 APRO: The Official Voice of the Rent to Own Industry
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State Rent-to-own Association News
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State Rent-to-own Association News:
State RTO Association News from February 2008
NW Rental Dealers get political at first annual membership meeting [February 7, 2008]
By Murlin Evans
Not many rental dealer associations can boast of doubling their representation area in less than a year.
But most aren't like the Northwest Rental Dealers Association.
Between 25 and 30 rent-to-own dealers, employees and vendors representing four states are expected to turn out for the first annual Northwest Rental Dealers Association membership meeting February 7 in ...
Missouri rental dealer's annual membership meeting largest ever [February 6, 2008]
By Murlin Evans
127 dealers, employees and vendors turned out for the annual Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) annual membership meeting February 6 in Columbia, Missouri, making this year's meeting the largest in the association's history.
Store level professionalism, personal growth and legislative issues dominated the meeting which kicked off with opening remarks from
Salesman Bryan Dodge pitched goal ...
State RTO Association News from January 2008 Missouri Rental Dealers Association to focus on leadership, membership [January 31, 2008]
Boosting membership and participation in the state’s annual trade show top MRDA President John Cleek Jr.’s list of goals he plans to share with fellow rent-to-own dealers at MRDA’s annual membership meeting.
The meeting is scheduled to begin with a vendors-only breakfast at 7:45 a.m. February 6 at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center ...
Aaron's rent-to-own franchise replaces Santa Claus in Connecticut [January 6, 2008]
By Richard May
Aaron's franchisee Charles Smithgall embraced the holiday spirit by donating a house full of home furnishings to the company's most deserving customer among its 61 SEI/Aaron's franchise stores. Aracelis Liciaga and her family of five were the lucky recipients after Aaron's poured through the many nominations for the charitable gift. Two other families were also recipients ...
State RTO Association News from December 2007 Texas' 2008 tax plan may cause small rent-to-own dealers financial hardship [December 20, 2007]
The Texas Legislature broadened its scope of what type of businesses would be subject to its new "margin tax" (formerly known as the franchise tax) in 2008, which may cause smaller rent-to-own dealers financial hardship, says Aaron's owner Robert Briley of Abilene, Texas. In early 2007, the Texas Legislature increased the state's "franchise" tax in order to ...
Rent-to-own dealers in Kentucky to revitalize state rent-to-own association [December 13, 2007]
Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase is calling all Kentucky rent-to-own dealers to attend a state rental dealer reorganization meeting on January 16, 2008, in Louisville. GE Consumer & Industrial and TRIB are generously sponsoring this reorganization gathering. The meeting will be held at the luxurious 21C Museum Hotel and the room rate for Kentucky rental dealers is only ...
Representative Holden signs on as H.R. 1767 co-sponsor [December 13, 2007]
Representative Tim Holden of Pennsylvania signed on as the 62nd co-sponsor to the industry's House bill, H.R. 1767, the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, on December 6. A "blue dog conservative Democrat," Holden serves Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district and has served his constituents for eight terms. Holden has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since ...
State RTO Association News from November 2007 High Touch goes uptown with new downtown headquarters [November 16, 2007]
High Touch, a Wichita, Kansas-based provider of technology solutions, finalized a lease today to move its 100-plus person staff in its Wichita corporate headquarters to a 10-story building located at 110 S. Main in downtown Wichita. High Touch CEO Wayne Chambers says preparations will begin immediately as renovations begin and the company prepares to relocate from its current offices. ...
Oklahama rent-to-own dealers face few challenges [November 15, 2007]
Members of the Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association held their annual meeting November 13 in Tulsa to elect new officers and share information. ORDA President Randy Braucher of Stanley's Get It Today reports that rental dealers in the state face few obstacles in doing business, which was verified by ORDA Lobbyist Steve Kelly and Department of Consumer Credit Examiner Curt ...
Rent-to-own's Briley hosts visit with Congressman Neugebauer [November 13, 2007]
U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas), a member of the House Financial Services Committee and the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, visited the new Aaron's franchise location in Abilene, Texas, owned by Robert O. Briley on November 10. Neugebauer is a co-sponsor to the industry supported federal legislation, H.R. 1767. Congressman Neugebauer was interested in learning more ...
Rent-to-own veteran Muir opens Premier store in New Hampshire [November 13, 2007]
Rent-to-own veteran Jay Muir opened his first Premier Rental-Purchase store in Manchester, New Hampshire, in September. Encouraged to strike out on his own by a colleague who was opening his own store and armed with a business plan that was impressive to the bank, Muir acted on his dream to launch his own business and enjoy the flexibility that ...
Rent One's Agin promoted to president of company's 44-store rent-to-own chain [November 12, 2007]
In November 5, Rent One’s Trent Agin assumed the role of company president for the 44-store chain of rent-to-own stores. Formerly one of three company vice presidents, Agin will now head up all of the company's operations, including monitoring daily financial activity, all business-related issues, customer gain and potential revenue growth as well as the development of all ...
