The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021, commemorating six decades of bringing equipment finance industry professionals together for networking, education, advocacy and industry information. The ELFA created a 60th anniversary webpage that highlights information and resources related to this milestone, including:

• Anniversary Logo – ELFA is rolling out a special logo for 2021.
• 60 Years in 60 Seconds – A video snapshot of the association from 1961 to the present.
• Evolution of Equipment Finance – Q&As with association members reflecting on the past and looking to the future.
• Membership Anniversaries – A celebration of companies celebrating milestone ELFA membership anniversaries in 2021.
• Historical Timeline – A timeline of notable achievements in the history of the association and the industry.
• How Well Do You Know ELFA? – Test your knowledge of association history for a chance to win ELFA swag in the February ELFA Engage app contest.
• 60th ELFA Annual Convention – The anniversary year will culminate at a special ELFA Annual Convention in October. The ELFA will provide details later this year.

“Since its founding in 1961, our association has united the equipment finance industry under one umbrella to learn together, do business together and advocate for the industry and its important role in our economy,” Ralph Petta, president and CEO of the ELFA, said. “Over the years, member companies have innovated to meet changing customer needs, and our association has evolved to focus on what matters most to the membership. That resilience and entrepreneurial spirit will guide us as we look ahead to the next 60 years of equipping American businesses to succeed and prosper. We look forward to celebrating with the membership at the 60th ELFA Annual Convention in October.”

Recognizing the Membership Committee

In commemorating the 60th anniversary, ELFA is recognizing the members of the ELFA Membership Committee, which helps to recruit and retain members and communicate the ELFA value proposition.

“The Membership Committee is excited to celebrate the 60th ELFA anniversary and the diverse members who make up the ELFA community,” Amy Gross, chair of the ELFA Membership Committee and EVP of Key Government Finance at Key Equipment Finance, said. “Whether a company joins our association for the business opportunities, the data, the advocacy agenda or countless other benefits, they gain access to an invaluable network of colleagues and friends — and we are all stronger together.”

The members of the Membership Committee include:

• Amy Gross, EVP, Key Government Finance, Key Equipment Finance (chair)
• Jonathan Albin, COO, Nexseer Capital
• Brett Boehm, CEO, TBF Financial
• Donna Christensen, National Account Executive, CSC
• Mike Coon, First Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Hanmi Bank
• Kelly DeCarteret, Owner, DeCarteret Transport
• Mark Farlin, Vice President and Head of Healthcare and Infrastructure, LEAF Commercial Capital
• Thomas Forbes, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Wintrust Commercial Finance
• Dominic Janney, Vice President of Sales and Servicing, Canon Financial Services
• Martin Klotzman, CLFP, Senior Marketing Manager, Ivory Consulting
• Chris Lerma, CLFP, President, AP Equipment Financing
• Richard Matte, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Encina Equipment Finance
• Thomas Pericak, Director of Capital Markets, Hancock Whitney Equipment Finance
• Marci Slagle, CLFP, President, BankFinancial
• Jeffrey Walker, CEO, CIMC Capital