250 some equipment finance professionals gathered for NEFA’s 2016 Funding Symposium, in Bloomington, Minnesota, this past week.

Attendees at the 2016 Funding Symposium, held Thursday, October 6th through Saturday, October 8th, at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, enjoyed networking, service and funding source exhibits, educational breakout sessions and all the shopping, dining and entertainment the attached Mall of America has to offer.

“We were thrilled with the turnout” said Jim Peach, CLFP, of Stearns Bank.  “It was a very engaged group and they really got into the variety of breakout sessions my team of volunteers put together.  That took care of the business side and the Mall of America being just 20 yards down the hallway from our exhibit area took care of the fun side.”

NEFA Executive Director, Gerry Egan, said “We’re very pleased with the turnout and the beautiful facility.  Unfortunately, but understandably, we had some cancellations due to the hurricane and our thoughts are with the people who were impacted by that.”

The Funding Symposium also serves 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, October 7th.

NEFA’s new President & Chairman of the Board is Stephanie Hall, CLFP, of Bryn Mawr Funding, and she’s joined on the Executive Committee by Mike Coon, of Axis Capital, Inc., as Vice President, Marc Keepman, CLFP, of KLC Financial, Inc., as Treasurer, and Dennis Dressler, of Dressler and Peters, LLC, as Secretary.  Gary Souverein, of Pawnee Leasing Corporation, will remain on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

Stephanie Hall said “I’m so pleased to be elected by the membership as President.  NEFA is built around the concept of Community and that perfectly captures how I feel about it. It’s been a huge part of both my business and personal lives.  I’m excited about playing a role in our continued development of programs dedicated to Community, Education and Professionalism.”
 
Re-elected as Directors of the association at this year’s Funding Symposium were Daryn Lecy, CLFP, of Stearns Bank; Gabe Jarnot, CLFP, of Northland Capital Financial Services, LLC; and Nick Ross, CLFP, of Bank of the West.  Newly elected Directors were Shane Davis, of Dedicated Commercial Recovery, Inc.; Eric Alley, of LeaseTeam, Inc.; Kristian Dolan, CLFP, of Tamarack; Laura Carini, CLFP, of Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc.; and Joe Leonard, CLFP, of Oakmont Capital Services.

During the business luncheon, outgoing Officers and Directors, including Tara Aasand, of LeaseTeam, Inc.; Greg Nappi, of DDI Capital; Doug Houlahan, CLFP, of Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC; Kip Amstutz, CLFP, of 360 Equipment Finance; and Bryan Inman, of Great American Insurance were all honored for their service.

Also at the business luncheon, the Executive Committee awarded Bob Cohen, of Moritt Hock & Hamroff, LLP, the Chris Walker Memorial Member of the Year Award.  Said Gary Souverein, Chairman of the Executive Committee, “Bob perfectly captures the spirit of NEFA for his constant support and cheerleading and his willingness to jump in and help NEFA at any opportunity.”

The CLFP Foundation also presented some of their own awards during the Funding Symposium business luncheon.

For extra fun, this year’s Funding Symposium included three additional networking events as fund raisers. On Friday night a large group headed into the famous of Mall of America to Skydeck Sports Grille and Lanes for a fun dinner and a night of games.  That event raised funds for NEFA’s Chris Walker Education Fund.  On the previous day a group headed into Minneapolis for a tour of the new stadium of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.  In the afternoon, was a fun golf tournament at Mouse Mountain Adventure Golf, inside the Mall of America.  The net proceeds from both of Thursday’s events, conceived by local Member, Shawn Smith, of Dedicated Commercial Recovery, Inc., will be donated by NEFA to Children International.

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 or call: 847-380-5050.