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Rent One 25th Anniversary Meeting, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Rent One this week celebrated its silver anniversary at the annual business meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where more than 100 managers, their families and vendor partners turned out.[25 Photos] |
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PrimeTime! goes live in Vegas
Close to 3,000 retail and rent to own dealers packed the convention center at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sunday night for the kickoff of Nationwide Marketing Group's (NMG) PrimeTime! conference and buying show.[75 Photos] |
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APRO 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference
More than 100 rent-to-own professionals from across the country met on Capitol Hill February 23-25 for APRO's 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference. Dealers visited with legislators to tell the rent-to-own story and discuss the importance of federal industry legislation.[152 Photos] |
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MRDA 2010 Annual Meeting
Around 100 Missouri Dealers representing some 20 different RTO companies kicked off the Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbia February 17 and were treated to a birds eye view of marketing trends that will affect business decisions into the foreseeable future.[25 Photos] |
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World Market Las Vegas 2010
A highlight of the Winter Las Vegas Market, Feb. 1-5 is the APRO hospitality suite Feb. 2 sponsored by Ashley Furniture where rental dealers and vendors annually take a break to network in a relaxed environment.[6 Photos] |
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RNR 2010 Convention
RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires -- the country's largest custom wheel and tire rental chain -- hosted its sixth annual franchisee meeting at the Hilton Westshore in Tampa, Florida Jan. 18-21.[73 Photos] |
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ColorTyme 2010 Convention
ColorTyme -- the country's longest running rent-to-own franchise -- kicked off its annual convention Jan. 18-20 in Frisco, Texas, for a week of networking, training, inspiration and good old fashioned fun.[222 Photos] |
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National TV Sales donates 10,000 lbs of food to needy Missouri families, Dec. 22, 2009
When Lebanon, Missouri-based National TV Sales and Rental owner Kathy Windsor read what a heavy toll the economy was taking on a local holiday food drive, the wheels began to turn.
She "got the Rolodex to workin", started making phone calls to wholesale grocers and in a matter of just five days, her company purchased 10,000 pounds of food, enough to feed 500 needy Lebanon-area families where before there had been food enough for only three families.
[10 Photos] |
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National TV Sales and Rental Christmas Banquet, Dec. 5, 2009
National TV Sales and Rental this Saturday held its annual employee Christmas party and awards banquet Dec. 5, 2009 at Andy's 417 in Lebanon, Missouri where 12 of the company's top employees were honored.
[13 Photos] |
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Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association 2009 Annual Meeting
APRO's 'State Association of the Year' -- The Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association -- convened Oct. 21 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois to mull a collection of issues ranging from legislative and legal updates to sales tax audits to board and officer elections.[23 Photos] |
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Rent One 'Day on the Diamond' 2009
With an entire minor league baseball park at their disposal, Rent One managers braved drizzling rain Oct. 14 to honor vendors from over 30 companies at the company's annual "Day on the Diamond" Vendor appreciation day at Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois. The company also used the occasion to contribute $100,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis to build a new facility.[115 Photos] |
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TARA 2009 Convention and SW Buying Show
William McCrae, president of Buzz's Lease Purchase and Sales became the new president of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies Oct. 10 at the opening of the association's 26th annual convention and southwest buying show Oct. 10-11 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addison, Texas.[79 Photos] |
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TRIB Group Meeting of the Minds 2009
A record breaking number of rental dealers from around the country convened Oct. 7 - 8 for TRIB Group's annual "Meeting of the Minds" at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, with discussions of rent-to-own hot topics, product reviews and operations and procedures.[61 Photos] |
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GRDA 2009 Annual Meeting
Charlie Loudermilk Sr., 82, founder and chairman of Aaron's Inc., had a simple message for attendees at the annual meeting of the Georgia Rental Dealers Association Oct. 7 in Atlanta.
"Satisfy the customer," Loudermilk said. "It costs a lot of money to get a customer, you should make sure you keep them."
