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A Message From the Executive Director
We are pleased to announce several new exciting projects in this edition of Forecast! Five new research papers will be available this year, addressing such diverse topics as business differentiation, securitization, diversity, paperless transactions, and predicting customer default. Additionally, the research committee, always with its eye on the future, has committed to conducting even more research with several topics being actively recruited for a completion in late 2006 and early 2007. Check www.LeaseFoundation.org often, as papers will be posted in the Foundation Library as they are completed. Thank you, generous donors, for supporting our work so that the industry may move into its future with more insight and certainty.
Lisa A. Levine, CAE
Executive Director | |
| Paperless Transactions: New Study to Help Lessors Understand the Impacts, Challenges and Opportunities
Most business leaders will agree that within the next three to five years, paperless transactions will become the norm within most financial industries. In order to help the leasing industry enter this new realm, the Foundation has commissioned a study to assist industry members in understanding the impact, challenges and opportunities of conducting business within a paperless environment. Few studies have such far-reaching implications for every industry participant as this Foundation research project.
The shift to paperless will dramatically change the way business is being conducted, day to day, regardless of the lessorÕs niche, company size or type or market.
ÒThis is a very important, timely subject,Ó said Michael A. Leichtling, Troutman Sanders LLP and Foundation Vice Chairman. ÒOther financial industries are ahead of the leasing industry in adopting a paperless environment, and even the law (federal and state statutes) have recognized that paperless transactions are the wave of the future. This paper will provide information that the industry has been lacking to date.Ó
Read More | |
| New Trustees to Foundation Announced
To fill unexpired terms, the Foundation board has elected three new trustees effective immediately, including Kenneth Bentsen, ELAÕs incoming President, John McCue, President, CEO and Founder of McCue Systems, Inc., and Joe Stewart, COO of Chase Equipment Leasing.
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| Ken Bentsen |
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John McCue |
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Joe Stewart |
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| Foundation Studies Underway: Business Differentiation and Securitization
Two new Foundation studies are in production and expected to be delivered later this year. The first study is on business differentiation and why a few leasing companies consistently outperform their peers. It is expected to be delivered this fall. The second study will focus on securitization and its fit with your company, to be delivered in December 2006.
Read More | |
| Paper on Strategies for Predicting Customer Default to Debut this Fall
A new research paper, ÒStrategies for Predicting Equipment Lease Default," will be presented by the Foundation this fall. This paper will identify factors that impact or trigger default in equipment leasing contracts by comparing three approaches to the problem of forecasting lease default. Using data from the PayNet database, the researchers will address which of the Òclassification modelsÓ will obtain the ÒbestÓ forecast for lease default and which predictor variables are most prophetic in the leasing industry.
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| Implementing Great Ideas Behind the Latest Business Books
The Foundation continuously seeks to present practical applications of business knowledge for the leasing industry. The Editorial Review Board of the Journal of Equipment Lease Financing, which is published by the Foundation, is no exception. The Board seeks books that industry members have read recently that can be summarized and where implications for the leasing industry may be drawn. The Board will then work with industry leaders to produce special book review pieces that will include ideas, questions and guidance for readers to use in applying the basic principles set forth in the chosen book. Have you read a good book recently?
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| Attracting Younger Workers Ensures Your CompanyÕs Success: New Study Shows Link
Diversity is a central issue for corporate American today. Having a workforce that is diverse in age, race and origin, and general background is thought to ensure an organization remains vibrant and innovative. The leasing industry, in particular, has had a particular focus on one aspect of diversity: Ensuring an appropriate mix of ages reflected on employee rosters. Attracting younger workers to leasing companies becomes more important than ever as industry leaders begin to retire.
Read More | |
| Industry Conferences Present Foundation Studies
The Foundation frequently presents its studies and research product findings at industry conferences and meetings. Most recently, the Foundation presented the Industry Future Council (IFC) Report at AprilÕs Captive & Vendor Leasing Conference and at MayÕs Legal Forum. In June, industry members may see a presentation on the State of the Industry Report and IFC report at the June 11 to 13 Credit & Collections Management Conference. The SOI again will be presented at the June 21 to Operations and Technology Conference & Exhibition. For information on upcoming conferences call 703-527-8655. | |
| Quick Poll
Results from the last Quick Poll Question:
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Question : |
What Would Help Enhance LeasingÕs Image the Most? |
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Total responses : |
43 |
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Report: |
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Response |
% |
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Lease negotiations growing more transparent to customers? |
23% |
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Better processes and technology tie-ins with customer systems? |
14% |
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A more strongly-stated value proposition for the lease product? |
28% |
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A new tax incentive that could be passed along to customers? |
33% |
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Other? |
2% |
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| Foundation Happenings
- The Foundation's research committee meets monthly with 2006 meetings scheduled for June 13, 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 met May 9, and will meet again on September 14 and October 26. Authorship opportunities available at www.leasefoundation.org/jelf/.
- 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?
Small firms most receptive to leasing include firms with the fewest employees (3 or less), the youngest firms (10 years in business or less), proprietorships, and firms where the business owner has an advanced or professional degree. (Source: The Leasing Decisions of Small Businesses report) | |
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