Message from Fran Bishop

TIPPING THE SCALE

Which do you prefer…a seat at the table or to be on the menu? Following up on the theme of my previous column, Pull Your Weight, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the NPA Members who tipped the scales with winning auction bids at Pawn Expo. Everyone enjoyed the food, fun and fellowship while the silent auction bid sheets filled.

The mechanical bull stayed busy. Many pictures in western garb were taken. Live music and line dancing, and much more, was enjoyed by all. Lots of fun led up to our own Colonel Greg Engstrom taking center stage with live auction items and experiences that brought out spirited and competitive bidding from attendees.

When the final gavel fell, the proceeds supporting the NPA PAC numbered more than in recent years. This supportive spirit continued throughout Pawn Expo with more contributions. This is what allows the NPA to have a seat at the table and influence the menu in D.C. Despite the current pandemic limitations, that is what your Team GRC is doing.

Many times, throughout the years, I have been asked which side of the aisle we are working. My answer has always been, and still is, “The middle, as there is no side when you need everyone’s help.” We are pawnbrokers and we loan on the item, regardless the name of its owner. So, we have no problem applying that same principle to those legislators identifying as red, blue, purple, green or pink polka dotted.

It was regrettable, yet unavoidable, to cancel the September, 2021 NPA Legislative Conference. The date has been rescheduled for April 25-27, 2022, so put it on your calendar. Meanwhile, the NPA’s work in Washington D.C. on behalf of the pawn industry continues, together with your efforts, in reaching out to your Members of Congress back in the district and state. Once again, we thank you for your support. Fran Bishop

Fran Bishop NPA Government Relations Liaison

“...I HAVE BEEN ASKED WHICH SIDE OF THE AISLE WE ARE WORKING. MY ANSWER HAS ALWAYS BEEN, AND STILL IS, “THE MIDDLE, AS THERE IS NO SIDE WHEN YOU NEED EVERYONE’S HELP.”