Rent-to-own's Frye and PARD offer financial incentive to Pennsylvania dealers to attend 2008 Legislative Conference [November 7, 2007]
Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers President Sandi Frye is such a strong proponent of the legislative process that PARD is offering to pay for half of the hotel stay for rent-to-own dealers in their state who register for the 2008 APRO Legislative Conference in February. It is PARD's goal to have a Pennsylvania rent-to-own constituent from every district at ...
KLQ Rent-n-Roll exhibits at Seattle International Auto Show [November 2, 2007]
Kevin Quinn of KLQ Enterprises in Tacoma, Washington, has taken his Rent-n-Roll franchise on the road—specifically to the Seattle International Auto Show. KLQ-RNR has a booth promoting his wheel and tire products at this annual event that draws people from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The show opened October 31 and runs through November 4 ...
New York rent-to-own dealer collects 280 pounds of food for charity [November 1, 2007]
Queensbury, New York, rent-to-own dealer and ColorTyme franchisee Tom Glogowski of Your Choice Rentals coordinated a local food drive in October that collected 280 pounds of food for a local mission. Having just opened his first rent-to-own store July 5 (with the help of Tom and Lisa Neyhart of ColorTyme), Glogowski did the standard direct mail and radio advertising ...
Oklahoma rent-to-own dealers gear up for November 13 meeting [November 1, 2007]
Members of the Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association will be holding their annual meeting on November 13 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. ORDA President Randy Braucher of Stanley's Get It Today! in Claremore encourages all state rent-to-own dealers to attend. On the agenda is a legislative update by Steve Kelly, an update and Q&A with the Department of Consumer Credit, election ...
State RTO Association News from October 2007 Premier franchisee Darden replaces Romine on APRO board [October 29, 2007]
Premier Rental-Purchase franchisee John Darden has replaced outgoing APRO board member Gary Romine of Show-Me Rent-To-Own. Romine resigned from the board on October 26 due to his growing commitments managing political campaigns in his home state of Missouri. Darden--who ran for a board seat during the election held during the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show in September--had the ...
Oregon rent-to-own dealer Recla spooks for charity [October 23, 2007]
The staff at Central Rent To Own, based in Ontario, Oregon, are raising money for a local free health care clinic by scaring as many people they can this Halloween season. Owner Joe Recla, who serves on the board of the Ontario Four Rivers Health Care free clinic, and his store's general manager, Dennis Hart, have come up with ...
Missouri rent-to-own employers face second minimum wage increase [October 23, 2007]
On January 1, 2008, the minimum wage for Missouri employers is set to increase to $6.65 an hour from $6.50. This is the second time the wage has increased in as many years. Many employers are still adjusting to the increase of January 2007, where the minimum wage increased from $5.15 to $6.50. The 2....
Countryside Rentals opens 22nd rent-to-own store [October 11, 2007]
Twenty-two years ago, Darrell Tissot opened the first Rent-2-Own store in Hillsboro, Ohio. Countryside Rentals is now run by his son Mike, who joined the company in 1997. Despite having stores in most of the county seats in southern Ohio, up until last week Rent-2-Own had never had a location in Chillicothe, Ohio, the largest city in the company’...
Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers hold lively meeting in Harrisburg [October 10, 2007]
More than 20 rent-to-own dealers from the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers had a lively meeting on October 9 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The meeting was called by PARD President Sandi Frye. APRO Executive Director Bill Keese was on hand to share the history behind the development of the industry’s federal legislative effort as well as explaining why the ...
New York rent-to-own dealers become proactive in telling their story [October 10, 2007]
Members of the New York Rental Dealers Association held their second meeting of the year on October 9, at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Attendance at the second meeting was much higher than the newly reorganized state association’s first meeting, which was held in June.
“What also struck me at this meeting was the ...
Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers set to meet October 9 [October 4, 2007]
Members of the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers, led by PARD President Sandi Whited Frye, will meet October 9 at the Hilton Harrisburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature APRO Executive Director Bill Keese as well as presentations by Bryce Jewelry, attorney Larry Rosen and lobbyist Doug ...
New York rent-to-own dealers to meet October 9 [October 4, 2007]
Members of the New York Rental Dealers Association will be gathering at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, for a general membership meeting on October 9. Lead by NYRDA President Dave Edwards, the meeting will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and promises a jam-packed agenda. Presentations by NYRDA lobbyist Nick Barella, DSI Systems ...
State RTO Association News from September 2007 APRO honors state associations and legislative achievement [September 26, 2007]
State rent-to-own associations, their leadership and legislative grassroots efforts were recognized during the , September 26, in Reno, Nevada.
APRO President Larry Carrico introduced APRO's State Association Coordinating Committee Chairman "Tiger" John Cleek, who presented the following state rental dealers association awards during the reception:
2007 Legislative Achievement Award: Texas
2007 Continued Excellence Award: California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, ...
State legislative forum draws more than 100 attendees [September 24, 2007]
More than 100 rent-to-own dealers attended the State Legislative Forum in Reno, Nevada, during APRO's 2007 Rent-To-Own Convention and Buying Show on September 24. The meeting was led by State Association Chairman "Tiger" John Cleek and a panel of state association presidents were on hand to discuss their involvement and success in leading successful, organized state rental dealer ...
