FROM THE PUBLISHER By Ralph Petta Turning Disruption into Opportunity W E’RE ALL HEARING A LOT ABOUT “digital disruption” lately and the importance of staying ahead of the technology innovation curve in order to remain competitive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace and breadth of new tech-nologies and their potential impact on your business, you’re not alone. In this issue of Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine, we’re pleased to highlight resources to help you face disruption head on—and turn it into opportunity. ● Our cover story on p. 20, “ Disrupt Yourself, ” offers four steps you can take to learn about exponential tech-nologies and how to apply them in your business. ● ● Th e feature story on p. 24, “ Compe-tition’s Next Big Step, ” looks at how you and your customers can benefi t from incorporating electronic doc-uments into your operations. Learn about ELFA’s e-leasing initiative at www.elfaonline.org/edocs . ● ● Th e Foundation’s “ 2017 Industry Fu-ture Council Report: Staying Ahead of Tomorrow ” is a must-read for industry leaders looking toward the future. Th e report explores digital trends, chal-lenges and opportunities that could impact our industry in years to come. Watch for new Foundation research on emerging technologies—including blockchain, smart contracts and artifi -cial intelligence—and how these tech-nologies might be used in an equipment fi nance setting. Learn more on p. 42. ● ● Don’t miss the Operations & Tech-nology Conference, Sept. 11-13. Th is terrifi c event is designed to help you to stay abreast of the latest technologies and operating methods and integrate the newest tools into your organiza-tion. Learn more at www.elfaonline. org/events/2017/OT/ . Member Survey Update Th e ELFA Board of Directors recent-ly reviewed the results of the Member Impact Survey that was distributed to all members earlier this year. It is clear from the results that our members val-ue participating in our industry and our association. In the coming months, the Board and Executive Committee will be incorporating this valuable member feedback into the association’s strategic planning activities, which will result in a 2018–2020 Turn the page for Strategic Plan to be rolled out lat-Annual er this year. Please stay tuned for Convention details as their work progresses. details Cast Your Ballot learning strategies to compete amid new policy, new people and new tech-nology. You’ll enjoy high-quality edu-cational sessions and unparalleled net-working opportunities and hear from a great lineup of keynote speakers: ● ● Global technologist John Ellis will highlight new technology trends you should be paying attention to and how companies can approach the threat of disruption. ● ● Robotics entrepreneur and healthcare innovator Keller Rinaudo will demon-strate how businesses can harness tech-nology to change the world for the better. ● Industry economist Dr. Robert Wescott will bring you up-to-speed on the state of the economy and what it means for your business. Turn the page for more about the 2017 ELFA Annual Convention. We hope to see you there. It’s time to vote for ELFA’s of-ficers and directors for 2017. To participate in this impor-tant process, please see the in-structions on page 13. We also encourage you to participate in the Business Council Steering Committee elections. See page 17 for details. Th ank you as always for your con-tinued support and participation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at ELFA headquarters if you have any questions or you’d like to get more involved. ■ ELFA Annual Convention You will also position your business for success by attending the 56th ELFA Annual Convention, Oct. 22-24 in Orlando. Th e theme, “Building the Next Generation Business,” is all about Ralph Petta is the President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and the publishing director of Equipment Leasing & Finance . To submit letters to the editor, email EL&F@elfaonline.org. EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 3