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A Message From the Executive Director
 With 2006 now officially half over, this may be a good time to reflect on all that the Foundation has accomplished over its lifetime. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, the Foundation has doubled the body of knowledge available to equipment leasing and finance organizations since its founding. In fact, since its formation, the Foundation has commissioned and endowed more than $1.2 million in research projects. But in addition to the industry receiving the many benefits of this library of future-focused information, donors receive direct benefits. The article below, Donations to Foundation a Wise Investment, describes the return given to those who give gifts to the Foundation. As well as recognition for being an industry leader, these wise individuals and companies will find more than $250,000 worth of research available to them annually -- without having to pay additionally for it. What a deal! Won't you join us?
Lisa A. Levine, CAE
Executive Director | |
| The Foundation Commits to Increasing Number of Projects
The Foundation's research committee, comprised of dedicated industry members, meets monthly to discuss projects currently underway as well as plan for future studies. These regular meetings ensure the Foundation continuously refreshes its library of future-focused research and keeps its eye on the most pressing issues of the day.
In addition to studies being developed currently on business differentiation, diversity, securitization, predicting customer default and paperless transactions, other papers are being actively planned or researched.
Read More | |
| Donors' Spotlight: Mindy Berman, 42 North Structured Finance, Inc
 Mindy Berman, a senior managing director for 42 North Structured Finance, Inc., is very clear about why she has been donating to the Foundation for the last few years: "it's good for our jobs." She says anyone who has worked in the equipment leasing industry for a number of years "owes it to themselves and the industry.
"If your career is in this industry, then anything you can do to make the industry more professional, and which creates more support and attention for that industry, is going to benefit you as an individual," she says.
Since leasing has been under attack recently, from regulators to media, Mindy believes there is good reason for the industry to highlight the positives. She says, "we need to show why leasing is a good source of capital formation in this country."
Read More | |
| We Asked What Would Improve Leasing's Image? You Answered: Us
"Éencourage each and every employee to be up to date with our successes in serving America's businessesÉ" ~ A poll respondent
In a recent issue of Forecast, readers were asked in a quick poll What Would Help Enhance Leasing's Image the Most? Of the 43 respondents, most (33%) chose "a new tax incentive that could be passed along to customers." The second most popular choice (28%) was a "more strongly-stated value proposition for the lease product." "Lease negotiations growing more transparent to customers" was chosen by 23% of the respondents, and 14% of the poll takers chose "better processes and technology tie-ins with customer systems" as a way to improve the image of the industry. Just 2% selected "other."
Read More | |
| Donations to Foundation a Wise Investment
 Donations to the Foundation come with a multitude of returns. Of course, most organization wish to be recognized and listed as a donor along with their competitors and partners in the Journal of Equipment Lease Financing, Equipment Leasing Today, ELT e-News and on the Foundation Web site, but did you know that donors receive other special considerations?
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| Journal Article Addresses Hot Market: Business Aircraft Financing
 The Journal of Equipment Lease Financing (JELF) is one of the Foundation's most popular offerings, as the publication addresses industry trends in accounting, legal, tax, legislative, and regulatory issues as well as hot new markets. An article in the most recent issue of the Journal addresses one such market: business aircraft. The article, titled Business Aircraft Financing: it's like any other equipment financing except more complicated, by Edward K. Gross, Rhonda Maggiacomo, and Adam L. Schless, has received rave reviews.
Phyllis Grossman, Managing Director of GE Capital Markets Group, and JELF editorial board member added, "This article is a 'must read' for those thinking about the business or in the business already. It is so well written and it addresses all the issues special to this business."
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| Michael Fleming Receives Resolution of Appreciation from Foundation
 Since the Foundation's founding in 1989, Michael Fleming has served the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation in various capacities. He was personally instrumental in the design and creation of the Foundation, and his vision and guidance have been critical to the continuous improvement, growth and stability of the organization. Due to his leadership, vision and friendship to the Foundation, the board of trustees awarded Mike a Resolution of Appreciation, the first one delivered to an individual since the Foundation's founding.
Read More | |
| Did You Know?
According to the 2006 Industry Future Council report, the industry is entering a period of "conducting business with the cards face-up." The IFC Report states, "lessees continue to become more experienced, more sophisticated, and more demanding in a market where their alternatives are many. Consequently, the 'balance of power' in lease negotiations will likely be different in the future, and lessees, as a group, will expect more concessionary terms, and more lessee-friendly provisions. Lessees who have experienced lease-end practices which were, or were perceived to be abusive, will either steer away from leasing all together, or will demand up-front documentation and commitment to more 'favorable' and transparent lease-end process. This has already become evident in areas such as lease-end notification by lessors (some of whom have voluntarily adopted such practices), and return condition flexibility." | |
| Foundation Happenings
* The Foundation's research committee meets monthly with 2006 meetings scheduled for July 20, August 24, September 21, November 15 and 16, and December 14.
* The Foundation seeks research study ideas on an ongoing basis. Ideas should be forwarded to Executive Director Lisa Levine at LLevine@elamail.com.
* The Journal of Equipment Lease Financing's Editorial Review Board will meet again on September 14 and October 26.
* Donations to the Foundation may be made online! Visit http://www.leasefoundation.org/donors/ to make your donation today. | |
| July Quick Poll
This issue's Quick Poll question is Which Market Should Foundation Research Address Next?
Participate in the Quick Poll now! | |
| About the Foundation
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation is dedicated to providing future-oriented research about the equipment leasing and finance industry. The Foundation accomplishes its mission through development of studies and reports and identifying critical issues impacting the industry. All products developed by the Foundation are donor supported and donors receive all products free of charge. Visit our website, www.leasefoundation.org for more information. | |
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