NAFA Executive Director Phil Russo, CAE Invites You "Home" To I&E

I’m always excited when NAFA’s Institute & Expo begins, but 2013 is that much more special to me because next week I’m literally inviting you home. Our conference convenes in our home state of New Jersey, the first time in over a decade that I&E has resided in the northeast. It gives NAFA an opportunity to pull out all the stops, but at the same time it represents a huge challenge. Year after year I&E has exceeded your expectations and brought all the separate parts of the fleet industry together in one place. The fact that it is happening in our backyard makes it all the more important that we "bring it" in 2013. I am confident that we’ve done just that.

There is a trust that our membership, partners, and attendees alike have given to us, and we strive to earn that trust every day. I feel I&E is the best example of that trust put into action because I&E embodies everything that NAFA is. Like our publication mastheads say, we’re here for corporate, government, public safety, university, and utility fleets. We are wholly involved with the crucial areas of fleet education, fleet safety, fuels and maintenance, asset management, and sustainability. We’re also committed to bringing together like-minded individuals, people who have fleet-related questions and concerns, and people who can provide answers and solutions. It all comes together at I&E.

Likewise, NAFA is informed by the ongoing conversation the Association has with the membership, and I’m proud to say this year’s conference has been built around the expectations, requests, and directives of our members. You asked for distinct focus on the topics that affect you the most, and our session "tracks" are designed to reflect that. You wanted the maximum amount of networking events possible, and you will find the 2013 I&E will not just draw fleet professionals from the world over, but will give them the chance to form relationships that will positively affect individuals and the industry for the future.

You also said that you wanted the prestige of the Association of old to return. We have, as a nation and industry, come through difficult times together and now is the right moment to celebrate. NAFA launches the Fleet Excellence Awards program this year, affectionately nicknamed "the FLEXY." These awards serve to honor outstanding achievements and individuals within the whole of the fleet industry and will become the preeminent honor within our field. You will have the chance to experience it right from the start at the 2013 I&E. We’re thrilled to have the rock and blue-eyed soul of one of New Jersey’s greatest bands, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, performing a post-awards concert. As I said before, we are going to "bring it" this year.

The I&E is the conference created by fleet for fleet, built on trust, and delivered with the commitment to excellence. We’re the stewards of the "fleet industry event of the year," with the guiding principle that you will always take away much more than what you arrived with; for your business practices, for your workplace, for your career, and for you as an individual. After all, you would expect no less as a guest to our home.

Have a wonderful time in Atlantic City, NJ for this year’s I&E. Ask questions, get answers, meet new people, and know that we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to let us know what’s on your mind, and thank you for making NAFA Fleet Management Association your own.

Phil

NAFA Fleet Management Association
125 Village Blvd., Suite 200
Princeton, NJ 08540

Telephone: 609.720.0882 Fax: 609.452.8004