Illinois rent-to-own dealers gather for annual meeting [September 19, 2007]
By Richard May
The Illinois state rent-to-own association held its annual gathering in Springfield, Illinois, September 19, to discuss rent-to-own state, federal legislative and tax issues. The meeting featured longtime and respected Illinois lobbyist Herman Bodewes who reported to the group about the various tax issues and legislative climate of the Illinois state legislature. Bodewes has been representing the ...
Iowa rent-to-own dealers celebrate 20th anniversary [September 18, 2007]
Members of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers held their annual meeting and celebrated AIRD's 20th anniversary on September 18, 2007. The Des Moines meeting was led by AIRD President Brian Luksetich, with APRO Executive Director Bill Keese and lobbyist James Carney invited to speak to the 23 rental dealers who attended. Keese spoke about state and federal legislative ...
New York rent-to-own dealers make dreams come true [September 18, 2007]
In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, sits a five-story brick building that fulfills parents’ dreams of providing an exceptional education for 405 underserved children. The Trey Whitfield School, run by former Dallas Cowboys player A.B. Whitfield and founder Janie C. Whitney, was the gracious recipient of four computers donated by members of the New York State Rental ...
Midwest rent-to-own show fulfills promise to provide invaluable training [September 13, 2007]
The fourth annual RTO Midwest Training Expo, sponsored by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association, fulfilled ORDA President Mike Tissot’s promise of providing invaluable training for attendees September 11 and 12 at the Concourse Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. Tissot reports that 32 vendors and 120 attendees representing 16 companies from six states were on hand for ...
Florida rent-to-own dealers continue tradition of strength and innovation [September 11, 2007]
By Ed Winn III
The Florida Rental Dealers Association continues its tradition of strength and innovation as it hosted its 2007 "Fun in the Sun" vendor mingle and annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, September 10 and 11.
FRDA represents the state with the second largest number of RTO stores and is always able to draw big crowds to its ...
Quality Rentals' annual rent-to-own golf tournament raises thousands for scholarships [September 5, 2007]
For the past three years, the extended Quinn family of KLQ Enterprises, dba Quality Rentals, has organized and hosted an incredibly successful golf tournament and auction to raise money for college scholarships. The 2007 Dan Quinn/James Weber Memorial Golf Outing and auction, held August 23 in Lacy, Washington, drew 147 golfers-many of whom flew in from around the country ...
Florida rent-to-own dealers to gather for annual meeting and golf tournament [September 5, 2007]
Florida Rental Dealers Association President Chris Kale will extend a warm welcome to all those attending the fifth annual Norman 'Slats' Slatton Golf Memorial and annual meeting September 10 and 11 in Tampa, Florida. The golf tournament will be held at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club in Temple Terrace, Florida, and is sponsored by Whirlpool, Ashley Furniture ...
Midwest rent-to-own dealers gear up for sell-out 2007 Midwest Show [September 4, 2007]
Ohio Rental Dealers Association President Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals reports that the trade show spots are all sold out for the fourth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo. Tissot and his crew are gearing up for a memorable event, scheduled for September 11-12, at the Concourse Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio.
"Last year, vendor training at our ...
State RTO Association News from August 2007 Rent-n-Roll's Sutton and his rise to success chronicled [August 29, 2007]
Larry Sutton of Rent-n-Roll and his rise to success in the wheel and tire business is featured in the September 2007 issue of The Mix of Tampa Bay entertainment magazine. Dubbed the "King of Custom Wheels and Tires" by writer Frank McDonald, Sutton's career was chronicled in the two-page article, along with a sidebar on Sutton's involvement in ...
Buddy's rent-to-own employees treated to four-day cruise [August 27, 2007]
On June 22, a Royal Carribbean cruise ship set sail for a four-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. On board were 200 Buddy’s Home Furnishings employees, guests and 20 vendors who were treated to the trip. The annual third-quarter cruise is a way to reward the employees for a job well done and rejuvenate them for the upcoming holiday ...
Texas rent-to-own dealers change name/dates for annual show [August 20, 2007]
The Texas Association of Rental Agencies has announced that its annual convention has been renamed the Southwest Convention and Buying Show Sponsored by TARA. The TARA convention, which typically was held in the spring, will now be held in October 2008 when most smaller dealers normally do their buying. The new show format will include TARA members as well ...
Ohio's Tissot hosts freshman congressman at his rent-to-own store [August 14, 2007]
Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals, invited freshman Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio) to visit one of his stores to continue their discussion on the rent-to-own industry's federal legislation. Space took Tissot’s invite to heart and spent some valuable time at Tissot’s Logan, Ohio, store on August 13 to find out specifically what the rent-to-own business is and what ...
SEI/Aaron's and NYSRDA donate to Special Olympics [August 13, 2007]
Officials from SEI/Aaron's and the New York State Rental Dealers recently made a $500 donation to the Genesee Chapter of the Special Olympics of New York. The donation was made through ACORP (Aaron's Community Outreach Program. "SEI/Aaron's and the New York State Rental Dealers Association are proud to support Special Olympics New York," says NYSRDA President and ...