GRDA president Dan Kniesly of Easy Rental presented Loudermilk -- whose company is based in Atlanta -- with a lifetime achievement award from the newly re-organized association noting not only his business success in growing the second largest rent-to-own company in country, but his many philanthropic community outreach ventures as well. [37 Photos] |
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2009 Midwest RTO Expo
The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicked off Sept. 29 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio where close to 160 rent-to-own dealers from as many as nine states are expected to participate in what has become the largest regional rent-to-own training show in the country.[148 Photos] |
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Bestway 2009 Knowledge Bowl
Bestway Rent-To-Own's third annual Knowledge Bowl contest rounded out a packed day of leadership and product training Sept. 22 at the largest independent RTO company's annual managers meeting in Destin, Florida. District 3 -- "The Eight Profiteers" -- which covers eight stores in Mississippi, won the Jeopardy-styled competition handily with the team of store managers, along with district manager Chris Nicoulin, outscoring other competing teams by over 2,000 points and winning the coveted $5,000 grand prize.[65 Photos] |
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FRDA 2009 Annual Meeting
Around 120 dealers representing 18 companies turned out for Florida Rental Dealers Association's annual meeting at the Westin Hotel/Harbor Island in Tampa, Florida Sept. 21-22. The event also drew around 48 registered vendors, many of whom joined the golf outing and the second annual FRDA Texas Hold E'm Poker Tournament Monday night. The membership meeting was held Tuesday, Sept. 22.
[26 Photos] |
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Bestway Rent-To-Own 2009 "Afterburner" Missions
Bestway managers found a new appreciation for the words planning, leadership and execution Sept. 22 when three U.S. Air Force fighter pilots stormed the company's annual managers meeting in Destin, Florida and broke the 100 or so attendees into six teams each given a high stakes mission to take out an aggressive enemy using available resources and dodging a series of setbacks from weather to plan-stealing spies.[85 Photos] |
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2009 FRDA Vendor Mingle
FRDA hosts their annual Vendor Mingle where all Florida rental dealers and team members can mingle with the 31 attending vendor companies. The successful event drew large crowds eager to learn more about the best products and services on the market.[30 Photos] |
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Bestway Rent-To-Own 2009 Managers Meeting, Destin, Florida
The nation's largest independent rent-to-own company -- Bestway Rent-To-Own -- kicked off it's 2009 annual meeting (Sept. 21 - 24) at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort in Destin, Florida where close to 100 store, district and regional managers from the company's 76 stores are in tow for a week of training, networking, sun and surf.[23 Photos] |
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FRDA 2009 Casino Night
The Florida Rental Dealers Association' Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida September 21st and 22nd hosts exiting times for Florida dealers and partner vendors at the lovely Westin Hotel at Harbor Island. [26 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: Annual Awards Banquet
On September 1 at Bally's in Las Vegas, APRO honored the rent-to-own industry's finest, including awards for the Lifetime Achievement, Rental Dealer of the Year, Vendor of the Year and the President's Award of Excellence, among others.[151 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: Buying Show
Rent-to-own vendors from coast to coast came to Paris in Las Vegas for APRO's 2009 Buying Show, held September 1 and 2.[49 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: Exhibitor Lunch and Business Meeting
At the APRO Exhibitor Lunch and Business Meeting held during the APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas, APRO associate members held an election to fill seven positions on the Vendor Advisory Committee. At the lunch, outgoing members of the Vendor Advisory Committee were recognized for their service to the association.[11 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: Hot Show
APRO's new "Hot Show" Auction, held August 31 at Bally's in Las Vegas, offered rental dealers the opportunity to bid on tremendous deals for their businesses.[51 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: President's Reception
APRO President Tiger John Cleek Sr. led the association in honoring state rental dealer association presidents, APRO PAC and Team APRO contributors and Congressional leadership. This recognition ceremony was held August 31 at Bally's in Las Vegas.[66 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: Rental Roundtable
APRO's Rental Roundtable, held August 31 at Bally's in Las Vegas, sparked a wealth of discussion on a wide range of issues of concern to the rent-to-own industry.[48 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: General Session
