The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) announces it is accepting nominations for its Distinguished Service Award, which honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the association and the equipment finance industry. The award winner will be formally recognized during the ELFA 52nd Annual Convention in Orlando in October, and will be profiled in Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine and the ELFA SmartBrief e-newsletter.

ELFA's ability to achieve its goals is largely dependent upon the work of a large number of volunteers from within the membership. Volunteers perform a number of functions:

• Act as information experts and consultants on a full range of industry issues
• Represent the industry in a variety of regulatory and legislative matters
• Analyze market trends and assist in research
• Serve as content experts for conference planning, promotion and delivery of key information and knowledge
• Assist in the positive positioning of asset finance to providers of debt and equity

Without the help of volunteers, ELFA could not perform its many functions, or provide the current range and quality of products and services to our membership and the industry.

With the introduction of the Distinguished Service Award in 2004, ELFA has established a formal process for identifying and rewarding key volunteers, who because of their outstanding contributions deserve special recognition. The Distinguished Service Award honors not only the individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Association and the industry, but also serves to encourage others to contribute to the development and growth of the industry.

All ELFA members are invited to nominate a member (including themselves) whom they believe merits this award.

Nominations must be submitted to ELFA by Friday, July 5.  For information on eligibility and nominating criteria and instructions on nominating, please go to http://www.elfaonline.org/Events/DSA/.