The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) announced it is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2021. This March will mark 30 years since the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers (NAELB), now AACFB, was officially incorporated back on March 15, 1991 and the association is planning to celebrate the milestone all year long.

The NAELB/AACFB was initially organized in the fall of 1990 when a group of brokers and funding sources came together in Atlanta to discuss their concerns about vendor fraud. Following that meeting, several industry leaders volunteered to help form an association for the commercial finance broker, run by the brokers. Shortly after, 132 brokers had expressed interest in the newly forming association and several funding partners pledged their support. Thus, the association was born and dedicated itself to a mission of supporting independent brokerages and facilitating networking with funding partners and service providers. The association has grown exponentially from those early years and has succeeded in supporting thousands of commercial finance professionals. The ideals of ethical practices and continuing education formed the cornerstones of the organization back then and are still very much a part of its core mission today.

To celebrate 30 years of “Success by Association” the AACFB is planning promotions and special recognitions throughout 2021. The association will also be using a special logo in recognition of the anniversary. This logo is being featured in AACFB publications, on its website and social media platforms, and staff e-mail signatures throughout the year.     

AACFB President Cindy Downs remarked, “This is an incredible milestone for the AACFB. The fact that this association is not only still around but active and thriving is a testament to the passion and forethought of our founders and to the ongoing dedication and hard work of our volunteers and staff. The commercial finance industry has seen a lot of changes over the past 30 years but the AACFB has been able to innovate and adapt to the times. I am excited to celebrate this achievement but also to see the ongoing success of the AACFB and our members.”