Highlights from APRO's 2009 General Session, Business Meeting and Keynote Address by Michael Hoffman—"Igniting Performance in the Tornado of Business"—held August 31 at the Bally's Events Center in Las Vegas. This gallery also includes the presentation of the 2009 Rent-to-Own Customer of the Year and Rent-to-Own Employee of the Year awards as well as this year's APRO Scholarship recipient.[103 Photos] |
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APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show: Golf Tournament
APRO's 2009 Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament, held August 30 at the Angel Park Palm Golf Course in Las Vegas. Photographs coming soon.[74 Photos] |
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KLQ Education Foundation 2009 Golf Tournament and Fundraiser 8/20/09
Over 150 golfers from across the country turned out August 20 for the 5th annual Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial Golf Tournament in Lacey, Washington -- the key fundraiser for a highly successful state scholarship program.[62 Photos] |
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American Rental Product Experience Show
Managers company-wide trekked to pastoral Nashville, Indiana Friday, for the 19th annual Full-O-Pep/American Rental Product Experience Show, Golf Tournament and Hog Roast, where a record number of vendors turned out to support the show at the Seasons Hotel Conference Center July 17-18.[340 Photos] |
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Heartland of America Regional Tradeshow 2009
Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from over five states across the midwest trekked to the banks of The Lake of the Ozarks to shatter attendance records on opening night of the fifth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar in Lake Ozark, Missouri June 16-18.[150 Photos] |
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2009 APRO Legislative Conference, April 21-23
More than 150 rent-to-own industry representatives from across the country packed the grand ballroom of the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the intricacies of pending federal industry legislation and how to best explain those details to legislators on Capitol Hill.
[196 Photos] |
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Aaron's National Managers Meeting April 13-15, 2009
Close to 2,000 franchise owners, managers and divisional vice presidents from Aaron's 1,560 store rent-to-own chain opened the company's annual managers meeting April 13 with a high energy rally and general session that set the tone for an ambitious slate of community outreach projects volunteers will undertake Tuesday morning.
[449 Photos] |
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TRIB Goup Buying Show 2009
TRIB Group, the rent-to-own industry's seminal buying group, jump started its convention and buying show in Dallas, by racking up $3.6 million worth of purchase orders during the group's annual "Hot Show" auction.
[266 Photos] |
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Rentastic 2009, Rent One Managers Meeting, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Rentastic 2009, Cape Girardeau, Missouri[14 Photos] |
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Missouri Rental Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting February 18, 2009
Missouri Rental Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting February 18, 2009[56 Photos] |
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RNR 2009 Annual Meeting January 19-21
RNR 2009 Annual Meeting January 19-21[43 Photos] |
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ColorTyme Convention January 19-21, 2009, Frisco, Texas
ColorTyme Convention January 19-21, 2009, Frisco, Texas[197 Photos] |
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RimTyme Rally, Plano, Texas, November 17, 2008
RimTyme gears up for the grand opening of its new Plano location with a meet and greet at the company's headquarters, also in Plano. In conjunction with the grand opening, RimTyme will donate a new set of wheels and tires to Iraqi War Veteran Adam Earls.[35 Photos] |
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Salute to American Heroes -- National TV Sales and Rental November 1, 2008
A crowd of close to 1,000 recently gathered in Lebanon, Missouri to honor heroes at home and abroad at National TV Sales and Rental's "Salute to American Heroes" event.
The idea for the event, which drew local "first responders" and members of the Missouri National Guard, U.S. Army, sheriff's, police and fire departments, EMTs and state representative Darrell Pollock, first originated with Jeremy Powell an account manager at National TV who also served in the armed forces. [27 Photos] |
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TRIB Group Meeting of the Minds, Atlanta, Georgia 2008
The best and brightest in the rent-to-own industry trekked to Atlanta, Georgia October 23 to reflect and share insights on everything from successful product lines to employee and business management techniques at the annual TRIB Group "Meeting of the Minds".
