ELFA push on diversity and inclusion

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has signalled its commitment to diversity and inclusion with updates to both its mission statement and the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan.

The new language affirms ELFA’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion across the association and the industry. A key part of the mission statement now reads: “ELFA exists to provide member companies a platform to promote and advocate for the industry, including attracting and developing new and diverse talent.”

ELFA chairman Jud Snyder, president of BMO Harris equipment finance company, said: “Diversity and inclusion are easy to say but are often harder to achieve. By focusing on increasing the engagement of diverse talent at all levels in our association and member companies, we are putting a stake in the ground to say that our work here is not done yet.

“As we look at the future of our industry, it is clear that if we stand still, we’ll be left behind. Innovation only happens with different voices coming from different backgrounds.”

ELFA will be pursuing a number of strategies and tactics to advance this effort. The association has formed the ELFA Women’s Council, which is working to increase the participation and leadership of women across ELFA and the equipment finance industry.

The association has also established the Emerging Talent Advisory Council, which is working to encourage new and diverse industry professionals to get involved in the association early in their careers and attract the best and brightest to the industry.

ELFA president and CEO Ralph Petta added: “As we grow these efforts, we believe they will not only result in better decision-making, but also are the right thing to do. In the wake of recent tragedies that have taken place around the nation, ELFA reaffirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion and denounces intolerance of all types.”