 | Dear ELFA Member:
Throughout 2017, ELFA is embarking on a number of important initiatives to deliver value to you and your organization. We’re happy to share the following first-quarter highlights to help you get the most from your membership. | | | | | For several months now in anticipation of tax reform discussions during the 115th Congress, ELFA has been analyzing and modeling the effect of potential tax reform plans. As tax reform moves to center stage in Washington, we will continue to meet with members of Congress and staff to ensure the issues important to our industry are addressed in upcoming deliberations. Join the conversation on a host of critical advocacy priorities at Capitol Connections, May 17-18 in D.C. Please register by April 14! | | We are also actively reviewing and addressing state legislation that reflects your interests. In Georgia, farm equipment property tax legislation drafted by an ELFA workgroup just passed the Senate and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. In California and Illinois, ELFA workgroups are addressing concerns regarding finance lenders license legislation. In Oregon, we are seeking an amendment to a tax proposal to ensure it does not apply to longer-term commercial equipment lease contracts of ELFA members. | | | | | We kicked off the year by releasing our Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends, which forecast increased equipment financing in 2017. This trend forecast is being received extremely positively by internal and external audiences. If you would like a customized presentation of this information delivered to you and your staff in a conference call format, please let us know. Also, according to our February Monthly Leasing and Finance Index, new business volume is up 0.5% year-to-date. We will continue to watch closely whether rising interest rates and the potential for more business-friendly federal policies will bolster business investment and economic growth in the months ahead. | | | | | Our planning committees have been busy developing top-notch educational and networking offerings for you and your staff. See what’s coming on our event calendar—including exciting new Emerging Talent Networking Events—and save the date for our largest event of the year, the ELFA Annual Convention, Oct. 22-24 in Orlando. Our theme this year is “Building the Next Generation Business.” Have an idea for a session? Submit your proposal by July 3. | | | | | As part of our ongoing initiative to promote the benefits of equipment leasing and finance to end-users, we released a popular new infographic on the “8 Reasons to Finance Equipment for Your Business.” We invite you to use this resource as an educational tool for end-user businesses of all types and sizes. | | | | ELFA recently completed a Member Impact Survey to assess how the association is meeting member needs. The survey found that overall ELFA member satisfaction is very high, and identified a number of areas that ELFA might explore to enhance the value proposition we offer to you. The results of the study will be shared at our Board of Directors meeting in May and incorporated into our strategic planning activities. Stay tuned for details. | | | | | Finally, don’t miss these new resources:
Thank you for your membership and for your participation in our association. We welcome your questions and feedback—please don’t hesitate to contact us at ELFA headquarters.
Sincerely,
Ralph Petta
ELFA President and CEO
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