New ASC Advocacy Committee to Unite ASC Association and ASC Coalition

In a special communication to members today, ASC Association President Kathy Bryant announced that the ASC Association is “taking an unprecedented step to advance ASC interests in our nation's capital.” Bryant explains further,“ Building on a number of changes that we have made over the last decade to expand our visibility and effectiveness, we have secured the commitment of major ASC corporations to form a cohesive entity, and to assure that entity has the funds it needs to provide the best possible representation for all ASCs. Working in concert with all aspects of our diverse industry, we expect to enhance our successes during this critical time in Washington, D.C., by speaking with a stronger voice.”

Bryant said that the new entity will be called the ASC Advocacy Committee and its purpose is “to unite the ASC Association and the ASC Coalition, an affiliation of ASC associations and companies in which we have played a key role since its inception nearly five years ago. Under the auspices of the new Advocacy Committee, the combined resources (i.e., funds, staffing and expertise) of the ASC Coalition and the ASC Association will be available to support a new and improved approach to advocacy,” Bryant says. “ The companies involved in the ASC Coalition have committed to at least matching the funds provided by the ASC Association, and we are increasing the funds we dedicate to advocacy. In my three decades in Washington, this is the boldest step I have seen taken, and I look forward to being a part of its success.”

Bryant continues, “As members of the ASC Association, we have six representatives on this 12-person committee to represent us. If there should be a tie vote on any policy issue, the ASC Association chair breaks the tie, preserving the ASC Association's control over policy issues. These representatives will be our conduit to assure that the committee has the best possible information about ASC concerns as it undertakes its responsibilities, and that it represents our diverse membership's collective interests! What has not changed in this new era is the ASC Association's commitment to advocate for you, our members. We are simply approaching it in a new way. What also has not changed is that without your involvement and support, we will not be successful. Over the next few months, you will hear more about how you can assist in our expanded advocacy. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me or the ASC Association's Membership Services Team at (703) 836-8808.”