RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 17, 2011--Susan Carol, a nationally accredited public relations professional who has specialized in equipment leasing and finance for more than 20 years, will speak at the NEFA National Equipment Finance Summit next month on how finance companies can integrate a social media strategy with business development and marketing objectives.

Innovate, Inspire, Grow & Prosper is the theme of the NEFA event, March 17-19, in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the Hotel Valley Ho. The social media session on Saturday, March 19, will address that theme in an interactive discussion, and will focus on how to use social media effectively for business purposes. The session will cover overcoming common objections, monitoring online conversations, engaging the right audience, and managing potential risks. "The biggest risk right now is ignoring the power that online engagement has for expanding business relationships and supporting reputation management," said Carol.

Carol will recommend ways to minimize the labor involved, and she will cite business-to-business examples where leasing industry executives are already involved in social media and already seeing benefit from it.

"We invited Susan to present at the Financing Summit because she has experience specific to our industry and knowledge concerning the industry's progress in adopting social media tools," said Gerry Egan, Executive Director of NEFA.

Carol is CEO of Susan Carol Associates Public Relations, a full service PR, branding and marketing communications agency that has specialized in equipment leasing and finance since 1989. Her team of strategists, writers, designers and Web marketing specialists also have decades of experience in technology and healthcare. Carol's previous communications management experience includes employment at MCI Corporation, U.S. Telephone Association, ELFA in Washington, D.C., and the Army Corp. of Engineers in Germany. Find more on Susan Carol at http://www.scapr.com . Also, please find Susan Carol Associates Public Relations and NEFA on www.LinkedIn.com .

About Susan Carol Associates Public Relations

Susan Carol Associates Public Relations, Inc., (SCAPR), is a full-service consulting firm specializing in developing and executing marketing and communication plans for business-to-business clients. Since 1989 the seasoned professionals have focused on marketing strategies that establish valuable relationships, while guarding and developing corporate brand and reputation. Corporate communications and Web consulting services have helped clients in equipment leasing, healthcare and finance clearly define their brands and communicate with a variety of audiences through traditional and new media channels.

About the National Equipment Finance Summit

One of the industry's premier educational and networking events, the National Equipment Finance Summit will be held March 17-19, 2011, at the Hotel Valley Ho, ( www.HotelValleyHo.com ), in Scottsdale, Arizona. For full details and a downloadable brochure, visit: www.NEFAssociation.org .

About National Equipment Finance Association

The National Equipment Finance Association, (NEFA), is a national association serving small to mid-sized independent equipment finance companies, lessors and brokers. NEFA is a strong association offering enhanced educational programs and premium networking opportunities with broad geographic and industry segment diversity. The NEFA Funding Symposium for 2011 is scheduled for September, 15-17, 2011, at The Marquette, ( http://www.marquettehotel.com/ ), in downtown Minneapolis, MN.

The mission of NEFA is to provide a forum for members to pursue personal and professional growth and promote ethical business practices through advocacy, networking and industry involvement. For more information, visit: www.NEFAssociation.org or call: 847-380-5050. NEFA