Vistage on the Hill 2025: Members Bring ‘Brutal Facts’ to D.C.

In a time of economic uncertainty and shifting policy landscapes, the 7th annual “Vistage on the Hill” event brought clarity, connection and conviction to Washington, D.C. This flagship gathering unites Vistage Member Excellence Award winners from across the country and industries with the policy experts at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the leading advocacy group for the nation’s businesses.

This event is more than policy briefings — it’s a two-way exchange.

Members bring real-world insights from the front lines, so Chamber policy experts can take those perspectives and push pro-business policy with lawmakers. Chamber experts, in turn, offer updates on legislation that directly impacts operations, investments and workforce decisions.

This year’s session was especially timely, unfolding amid heightened economic uncertainty and a growing demand for policy stability.

“The Chamber listens to all sorts of constituents,” says Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage Worldwide. “But what’s so important about listening to our members is that they are high-integrity leaders. They’re worried about taking care of their families, their communities, and their businesses — all at the same time. They are the people who are the backbone of our country and best situated to share the brutal facts.”

That sentiment echoed throughout Vistage on the Hill. CEOs spoke candidly about the challenges they face — from tariffs and tax policy to AI and small business policy — and how these issues affect hiring decisions, capital investments, and long-term growth strategies.

“It’s refreshing and incredible to be heard by people who influence policy,” says Tami Bohannon, CEO & President of AllThrive 365. “It gives me hope.”

‘Light-bulb’ Moments 

For many attendees, tariffs were of top concern. “We’re an import business,” says Mark Shinbane, CEO of SK Food Brands. “Tariffs have a huge impact on the cost of our products.”

Others found unexpected value in the tax policy briefings, discovering new angles to support growth and reinvestment. “We need to review and make sure that we understand [the One Big Beautiful Bill Act] and can take that into our strategy going into this next year,” says Brooke Lee, CEO of Anchor Paper and new Chair of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Several members left, determined to find new ways to integrate AI into operations, especially to automate and streamline processes.

“Vistage has the best of the best,” says Tom Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy at the Chamber. “Why not hear what they’re dealing with in their towns, their cities, and their businesses — and absorb that into what we’re advocating on Capitol Hill?”

Sullivan encouraged Vistage members to share their experiences with local lawmakers to help influence policy.

“I believe the government is in place to help and serve people,” says Andy Zucaro, Founder & President, AZCO Corporation. “For them to do their jobs and understand what people really need and want, you need to talk to them.”

The Impact of Vistage on the Hill Doesn’t End in D.C.

Chair Roger Miller guides peer groups in New Jersey. He and fellow Chairs across the country plan to hold frank discussions with members, based on the insights from Vistage on the Hill, to “solve problems” and make “better decisions.”

Vistage will continue championing small and midsize businesses, amplifying their voices through a strong, long-standing partnership with the Chamber. By showing up year after year, we help influence pro-business policy and advocate for the job creators and problem-solvers who drive the U.S. economy, says Reese.

“I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. with Vistage and to meet with the U.S. Chamber,” says Lee. “Those folks lobby for businesses like mine, and leaders like me, all day long.”

Related Resources

Legislative Outlook 2026: Policies, Priorities & Election Impacts for SMBs [Member Exclusive]

Vistage CEO Confidence Index 

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