Over 100 registered attendees representing 48 different companies were on hand for kickoff events at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.[74 Photos] |
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Georgia RDA Re-organization Meeting October 22, 2008
Over 25 rental dealers representing some 200 storefronts in Georgia banned together to ensure the future of the state's rent-to-own industry by re-organizing their long dormant state association October 22 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta.[36 Photos] |
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TARA 25th Annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show 2008
Rent-to-own professionals from across the southwest convened in Irving this weekend to help kick off opening events and make history at the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 25th annual Convention and Buying Show at the Sheraton Grand DFW Hotel.
This weekend's social events lead to TARA's annual membership meeting and the buying show itself -- the last major show of the year -- which both take place Monday October 13. Some 40 exhibitors and 160 registered attendees are expected at the show.[250 Photos] |
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RSSS Users Conference, Corpus Christi, October 6-8, 2008
RSSS kicked off its 25th anniversary users conference October 6 in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a game of four man scramble at Newport Dunes -- a new Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course on the Texas Gulf Coast. The conference at the Omni Marina Hotel in Corpus Christi also marks the company's silver anniversary, and a golf tournament and dinner on the USS Lexington highlight the human side of the technology intensive conference.[254 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 Convention: All Industry RoundTable Slides
Close to 200 rent-to-own dealers packed the Ferrara Theatre at the America's Center in downtown St. Louis August 12 for a rich and rapid-fire interactive session known as the All-Industry Roundtable where they shared information on a variety of topics from best hiring practices to legislative issues to community involvement.[73 Photos] |
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2008 Florida Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting, Tampa, Florida
Over 100 rent-to-own dealers trekked to Tampa, Florida for the Florida Rental Dealers Association's annual meeting September 15 and 16.[246 Photos] |
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2008 Midwest RTO Expo, Columbus, Ohio
Rent-to-own dealers from companies large and small packed the Main Ballroom of the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio September 9, to mix, mingle and gawk at sheer size of the event many have seen grow exponentially over the last three years. Ohio state representative Joe Uecker will cut the ribbon for the official opening of the exhibit hall and training sessions at 9 a.m. September 10.
[85 Photos] |
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T.G.I. Freitags First Annual Company Picnic 2008
Over 30 employees family and friends turned out September 7 for the first annual T.G.I. Freitags company picnic in Hayfield, Minnesota.
[25 Photos] |
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KLQ Education Foundation 2008 Golf Tournament
Over 150 golfers from across the country braved soggy Washington weather August 21 for the 4th annual Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial Golf Tournament in Lacey, Washington -- the key fundraiser for a highly successful state scholarship program.[62 Photos] |
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KLQ Education Foundation 2008 Welcome Barbecue
Kevin and Angela Quinn host over 50 rent-to-own dealers and vendors at their home for a barbecue dinner banquet prior to the annual Dan Quinn & James Webber Memorial Golf Outing August 21.
[14 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 Convention Awards Banquet
In a star studded awards banquet Wednesday night, APRO honored the best in the business with seven awards during the association's annual convention in St. Louis, Missouri.[73 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show General Session
Featuring appearances by guest Congressman William Lacy Clay and keynote speaker Ross Shafer. Awards for Customer and Employee of the year are presented during this event and APRO's first ever 2008 Scholarship recipient is recognized.[37 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 All Industry RoundTable
Close to 200 rent-to-own dealers packed the Ferrara Theatre at the America's Center in downtown St. Louis Tuesday morning for a rich and rapid-fire interactive session known as the All-Industry Roundtable where they shared information on a variety of topics from best hiring practices to legislative issues to community involvement.[22 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 St. Louis City Museum Cocktail Reception
APRO convention attendees Tuesday night headed to the St. Louis’ City Museum -- a 600,000-square-foot former International Shoe Company, it’s an eclectic mixture of playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion and architectural marvel made out of unique, “found” objects. Free food, complimentary drink tickets, music and dancing was enjoyed by all.[54 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 President's Reception
August 11, 2008: State associations and their presidents were recognized for their outstanding achievements. APRO Legislative Conference attendees and APRO PAC Contributors were also recognized.[23 Photos] |
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APRO 2008 Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament
Over 70 golfers from across the rent-own spectrum -- dealers, vendors, employees and family members -- opened the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show with game of four man scramble at the lush Quail Creek Golf Course sponsored by Whirlpool.
