Rent-to-own News - TARA's 25th welcomes Texas State Rep.

District 65 State Representative Burt Solomons will speak at TARA membership meeting.

The Texas Association of Rental Agencies welcomes Texas State Representative Burt Solomons as a guest speaker at it's historic 25th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show which kicks off this Saturday in Irving.

Solomons, chairman of the Texas House Financial Institutions Committee, will kick off a lineup of speakers at the association's annual membership meeting Monday, October 13 -- a precursor to the opening of the sold-out buying show which features some 40 exhibitors and 160 registered attendees from half a dozen states.

Download pdf of all TARA exhibitors here.

In addition, the membership meeting will also feature an update on the rent-to-industry's federal legislative effort from APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, industry legal updates from APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III, and a synopsis of state legislative issues from lobbyist William Yarnell and Paula Anderson from the Texas Department of Health Bedding Division.

Keeping the focus on members through keeping tabs on state government has served TARA well throughout its 25 year run, says TARA President Dan Matthews.

"It's all about our members," Matthews says. "A lot of people have done a lot of work to make this thing successful, not the least of which are our vendors. They understand how we keep it safe for our business people to operate so they can buy product. We have made the Texas business climate better for RTO."

TARA's work to successfully amend late fee, damage waiver and bedding regulations that were having a negative impact on Texas rent-to-own dealers are just a few examples of what makes the state association, and membership in it, so valuable, Matthews says.

"It's a great time to be in Texas," says Matthews who owns two Rent Plus stores in Dallas, has been a TARA member for 10 years and president for over a year now.

The TARA membership meeting and buying show cap off three days worth of networking and social events beginning with the now sold out "Evening at the Races" horse-racing event at Lone Star Park.

A full listing of events follows:

An Evening At The Races (Saturday Night)
Join dealers and vendors for a special TARA birthday party at beautiful Lone Star Park. Your evening includes an open bar, appetizers, a two-hour dinner buffet, private betting windows, and the best air conditioned seats in the house in the Breeder's Cup Suite high atop the race track. This event is almost sold-out, so preregister today for this exciting and fun networking opportunity.

TARA 25th Annual Golf Tournament (Sunday Morning)
This year’s tournament features one of the State’s premier courses - Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club. Designed by the world famous architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sky Creek hosted the 2007 Texas State Public Links Championships, the 2008 Texas Mid Amateur Qualifier; and the 2007 and 2008 U.S. Amateur Qualifier. Don’t miss this great opportunity to play one of the best courses in the country and network with dealers and vendors from across the country!

25th Anniversary Reception, Dinner & Entertainment (Sunday Evening - business casual dress)
Join your fellow TARA members and spouses as they celebrate the association’s 25th anniversary in style with cocktails, a lavish steak and seafood dinner, a special anniversary presentation from the Sheraton Grand, and entertainment from world famous magician - Bo Gerard. It promises to be magical evening - really!

TARA Membership Meeting (Monday Morning - 8:30 am)
This year's membership meeting features two dynamic speakers who will update members on the legislative and legal issues facing the Texas RTO industry. Burt Solomons, Chairman of the Texas House Financial Institutions Committee, and APRO Legal Counsel, Ed Winn III, will provide answers to all of your questions concerning industry issues. In addition, you will hear from TARA lobbyist William Yarnell and APRO Executive Director, Bill Keese.

2008 Southwest Buying Show (Monday - 11:30 am-6:00 pm)
Dealers from all across the Southwest will meet face-to-face with vendors offering the latest products and services to the RTO industry in the TARA 2008 Southwest Buying Show on Monday afternoon of the convention. This year’s expo will showcase products and technology currently available to dealers, as well as an advance look at new products and services on the horizon.

For all up to date information about the TARA Convention and Buying Show as well as to download a pdf of the convention schedule, go to www.taraontheweb.com.

mevans@rtohq.org