March/April 2009

Spring has sprung and everyone continues to see if the markets will catch the optimism that comes with a new season. Fortunately, as we await the sprouting of better times, the Foundation continues to offer resources to help. In fact, the Foundation has more than 400 industry resources available to anyone seeking strategic direction, market intelligence, or just plain helpful information. Additionally, the Industry Future Council has issued its latest report, including a question guide to help companies strategize for the future. Together, we'll find the road to warmer days.

Lisa A. Levine, CAE
Executive Director

The Industry Future Council just released its report, the 2009 Industry Future Council Report. Hosted each year by the Foundation and sponsored by International Decision Systems, this year's IFC was comprised of 30 industry leaders who agreed to discuss the major issues before the industry and apply their best, critical thinking on trends and challenges and opportunities for the industry.

Their task was large, given the current climate. The IFC report, in addition, includes an outline of questions for industry members to ask themselves in order to aid in strategic planning during this uncertain time.

Another new study, as part of the international series, has debuted. The study, Hispanic Latin America: Discovering Success in Equipment Finance, covers Spanish speaking countries in Latin America.

Hispanic America has been drawing increasing attention due to the economies of these countries growing faster than the U.S. economy. This growth is creating business opportunities for U.S. equipment leasing and financing companies. But, there exists both potential and significant risk. As the report, developed by the Alta Group, points out, it is hard enough to be successful in one's native country these days, and the task of entering a new market grows even greater in another geographic region, especially when it is compounded by different cultures.

The Foundation administers research grants from $15,000 to $50,000 to industry consultants and academics in all fields of scholarship to study topics of interest to the equipment finance industry. From healthcare to renewable energy, from business strategy to branding, the Foundation research committee has been instrumental in increasing the number of funded studies year after year.     

In 2009 and 2010, the Foundation, in addition to its lengthier white papers and studies, will be adding a series of briefing papers that address more timely issues related to current events. For instance, the committee is discussing a project on how the current Administration's stimulus package might impact the equipment finance industry, forecasting where opportunities might arise.

You don't have to be Irish to have the "luck of the Irish!"

This week only, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is offering you a lucky 7% off any online publication purchase!

Stock up on the most up-to-date industry studies including:

• 2009 Industry Future Council Report
• India: How to Navigate the Equipment Finance Marketplace
• Hispanic Latin America: Discovering Success in Equipment Finance
• 2009 Ð 2011 Transportation Outlook Series: Marine Equipment Finance Market
• 2009-2011 Transportation Outlook Series: Aircraft Equipment Finance Market
• 2008 State of the Equipment Finance Industry Report
• Articles from the Journal of Equipment Lease Financing;
• And much more!

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation publishes the most respected, independent and predictive research available to the industry.

This week only, save 7% on your Foundation library purchases!

Visit www.store.leasefoundation.org and start saving today.

• The Foundation seeks research study ideas on an ongoing basis. The research committee meets monthly, and ideas should be forwarded to Foundation Executive Director Lisa Levine at llevine@elfaonline.org
• The Foundation board will meet several times in 2009, including April 14, September 4 and November 11 to 12.
• The Journal of Equipment Lease Financing's Editorial Review Board is seeking topics of interest. They meet throughout the year to discuss ideas. Please forward ideas to Lisa Levine at llevine@elfaonline.org
• Contributions to the Foundation may be made online! Visit www.leasefoundation.org/Donate to make your donation today.

According to the latest estimates (2007), the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, total U.S. waterborne commerce is estimated to be 2.3 billion metric tons per year, of which approximately 40 percent is domestic freight. Coastwise freight carriage amounts to roughly 185 million metric tons, or 7.9 percent of total waterborne tonnage.

(Source:2009-2013 Transportation Outlook Series: Marine Equipment Finance Market)