[86 Photos] |
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Full-O-Pep/American Rentals 2008 Trade Show
Managers company-wide trekked to pastoral Nashville, Indiana July 18 for day one of The 18th annual Full-O-Pep/American Rentals Trade Show and Training Expo. The show concludes with a company picnic, hog roast and fireworks show July 19.[198 Photos] |
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Rent One's Day at the Diamond June 19, 2008
Rent One's Day at the Diamond vendor appreciation day June 19, 2008 at Rent One Park.[58 Photos] |
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Heartland of America Golf and Bass Tournament, June 17, 2008
Heartland of America Golf and Bass Tournament, June 17, 2008[52 Photos] |
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Heartland of America Regional Tradeshow 2008
Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from five states across the midwest trekked to the banks of The Lake of the Ozarks June 16-18 for the fourth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar in Lake Ozark, Missouri.
[46 Photos] |
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Indiana Flooding June 2008 Columbus and Martinsville
David P. David, owner of American Rentals, and Bob Whittle, an Aaron's franchisee, spent the last week replacing drywall, ripping up carpets and unloading flood damaged merchandise after torrential rains hammered Columbus, Indiana and pushed two lakes, Prince's and Shaefer over their banks.[14 Photos] |
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2008 Tennessee Rental Dealers Association Annual Conference
Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from across Tennessee trekked to the sprawling Opryland Hotel and Resort to take part in the TRDA Annual Conference June 9-10 in Nashville.[28 Photos] |
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New York Rental Dealers Association May 15, Verona, New York
New York Rental Dealers Association May 15, Verona, New York[25 Photos] |
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New Las Vegas RNR Store opening
New Las Vegas RNR Store opening.[7 Photos] |
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High Touch 2008 Users Conference Welcome Reception
High Touch Technology Solutions launched its biggest ever users conference May 7-9, with a cocktail welcome reception that drew over 100 rent-to-own professionals and High Touch staff to the company's new digs -- four floors of a 10 story office building in downtown Wichita, Kansas.[71 Photos] |
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Louisiana Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting April 22-23, 2008
Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from Louisiana and beyond trekked to the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville to take part in the newly invigorated Louisiana Rental Dealers Association (LRDA) meeting April 22-23.
[81 Photos] |
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2008 Rent-n-Roll Franchisee Meeting
Over 120 attendees, franchise owners, managers and vendors took ownership of the “RNR revolution” at a three-day franchisee conference this January at the Regal Sun Resort in Orlando, Florida.
At the time of the conference, RNR boasted 20 franchisees that own 65 stores nationwide and in Canada, a far cry from the handful of franchisees representing just over a dozen stores in 2004. The rapid growth of the company is drawing new investors everyday.
