APRO's Rent-to-Own Photo Gallery

APRO's Rent-to-Own Photo Gallery

	Las Vegas Winter Market, Jan. 30-Feb. 3 Las Vegas Winter Market, Jan. 30-Feb. 3 *[37 Photos]*

	ColorTyme 2012 Frisco, Texas, Jan. 22-23 More than 300 franchisees and exhibitors turned out for ColorTyme's 2012 Convention in Frisco, Texas. *[67 Photos]*

	TARA Annual Membership Meeting, Oct. 9-10 The Texas Association of Rental Agencies' (TARA) 28th Annual meeting and Southwest Buying Show kicked off today, Oct. 9,10 at the Marriott Quorum by the Galleria. *[47 Photos]*

	Florida Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting, Tampa, Sept. 26-27 Around 100 rental dealers across the state of Florida turned out Sept. 26 - 27 for the Florida Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting at the Tampa Westshore Marriot. *[94 Photos]*

	Midwest RTO EXPO 2011, Willmington , Ohio Sept. 13-14 The eighth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- hosted by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicked off Sept. 13 - 14, providing a key regional training opportunity for rent to own managers and sales representatives who will put their newfound knowledge to use in their stores immediately. *[119 Photos]*

	TRIB Group Meeting of the Minds, Caesars Palace, Aug. 29-31, 2011 Close to 250 rent to own dealers representing 84 rental companies checked in for the Meeting of the Minds/Buy Fair -- the most attendance ever for the event co-located for the second year with the BrandSource Buy Fair at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. *[131 Photos]*

	RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! Aug. 21-24, Gaylord Texas, Dallas Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, kicked off its biannual PrimeTime! Buying Show and Member Conference at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Dallas Aug. 21 where the group is celebrating its 40th anniversary. *[45 Photos]*

	KLQ 2011, August 18-19, Tacoma, Washington Close to 150 golfers from across the rent to own spectrum headed to Tacoma, Washington for the 7th annual KLQ Golf Tournament and Auction -- the primary fundraiser for a home grown scholarship program that for each of the past six years has awarded seven $4,000 scholarships to Washington students. *[202 Photos]*

	Celebrating 30 Years and Beyond: The American Innovation Expo, July 29-30, Nashville, Indiana Full-O-Pep/American Rental celebrates its 30th anniversary with its annual vendor product training, company picnic and this year, a special Habitat for Humanity house dedication. *[262 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 Awards Banquet, July 13 The industry's finest are honored at APRO's 2011 Awards Banquet in Little Rock July 13 including Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Rental Dealer of the Year, Vendor of the Year, President's Award of Excellence and Heritage Award Winners. *[114 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 Trade Show, July 12 and 13 APRO's 2011 Trade Show--held July 12 and 13 in Little Rock, Arkansas--once again offers the perfect opportunity for rent-to-own industry buyers to find great deals for their stores. *[58 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 General Session and Keynote Address, July 13 APRO's 2011 General Session in Little Rock featured keynote speaker Bill Taylor, recognition of the industry Employee of the Year, annual scholarship recipients and board elections. *[50 Photos]*

	APRO 2011: Gala at the Clinton Presidential Center, July 12 APRO Conventioneers attended the William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park, July 12, located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, Arkansas. *[81 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 Innovation Sessions/Educational Seminars APRO's one-of-a-kind rent-to-own educational seminars kick off with the release of a first ever RTO Marketing Plan presented by renowned marketer Jill Adams McDonough of Prevail! Strategic Marketing and Communications. Roundtable discussions and seminars continued throughout the day. *[80 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 Presidents Reception, July 11 At APRO's annual president's reception, APRO President Robert Briley honors member legislative accomplishments, recognizes industry state association of the year, most improved state association and legislative achievement award winners. *[32 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 Convention Golf Classic July 11 The course offers Some 80 golfers turned out July 11 for APRO's annual Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Classic at the Chenal Country Club -- a world class golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Golfers also participated in a golf clinic with professional golfer Gene Bone, with ProGuard. The tournament kicked off APRO's 2011 Convention and Trade Show in Little Rock July 11-14. *[74 Photos]*

	Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar 2011 The Missouri Rental Dealers Association held its seventh annual, Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar at the Lodge of Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri, June 14-16. *[229 Photos]*

	APRO 2011 Legislative Conference More than 150 rent-to-own professionals gathered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., May 3-5 for APRO's annual Dave Egan Legislative Conference. *[156 Photos]*

