opportunities for private operators to participate in their communities’ local transit and commuter programs—all of which H.R. 2120 does.
“United Motorcoach Association members are tired of being overregulated and underappreciated for the essential value they bring to the economy,” said UMA Chairman Dale Krapf of Krapf’s Coaches. “Every day, millions of people board motorcoaches to access jobs, health care, education, and tourism; each motorcoach represents 3.4 direct employment jobs and brings $7,000 to $11,000 in daily revenue to the communities in which they do overnight runs. A key objective ... is to leave no doubt in our elected leaders’ minds of the important economic impact our members make each day across the U.S.”
A UMA member speaks with a member of his representative’s office
The association also announced that Stacy Tetschner has been named its president and CEO, following a nationwide recruitment process that began this past fall. Tetschner began his tenure at UMA June 5. UMA’s Interim President and CEO Steven C. Klika will remain in place through the transition of the new chief executive officer.
Tetschner is an experienced and credentialed association professional who comes to UMA following 25 years at the National Speakers Association where he served as CEO for the past 18 years. He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), as well as a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (FASAE).
“Stacy embodies the strong leadership and strategic vision that the board was hoping for in our next chief executive. We are pleased to be able to attract a professional with his credentials and proven track record and we have high expectations for his ability to lead UMA into the future,” Krapf said. “This is an exciting time to be part of UMA because this organization has tremendous potential and we are looking forward to seeing our new president and CEO help us realize our vision.”
UMA President Stacy Tetschner
Leading the Arizona-based National Speakers Association (NSA) and the NSA Foundation, Tetschner transformed an organization from a club-like organization into a powerful national association with 3,500 members, a vibrant and growing social media presence, and a Foundation endowment that has grown to more than $3.5 million. By leveraging publishing opportunities and media appearances, he was able to position NSA as an industry leader with a national profile. Additionally, under his tenure, NSA saw exponential growth in its corporate sponsorship program.
Tetschner is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), where he has served on the board and as vice chairman of ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership. In addition, he has served as the Chairman of the Board and as a director for the Convention Industry Council.
The yearly UMA Safety Management Seminar will be from December 6-7 in Ashburn, Va., and registration is currently open for UMA Motorcoach Expo 2018 in San Antonio, Texas.
Visit uma.org for more information.
[CD0617]