[42 Photos] |
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TRIB Group 2008 Silver at the Summit Convention and Buying Show
TRIB Group celebrates its silver anniversary at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas March 17-19. The event is the first time TRIB has co-located with strategic partner Associated Volume Buyers.[134 Photos] |
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Computers for Kidz Press Conference March 7, 2008
Congressman William Lacy Clay joined national, state and local rent-to own industry representatives at a St. Louis Charter School to launch the "Computers for Kidz" program -- an initiative to help bridge the digital divide in urban areas.[14 Photos] |
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PrimeTime! March 2008
[68 Photos] |
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2008 Rent One Annual Manager's Meeting
Rent One’s annual store managers’ meeting kicked off in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on February 26. [24 Photos] |
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2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference
Over 120 rental dealers, vendors and industry affiliates converged on Washington, D.C. February 11-13 to meet with legislators and urge sponsorship of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. [41 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: Rent-to-Own Awards Banquet
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations bestowed the industrys highest honors upon five rental dealers, one vendor and the years top state rental dealers association during APROs 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show on September 27 in Reno, Nevada.[60 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: President Reception
Officers of state associationspast and presentand the many APRO members and vendors who have spent their time, money and energy supporting the legislative agenda were honored on September 26 during the APRO Presidents Reception held at the 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in Reno.[12 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: All-Industry Roundtable
APROs All-Industry Roundtable debuted at the 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in Reno. Attendance was impressive and the discussions revealing.[31 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: Rock-n-Reno 1950s Bowling Party
APROs 2007 Gala Cocktail Reception was held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno during the APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Showand it was right up the alley of those who seek a great time![70 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: Exhibit hall
Photographs from the exhibit hall at the Reno Events Center during APROs 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show, September 24-27. Check back for additional photographs of the exhibit hall every day during the event.[63 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: General session and keynote address
The mood was upbeat and the keynote address lively, humorous and informative at the general session during APROs 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show, September 25, in Reno.[43 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: Welcome Reception
APRO opened its 26th annual convention and buying show at The Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada, on Monday, September 24, with a welcome reception for all dealers, spouses and vendors.[26 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: State Legislative Forum
More than 100 rent-to-own dealers attended the State Legislative Forum in Reno, Nevada, during APROs 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show, September 24.[16 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: Joe Eason and Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament
There was a chill in the air and frost on the greens, but after an hour delay, APROs 2007 Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament teed off at the Resort at Red Hawk in Reno on September 24.[40 Photos] |
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APRO 2007: William Lacy Clay reception
Kicking off the 2007 APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada, September 23 at The Silver Legacy Hotel, was a reception honoring Congressman William Lacy Clay.[27 Photos] |
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Illinois RTO dealers gather for annual meeting
The Illinois state rent-to-own association held its annual meeting in Springfield, Illinois, September 19, to discuss rent-to-own state, federal legislative and tax issues.[9 Photos] |
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New York Rental Dealers Association donates computers
In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, sits a five-story brick building that fulfills parents dreams of providing an exceptional education for 405 underprivileged 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 Dealers Association on September 17.[11 Photos] |
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Representative Jeb Hensarling talks to RTO dealers
Representative Jeb Hensarling met with 20 rent-to-own dealers in Dallas on August 23 for a fundraising breakfast.[7 Photos] |
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RentDirect's 2007 Primetime! Convention and Member2Member Summit
2007 RentDirect Nationwide Primetime! Convention and Member2Member Summit, August 18-22 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada[9 Photos] |
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American Rental Trade Exposition and Golf Scramble
American Rentals 2007 Trade Exposition and Golf Scramble, July 13 and 14, in Nashville, Indianafeaturing a trade show, golf tournament and hog roast.[59 Photos] |
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2007 Rent One Vendor Appreciation Golf Tournament
Rent Ones 2007 Vendor Appreciation Golf Tournament was held June 21 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The charity event raised more than $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House, South Town Youth Program Center and Heroes at Home.[13 Photos] |
