The International Factoring Association (IFA), the largest association of commercial finance companies in the world, has formed a Midwest Chapter in the United States. The chapter will provide educational programs, serve as a venue for members to network with local practitioners, exchange ideas and best practices, and discuss the impact of national and regional trends on their organizations. Laurie A. Montplaisir, Esq., Shareholder with Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd. founded the Midwest Chapter which spans ten states.
“There was strong interest in forming a regional chapter where members could connect and collaborate locally,” said Montplaisir. “Our chapter will act as the local representative of the IFA. We are committed to furthering the IFA’s mission of promoting awareness of the industry and its member firms in the region.”
In addition to Montplaisir, the following individuals will serve as founding board members of the Midwest Chapter:
Robert Jaskiewicz is Managing Director of 12five Capital, LLC. He is an established leader in the commercial finance and alternative finance industry sectors.
Robert Meyers leads the origination and marketing departments for Republic Business Credit. He has more than 12 years of commercial lending experience and will also serve as President of the Midwest Chapter.
Gail Reints is President and Founder of Sky Business Credit, LLC and has over 20 years’ experience in the factoring industry. She previously served on the IFA’s Board of Directors.
The geographic territory covered by the chapter includes the states of Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Only IFA members can join the chapter and current members located in these states will be grandfathered in as members of the new chapter. Members are invited to an informational session and gala reception to be held on October 11, 2018 at the Civic Opera Building in Chicago.
“Members will have an opportunity to shape future programming for the chapter by providing feedback during the inaugural event along with celebrating the launch with friends and colleagues,” added Montplaisir.
The IFA’s Midwest Chapter is the second regional chapter in the United States, after the Northeast Chapter which was formed in 2014, and a Canadian Chapter was formed in 2007. The Northeast and Canadian chapters provide numerous educational and networking opportunities for members throughout the year.