Kansas rent-to-own dealers donate funds to Greensburg tornado fund [August 1, 2007]
In May 4, 2007, an EF5 category tornado ripped through the town of Greensburg, Kansas, destroying nearly 95 percent of the city. Declared a disaster area after the storm, which caused at least $153 million in damage, the United Way of the Plains responded by creating the Green for Greensburg Fund for recovery and victim assistance. At the June ...
State RTO Association News from July 2007 Missouri rent-to-own dealer Romine doubles as bank chairman [July 26, 2007]
Missouri rent-to-own operator Gary Romine is now chairman of the board of the MRV Banks. After working on the new community banking chain for the past two years, Romine is proud to announce the opening of the first location in St. Genevieve, Missouri, on July 17. "So many of our community banks have been bought up by national ...
New York State Rental Dealers Association launches new Web site [July 18, 2007]
A little more than a month after nearly 40 rent-to-own professionals from across the state of New York met in Verona on June 5 to reorganize, elect a new board and officers, and plot out an aggressive agenda to establish a state association worthy of the Empire State, the New York State Rental Dealers Association Web site made its ...
American Rental kicks off first day of trade show [July 13, 2007]
The first day of the managers touring the exhibit hall at the Seasons Hotel and Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana. This year, the number of exhibitors grew to 35 vendors and the managers are meeting in groups with each exhibitor to view the latest products and services. American Rental store manager Sheila Martin from Salem, Indiana, was especially impressed ...
American Rental show to host record number of exhibitors [July 12, 2007]
The American Rental Trade Exposition and Golf Scramble, which starts Friday, July 13, and runs through Saturday, July 14, is hosting a record turnout of exhibitors at this year's event. "We had to use every corner of the convention center to accommodate the increase of vendors," says American Rental CEO David P. David. "We have limited ...
Indiana adopts amendments to state rental-purchase act [July 6, 2007]
By Ed Winn III In May, the Indiana Legislature amended its rental-purchase statute for the eighth time since the statute’s original enactment in 1987. One of the reasons that the statute has been amended so many times is the close working relationship between the Indiana Rental-Purchase Dealers Association and the state's Department of Financial Institutions, the regulatory body ...
State RTO Association News from June 2007 Rent One holds annual vendor appreciation and charity golf tournament [June 28, 2007]
Rent One, based in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, held its annual Vendor Appreciation Golf Tournament on June 21 and raised $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House, $500 for South Town Youth Program Center and $450 for Heroes at Home. “I want to thank all our vendors, employees and neighbors for the tremendous turnout for this event,” says ...
Rent-n-Roll donates $15,000 to local House of Hope foundation [June 21, 2007]
After hearing about the creation of the Tampa, Florida, chapter of The House of Hope, Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires President Larry Sutton was moved by the stories of how the charity transformed the lives of young people. “I was absolutely touched by the young people whose lives had been changed by this foundation,” says Sutton. “...
MRDA celebrates 20 years of service and accomplishments [June 19, 2007]
By Bill Keese
Past presidents of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association, Gary Romine, “Tiger” John Cleek Sr., Dan Cole and Chuck Kuluva, were presented with beautiful presidential plaques in recognition of their service to rental dealers in Missouri over the past 20 years. “We have a rich history of service to the rent-to-own industry both here in ...
Missouri Rental Dealers Association leaders talk about the past and the future [June 19, 2007]
In honor of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association’s 20th anniversary being celebrated during the group’s Heartland of America Trade Show, APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May talked to past and current MRDA leaders about the incredible success this state association has witnessed, how the industry has changed and what’s in store for the future. Click here ...
Heartland of America trade show kicks off with record attendance [June 18, 2007]
By Bill Keese
Rental dealers from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas and Tennessee convened at the Lodge of Four Seasons on Lake Ozark, Missouri, to buy products, attend seminars and enjoy golfing and fishing at the Heartland of America Trade Show and Seminars. “We are very pleased that we have a record attendance at our show this year. The ...
Tennessee rental dealers meeting a success [June 18, 2007]
Tennessee Rental Dealers Association President Larry Goad and the TRDA board raised the formerly dormant association from the ashes several years ago and can now boast of running one of the most well-organized and active state groups in the country. The annual meeting of this revitalized association was held June 14 and 15 at the Opryland Hotel and Resort ...
2007 Midwest RTO Training Expo trade show is a sellout! [June 14, 2007]
Ohio Rental Dealers Association President Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals reports that the trade show spots are all sold out for the fourth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo. The event will be held September 11-12 at the Concourse Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. "Remember, this is a training show," says Tissot. "Last year, vendor ...
Buddy's Home Furnishings brands its rent-to-own company safely in the community [June 14, 2007]
By Richard May
In June 9 in Tampa, Florida-based Buddy’s Home Furnishings sponsored the Hillsborough County Safety Day, featuring safety and medical demonstrations and education for more than 130 children. The event featured a mock drunk driving accident, a bike rodeo stressing safety rules for children and fingerprinting the children as a safety measure if a child is ...
easyhome kicks off first U.S. rent-to-own store in New York [June 13, 2007]
Canadian-based rent-to-own company easyhome will be celebrating in grand style the opening of its first store in the United States on Saturday, June 16, in South Glens Falls, New York. Easyhome’s executive team, along with Chairman of the Board Don Johnson, President and CEO David Ingram and Vice President of U.S. Operations John Natale, will be on ...