	TRIB Group/BrandSource 2011 Convention and Buy Fair, Orlando, Feb. 20-23 TRIB Group members turned out in force Sunday, dropping a a record $8 million on specially priced merchandise at the opening buying event -- the Hot Show -- of the TRIB Group/BrandsourceÂ Summit at the Marriott World Center in Orlando. The TRIB Group Buy Fair continues through Feb. 23. *[378 Photos]*

	MRDA Business Meeting 2011, Feb. 16, Columbia, Missouri Close to 100 rent to own professionals from across Missouri turned out Wednesday for information packed business meeting that concluded with the election of a new board of directors and association officers. *[22 Photos]*

	Kentucky Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting, Feb. 10, 2011 The Kentucky Rental Dealers Association General Meeting took place at the Hyatt Regency, Lexington, Kentucky. *[8 Photos]*

	Rentastic! 2011, O'Fallon, Illinois Feb. 8-10 Around 150 Rent One Managers, executive officers and their families kicked off Rentastic! 2011 with company updates and in-depth personal leadership training and breakouts. This year a record 29 vendor companies participated in the event which was headlined by leading motivational speaker Jeremiah Wilson of Contact Point. *[198 Photos]*

	Las Vegas Market Jan. 24-28, 2011 More than 20 rent-to-own professionals representing close to a dozen companies turned out Jan. 26 for the annual RTO reception at Las Vegas Winter Market Jan. 24-28 hosted by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and sponsored by Ashley Furniture. *[67 Photos]*

	ColorTyme 2011 National Convention More than 300 franchisees, vendors and staff are gathered today in Frisco, Texas to kick off the ColorTyme 2011 National Convention. The two-day event focuses on implementing core values and boosting sales as part of the company's â€œRev It Upâ€ theme. *[294 Photos]*

	RNR Custom Wheel and Tires' 2011 Franchisee Meeting, Tampa RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires' seventh annual franchisee was held Jan. 18-21 at the Tampa Hilton Westshore in Tampa. *[47 Photos]*

	National TV Sales 2010 Awards Banquet More than 80 employees of Missouri - based National TV Sales and Rental turned out for the company's annual Holiday Awards Banquet last weekend at Andy's 417 in Lebanon where top employees were honored. *[6 Photos]*

	Buddy's Home Furnishings Hosts Customer Appreciation Day Dec. 11, 2010 More than 1,000 attended a customer appreciation day at Buddy's Sixth Annual celebration Saturday at the company's home office on Adamo Dr. in Tampa. *[36 Photos]*

	TARA's 2010 Convention and Southwest Buying Show, Oct. 10-11 Rental Dealers from across Texas are in Dallas for The Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 27th Annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show -- a two day event featuring networking events, state and national legislative updates and a trade show featuring top industry exhibitors. *[66 Photos]*

	Florida Rental Dealers Association 2010 Annual Meeting More than 100 dealers from some 17 rent to own companies headed to the Sheraton Suites Tampa Westshore Oct. 4-5 for the Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) annual meeting -- the state's largest rent to own industry event. *[115 Photos]*

	2010 Midwest RTO Expo, September 21-22 he seventh annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- hosted by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- wrapped Wednesday at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio where rent to own managers and sales representatives from multiple states gained valuable product information they will put to use in their stores immediately. *[59 Photos]*

	Bestway Rent To Own 2010 Annual Managers Meeting Around 100 district and store managers from the company's 78 locations are here for Bestway's Annual Managers Meeting where they receive a dose of motivation, networking opportunities and intensive product trainings to prime them for the fourth quarter. This year's "Knowledge Bowl" -- the company's fourth district-on-district trivia game based on management and training policies -- marked the second win in a row for district three. *[74 Photos]*

	Buddy's Bahama Cruise Sept. 17-20, 2010 Tampa-based Buddyâ€™s Home Furnishings is bringing back an old tradition this week with Buddy's company vendor appreciation cruise which sets sail Friday for a three day adventure in the Bahamas. *[159 Photos]*

	Show-Me Rent to Own Hosts Company Picnic, Aug. 29, 2010 Gary and Kathy Romine, owners of Farmington, Missouri based Show-Me Rent to Own recently threw an employee appreciation picnic at their home near farmington Aug. 29, 2010 *[13 Photos]*