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2007 Heartland of America Trade Show
Rent-to-own dealers, associates and vendors gathered at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark, Missouri, for the Missouri Rental Dealers Associations annual Heartland of America Trade Show and Seminars. With nearly 200 in attendance, this is the best attended show in Missouri's 20-year history.[106 Photos] |
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Tennessee Rental Dealers Association 2007 meeting
The annual meeting of the Tennessee Rental Dealers Association, held June 14 and 15, went off without a hitch, reports TRDA President Larry Goad. Sixty-five dealers, employees and vendors attended.[7 Photos] |
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Northwest Rental Dealers Association meeting
Rental dealers from the states of Washington and Oregon met on June 7, 2007, in Portland, Oregon, to combine the two state organizations into the new Northwest Rental Dealers Association.[8 Photos] |
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New York Rental Dealers Association meeting
Rental professionals met June 5 in Verona, New York, to reorganize the New York State Rental Dealers Association and to elect a new board of directors and officers.[8 Photos] |
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TRIB Group's 2007 Desert Fiesta Convention
TRIB Groups 2007 Desert Fiesta Convention, held May 16-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.[48 Photos] |
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Dave Egan Legislative Conference 2007
More than 200 rent-to-own dealers met with their U.S. senators, representatives or congressional aides April 17-18 in Washington, D.C., during the APRO Dave Egan Legislative Conference, sponsored by RentDirect Nationwide and Moneris Solutions. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) met with rental dealers during a breakfast meeting April 18 and discussed S. 1012, the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act that she and nine original cosponsors introduced March 29.[85 Photos] |
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Sponsored car unveiled in Missouri
Racecar driver Derrick Peterson unveils his new car at the National TV Sales & Rental managers meeting March 28 at the organizations corporate office in Lebanon, Missouri. National TV and Complete Auto Rental & Sales, a subsidiary of National TV, is sponsoring Peterson in the upcoming season, which begins March 31. When asked about the cars chance of winning, Mark Windsor, National TV Sales & Rental president says, of course it is going to win races; it has a 351 Windsor under the hood.[5 Photos] |
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TARA Exhibit Hall and Training Sessions
The 24th annual Texas Association of Rental Agencies Convention and Buying Show concluded March 27 after a successful and fun event in Ft. Worth, Texas. Pictured here are some of the exhibitors and attendees during the show and at the educational seminars.[22 Photos] |
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A day at the races for Texas RTO dealers
Rent-to-own dealers were treated to a day at the races March 26, during the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 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 rated race tracks in the nationthe Texas Motor Speedway.[40 Photos] |
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TARA Welcome Reception
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. [9 Photos] |
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Kids Safety Karnival
As part of its commitment to law enforcement and kid'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. They also had the chance to wear alcohol simulation goggles and then try to shoot some hoops as a demonstration of why they should not drink. Interactive safety DVD's and safety whistles were given to all of the children and Buddy's provided free fingerprint and ID cards to everyone. More than 8,000 people attended this event and Buddy's and the Florida Highway Patrol were invited to come back again next year. [17 Photos] |
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FRDA Legislative Conference
The Florida Rental Dealers Association met in Tallahassee, Florida, March 12-14, for its eighth annual legislative conference. The event, sponsored by RentDirect Nationwide, Ashley Furniture, EHP Direct, HomeLine Furniture, RES, Imagery Marketing and BDI-Laguna, was well organized and well attended. Florida rent-to-own dealers met with approximately 40 state senators, representatives or congressional aides during the conference.[17 Photos] |
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APRO/TRIB Legislative Event
Rent-to-own dealers from across the U.S. recently met at TRIB Meeting of the Minds and enjoyed an interactive presentation by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) about the current legislative climate for RTO dealers.[23 Photos] |
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Easyhome Ltd. Convention
David Ingram, easyhome Ltd. president and chief executive officer, kicked off the company's fourth annual conference in Niagara Falls, Canada, March 7, with a review of the company's stellar performance, discussion of plans to enter the U.S. market and accolades for several of the company's top performers who earned a free car - a Porche and a Hummer as selected by the two winners. Other highlights of the show included the large donatations the stores collected and presented to the company's corporate charity and a soft spot of Ingram's - the Boys and Girls Club of Canada.[23 Photos] |
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Buddy's and Tampa police team up for safety
Employees from Buddy's Home Furnishings, a Florida-based rent-to-own store, teamed with Tampa police officers and the community to provide fun and informative ways to teach children and parents how to be safe.[13 Photos] |