Idaho dealers join Northwest Rental Dealers Association [June 11, 2007]
By Bill Keese
During a business meeting on June 8 of the Idaho Rental Dealers Association, IRDA President Joe Reger of Joseph P. Enterprises, dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, announced that their counterparts in Oregon and Washington met the day before and voted to dissolve the Oregon and the Washington Rental Dealers Associations and create the Northwest ...
Heartland of America Trade Show still accepting registrations [June 8, 2007]
Hosted by the Missouri Rental Dealers Association, the Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show promises to be a fun-filled event, complete with a fishing and a golf tournament. Scheduled for June 18-20 at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri, MRDA President John Cleek Jr. says he currently has 180 dealers/guests registered and 66 tradeshow booths ...
Northwest Rental Dealers Association formed [June 8, 2007]
By Bill Keese
Rental dealers from Washington and Oregon met June 7 in Portland, Oregon, and decided to pool their memberships and resources into the newly created Northwest Rental Dealers Association. As a result, the Oregon Rental Dealers Association and the Washington Rental Dealers Association were dissolved. “This is a logical move for us to join forces to ...
Tennessee rental dealers hold annual conference June 14 and 15 [June 7, 2007]
Members of the Tennessee Rental Dealers Association will be gathering June 14-15 at the Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville for the organization's 2007 conference. The event will kick off with a tabletop vendor show and dinner banquet on June 14. Seminars presented by APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III, rental dealer Gloria Homeier-Schwien and APRO President Larry Carrico ...
New York rental dealers reorganize, elect new board and officers [June 5, 2007]
By Bill Keese
Following years of inactivity, nearly 40 rent-to-own professionals from across the state of New York met in Verona on June 5 to reorganize, elect a new board and officers, and plot out an aggressive agenda to establish a state association worthy of the Empire State. Dave Edwards of SEI/Aaron’s was instrumental in organizing the meeting. ...
State RTO Association News from May 2007 New York, Washington/Oregon and Idaho rental dealer groups to hold reorganization meetings next week [May 31, 2007]
The current legislative climate toward the rent-to-own industry is incentivizing three state rental dealer associations to renew their efforts to get organized. Rental dealers in New York, Washington/Oregon and Idaho are holding meetings in their respective states on June 5, 7 and 8. Each of the meetings will be sponsored through the generous efforts of RentDirect Nationwide. RentDirect Executive ...
New York Assembly bill threatens current state statute [May 31, 2007]
By Richard May
New York Assembly Bill 66, which would apply price controls to rent-to-own transactions and other provisions as well as override the state's current rental-purchase statute, passed out of the New York Assembly’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection on May 30. The bill is now being referred to the New York Assembly Codes Committee for ...
TRDA '07 hotel reservation deadline is May 15 [May 8, 2007]
By Jeannie Hutchison
The hotel reservation and registration deadline for the 2007 Tennessee Rental Dealers Association Conference in Nashville is next Tuesday, May 15. This two-day event is scheduled for June 14 and 15 at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Attendees will receive updates on legislative issues affecting Tennessee rental dealers, learn if their company is compliant with all ...
Mizati chooses California to debut wheel-and-tire RTO business [May 4, 2007]
Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, a distributor of high-quality luxury alloy wheels for passenger cars, SUVs, vans and light trucks, has chosen the Los Angeles area for its first wheel-and-tire rent-to-own store, which will open under the name Wheel Lots. Mizati will also be opening stores in the Inland Empire area of California, which is the 14th largest metropolitan area ...
National TV Sales and Rental's Jackson to present check on the Jerry Lewis Telethon [May 3, 2007]
By Bill Keese
Michelle Jackson of National TV Sales and Rentals was “jailed” recently and her jailers encouraged her to call all her family and friends to raise “bail money.” She did not break the law—she was jailed as part of a fundraising effort for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. When she started calling people who ...
State RTO Association News from April 2007 Washington, D.C., attorney general targets rent-to-own [April 27, 2007]
By Richard May
In a mirrored fashion of the recent Buffalo News series on the “High Cost of Being Poor,” Washington, D.C., Attorney General Linda Singer announced April 24 that she will be working with the city council to introduce legislation aimed at industries who do business with low income consumers, specifically citing rent-to-own. In a ...
Garcia and Fox set Premier Rental-Purchase store grand opening ceremony for May 5 in Michigan [April 26, 2007]
Manuel Garcia and Steven Fox will celebrate the opening of their new Premier Rental-Purchase store during a grand opening ceremony May 5 in Saginaw, Michigan. The pair officially opened the doors on their business April 24 and are excited about working with the Premier team. "They had some amazing resources to help us get started," says Garcia. ...
