Another year is almost over and we are delighted to report that the Foundation will end 2006 on its highest note ever! Our fundraising efforts continue to inspire industry leaders to invest in the future by giving a gift to the Foundation. We had more people than ever on stage at the ELFA convention this year to thank. And, thanks to the many generous donors in 2006, the Foundation will start the new year with our research study coffers full.  We wil release several new studies early in 2007 and have many more "in the works." If you haven't yet sent a donation this year, the 4th quarter is an excellent time to give to yourself and the industry through a tax-deductible donation!

 Thank you for making 2006 a tremendous year - Happy Holidays!

Lisa A. Levine, CAE
Executive Director

The 2006 State of the Industry Report, one of the most highly anticipated products by the Foundation, made its debut last month. The SOI, an industry favorite, foretells the leasing and finance business' changing future, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges. The report analysis includes projections for 2006 and beyond and identifies important implications to the industry.

Register for the 2006 State of the Industry Web Seminar to be held on December 6, 2006.

Two Foundation studies were the talk of the Foundation booth at the ELFA Annual Convention: "Business Differentiation; What makes select leasing companies consistently outperform their peers?" and "The Evolution of the Paperless Transaction and its Impact on the Equipment Lease Finance Industry."

The Business Differentiation study, published by the Foundation and developed by Accenture, provides practical, analytical, and empirical data that will be of interest to everyone who competes and is in pursuit of "improvement" in the equipment leasing and financing industry. This study analyzes the characteristics that make the winners win and the out-performers outshine its competitors. Additionally, the telltale signs of a company that may have lost its focus is outlined and the standards or metrics every lessors should pay attention to is included.

* Business Differentiation web seminar coming in February 2007

* Impact of Going Paperless web seminar coming in March 2007

The Foundation had a humble beginning, debuting in 1989 with 67 donors who donated about $160,000. In contrast, in 2006 the Foundation raised just under half a million dollars from more than 100 corporate donors and 150 individuals.

Business leaders who donated to the Foundation in 2006 were formally recognized at the ELFA convention. Name after name was called, as some of the most respected leaders lined the stage.

"What do these people know?" posed Joseph C. Lane, Chair of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, at the "Foundation Edge" recognition luncheon at the ELFA convention last month. "They know that the Foundation is the only organization focused 100 percent on the future of the industry."

Just under $500,000 was raised in 2006 to fund the Foundation's research projects. With several projects underway and more planned for 2007, donors are making it possible for the industry to move forward with confidence. The following companies and individuals have invested in the future of the industry by investing in the only organization solely dedicated to it. Is your name on this list?

• The Foundation's research committee meets monthly with early 2007 meetings scheduled for January 18th, February 15th and March 22nd.
• The Foundation seeks research study ideas on an ongoing basis. Ideas should be forwarded to Executive Director Lisa Levine at LLevine@elfaonline.org.
• The Journal of Equipment Lease Financing's Editorial Review Board will meet again on February 15, 2007 and May 17, 2007.
• Donations to the Foundation may be made online! Visit http://www.leasefoundation.org/donors/ to make your donation today.

Financially, industry "out-performers" exceed industry averagesÉby a lot? Over the past five years, their average operating return on equity was 22.5 percent and their compound annual growth rate in assets was 5.2 percent. In contrast, their peers achieved an average operating return on equity of 12.5 percent and compound annual growth rate in assets of 3.5 percent. (Source: Foundation study: Business Differentiation: What Makes a Select Few Leasing Companies Consistently Outperform Their Peers?)

Get your copy of this study at the Foundation Library