Making sense of the highs and lows of the shipping markets requires, to a large extent, an insider’s understanding. But as Matt McCleery explains, rule number one in marine finance becomes clearer when a Greek ship owner and an Irish American publisher of maritime financial information meet in a New York hotel bar and the following conversation ensues…... read more

October 2009

As the fall conferences approach, the Monitor continues its tradition of spending time with the president of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association to find out about the association’s accomplishments, setbacks and plans for the coming year. But unlike previous interviews, the winds of change brought about an unexpected addition to this year’s update.... read more

October 2009

They say so much can change in a year — and from the time we spoke with PNC Economist Robert Dye in the late summer of 2008 until now, in August 2009, we have seen a multitude of bad news stories, but we are weathering the continued after effects of the mid-2000s “economic party” attitude. With the after-party crash, came tumult in the financial and consumer sectors. As we continue to experience a very long, drawn out and somewhat painful hangover effect, we hope to sweep up the confetti, take some aspirin and head toward a better next few years.... read more

October 2009

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October 2009

Adversity is the springboard to achievement. Although the state of the economy and our industry may be sounding Mayday, the call to action at the Certified Leasing Professional Foundation is to sail before the mast. Now is the time to prepare for the opportunities that will surface after the storm. ... read more

October 2009

First American Equipment Finance founder and CEO Bill Verhelle gave up a promising career in law to follow a passion for entrepreneurship. Nearly 15 years later, his company, First American Equipment Finance, is successfully riding out the recession and continuing to realize double-digit growth while taking the time to give back to the community. At the same time, Verhelle and his company seek to “do right” for their customers and work toward the greater good.... read more

October 2009

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September/October 2009

This edition of Dispatches from the Trenches covers two areas: 1.) to provide an update regarding the holding of In re Commercial Money Center regarding payment intangibles, and 2.) analyze a recent case that may make you question your reliance on certain certificates of insurance. ... read more

September/October 2009

In a complex case, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has addressed a series of critical issues involving the operation and effect of a prepetition release by a surety and a “revival” provision in a settlement as well as the ability of an unsecured creditor to include in its unsecured claim attorneys’ fees and costs. The decision provides some important guidance for creditors in the drafting and enforcement of revival provisions in a settlement.... read more

September/October 2009

Many leasing sales professionals are focusing on the negative events of this difficult time. The sales reps who use this time to build and deepen vendor relationships will be the ones who have the biggest book of business when the economy turns around.... read more

September/October 2009

While agricultural equipment has had a smaller storm to weather than construction equipment, it’s clear that manufacturers face challenges. Members report that credit has been a serious obstacle, and smaller equipment suffers from consumer caution. Larger tractors and combines have benefited from both a strong interest in ethanol, and inescapable population growth. As the recession eases and economies improve, agricultural equipment manufacturing should follow suit.... read more

September/October 2009

As organizations worldwide fine-tune their 2010 business plans, one of the most important questions is the size and scope of their investment budget, which are critical for every organization because investments are about creating and affecting change. Whether it is improving a business’s competitive position, its operational efficiency, or the scope of goods and services it can bring to market, business investments shape an organization’s future.... read more

September/October 2009

The sharp drop in construction activities and production of construction materials such as asphalt and cement have led to an unprecedented decline in equipment purchases. Just how bad is it for the construction equipment industry? A recent study, conducted by IHS Global Insights for two associations, paints a bleak picture. Now, the AED and AEM have combined forces to launch an aggressive campaign to tell the industry’s story on Capitol Hill.... read more

September/October 2009

Publisher Jerry Parrotto recently spent some time with Bob Costello, chief economist of the American Transportation Associations. In an exclusive interview, Costello provided some valuable insights into the state of the trucking industry and explained why it probably won’t rebound as quickly as we would all like. We asked Jerry to sum up what he learned.... read more

September/October 2009

Texans have a reputation for telling it like it is. So, when we wanted to get the skinny on how the domestic truck market is faring as the recession begins to wind down, we went to Rusty Rush, president and chief executive officer of Houston-based Rush Enterprises. Rush pulls no punches when describing the trauma the trucking industry, and his own company, have endured over the past two years.... read more

September/October 2009