Cleek raises $22,000 for autism in Missouri [April 26, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
"Tiger" John Cleek, Jr., president of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association and longtime APRO member, helped raise nearly $22,000 April 14 during the fourth annual Bowling for Autism Tournament in Columbia, Missouri. All proceeds will go to the local Judevine Autism Center. Nearly 200 bowlers participated in this year’s event. “We ...
Rent One named April Business of the Month in Salem, Illinois [April 24, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Rent One has been named Business of the Month by the Salem, Illinois, Chamber of Commerce for April. "It was great to be recognized," says store manager John Claar. "I had a lady come in today and bring me the paper and say, 'thank you for being here.' That was pretty ...
Suspects arrested for Michigan Rental Express thefts [April 23, 2007]
Police have issued warrants for the arrest of 10 men in connection with a multi-county theft investigation that included recovering property taken from a Rental Express in Indian River, Michigan, according to a story by Mike Fornes in the Cheboygan Daily Tribune. Fornes reports that the police believe the theft ring has operated for at least nine years, dating ...
Rent-A-Center opens new home office in Plano, Texas [April 19, 2007]
Rent-A-Center celebrated the grand opening of the company's new home office in Plano, Texas, with city officials and members of the Plano Chamber of Commerce on March 30 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Pictured are: (front row) Vice-President of Development Kent Brown; Senior Vice-President of Operational Services Dave West; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Speese; President and Chief ...
Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show set for June [April 19, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
The Missouri Rental Dealers Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its upcoming annual Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show June 18-20 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. "Tiger" John Cleek, Jr., MRDA president, invites everyone involved in rent-to-own to attend. "We will have 70 or ...
Florida company wins governor's award for security technology [April 12, 2007]
AuthenTec, a leader in fingerprint sensor security for the PC, wireless and access control markets, received the Florida Governor’s New Product Award in Tallahassee on April 10 for its AES1510, a slide fingerprint sensor that uses a patented technology to read fingerprints below the surface of the skin. AuthenTec's sensors have been designed into 1 million computer products ...
Texas House unanimously passes tax relief legislation [April 11, 2007]
By Richard May
The Texas House of Representatives on April 10 unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 35, a bill to eliminate a "double tax" on rental property. If passed into law, the legislation would save Texas rent-to-own dealers thousands of dollars each year. The bill now goes to the Senate Finance Committee, where insiders expect that it will ...
Frazier is new president of Arkansas Rental Dealers Association [April 11, 2007]
Alan Frazier of Rent-A-Center is the new president of the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association. Rent-to-own dealers met April 10-11 in Little Rock for the group's annual convention and trade show to elect new officers and review current state and federal legislative issues. Mark Lowery, ARDA lobbyist, gave an update on current Arkansas legislation. Following lunch, Bill Keese, executive director ...
State RTO Association News from March 2007 National TV Sales and Rental sponsors Derrick Peterson in 2007 racing season; unveils new car at corporate offices [March 28, 2007]
Racecar driver Derrick Peterson unveils his new car at the National TV Sales & Rental managers meeting March 28 at the organization’s corporate office in Lebanon, Missouri. National TV and Complete Auto Rental & Sales, a subsidiary of National TV, are sponsoring Peterson in the upcoming season which begins March 31. When asked about the car’s chance ...
MRDA celebrates 20th anniversary at upcoming annual Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show [March 28, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
The Missouri Rental Dealers Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its upcoming annual Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show June 18-20 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The association members are dedicated to making this event an excellent investment to all participants. MRDA President John Cleek, Jr. ...
Homeier-Schwien receives 2007 Kansas Small Business Award [March 27, 2007]
Gloria Homeier-Schwien, president and sole owner of G-5 Retail Inc. dba A Full House, has received the 2007 Kansas Small Business Award. From day one, Homeier-Schwien made sure A Full House was a member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, both for the camaraderie it provides and for the wealth of knowledge and resources available from her contemporaries. ...
Photo highlights of a day at the races for Texas rent-to-own dealers [March 26, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Texas rent-to-own dealers were treated to a day at the races March 26, during the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 24th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show. Each registered attendee received a ticket for a free ride in a professional racecar and had the opportunity to take a few laps around one of the highest ...
APRO photo highlights of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies Welcome Reception [March 25, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
After a morning of golf, rent-to-own dealers enjoyed tasty food, accommodating weather and the good company of fellow RTO dealers at the 24th annual Texas Association of Rental Agencies Welcome Reception March 25 sponsored by Nationwide Southwest and RentDirect Nationwide. The reception was held by the Doral Tesoro Hotel pool. Check the APRO rent-to-own photo ...
TARA begins 24th annual convention [March 25, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Rent-to-own dealers from across the state are meeting March 24-27 at the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Resort in Ft. Worth, Texas to begin the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 24th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show. On Saturday, guests were treated to golf lessons by a Doral pro. Stay tuned to APRO for photo ...
Buddy's and Florida Highway Patrol sponsor Kids Karnival [March 23, 2007]
As part of its commitment to law enforcement and children's safety, Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings and the Florida Highway Patrol sponsored the fourth annual "Kids Karnival" March 17 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Children were taught the reason to use seat belts with demonstrations from a rollover simulator. ...
