NEWS Board Focuses on Delivering Value to Members T HE ELFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS met May 19 in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Chairman Tony Cracchiolo. Th e meeting concluded a very busy week of association-related activities, which included the annual Capitol Connec-tions grassroots program, a meeting of the Foundation Trustees and meetings of the association’s Business Council Steering Committees. During the Board meeting, ELFA leaders deliberated over a number of high-priority items focusing on the strategic direction of the association and the ultimate goal of ensuring that ELFA programs, products and services are responsive and continue to deliver value to members. Among the key issues addressed by the Board were the following: ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta and staff off ered updates on a variety of association activities, reporting solid membership renewal/recruitment and event attendance and an active state and federal advocacy agenda. In September the ELFA headquarters will move to a new location a few blocks away from its current location in Washington, D.C., which will provide long-term savings for the association. Th e Nominating Committee has assembled a strong slate of candidates for Directors and Offi cers, which will be voted on by the ELFA membership prior to the Annual Conven-tion in October. Representatives from the research fi rm McKinley Ad-visors briefed the Board on the results of the results of the ELFA Member Impact Study. Th e results will be incorporat-ed into the association’s strategic planning. Th e Board discussed and voiced support for initiatives of the Women in Leasing Working Group, including hosting a breakout session at the ELFA Annual Convention on gen-der-balanced leadership, Board attendance at the Women in Leasing Reception at the Convention and plans for a Women in Leasing Summit in 2018. Members of various issue-oriented work groups shared updates on a range of issues, including electronic documen-tation and the Certifi ed Leasing and Finance Professional program. Th e Board also received an update on the Emerg-ing Talent Advisory Council, representing up-and-coming staff within member companies. Treasurer Rob Boyer reported that the association is on tar-get to meet its overall 2017 budget. ELFA ended 2016 in a strong fi nancial position, which enabled the association to make a healthy contribution to its reserve account. Th is helps to ensure the future viability of the organization, makes it posible to fund a potential, unexpected threat to the industry and enables ELFA to continue the development of meaningful, needs-based pro-gramming to the membership. Th e Board approved investing some of the ELFA reserves for the benefi t of members in several areas, including the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, Women in Leasing initiatives, Emerging Leaders initiatives and an upgrade to the association’s online educational off erings. Foundation Chairman Bill Verhelle off ered an update on the activities of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. Th e Board will meet next in October at the site of the ELFA Annual Convention in Orlando. Its Executive Com-mittee conducts its summer meeting Aug. 7–8. 6 JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE