More than 195 equipment finance professionals registered for NEFA’s 2014 Funding Symposium, in San Antonio, Texas this past weekend.

Attendees at the 2014 Funding Symposium, held Thursday, September 18th through Saturday, September 20th, at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, enjoyed networking, service and funding source exhibits, educational breakout sessions and all the history and fun San Antonio’s famed River Walk area has to offer.

“It was a great balance of work and play” said Scott Woodring, of LeaseTeam, this year’s Funding Symposium Chairperson.  “A dedicated team of volunteers planned an impressive lineup of breakout sessions and having The Alamo across the street from the hotel and the River Walk running through the hotel lobby took care of the rest!”

NEFA Executive Director, Gerry Egan, said “We had a great turnout and people loved the convenience of the location.  We also had a record number of exhibitors eager to do business with our NEFA Members and the attendees benefited greatly from that.”

The Funding Symposium also served as the Annual Business meeting for the National Equipment Finance Association and Officers and Directors for the next twelve months were elected at the business luncheon on Friday, September 19th.

NEFA’s new President is Tara Aasand, of LeaseTeam, and she’s joined on the Executive Committee by Gary Souverein, of Pawnee Leasing, as Vice President; Greg Nappi, of DDI Leasing, as Treasurer, and Stephanie Hall, of Bryn Mawr Funding, as Secretary.  Kyle Gilliam, CLP, of Arvest Equipment Finance, will also remain on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

Unable to be there in person, Tara Aasand, said “I’m honored to be elected by the membership as President.  NEFA has always been important to me and I look forward to serving as the association president as we continue to grow and expand our programs.”

Elected as Directors of the association in San Antonio, were Mike Coon, of LCA Financial; Marc Keepman, of KLC Financial; Doug Houlahan, CLP, of Maxim Commercial Capital; Dennis Dressler, of Dressler & Peters; Jenna Lund, of Channel Partners; Daryn Lecy, of Stearns Bank; Gabe Jarnot, of Northland Capital Financial Services; Bryan Inman, of Great American Insurance; Kip Amstutz, of 360 Equipment Finance; Anna-mary Geist, of Taxware; and Nick Ross, CLP, of Bank of the West.

During the business luncheon, outgoing Officers and Directors, including David Normandin, CLP, of Banc of California; Jim Merrilees, CLP, of TIP Capital; Bruce Smith, CLP, of Diversified Capital Credit; and Diane Williams, of Bankers Leasing Company, were all honored for their service.

Also at the business luncheon, John Rosenlund, CLP, of Portfolio Financial Servicing Company, was honored with the Chris Walker Memorial Member of the Year Award for his many years of selfless and dedicated service to NEFA.

The CLP Foundation, with whom NEFA has a long and close relationship, also presented some of their own awards during the Funding Symposium business luncheon.

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a national association serving small to mid-sized independent equipment finance companies, lessors and brokers.  NEFA is a strong association offering enhanced educational programs and premium networking opportunities with broad geographic and industry segment diversity.  The mission of NEFA is to provide a forum for members to pursue personal and professional growth and promote ethical business practices through advocacy, networking and industry involvement.  For more information, visit: www.NEFAssociation.org.