The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) announced the 2021 Funding Symposium held in Charlotte, NC, on Oct. 13 through Oct. 15 was the first NEFA conference to be held in-person in over two years!
Attendees enjoyed NEFA’s trademark networking events – providing funding sources, lessors, brokers and service providers multiple opportunities to meet, conduct business and create new relationships. This year’s keynote speaker, Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and President, Healthcare of Mastercard, addressed the group about his book – “Quantum Marketing” – and shared breakthrough, frontier strategies to navigate the challenges faced by companies to thrive in a modern business world.
The 2021 National Equipment Funding Symposium Co-Chairs, Jacklynn Manning, CLFP, of AMUR and Mae Philpott, CLFP, of Quality Leasing Co., Inc. assembled a schedule of highly informative and well-attended educational sessions for conference attendees.
“The 2021 NEFA Funding Symposium truly lived up to our goals and expectations of challenging attendees to Reimagine Everything. The event was extremely successful with a high turnout rate, including one of our largest first-time attendee numbers, proving that even through a pandemic, the value that NEFA brings is simply ‘priceless.’ From our introduction of the Practical Innovation Lab to thought-provoking thought leadership sessions, the mind-blowing magic, and the best charitable networking event that provided spectacular views of Charlotte, I am proud to say the NEFA Funding Symposium delivered! I am thrilled to have been asked to Co-Chair this important industry event, and I look forward to contributing to the evolution of NEFA as a board member,” said Manning.
Philpott added, “I am thrilled with how the conference came together. We truly reimagined everything – from session formats to education topics to charity fundraising – and overall feedback has been very positive. I am so grateful to the NEFA planning staff, volunteers and members who helped make the 2021 Funding Symposium the best ever!”
NEFA’s Executive Director & CEO, Chad Sluss said, “The 2021 NEFA Funding Symposium marked the first in-person conference in over two years due to the pandemic. The planning committee developed the theme ‘Reimagine Everything’ which was fitting given what was offered to attendees. This conference provided more networking opportunities, new and inventive education, keynote speakers who provided fresh ideas for the attendees to apply to their businesses, and a new Innovation Lab allowing attendees to discuss tangible business issues with subject matter experts. The conference concluded with an extraordinary reception and dinner at Fahrenheit Charlotte featuring fantastic food, a cigar bar, karaoke, a fundraiser for the Chris Walker Education Fund and jaw-dropping views of the city. We thank all our sponsors, exhibitors, session speakers and attendees for their contributions to the success of this conference and look forward to seeing everyone at the March 23-25, 2022, Annual Finance Summit in Newport Beach, CA.”
NEFA’s Board President Jim Jackson of The Alta Group said, “We just completed a very successful conference in Charlotte, NC, that was the first live national event for NEFA in two years. The program content, educational sessions, keynote speakers and activities were well-received, and it was great to connect with friends and colleagues once again and share ideas about our businesses and what has changed in the industry. I am honored to serve as the NEFA President and along with the support of a talented board of directors, Chad and the NEFA staff, we will work diligently to ensure the association continues to provide valuable programs and content designed to help our members grow their businesses and industry relationships.”
NEFA’s outgoing Board President Laura Carini, CLFP, Financial Pacific Leasing. is joined on the Executive Committee by Jackson; Scott Wheeler, CLFP. Wheeler Business Consulting, as Vice President; Adam Peterson. Channel Partners Capital, as Treasurer; and Robert Hornby, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, as Secretary.
New Directors of the association were also announced and include Don Cosenza, North Mill Equipment Finance; Kim King, CLFP, Navitas Credit Corp; Shervin Rashti, SLIM Capital Services; and Bob Rinaldi, Rinaldi Advisory Services. They are joined by the other tenured Board Members including Paul Fogle, CLFP, Quality Leasing Co., Inc; Jacklynn Manning, CLFP, AMUR Equipment Finance; and Beth McLean, CLFP, Northland Capital Equipment Finance; and Shawn Smith, Dedicated Commercial Recovery Inc.
During the Annual Meeting portion of the conference, Wheeler offered a financial update; Stephanie Hall, CLFP, BankFinancial Equipment Finance offered an update on the Chris Walker Education Fund; and Reid Raykovich, CLFP, Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation offered an update on the CLFP Foundation.
Also, during the Annual Meeting, the Executive Committee awarded Kristian Dolan, Northteq, the Chris Walker Memorial Member of the Year Award. Dolan was the Chair of the 2021 Virtual Finance Summit. He worked tirelessly with the NEFA Team and Planning Committee to create a unique, educational and accommodating experience for all attendees. Additionally, he has spent countless hours working with the NEFA team to spearhead their systems change. NEFA is thankful for all the support Dolan has showed the Association and honored to have him as the 2021 Chris Walker Volunteer of the Year.