The First Word: NAFA Is Proud To Be #1

I think it’s safe to say that we all want to be successful. Whether it’s your work in the fleet industry, your personal hobbies, or your efforts as a parent or spouse, I don’t think anyone tries to fail. It’s human nature to continually try to be and do better.  

It’s no different for NAFA. We all want NAFA to succeed at being the best fleet association in the world.  But NAFA defines "success" in many ways. For instance, one definition includes providing great education, information, and networking at all times. Another includes advocating for the fleet profession. Another includes bringing buyers and sellers together at our annual Institute and Expo (I&E). And, of course, another includes increasing the number of fleet professionals who join the association.  

NAFA has been successful in all of these areas, thanks in large part to the tremendous efforts of our volunteer Members and Affiliates, our partners, and my outstanding staff. And our success is getting noticed.

For me, one of the highlights of our recognition came earlier this month when "The Godfather" of fleet, Ed Bobit, publically and privately praised NAFA for its success. In his August column, Ed wrote, "NAFA Fleet Management Association has great programs. It has its CAFM certification, regional seminars, and webinars; ...their annual conference this year [had] an excellent program."  

I thanked Ed for his positive words and pointed out to him that for the third straight year we saw increased attendance at the I&E sessions. I told him that I&E conference attendance -- those who paid for admission to the educational sessions -- was up an amazing 17.5 percent from last year. I also shared that of the 752 conference registrants, 532 were fleet managers, and 220 were affiliates or suppliers. And that of the 532 fleet managers, 323 were corporate fleet managers, and 209 were employed by government or public service entities.

Finally, I noted to Ed that next to the OEM fleet previews, where most fleet managers have very little expense for attending, there’s not another show that draws more fleet managers – corporate or public service – than NAFA’s I&E. This, I said, provides the kind of networking that helps all fleet managers learn the ropes and provides a rich value proposition for all fleet suppliers.  

In response, Ed kindly wrote that I and the NAFA Board "should share joy [in our success]. You are also right that you attract the largest non-OEM group of fleet managers nationally. You can and should be proud of achieving that."

Ed also pledged his company’s continued support of NAFA. Last week, I received from him a proposal that would help NAFA reach 27,000 fleet managers.  

For some, there may be the fear that success – getting bigger – may lead to a less personal experience at NAFA; that by getting bigger NAFA may lose its "homey" feeling. I don’t believe that.  More members give NAFA more clout, more ability to persuade and influence.  More members mean more recognition for the fleet profession. It also means more resources for everyone to share, more value for suppliers, and more that we as an association can do for you. All of that means a better experience at NAFA for everyone.

In this case, I truly believe bigger is better. I am proud that NAFA is #1 in the fleet industry in every sense.  

Sincerely,

Phil