With over fifty ESA member companies in attendance, participants in the Day on Capitol Hill served as mouthpiece for the security industry. ESA representatives and members convened with lawmakers and their staff to discuss three pieces of legislation that are currently facing Congress. Bill S.574, the “Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs Act,” provides a tax credit for businesses that hire apprentices via a federally approved apprenticeship programme such as the ESA National Apprenticeship Program. This would address the dearth of skilled workers in the electronic security industry as well as help sustain the economy with a positive impact on job creation. Another topic of discussion was the “Secure Our Schools” programme, which would allow K-12 school districts to apply for federal grants to improve school security. Finally, Section 275 of the Telecommunication Act of 1996 was discussed, including ESA’s recommendation that Congress bar anticompetitive activities when considering Net Neutrality issues in order to maintain a level playing field for the electronic security industry.

Hikvision USA was represented by sales director Chris Zenaty, who spoke highly of the Washington event. “The Capitol Hill event was a fantastic opportunity for Hikvision to gain a better understanding of the needs of those in the security industry, and offer our support to the Electronic Security Association as they work to promote the safety of Americans nationwide,” he noted.

As an Executive Strategic Partner of ESA, Hikvision supports ESA programmes that promote and enhance the security industry. “Through their relationship as an ESA Executive Strategic Partner, Hikvision shows a deep level of commitment to the industry’s progression and to ESA as the industry leading association,” said ESA President Marshall Marinace. “Furthermore, participation in key industry events like ESA's Day on Capitol Hill demonstrates not only Hikvision’s passion for our industry, but their dedication to our government relations efforts to protect our members’ businesses.”

Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada, offered commentary on why Hikvision’s participation in the Day on Capitol Hill was significant to the quickly growing company. “Issues that are important to the American security industry are important to Hikvision USA,” Mr. He elaborated. “As a leader in the industry, our concerns are aligned with what best serves our valued customers. We are committed to supporting the success of the security industry for years to come, as demonstrated by our meetings on Capitol Hill.”