Kansas rental dealers conclude successful meeting [March 22, 2007]
Jess Fisher, of Hometown Rental Purchase continues to do yeoman’s work as president of the Kansas Rental Dealers Association. Under his leadership, the group had another successful meeting last week in Wichita. Getting attendees from most of the rental companies in the state, the group was treated to talks by Jim Brown of ABC Lease, Ownership and Sales ...
Louisiana rent-to-own dealers elect officers; White new president [March 22, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Louisiana rent-to-own dealers elected new officers March 22 at the Louisiana Rental Dealers Association reorganization meeting in Baton Rouge. They are as follows: Louisiana Rental Dealers Association Officers
President: Jeff White, Rent One, LLC
Vice-president: Dave Boggan, Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership
Secretary/Treasurer: Jean-Guy Poulin, J.P. Rental Services LLC, dba Express ...
Texas rent-to-own dealers rev up for annual convention [March 21, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Texas rent-to-own dealers are revving up for the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 24th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show March 24-27 at the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Resort in Fort Worth, Texas. As part of the event, members will have the opportunity to ride free in professional racecars at speeds of up to ...
APRO General Counsel to speak March 22 at Louisiana Rental Dealers Association reorganization meeting [March 20, 2007]
Louisiana rent-to-own dealers will meet March 21 and 22 at the Marriott Hotel, 5500 Hilton Ave., in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a reorganization meeting. APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III will present a legal update to Louisiana RTO dealers on March 22, detailing recent events in California and New Jersey. Winn will update rental dealers on developments in Washington, ...
Florida rent-to-own dealers conclude successful legislative conference [March 16, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Florida rent-to-own dealers concluded a successful legislative meeting this week as they met with approximately 40 state senators, representatives or congressional aides March 12-14 during the eighth annual Florida Rental Dealers Association Legislative Conference. The event was well organized and well attended. FRDA President Chris Kale and FRDA Treasurer Terry Beville opened Tuesday's meeting with ...
Rent-to-own dealers elect DiLeo president of reorganized West Virginia Rental Dealers Association [March 16, 2007]
Rent-to-own dealers met March 15 in Vienna, West Virginia, to reorganize the West Virginia Rental Dealers Association. Shawn DiLeo of Shining Star Ventures Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership, was elected president of the newly reorganized state association. DiLeo organized this meeting and personally called every rental dealer with stores in West Virginia inviting them to attend. ...
Florida rent-to-own dealers begin legislative conference today [March 12, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Florida rent-to-own dealers will meet March 12 to begin the eight annual Florida Rental Dealers Association Legislative Conference in Tallahassee, Florida. The three day agenda includes an APRO and FRDA legislative briefing, meetings with state congressional members and a board meeting. FRDA President Chris Kale expects another excellent turn-out at this year's event. Kale and ...
Florida rent-to-own dealers prepare for eighth annual legislative conference [March 6, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Members of the Florida Rental Dealers Association again expect excellent attendance by rent-to-own dealers in Florida for the association's eighth annual Legislative Conference March 12-14 in Tampa, Florida. The event begins with a dinner at the Silver Slipper restaurant on March 12, followed by a board meeting. Tuesday's events will begin at 10 a.m. ...
Klaussner Furniture to close Mississippi plant [March 5, 2007]
More than 100 people could lose their jobs as Klaussner Furniture closes its Bruce, Mississippi, plant April 27. Company officials say the move is being made because of continued weakness in retail furniture sales. The company will shift its Bruce, Mississippi, production to its North Carolina plants. Klaussner officials will work with state and local agencies to provide assistance ...
State RTO Association News from February 2007 Texas rent-to-own dealers look for property tax relief legislation again [February 20, 2007]
For another legislative session, members of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies are supporting companion tax relief legislation with the recent introduction of S.B. 733 by Senator John Carona (Dallas, TX) and its companion H.B. 356 by Representative John Otto of Dayton, Texas. If passed, the bill would eliminate a "double tax" on rental property saving ...
John Cleek Jr. elected president of Missouri Rental Dealers Association during snow, ice and nine-degree weather [February 14, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
More than 100 rent-to-own dealers and employees braved snow, ice and nine-degree weather to attend the Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual general meeting February 14 in Columbia, Missouri, and elect their new president, John Cleek Jr. "I'm excited about taking on the challenge and looking forward to working with the new board members," ...
Texas Association of Rental Agencies concludes successful legislative meetings [February 8, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Texas Association of Rental Agencies concluded a series of successful meetings with state legislators February 4 and 5 at the state capitol in Austin, Texas. Robert Briley, TARA president and APRO board member, was pleased with the turnout and with the meetings. “We held 82 meetings in which we asked members of the 80th ...
Rent-to-own restrictions will be removed from Texas House bill [February 8, 2007]
By Bill Keese
Representatives for the Texas Association of Rental Agencies met February 6 with Texas State Representative Harold Dutton (D-Houston) to discuss provisions in House Bill 909, which calls for a 15 percent cap above retail price on rent-to-own merchandise. Dutton explained that his intent is not to impose any further regulations on the rent-to-own transaction and he ...