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APRO's 2007 Mid-Year Conference was one of the best in years
Built in 1888, Canadas Castle in the Rockies the breathtaking Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was the site for one of the most enjoyable APRO Mid-Year conferences in years. "This was a fantastic place to have our Mid-Year Conference," says Larry Carrico, APRO president. [11 Photos] |
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Missouri Rental Dealers Association
More than 100 rent-to-own dealers and employees braved snow, ice and nine degree weather to attend the successful Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual general meeting February 14 in Columbia, Missouri.[19 Photos] |
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RentDirect Nationwide's Primetime! Convention
Welcome remarks from APRO's president, executive director and general counsel, along with an introduction of specialized programs just for rent-to-own members and a keynote address by football great Vince Papale highlight the opening day of RentDirect Nationwide's PrimeTime! convention in Orlando, Florida.[5 Photos] |
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Buddy's Fourth Annual Safety Bash
Tampa area families came out in droves to participate in Buddy's Home Furnishings fourth annual Kids Safety Bash in December. More than 400 free fingerprinting and identification kits were processed during the day. Children and adults also had a chance to have their photos taken with special guests, enjoy food from the Outback Steak House, take a seat in the Tampa General Hospital Aero Helicopter and sit on some of the many custom choppers from Eric Warren Designs and the Brandon Harley Davidson dealership. Other special guests included the Tampa airport police, Thunderbug from the Tampa Bay Lightening hockey team, the U.S. Army, Shrek, Thaddeus Bullard from the Tampa Bay Storm arena football team, and many more. [15 Photos] |
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2007 TARA Legislative Conference
Ron Waters and Kori Hughes at the Texas Association of Rental Agencies 2007 Legislative Conference February 5 in Austin, Texas.[10 Photos] |
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2007 Legislative Summit in Dallas
Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from across the United States met in Dallas January 26 to discuss issues facing the industry during a special APRO Legislative Summit Conference. Contact APRO for information about attending the next legislative meeting.[21 Photos] |
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2006 Buddy Walk
Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings teams up with Up With Downs of Pinellas County to help raise funds for children with Downs Syndrome.[8 Photos] |
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Bestway Child Safety Event
Bestway Rent-To-Own stores teamed with McGruff the Crime Dog and the National Crime Prevention Council, to bring a free child safety event to local communities at each of the Bestway stores on October 7. The event was so successful that officials at Bestway plan to make this an annual occurrence. "This is such a great cause," says Curtis Cannon, Bestway marketing manager. "We had a fantastic turnout at all of our stores and we plan to make this an annual event. We will probably do this in the summer next year so that even more families will be able to attend."[7 Photos] |
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APRO 2006: Awards Banquet
The APRO 2006 Convention and Buying Show was capped by the Awards Reception and Banquet on September 23 in Orlando, honoring the best in the rent-to-own industry.[27 Photos] |
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APRO 2006: Buying Show
The APRO 2006 Buying Show concluded on September 23 with sales of $14 million, which ties the record for the most purchases made at an APRO show. It was a fantastic show; rent-to-own dealers really came to buy, says Doug Funk of RSSS. Brian Rosen with Florida State Games was also pleased with the buying show: We would like to thank APRO for another great show. In the 10 years we have been associated with them, this has been our best show. Florida State Games sold more than $1.3 million at the show. We were very pleased with the show results, says Jay Nardone with BDI Laguna. Everyone who came through was writing orders.[76 Photos] |
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APRO 2006: President's Reception
Award recipients at the APRO 2006 Convention and Buying Show President Shannon Strunks Reception, honoring state presidents, congressional leadership and Team APRO contributors.[19 Photos] |
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APRO 2006: Gala Cocktail Party
APRO 2006 convention attendees met poolside on September 21 to socialize and watch a beautiful Florida sunset at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. A three-piece band serenaded the crowd with chilled-out classics by Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley and the Beach Boys, among others. The Gala was sponsored by ColorTyme, DPI Teleconnect, Estate, Florida State Games, Maytag, Nationwide Southwest, RentDirect Nationwide, Therapedic and Whirlpool.[25 Photos] |
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APRO 2006: General session
Steve Ford, son of former President Gerald R. Ford, opened APROs 2006 Convention and Buying Show with a keynote address at the general session Rent-to-own professionals at the session gave Ford a standing ovation. Afterward, Bill Keese, APRO executive director, and Shannon Strunk, APRO president, cut the opening ceremony ribbon and welcomed all to enter the buying room floor.[47 Photos] |
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APRO 2006: Welcome Reception
APRO members and vendors took the opportunity to get together with old friends and get acquainted with new ones at the Welcome Reception, held September 20 at the Gaylord Palms Resorts Castillo Fort as the opening party of the 2006 Convention and Buying Show.[44 Photos] |
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