NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
The value and rewards of having a network of industry contacts should never be underestimated. AACFB offers several channels for members to meet with peers, exchange ideas and share experiences. There are regular annual events like the Commercial Financing Expo and the Annual Conference. You can also search for and contact other members using the published membership directory.
ROBUST ONLINE COMMUNITY
Our very popular online Community consists of hundreds of commercial finance professionals, from brokers to funders to service providers who interact through our Community Discussion Boards daily. Members reach out to secure financing for deals of all sizes and credit profiles, develop key relationships, discuss strategies, give/get advice, you name it. Members can even set email alerts for discussions delivered daily or on-demand. As the most active online community discussion platforms in the commercial finance industry, the AACFB Community is a testament to our mission as an association formed by brokers for brokers.
DIVERSE FUNDING SOURCES
Access to suitable funding is a critical need for every broker. The association makes it easier for members to locate reputable and reliable sources. Meet face to face with an assortment of lenders at each Annual Conference and the Commercial Financing Expo. A searchable directory of Funder members is available through our website. Our popular AACFB Members Only Community is a place where members find homes for transactions of nearly every description.
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
AACFB is committed to providing members with opportunities to upgrade their comprehension of a broad range of leasing and financing issues. By encouraging professional development, AACFB is contributing to the long-term success of its membership. Educational seminars and workshops are offered at each Annual Conference and Commercial Financing Expo. New online education programs and webinars are always being developed. Regular updates on a range of industry issues are also provided through our website as well as our quarterly newsletter, Commercial Break.
NEW BROKER SUPPORT
AACFB provides much-needed support to newer brokers that includes the very popular "Brokering Essentials Video Series" as well as a diverse Document Library to help you survive and thrive in your first few years of business. We understand the fierce competition you face every day. At any time, visit our online community and ask questions or seek advice from your peers and industry veterans.
INDUSTRY ADVOCACY
AACFB's collective representation has an important influence on the future of the commercial finance industry. Many of our members hold prominent positions within the financial, legal and technology industries. Over the past 30 years, they have leveraged their talents and influence to promote the interest of AACFB's collective membership through educational and advocacy programs designed to enhance the professionalism and profitability brokers, funders and others engaged in the business of commercial financing.
CODE OF ETHICS & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Our Code of Ethics is the foundation of our success. We strongly discourage unsavory business practices and promote self-policing over government regulation. The “AACFB Best Practices Broker™” designation for our members recognizes one’s ability to apply the Code of Ethics to everyday business practices. Through the designation attainment process, members display that they have demonstrated their ability to apply the Code of Ethics to general business practices in situations that they may face during their daily business operations. Our Dispute Resolution Process helps to prevent and resolve conflict issues between members.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Legal issues can present a high degree of business risk for all brokers, lessors and funders. AACFB strives to make legal expertise more accessible for all members. Limited free telephone advice is available from the Association's Legal Counsel. Legal topics are discussed in the quarterly newsletter and members have 24/7 access to our Members-Only Legal Library with useful forms, notices, memorandums, certificates, addendums, agreements and more.
COST EFFECTIVE OPERATIONAL RESOURCES
We recognize that some of our members operate smaller enterprises, without the resources of some larger firms. Membership in AACFB provides cost-effective access to tools and information that help in running a commercial finance operation. We offer a free Documentation Library with copies of frequently needed forms and agreements. Our Community allows members to share their useful tips. Our credit bureau program gives even smaller lessors cost-effective access to all three major credit reporting agencies.
PURCHASING PLANS
The purchasing power of AACFB members makes it possible to negotiate preferential pricing for a broad range of products and services. AACFB is committed to finding savings plans that will enable each member to recover their annual association membership fee through discount programs. Programs currently offered at unbeatable prices include:
- Credit Agency Reports
- Tax Verification Reports
- Office Supplies
- Hotel Engine Savings Program
- Constant Contact discount
- Sales Training discount
- Time Value Software discount
- and many, many more.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCIAL FINANCE BROKERS STATEMENT OF MEMBER BENEFITS
AACFB does not endorse or require its members to utilize the services of its benefits providers and recognizes that many choices exist in the free market for the same types of services that are offered as AACFB member benefits. Likewise, many AACFB associate members offer special programs and pricing of their own initiative and AACFB does not endorse or require its members to utilize any of the services of its associate members and continues to recognize that many choices exist in the free market for the same types of services.