As we hit the half way mark on calendar year 2018, it is a good time to take stock and see if we’re taking full advantage of our Association membership. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of our busy schedules, but we need to step back once in a while and focus on our own development, service, and connections. Have you done anything lately to further your career, contribute to the betterment of your industry, or strengthen your network? Now is a great time to jump in and check out what the Commercial Finance Association has to offer.
Here are five member benefits to take advantage of today:
Engage in Education
Sharpen your skills or learn something new at one of CFA’s education seminars that are always accessible at a significant discount to members. Offered both in-person or online, there is something for everyone in CFA Knowledge Central. If business slows down a bit over the summer months, it may be a good time to schedule a custom class on-site for your department. To learn more, contact jkravitz@cfa.com. And, keep an eye out for one of our next free seminars.
Celebrate the Future
Reserve your seat at the CFA 40 Under 40 Awards Ceremony. We’ll be recognizing the accomplishments of the best and brightest up and comers in our industry on September 20th at the Pierre Hotel in NYC. If you can’t make it to NY, you can read about the young movers and shakers who are shaping the future in the September issue of The Secured Lender magazine. Your subscription is free as a CFA member.
Network, Network, Network
Get out, mingle and gain valuable insights at one of CFA’s upcoming events. There are plenty of local options, as well as national programs such as the Women in Commercial Finance Breakfast, the Chelsea Piers Golf Clinic, or the Cross-Border Lending Summit, all deeply discounted for members. Plus, it’s never too early to plan your trip to San Diego for the biggest gathering of the year–74th Annual CFA Convention, November 7-9, 2018. CFA Members save $900 on registration, so reserve your spot today! Remember, CFA members also have exclusive access to the CFA Member Directory, so even if you don’t have time to attend an event, you can always reach out and make new connections with other professionals in our community.
Dig Into Industry Data
Take some time to see how your organization stacks up against the latest ABL and factoring statistics. CFA industry reports, as well as the new Secured Lending Confidence Index can help with your business planning and strategy development and it is free to members.
Give Back
The Commercial Finance Association provides plenty of opportunities to get involved in the advancement of our community. Volunteers are always needed to teach classes, participate on committees, provide content for The Secured Lender/TSL Express, or serve on a panel at an event. Click here to learn more. The CFA Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultivating education, innovation, and charitable works for the Commercial Finance community, relies solely on donations from both corporations and individuals to develop education programs, foster industry awareness, and compile data (including a groundbreaking Market Sizing & Impact Study coming soon).
Your Commercial Finance Association membership is an investment in your future and the future of our industry. It’s never too late to try something new. If you would like an overview of all CFA Member benefits for your team, contact jkravitz@cfa.com to set up a personalized benefits webinar.
About the author:
Michael D. Haddad is president, Capital Finance, of Sterling National Bank in Dallas, TX and chairperson of CFA’s Membership Committee.