2008 September/October Issue

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2008
5th Annual Industry
Sector Overview

TRUCKING

Trucking Industry at a Crossroads
By Mike Grau, Focus Management Group
The distress in the trucking industry has the potential to increase the cost of nearly all products consumed by Americans. But opportunities are out there for those that develop roadmaps for success. (Ref # TRU015)

Tough Times Emphasize Sound Collections Practices
By Ed Castagna, Nassau Asset Management
Moving past 2008 may seem like a good idea given all that has transpired, but judging from the early signs, we may not like what we see in 2009, either. It’s time to face reality and look at 2009 squarely in the eye. (Ref # COLL013)

PUBLIC FINANCE

Government Financing in Today’s Market
A Q&A With Robert Neptune, President of De Lage Landen Public Finance
By Robert Neptune, De Lage Landen Public Finance
In its simplest terms, public finance is the way in which state and local municipalities and federal government agencies acquire essential equipment or services to run their operations. Interestingly, there is not much public information available detailing the dynamics of this intriguing sector. (Ref # MUN026)

Commercial & Municipal Equipment Lease Documents … Important Differences
By Toni I. Stegeman, Gilmore & Bell
A veteran commercial leasing professional can quickly become “a fish out of water” when attempting to dive into the murky waters of municipal leasing. (Ref # LGL1112, MUN027)

CONSTRUCTION

Construction Equipment Dealers Admit Contractors Are Feeling the Pinch
By Amanda L. Gutshall, Associate Editor
With the residential housing market going down the drain, major banks being bailed out and company after company filing for bankruptcy, to say it’s been a rough year is an understatement. And no industry knows this better than those in the construction sector. (Ref # HRL018)

Construction’s Resurgence Lies in Infrastructure Projects
By Amanda L. Gutshall, Associate Editor
The hard hit construction sector’s resurgence depends on a variety of factors, but most of all how the industry can work together and with local, state and federal governments on infrastructure projects. (Ref # HEL019)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Leasing and Financing Enable Best Business Practices
By Jennifer Koppy, IDC
Recent analysis prepared by IDC and commissioned by HP Financial Services, recommends that CIOs and CFOs take a more strategic view of IT procurement and its impact on their organizations. IDC’s Jennifer Koppy discusses the findings. (Ref # CML044)

Some Fresh Air — Great Opportunities for IT Equipment Vendors
By R.J. Grimshaw, U.S. Express Leasing
Recent analysis prepared by IDC and commissioned by HP Financial Services, recommends that CIOs and CFOs take a more strategic view of IT procurement and its impact on their organizations. IDC’s Jennifer Koppy discusses the findings. (Ref # CML045)

ENERGY

Valuing and Leasing Solar Energy
By Rick Daubenspeck, Trenwith Group
Escalating energy prices and concerns about global warming have caused an increased interest in renewable energy sources and their applications. Concepts that were once thought of as “futuristic” are now being considered as viable and necessary alternative.
(Ref # EQM147)

Barometric Indicator — U.S. Leads the Way in Active Rig Counts
As rig counts are considered an important business barometer for the oilfield equipment industry, the Monitor takes a quick look at this vital and industry sector.

NEW ON THE SCENE

Entrepreneur Launches Solar Equipment Leasing Firm
By Casey Pittock, GreenTech Lease Finance
Stories tell of entrepreneurs coming up with seemingly brilliant ideas on a whim; one day the dreamer wakes up and has an “ah ha” moment that redefines a market. But Casey Pittock, founder and CEO of GreenTech Lease Finance, doesn’t subscribe to this notion.
(Ref # CPR118)

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Manufacturing Sector Remains Stable Despite Market Downturn
By Kenneth F. Rector, U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance
Given today’s economic concerns, it’s a relief to know that one industry sector has stayed afloat and even expanded in the past six months. Ken Rector explains why manufacturing has maintained this relative stability. (Ref # MAT004)

Expansion Mode: AMTDA Selects President From Industry Ranks
A Conversation With Peter Borden AMTDA President
Unlike many of his predecessors who had come from association backgrounds, AMTDA president, Peter Borden assumed his leadership role from the ranks of the association’s membership. (Ref # ASC028)

Brokers: Keep Your Chin Up in Tumultuous Times
By Linda P. Kester, The Institute for Personal Development
Given the turmoil in today’s financial markets, many equipment leasing sales professionals are feeling discouraged. Now more than ever it’s vital to keep a positive attitude. (Ref # BRK035)

California Finance Lenders Law Trumps Choice of Law Clause
By Andrew K. Alper, Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato
Most brokers, lenders and lessors have heard horror stories about doing business in California and the requirement of having a Commercial Finance Lenders License. Andrew Alper delves into the horrors… (Ref # LGL113)

Acting Reasonably… Implied Covenant of Good Faith & Fair Dealing
By Kenneth P. Weinberg, Marks & Weinberg
This month’s issue discusses the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing often raised by aggrieved lessees complaining of lack of fairness or equity. (Ref # LGL114)