The Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors (EAEL), one of the nation’s top equipment leasing trade associations, was founded in 1979. EAEL just celebrated its 28th year in existence with a more than 10% increase in its membership over the past year. Membership includes lessors, brokers, funding sources, attorneys, asset mangers and many other service providers to the industry. Among its ranks are many of the most reputable people and noteworthy companies working in leasing today. EAEL prides itself on its strong loyalty and networking opportunities between members.

However, having said that, the EAEL has the same challenges as any business. That is … what do we do for the next generation of leasing professionals, the lessors, brokers, funders and service providers? Leasing of equipment alone is at more than $200 billion per year. Add vehicle leasing and you have another $60 billion. These are big numbers. The amount of people and firms engaged in this industry is huge. That means leasing organizations will be challenged to meet the ever growing needs of their members in creative ways.

EAEL is striving to meet that challenge. The association experienced a strong 2006. Perhaps the leasing industry buzz during the past year has been good for business. Perhaps it is a strong economy spurring leasing interest. But the key indicator of heightened interest in EAEL has been the amount of inquiries we have had from members, both new and old, wanting to work for and support the organization.

Meetings
There has been increased attendance at the Baltimore crab feast, the annual EXPO in New Jersey and many more members interested in hosting local chapter meetings. Chapter meetings are typically held regionally and conducted over a three-hour time period in conjunction with a breakfast, luncheon or early evening happy-hour venue. These meetings are great opportunities for those active in the leasing industry to chat and exchange information “face to face” with their peers.

This past year, EAEL introduced a new venue called “A Day at the Races” for its regional meeting in Chicago. Held at the Arlington National Race Track in July with much success, the association plans to repeat this event on an annual basis. Another annual event is the Spring Conference, which will be held May 6-9 at Seaview Resort & Spa, outside of Atlantic City, NJ. The Spring Conference is usually a three-day meeting where members attend educational workshops, participate in team building exercises and have many social opportunities to interact with one another.

Services
Association members also benefit from newly added programs. We offer special member rates from a national overnight courier service. A new volume discounted sponsorship program was also introduced for 2007. The sponsor program gives members many advertising and sponsor opportunities priced at different levels as a packaged purchase. Available sponsorship levels are Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. Choosing one allows a member firm to bundle items such as attendance at events, exhibit booth fees, website banner ads, newsletter advertising, and so forth for one attractively discounted annual amount.

EAEL is proud to produce a quality, quarterly newsletter entitled The Independent. The publication is a “member-uniting” piece, which covers association events, reports on general industry news, organizational changes and provides educational topics of interest to its readership. The Independent is also a wonderful advertising venue for many members, providing the ability to reach a very large and targeted audience.

EAEL’s ever-improving website (www.eael.org) is also being given new emphasis. It is becoming a valued resource for quick access to service providers, other members, information and registration for upcoming EAEL events and other association services.

Mentor Program
In addition to the above resources and opportunities, each member of the association is assigned an EAEL board member as his/her “mentor.” Some of the mentor’s responsibilities include: contacting their designated members to inquire as to what suggestions they may have for the association; acting as a liaison between a member and the EAEL board; introducing new members to others at association functions; and functioning as a resource for industry or association information. EAEL takes mentoring to a new level. You have a question? We have a knowledge pool for the answer. Our mentors include experienced industry colleagues, innovators and pillars of the leasing community.

Be a Part of EAEL
Come, learn and grow with us. Our organization — mostly eastern U.S.-based, but with an ever-widening sphere — may not be the biggest, but its members are truly friends. We have history, trust each other and rely on one another for value-added information when in need. Many EAEL relationships go back 25 years or more. EAEL members dedicated themselves in 2006 to making EAEL one of the leading leasing associations it is today.