Board Approves New Initiatives
On Oct. 21, the ELFA Board of Directors met in Orlando under the gavel of 2017 Chairman Tony Cracchiolo. The Board deliberated over a number of critical matters, not the least of which was approval of a three-year strategic plan and a 2018 work plan and budget for the association. As part of this, Board members approved two new initiatives that carry forward ELFA’s focus on emerging talent and gender diversity within member organizations.
The Women’s Council is organizing the Women’s Leadership Forum, April 23-24 in Wayne, Pennsylvania, which will focus on leadership development for women at all stages of an equipment finance career. The Emerging Talent Advisory Council is organizing EMERGENCE2018, July 18-19 in Washington, D.C., which is an opportunity for emerging talent to gather together and hear from industry leaders, network with colleagues and learn about the industry from different perspectives. Learn more about both events at www.elfaonline.org/events.
Treasurer Rob Boyer reviewed the latest financial results for the association, indicating that the organization is on sound financial footing and able to develop and fund programs, products and services that continue to be responsive to the needs of ELFA members.
The Board meets next under the leadership of 2018 Chairman Dave Schaefer on May 15, preceding the association’s Capitol Connections program in Washington, D.C. Members are encouraged to attend Capitol Connections, which furthers ELFA’s grassroots program to educate Members of Congress and other federal policy makers in Washington on the contribution that the equipment finance industry makes to the U.S. economy.
Data Discussion
The ELFA Research Committee met in Washington, D.C., in November to plan the 2018 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA).
ELFA Website Wins Davey Award
ELFA's website has been named a winner in the 13th Annual Davey Awards program. ELFA was awarded a Silver Award in the Association Websites category. With nearly 4,000 entries from across the United States and around the world, the Davey Awards honor the finest creative work from the best small agencies worldwide. The program is judged and overseen by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.
Prepare for the Year Ahead at the Executive Roundtable
Presidents and CEOs of ELFA member companies should mark their calendars for the 2018 Executive Roundtable, March 11–13 at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove in Miami. This event is designed to bring together CEOs and presidents of equipment finance companies to discuss the issues of the day, strategize about the future and create lasting business relationships. Attendance is limited to the top leaders from ELFA member companies, including service providers.
It’s Not Too Late to Renew Your 2018 ELFA Membership
Renewal invoices for the 2018 membership year were mailed to the key contacts of all ELFA member companies on Nov. 1, 2017. Timely payment of 2018 membership dues will ensure uninterrupted access to indispensable benefits, such as federal and state advocacy updates, targeted industry data, discounted fees for ELFA events and much more. Please contact Julie Benson, VP of Membership Marketing, at [email protected] if you have any questions. We thank you for your continued support and wish you all the best in 2018!
Membership Minute
Members may view highlights from 10 years of industry benchmark data in a new, online platform. The interactive Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA) dashboard includes key findings and historic data from 2006–2016. Filter for a small or wide range of years or sort the data into various categories. Learn more.
Hear what members are saying about this new resource:
“I have used the SEFA results released every year to better understand our current market and recent trends. This survey data is even more powerful now that the team has introduced an online user interface that gives me the ability to immediately customize and visualize the data to my specific needs. Thanks to ELFA for adding this great new feature.”
-Jeff Bell, Vice President of Sales Operations, Key Equipment Finance
“Wow! The interactive SEFA dashboard is something a data geek can love and a leasing professional can cherish! The big data comes alive to address pertinent and relevant matters pertaining to our business like never before. Thanks for the new tool.”
-Kevin Prykull, Senior Vice President & Credit Underwriting Executive, PNC Equipment Finance, LLC
Save the Date: 2018 ELFA Events
Take advantage of a wealth of learning and networking opportunities available to you and your staff as part of your ELFA membership. View the 2018 Educational Supplement at www.elfaonline.org/events/.
Four Best Practices Roundtables Planned for 2018
Best practices roundtables are small, one-day meetings designed to facilitate the exchange of information among peers. Attendance is open to ELFA member companies only. Watch for updates on the following events at www.elfaonline.org/events/:
- Bank Roundtable, April 10, Chicago
- Independent Equipment Finance Roundtable, April 10, Chicago
- Captive and Vendor Finance Roundtable, April 10, Chicago
- Tax Best Practices Roundtable, June 19–20, Minneapolis
ELFA Forecasts Industry Trends
What are the top trends driving capital acquisition this year? Find out in ELFA’s Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2018, released in January. Designed to help businesses with their strategic equipment acquisition plans, you can find the trends list on ELFA’s Equipment Finance Advantage website.
Networking Events Attract Emerging Talent
Are you a future leader who’s interested in meeting more people in the industry? Please join ELFA at an Emerging Talent Networking Event in 2018: April 10 in Chicago, July 18 in D.C. or Sept. 17 in Philadelphia. These events, which are sponsored by the Emerging Talent Advisory Council, are a chance to hear from industry leaders and network with your fellow industry colleagues. There is no cost to attend but space is limited and you must register in advance. Watch for updates.
Workshop Highlights Principles of Leasing and Finance
The Principles of Leasing and Finance workshop is all about helping your employees become more valuable members of your corporate team. That means getting a full understanding of the basics of the business within the context of what is happening now in the marketplace. Three workshops are scheduled for 2018:
- April 17–19 in Milwaukee
- June 5–7 in Philadelphia
- Sept. TBD
To view the brochure and to register, go to www.elfaonline.org/POL. For questions, contact Alexa Carnibella at [email protected].
Customized Workshops Come to You
ELFA can bring both the Principles of Leasing and Finance workshop and the Beyond the Basics workshop directly to you. Our instructors educate your employees in your offices with a comprehensive and customized agenda. For further details and pricing, contact Alexa Carnibella at 202.238.3416 or [email protected].
Nominations Open for Equipment Finance Hall of Fame
The Equipment Finance Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have made unique, significant or lasting contributions to the industry and/or the association throughout their careers. Learn about the 2017 inductee and the 2018 nomination criteria and access the online nomination form at www.elfaonline.org/hof. The deadline to nominate someone for the 2018 Class of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame is April 1, 2018. Nominations will only be accepted via online submission. Please contact Ed Rosen at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Women’s Leadership Forum Coming in April
Discover how to “Be a Force for the Future” at the first ELFA Women’s Leadership Forum, April 23–24 at the DLL Headquarters in Wayne, Pennsylvania. This event will focus on leadership development for women at all stages of an equipment finance career. You’ll engage with dynamic speakers and enjoy plenty of time for attendee interaction and networking with other industry leaders. You’ll leave the event with new insights and concrete action steps you can implement when you return to your office. The Forum is sponsored by the ELFA Women’s Council. Registration is limited to 75 attendees. See details at www.elfaonline.org/events/.
Why I’m a Member of ELFA
Check out ELFA’s new membership video, which features industry professionals speaking out about the benefits of membership—and the return on investment they realize from their ELFA involvement. The video also highlights how ELFA is guiding efforts to bring more voices and ideas into the industry and the association through new initiatives such as the Emerging Talent Advisory Council and the Women’s Council. We invite you to share the video with others who may be interested in learning more about the association.
