ELFA - Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Equipping Business for Success

History

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association was founded as the Association of Equipment Lessors in 1961. In a relatively short time, the equipment leasing industry grew from a fledgling industry to a major force in the U.S. economy. In 2021, the association celebrated its 60th anniversary. Learn more.

Video: ELFA Through the Decades

In this video from ELFA's 50th anniversary, members reflect on the history of ELFA and the equipment finance industry from 1961 to 2011.

Learn more about ELFA's history

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60th Anniversary - Join ELFA in celebrating the association's 60th anniversary throughout 2021.
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Milestones - A list of notable achievements in the association's history from 1961 through today.

Chairs

Past Presidents and Board Chairs - A list of association leaders through the years.

From Rough Road to Super Highway - This article by ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta is reprinted with permission from “40 Years of Leasing: A global success story.

History of Equipment Leasing, a 1985 article from the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's Journal of Equipment Lease Financing.

50th Anniversary Articles

A series of articles celebrating the association's golden anniversary in 2011.