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A Message From the Executive Director
 The Foundation has jumped into 2007 with both feet. . .and arms. The new year's research agenda is packed full of exciting new projects from the impact of going paperless to an outlook on alternative energy equipment financing projects. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, we are able to provide the industry with even a further look into the future as we explore a larger number of issues important to the health and well being of the equipment leasing and finance industry this year. As the industry continues its shift to be more equipment finance focused, rather than just offering lease products, the Foundation will be there to explore even wider-scoped topics that will help leaders make wiser choices, faster and with more confidence. Watch future newsletters for announcements of new studies and surveys in 2007.
Happy New Year!
Lisa A. Levine, CAE
Executive Director
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| Michael A. Leichtling Named Foundation Chair
 Mike Leichtling, a partner and member of the Executive Committee of Troutman Sanders LLP, has been named Chairman of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Board of Trustees.
"Mike's depth of knowledge and experience in lease financing and forward-looking vision are indispensable in carrying out the Foundation's mission in our evolving industry," said Lisa Levine, Executive Director of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. "We are delighted to have his talent and dedication at the helm of the Foundation."
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| Business Differentiation Web Seminar on February 22, 2007
 Want to Break Out from the Pack? Do you know how to become an "out performer?"
Find out on Thursday, February 22, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST, in a unique Web seminar that explores the findings of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's most recent study, "Business Differentiation: What makes a select few leasing companies consistently outperform their peers?"
The study examines the characteristics of lease finance organizations and brings to light what it takes to be an "out performer." The study assesses three key categories--industry pressures, business capabilities and leadership perspectives--to understand how out performers separate themselves from the pack.
Can you afford to miss this web seminar?
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| Research Committee Focuses On New Projects for 2007
 The Foundation's fundraising effort elicited an enthusiastic response from the leasing and finance industry recently, and thanks to our generous donors, the organization is moving forward with a number of new research initiatives. Topics as diverse as alternative energy, outsourcing, paperless transactions, doing business in India, and transportation are just a few subjects that the Foundation's Research Committee has been pondering recently.
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| Industry Future Council Polishing Its Crystal Ball
Each year, the Industry Future Council - a group of industry leaders - has met to have a strategic discussion around issues that will impact the equipment leasing and finance industry over the next several years. Their main discussion points and conclusions are captured in a report, aptly titled the Industry Future Council Report. A must-read for every equipment financier, the IFC Report is one of the Foundation's most anticipated reports each year. This year's IFC meets at the end of January and the full report is expected within weeks of the meeting.
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| Pictures From Foundation Awards Ceremony Available
In case you missed the ELFA Annual Convention and the Foundation Recognition Awards Luncheon, you may get a taste of the magic by viewing some of the pictures taken of the generous donors who took the stage in order to be formally recognized for their foresight. Visit www.LeaseFoundation.org and select Photos of Award Presentation from the home page.
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| Quick Poll
In last issue's quick poll, we asked readers: What is going to be the biggest challenge for lessors in 2007? Thinning margins and accounting and regulatory changes were the two greatest concerns. Other results:
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Thinning Margins
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45.33 %
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Competition
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12 %
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Going Global
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5.33 %
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Asset Values Dropping
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2.67 %
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Regulatory and Accounting Changes
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21.33 %
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Reputation of the Industry
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2.67 %
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Finding New Markets to Explore
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10.67 %
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TAKE OUR JANUARY QUICK POLL
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| Foundation Happenings
Upcoming Committee Meetings: Academic Subcommittee Forum on February 1; Finance Committee 0n February 2; ERB Meeting on February 8; Nominating Committee on February 9; Research Committee on February 15.
Web seminar on the study, The Impact of Going Paperless, will be conducted on Thursday, April 12, 2007. Visit http://www.elfaonline.org/events/calendar/ataglance.cfm for updated schedule and registration information.
The Foundation seeks research study ideas on an ongoing basis. Ideas should be forwarded to Executive Director Lisa Levine at LLevine@elfaonline.org.
The Foundation board will meet several times in 2007, including March 29, September 21, and November 14
The Journal of Equipment Lease Financing's Editorial Review Board is seeking topics of interest. Please forward ideas to Lisa Levine at LLevine@elfaonline.org.
Donations to the Foundation may be made online! Visit http://www.leasefoundation.org/donors/ to make your donation today.
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| Did You Know?
In the 2006 State of the Industry report, respondents reported booking nearly two-thirds of new volume through non-lease financial products. The report states, "This is a continuation of a paradigm shift away from leasing as a standalone product and toward the reality that lessors can reposition themselves as full-service equipment finance providers." Get more details.
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