The mission of the NEFA is to provide a forum for members to pursue personal and professional growth, ethics, advocacy, networking, education and involvement. This mission is accomplished through:

I value membership in the associations that I belong to, especially the NEFA. Our members look at their membership in the NEFA as a “pay-it-forward value.” They not only belong, but also want to be active participants, because in doing so it creates great value for their companies many times over. Much of our members’ businesses are based on the relationships of those they have met and associated with throughout the many years they have been members. I cannot even imagine the impact and value on our business, plus the value of the personal friendships I have developed during the years we have been members of the NEFA.

At the end of 2009, NEFA had 273 active members. We are proud that our membership has continued to steadily increase and look for that to continue in 2010. As an organization we are in a good financial position as we continue to expand our level of services, education and networking opportunities.

With regard to conference attendance at NEFA events in 2009, we made positive revenue at each national conference, and our surveys of those attending demonstrate that our conference formats and educational and networking forums delivered for our members. We have been listening to our members/partners and are making other changes that benefit them as well, from negotiating outstanding hotel rates at great venues to covering the key topics that are important to our membership. These are the new meeting, networking and educational forums that are required to engage our members today and into the future. The NEFA has “re-crafted” our meetings to be engaging, personal, sensitive to everyone’s valuable time and affordable.

In fact, the 2010 NEFA Spring Conference in Dallas is designed to show how you can align your business to take advantage of the opportunities that exist today and shed light on opportunities for the future. The theme is “Rebound,” and there are some great panel discussions planned on today’s challenges utilizing the open “town-hall style” that NEFA has become known and admired for.

The NEFA is truly a great investment in your business and your future. Yes, especially in times such as these, NEFA members need their association to connect with their peers, understand what is impacting their business, learn how others are responding to the challenges they face, and have an individual voice that’s meaningful to all members — these are all invaluable benefits that only the NEFA can offer. For more information about NEFA and the upcoming Spring Conference visit the website at www.nefassociation.org