A Lasting Legacy S Seven Honorees Join the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame EVEN INDUSTRY GIANTS have entered the hallowed halls of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame. At the 54th ELFA Annual Convention, ELFA President and CEO William G. Sutton, CAE, announced the new inductees and praised them for their achievements. Th ese honorees comprise the sophomore class of inductees, following the fi rst class inducted in 2014. Th e ELFA Board of Directors established the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame last year to annu-ally recognize individuals who have made unique, signifi cant or lasting contributions to the equip-ment fi nance industry throughout their careers. “We are thrilled to recognize the distinguished group of individuals who make up the 2015 Class of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame,” said Sut-ton. “Th ese industry pioneers have contributed so much to our industry and our association. Th eir accomplishments—from blazing new trails in equipment fi nance to mentoring the next genera-tion to serving our association—leave a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.” Th e members of the 2015 Class of the Equip-ment Finance Hall of Fame are: 2015 Chairman Bob Rinaldi inducts Paul Larkins Eligibility Requirements and Nomination Process To be considered for induction into the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame, a candidate must have made a signifi cant impact on the equipment fi nance in-dustry. Th is may be demonstrated through per-sonal acts, the manifestation of an entrepreneur-ial spirit, support of ELFA and/or the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, a substantial total body of work, positive contributions in industry advocacy and/or a signifi cant impact on the devel-opment of other industry participants. Nominees will be accepted annually. The deadline to nominate an individual for the 2016 Class of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame is April 1, 2016. Th e ELFA Board of Directors will make the fi nal selection from the open nomina-tion process. For more information about the 2015 induct-ees, as well as the program criteria, requirements, nomination form and deadlines, please visit www.elfaonline.org/hof/ . ■ Joe Lane accepts the honor. Ian J. Berg (1941–2009)—Founder of Copelco Financial Services Group and innovator of healthcare, copier and high-tech leasing Joseph C. Lane —Technology fi nancing pioneer and devoted champion of equipment fi nance P.A. (Paul) Larkins —Industry trailblazer, mentor and dedicated volunteer James D. McGrane (1954–2014)— Inspirational leader, relationship builder and multitalented entrepreneur Bernard J. McKenna (1933–2010)— Tireless industry supporter and active philanthropist William J. Montgomery —Captive and vendor fi nance visionary and founder of numerous leasing entities, including Xerox Credit Corporation Henry B. Schoenfeld (1916–1976)— Founder and fi rst President of US Leasing, the fi rst equipment leasing company 30 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE