The First Word: NAFA Corporate Council Off To A Fast Start
By Phil Russo, CAE
NAFA Executive Director
Last month NAFA announced the formation of a Corporate Fleet Advisory Council (CFAC). The CFAC is a way to allow corporate fleet managers to voice their concerns and ensure their needs are met, since many of them are unable to volunteer for NAFA committees or be part of NAFA leadership due to work commitments.
The CFAC conducted its first conference call on September 27, with nearly all of the 21 members participating. After my opening remarks, which focused on my desire to ensure the Council's full and honest communication, members of the Council talked about their perception of NAFA, the I&E, and NAFA's chapters. I want to share with you some of their general, but representative, comments.
With regard to NAFA's image, there was consensus that NAFA's ‘big tent' mentality is the right way to position the association, but we must ensure that we have strong acts under the tent in order to draw people in and keep them there. Right now, NAFA delivers high value to new and mid-career fleet managers, but not so much to veteran fleet managers.
The CFAC members said they felt I&E, NAFA's annual conference and expo, needs to include more social time, such as coffee breaks and receptions, to allow everyone to network more often. This would enhance the intimacy and value of the event and be as valuable as educational sessions.
Finally, the CFAC said NAFA's chapters form a very strong and valuable base to build upon, but thought that there is too much pressure on the chapters to lead and innovate, especially considering that chapters are all run by volunteer members and affiliates.
As I noted, these are just the general comments. In the span of the 80-minute call I created four pages of single-spaced typed notes. It was pretty clear the CFAC was being as open and honest as I requested and they didn't hold back. And for that I am extremely grateful.
Over the next few weeks, I will start implementing some of the CFAC's ideas. We will have another conference call in November to ensure we stay on track and keep the momentum going. In the meantime, if you have any comments or would like to add anything to the discussion, please feel free to contact me.
