May/June 2009

 Happy 20^th Anniversary to the Foundation! As the only research organization dedicated solely to the equipment finance industry, the Foundation boasts a long history of delivering quality, relevant research to help steer the industry. For the past two decades, donors have made the Foundation possible and, we are proud of our ongoing, financially well-managed status (after all we are run by financiers). But, even though we are fortunate to have generous industry members invest in the Foundation, vigilant and ongoing fundraising is necessary. We must continue to raise funds so we may continue to offer our research for the next two decades and for the next generation of industry leaders. If you haven't donated this year, please consider making an investment in the industry's future.

Lisa A. Levine, CAE
Executive Director

This May, the Foundation will launch the first-ever Monthly Confidence Index of the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI). Each month, 50 industry leaders will respond to the monthly, 5-minute survey, which will be the basis of the index. Responses from the same pool of participants each month will help establish the index as a consistent barometer of the industry's confidence in its sector and the economy.

Two new studies by the Foundation will be available soon, including research on bundled transactions and credit scoring. Considered a "new" old-way to do business, the industry has turned its attention once again to bundled solutions financing. Bundled Solutions Financing: How These Transactions Differ From Business As Usual for the U.S. Equipment Finance Industry? was researched by Accenture, and provides a point of view on a set of critical questions facing the industry today regarding the use of bundled solutions financing.

The award was presented by Immediate Past Foundation Chair, Michael A. Leichtling, Esq, Partner of Troutman Sanders LLP.

• 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 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.

"Rail is of primordial importance to support long distance trade corridors in North America. It accounts for close to 40% of all the ton-miles transported in the United States, while in Europe this share is only 8%. Rail freight in the United States has experienced a remarkable growth since deregulation in the 1980s (Staggers Act) with a 77% increase in tons-km between 1985 and 2003."

(Source: North American Intermodal Transportation: Infrastructure, Capital and Financing Issues)