Introducing Free Online Courses from ELFA
ELFA is excited to present the Onboarding Series, a collection of online courses and resources specifically targeted toward the knowledge and skills that new industry professionals need. These free courses are part of your ELFA member benefits! Additional free courses for members include the Equipment Finance Transaction Lifecycle and Understanding the Master Lease Agreement. Learn more
Data Dive
The Research Committee put the finishing touches on the 2024 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity at their meeting at ELFA headquarters this spring. Don’t miss out—access the largest and most important source of statistical information available on the $1 trillion equipment finance industry, coming soon from ELFA. See highlights in the SEFA Q&A.
What Are You Reading This Summer?
Summer is the perfect time of year to find some downtime with a good read. Share what’s on your summer reading list in the Engage wall of the ELFA Engage app for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Prime gift card and ELFA swag. One winner will be chosen at random at the end of Q3! #ELFAMugClub #WeAreELFA
What’s the Economic Impact of Equipment Finance?
Equipment finance not only contributes to businesses’ success, but to U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs. On ELFA’s Economic Impact webpage, check out an interactive map that reveals a state-by-state breakdown of the $1 trillion equipment finance industry. Also, download fliers illustrating specific industry information for each state.
ELFA Announces New Team Member
Allyson Gale has joined the ELFA team as Director of Federal Government Relations, effective July 1. In this role, Gale will advocate on behalf of the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; manage ELFA's political action committee, LeasePAC; and coordinate the Capitol Connections fly-in program. Learn more.Climate Finance Heats Up
This spring, ELFA’s Climate Finance Working Group hosted a session on the transferability of tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you missed the original and want to watch the replay or review the slides, both can be found on the ESG page of the ELFA website. Watch now
Get Involved
Check out the new ELFA Volunteer Guide to discover opportunities to serve on an ELFA committee. Joining a committee is a great opportunity to network, delve into industry hot topics and support the association’s mission. For more information, contact Ed Rosen, Director of Governance, at [email protected].
Calling All Attorneys: Join a Subcommittee!
If you are interested in deepening your involvement with ELFA, consider joining one of 12 Legal Subcommittees. View a list of subcommittees and let us know if you’d like to participate. Your involvement will make a meaningful impact on your personal and professional development, the legal profession and the industry. Don't miss out on this chance to contribute! Learn more
Women's Spotlight: Meet Sharon McGarvey
The ELFA Women's Council is shining a light on women in equipment finance through its Q&A series. In the latest Q&A, meet Sharon McGarvey, Director of Business Development for Syndifi. Find out the three traits that have contributed to her success, and how choosing courage and embracing growth opportunities have aided her career. Plus: The mantra that drives Sharon every day and the power of mentors in her career. Read more
Join the August Innovation Roundtable
Are you finding it challenging to balance innovation with maintaining day-to-day operations in the equipment finance industry? Register today for the virtual Innovation Roundtable on Aug. 8 to explore what it takes to align the crucial need for exploration and experimentation with the practicalities of scaling and executing business as usual. Hosted by the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council, this interactive session will equip you with actionable insights and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Two Conferences for the Price of One!
ELFA’s Operations & Technology Conference and Exhibition will be held concurrently with the Lease and Finance Accountants Conference, Sept. 9-11 in Nashville. Both conferences will share an exhibit area targeting companies that provide lease and finance accounting software, and other technology-related processes and systems.
- Operations & Technology Conference - Provides direction and support for member companies using technology to improve business processes, enhance customer satisfaction and increase operational effectiveness.
- Lease and Finance Accountants Conference - Provides the most up-to-date information on accounting issues that impact equipment lessors and your clients.
Join Tax Pros in Nashville in September
The Tax Best Practices Roundtable will take place on Sept. 12, the day after the Lease Accounting and Operations & Technology Conferences at the Embassy Suites Nashville Downtown. This is a one-day forum offered exclusively to tax practitioners of ELFA member companies, focusing on federal and state compliance and planning issues, recent developments, sharing of internal best practices and plenty of time for networking. Exclusive Offer:
Get a $50 discount when you register for both the Tax Best Practices Roundtable and either the Lease and Finance Accountants Conference or the Operations and Technology Conference. Take advantage of this offer here. Questions? Contact Janet Fianko at [email protected].