And yet another New York RTO price control bill is introduced [February 7, 2007]
By Richard May
New York Senate Bill 2319—designed to add price controls to the rent-to-own transaction and add an effective annual percentage rate to rent-to-own disclosures—was introduced on February 5 by Senator Thomas Duane. Duane is serving his fifth term as a Democrat in the New York Senate. While the New York legislature has introduced these types ...
Another New York price control bill is introduced [February 1, 2007]
By Richard May
New York Assembly Bill 3849 by Democratic Assembly Member, James Pretlow, was introduced on January 29th and represents the third bill that would have a negative effect on the rent-to-own industry in New York. Each of these bills were introduced in the past legislative sessions but never were voted past the House....
Indiana rent-to-own dealers take the first step to improving state law [February 1, 2007]
By Richard May
Indiana Rental Dealers Association President Dennis Adams testified before the House Financial Institutions Committee on January 31 in favor of increasing the late fees state rent-to-own dealers are allowed to charge. Indiana dealers feel an increase in the late fees will encourage on-time payments. "The late fees in Kentucky are just enough to motivate timely ...
State RTO Association News from January 2007 Whited elected president of Pennsylvania RDA [January 31, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers have elected officers, including Sandi Whited as president, and members of the board of directors during the group's reorganization meeting January 25 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "Our focus is to be well aware of the legal issues at hand and meet our state representatives," says Whited. She says there was an ...
Forker and Chamberlain open Premier Rental Purchase store in Sturgis Michigan [January 29, 2007]
Rent-to-own veteran Jim Forker opens his second Premier Rental Purchase store in Sturgis, Michigan, with new partner and RTO veteran Matt Chamberlain. Forker's 24 years of rent-to-own experience paid off for him when he opened his first Premier store more than 15 months ago in Benton Harbor, Michigan. “It was time to venture out on my own," ...
Waterville Maine RentWay employees thanked for generosity to grieving daughter [January 22, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
A grieving daughter in Winslow, Maine, publicly thanks employees at a Waterville, Maine, RentWay store, recently purchased by Rent-A-Center, for their kindness during the most painful day of her life.
Gail Labbe wrote a letter of gratitude to the local newspaper, the Morning Sentinel. Her letter, published online at the paper's Web site, expressed gratitude ...
Iowa rental dealers elect officers, board members to state association [January 11, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Members of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers elected new officers and members of their board of directors at the January 9 state association board meeting. The new officers and board members are: Officers:
President: Brian Luksetich, First State
Vice President: Mark Connelly, Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership
Secretary/Treasurer: Brian Luksetich, First State
Board members:
...
Pennsylvania RTO dealers prepare to reorganize state association [January 10, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers will meet January 25 at the Hilton Harrisburg to reorganize the state association, discuss legislative issues, review bylaws and set goals for the year. APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III will educate dealers on the importance of an active state association in today's national political climate. “Pennsylvania has a long and ...
Setback for Rent-A-Center in New Jersey [January 8, 2007]
By Dee Dee Yelverton
The Supreme Court today refused to hear a challenge to New Jersey consumer protection and usury laws filed by Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own company, which operates 43 stores in New Jersey. Ed Winn III, APRO general counsel, says that the decision is a disappointing one for the industry, but not surprising. "The Supreme ...
New York Assembly Chair introduces price control legislation [January 5, 2007]
By Richard May
New York Assembly Bill 66, a bill proposing to amend the personal property law in relation to providing consumers with greater protection in rental-purchase agreements, was pre-filed and officially introduced January 3—New York's opening day of the legislative session. The bill is a reintroduction of the same negative bill introduced in the past four sessions. ...
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APRO's 2010 Legislative
Conference!
We would like to
thank our attendees for a great success! 
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RTOHQ: The Magazine
RTOHQ: The Magazine is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' award-winning rent-to-own industry magazine, and it's available here. | |||
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Click the links below to download each article as a PDF
Complete issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine | January-February 2010
The Year of the Tiger According to Chinese astrology, the Year of the Tiger begins in February 2010. Tiger John Cleek is making the most of it as he winds down his two-year term as APRO’s president. He reflects on personal and industry-wide accomplishments and the love of family that sustains him.
In the 30-year history of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, 17 rental dealers have served as president. To mark APRO’s special anniversary, 15 of these leaders share their experiences in helping to shape the rent-to-own industry.
The Keep Rate Conundrum Calculating keep rate does not seem to improve the rent-to-own business in any discernible way—and yet this calculation, beyond all the others, has had enormous legal and political implications for rent-to-own almost since its inception.
Vendor Spotlight: What's in a Name? These three departed rent-to-own vendors--Joe Eason, Tom Kitchens and Norm Smith--live on, their names indelibly linked to key industry events and honors.
See the current issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine... [PDF format] [HTML format]
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Association of Progressive Rental Organizations 1504 Robin Hood Trail Austin, Texas 78703 800/204-2776, ext. 103 Fax 512/794-0097 |