Under the theme “Working Successfully as Business Partners,” the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) had a successful turnout to its annual conference, Sept. 13-15, in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

More than 250 fleet professionals attended the meeting, which featured opening speaker John Davis of MotorWeek, and keynote speakers Hal Feder of Ford Motor Company and Jim Frank, president of Wheels Inc.

The conference offered seven workshops, covering such topics as accounting rules changes, residual trends, and global economics.

A highlight was the presentation of a $4,000 donation for construction of a children’s playground in memory of the late Pat Patrick, retired fleet dealer, sales manager, and active AFLA member. His widow, Dot Patrick, accepted the check on behalf of Trinity Fellowship in Patrick’s Whitehouse, Tenn., hometown.

At the conference business meeting, outgoing President Patsy Brownson was recognized for her industry contributions. Mark Conroy succeeds Brownson as president. According to AFLA Executive Director Paul Hanscom, the organization plans to enhance communications to members in 2007, including developing an online library containing industry white papers and Web links to other fleet management resources. The 2007 AFLA conference will be held Sept. 5-7 in Tucson, Ariz.

Click here to see the article