If You're in HR, You Should Be Here
Join ELFA on Oct. 2 for the Human Capital Best Practices Virtual Roundtable. This event is tailored for human capital management professionals and anyone involved in workforce planning, talent management, compensation, training, benefits, recruitment and retention within ELFA member companies. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and drive success in your organization!
Registration Open for ELFA Annual Convention
Registration is now open for the 63rd ELFA Annual Convention, scheduled Oct. 27-79 at the JW Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas. The Convention is the largest annual gathering of professionals from across the $1 trillion equipment finance industry. The early-bird registration deadline is Aug. 19.
New: Equity Fund for Professional Education
ELFA is pleased to introduce the Equity Fund for Professional Education, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented leaders within the equipment finance sector. In 2024, the Fund will award six grants, each covering the registration fee for attendance at the ELFA Annual Convention, scheduled Oct. 27-29 in Austin, Texas. The deadline to apply for a grant is Aug. 5.
ELFA Board Meets in D.C. to Shape Strategic Direction
In May, the ELFA Board of Directors held its spring meeting in Washington, D.C., led by Board Chair Rob Boyer, CLFP, of First Commonwealth Equipment Finance. Discussions centered on optimizing the association's strategic initiatives to ensure ELFA continues to provide exceptional value to members.
ELFA President and CEO Leigh Lytle and staff reported robust membership renewal and recruitment, event turnout, and federal and state advocacy. Additional updates included:
- Plans are progressing for a can’t-miss ELFA Annual Convention, Oct 27-29 in Austin, Texas, with several new features being rolled out this year.
- The Technology Assessment approved by the Board last October is underway, aimed at modernizing the association’s operations and member offerings.
- The Onboarding Series, a collection of free online training courses launched this spring, has been well received by the membership.
- The Board established work groups to explore a new membership category for investor members, and to review ELFA’s Code of Fair Business Practices.
Treasurer Jeff Elliott confirmed the association remains on track to meet its 2024 budget goals. The Nominating Committee presented a robust slate of candidates for Directors and Officers, which will be voted on by the ELFA membership prior to the Annual Convention.
Zack Marsh, CLFP, Chair of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, shared updates on the Foundation’s industry research, scholarship program, equipment finance course with Arizona State University, and Board of Trustees nominees, among other initiatives.
Looking ahead, the ELFA Board will reconvene in October during the ELFA Annual Convention, with its Executive Committee scheduled to meet in August.
Marcomm Meetup
The ELFA Communications Committee met in Washington, D.C. in May under the leadership of Chair Keara Piekanski of Oakmont Capital Services. This committee of marketing and communication pros delved into cutting-edge strategies in marcomm and martech, while also focusing on enhancing the association's engagement with both internal and external audiences.
Way to Go, Graduates!
Ten member employees aced ELFA’s Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance curriculum in June, scoring certificates for mastering equipment finance basics. Mark your calendars: The next Principles Workshop kicks off Nov. 6-8 at ELFA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/POL.
Fresh Voices: Tune in to ELFA’s podcast
Check out the latest episodes of the Equipment Finance Matters podcast.
- Stay Curious with Leigh Lytle - Delve into the essential qualities that drive success in emerging talent in a conversation with ELFA President and CEO Leigh Lytle. Discover how a relentless hunger for knowledge and self-improvement can propel your career forward.
- Recognizing AANHPI Heritage Month - In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in May the ELFA Equity Committee presented a four-part series on “Debunking Assumptions Through the Asian American Perspective.”
Practice Brain Health
During the ELFA's webinar on "Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthy Brain," Dr. Dung Trinh, an expert in brain health, discussed key topics related to brain health and well-being. Listen now
Celebrating DE&I and Emerging Talent
As this issue of Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine went to press, two association events were wrapping up in Philadelphia. Watch for highlights in a future issue of this magazine:
- Equity Forum 2024 featured two days of discussions, networking and collaboration aimed at advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, hosted by the ELFA Equity Committee, chaired by DelRoy Stauffer, CLFP, VP of Sales at Odessa.
- Emergence2024 highlighted skills and strategies for emerging talent to take their careers to the next level, hosted by the ELFA Emerging Talent Advisory Council, chaired by Matthew Vazzana, CLFP, National Account Executive at Huntington Technology Finance.
