’Tis the Season to Give Thanks

With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season is in full swing. It’s hard to believe this year is almost over...it went by so quickly! As I reflect back on the year, I realize I have so much for which to be thankful. Space does not permit me to list all of this year’s accomplishments for which I am thankful, but here are a few highlights.

The year started with the NAFA Board of Directors extending my employment contract for another three years, which is always a nice way to begin any year! I love my work here at NAFA. I love working for you, and I love working with this amazing team assembled here in Princeton. I am most thankful for all of those things!

This year’s annual Institute & Expo exceeded all of our expectations from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. We had more people attend, earned more revenue to serve the fleet industry, and realized a greater net gain than we budgeted. The money earned from I&E goes right back in to NAFA’s other programs and helps us keep prices down throughout the rest of the year. (There will be no dues increase in 2018 for the third year in a row!) Just as important, the I&E evaluation ratings told us we hit another home run. Thank you for making that event such a great success!

Also this year, we fully implemented the bylaws changes approved in 2016, with a new structure to the Board of Directors and a newly-formed Leadership Forum.  The results were almost immediate. In just two months, the Board and Leadership Forum developed a new strategic plan for NAFA that gives the association clear direction and goals for the next 18 to 24 months. Thank you Board and Forum members!

This year also saw NAFA’s first-ever Washington, D.C. "fly-in" event, where hand-picked NAFA Members spent two days in our nation’s capital discussing fleet-related regulations with influential decision-makers. Thank you to NAFA’s Legislative Counsel, Pat O’Connor, and the outstanding Members who participated so eagerly; you did NAFA proud!

Suffice it to say, none of NAFA’s accomplishments are possible without you, the NAFA Members who make this association the incredible organization it is. Thank you for being who you are, for loving NAFA with such clear passion, and for giving me a clear reason to get up every morning and give you the best I have every day.

I hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Phil