FEI recognizes private Cos.' need for dialogue on key issues.

• Author: Roberts, Tyler
• Position: Washington insights - Financial Executives International

Things in Washington are getting more complicated every day, both substantively and politically. With an overreaching Congress dominating the headlines, it is vital that private companies let their voices be heard or risk the consequences that come with silence.

Financial Executives International and its members who work in private companies have been actively tracking issues, such as strengthening the research and development tax credit and providing much-needed certainty to protecting active business income so that companies can better invest the money back into their companies. FEI has also been on the forefront of advocating for issues such as the extension of bonus depreciation, which would allow companies to stretch scarce capital and allow hiring of more workers, as well as addressing the alternative minimum tax.

FEI understands the concerns and has been working tirelessly to make sure that members' voices are being heard loud and clear. With extensive and controversial legislation coming down the pike, now is the time to effect the change that will make our American-based private companies stronger and more competitive.

FEI has actively listened to members during meetings around the country about the need for senior-level financial executives to get their message heard on the national stage by speaking with our nation's policymakers in Washington, D.C.

In response to these members' concerns, FEI recently launched the Private Company Roundtable. One of the main purposes of the group is to help educate and influence the country's elected leaders on the specific legislative and policy decisions that are impacting the nation's private companies.

Members have also requested additional programming, calls and meetings that specifically target private company concerns, as well as a venue to share information with other like-minded professionals in their field and problem solve with one another through peer-to-peer networking and communication on key issues.

First Teleconference Held

On June 2, the Private Company Round-table met for the first time via teleconference. More than 100 FEI members joined a lively and informative discussion on issues including the estate tax, health care, tax reform, financial regulatory reform and the 2011 budget of the United States.

Roundtable members heard from Republican Rep. Lee Terry of Nebraska, about...