FROM THE PUBLISHER William G. Sutton, CAE Engaging the Next Generation OW CAN WE ATTRACT NEW AND EMERGING TALENT to our industry and our association? This is an important ques-tion that ELFA is addressing in a number of ways. As our cover story illustrates, we are engaging the next generation of up-and-coming industry executives through our Emerging Talent Advisory Council (see p. 24). We are also trying to attract the best and the brightest out of business schools through our Guest Lecture Program (see p. 13). Learn how you can get involved at www.elfaonline.org/GLP. H Join Us in San Antonio Whether you are an up-and-comer or one of our more “sea-soned” members, we hope to see you in San Antonio for the 54th ELFA Annual Convention , Oct. 25–27. Our theme this year is “Connect, Engage, Grow!” You’ll establish con-nections with your fellow executives that will enable you to engage in new opportunities and grow , both professionally and personally. We have a great lineup of educational sessions on hot topics in equipment finance and first-rate keynote speakers: ● ● At the Monday morning opening session, Peter Zeihan will discuss the changing geopolitical landscape and its potential impact on business, finance and the United States. ● ● At the Monday afternoon Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation luncheon, industry economist Dr. Robert Wescott will bring you up-to-speed on the state of the econ-omy and what it means for your business. He’ll be joined by Mr. Zeihan for a robust question-and-answer session. ● ● And, at the Tuesday morning general session, futurist and entrepreneur Salim Ismail of Singularity University will share insights on breakthrough technologies and business innovation. Turn the page for more about our Annual Convention. We look forward to seeing you there! Election Season It’s time to vote for ELFA’s officers and directors for 2016. To participate in this important process, see the instructions on page 14. Please don’t forget to vote! I also encourage you to participate in the Business Coun-cil Steering Committee (BCSC) elections. The BCSCs repre-sent the five key business sectors of the association member-ship and are an integral part of our operations. See page 17 for more information. Thank you, as always, for making ELFA the premier trade association representing our great industry. ■ William G. Sutton, CAE, 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. Tweet Hashtag #ELFAConvention All ELFA members are encouraged to tweet about the Annual Convention using the hashtag #ELFAConvention. Get tips at www.elfaonline.org/ events/2015/AC/socmed.cfm. View your video invitation to the ELFA Annual Convention, Oct. 25-27 , 2015, at www.elfaonline.org/events/2015/AC/video.cfm EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 3