	TRIB Meeting of the Minds 2010 Close to 200 rent to own operators or in Las Vegas this week for TRIB Groupâ€™s annual 'Meeting of the Minds' -- a one of a kind RTO brainstorming and educational event -- that kicked off today today at Bally's Las Vegas with a day long series of dealer-led information and training sessions that have become staples for today's independent RTO operator. *[111 Photos]*

	KLQ 2010 Education Foundation Golf Tournament, Tacoma, WA Close to 150 golfers from across the rent to own industry are in Tacoma, Washington today for the 6th annual KLQ (Kevin L. Quinn) Golf Tournament and Auction -- the primary fundraiser for a home grown scholarship program that for each of the past five years has awarded $4,000 scholarships to seven Washington students. *[231 Photos]*

	PrimteTime! Fall Conference 2010 PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) kicked off it's fall conference and buying show August 15 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. *[43 Photos]*

	Awards Banquet: APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show While celebrating the association's 30th anniversary, APRO honored the industry's finest during its annual Awards Banquet, held July 21 in Louisville. *[80 Photos]*

	Exhibit Hall: APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show APRO's 2010 Trade Show, held July 21 and 22 in Louisville, Kentucky, once again offers the perfect opportunity for rent-to-own industry buyers to find great deals for their stores. *[32 Photos]*

	General Session and Keynote: APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show Three hundred rental dealers from across the country packed the Marriott Ballroom on July 21 in Louisville for the general session and a rousing keynote address by Jeremiah Wilson. *[50 Photos]*

	Gala Cocktail Reception: APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show Churchill Downs was right on track to win, place and show for APRO's 2010 Gala Cocktail Reception. It was the place to be for great food, fine Kentucky music and the opportunity to network with industry colleagues. *[107 Photos]*

	Rental Roundtables: APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show Top minds in rent-to-own gathered during the APRO Convention for an open forum addressing a variety of issues affecting the industry. *[26 Photos]*

	President's Welcome Reception: APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show At the opening of APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, July 19, APRO President Tiger John Cleek Sr. and State Association Committee Chairman Dave Edwards presented awards to this year's top state association achievers. *[27 Photos]*

	APRO 2010 Convention and Trade Show Golf Tournament Some 92 golfers from across the rent-to-own spectrum -- dealers, vendors, employees and family members -- officially kicked off APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show Monday in Louisville with the annual Tom Kitchens/Joe Eason Golf Tournament held at the scenic Fuzzy Zoeller's Covered Bridge Golf Club, an 18-hole course nestled on a gently rolling plain at the foot of Southern Indiana's famous Floyds Knobs. *[34 Photos]*

	ColorTyme Retreat Bonita Springs, Florida June 16-20 America's longest running rent to own franchise, ColorTyme, June 16-20 hosted its annual getaway and networking retreat at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort at Bonita Springs, Florida June 16-20. *[58 Photos]*

	Heartland of America Regional Trade Show 2010 Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from more than eight states across the Midwest traveled to The Lodge of Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri, for the annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar, June 15-17. *[136 Photos]*

	RSSS Users Conference 2010, May 17-19, Corpus Christi, TX RSSS Users from across the country headed to Corpus Christi, Texas Monday for the kick off reception for the 2010 RSSS Users Conference where attendees from some 22 rent to own companies will tap in depth discussions on RSSS moves to develop a new best of both software featuring the best RSSS and High Touch. *[131 Photos]*

	High Touch Users Conference 2010 May 5-7 Wichita, Kansas Rent to own industry operators from across the globe today converged on Wichita, Kansas for the High Touch Technology Solutions Users Conference to learn the ins and outs of a new Best of Both software that promises to combine the best features of the two largest RTO software companies -- High Touch and subsidiary, RSSS. *[137 Photos]*

	Aaron's 2010 National Managers Meeting Community Outreach March 31 Aaronâ€™s is once again transforming its national managers meeting into a company-wide community outreach effort. More than 2,000 Aaronâ€™s employees will be in Dallas for the event and over two days will dedicate $300,000 and 5,600 hours in products and services to DFW area charitable organizations. *[158 Photos]*

	TRIB Group 2010 Annual Convention and Buy Fair, March 28-March 31 The TRIB Groups annual Convention and Buy Fair kicked off March 28 in Dallas ushering in a four day rent to own bonanza featuring second-to-none networking opportunities, special show deals, membership meetings and the annual awards banquet slated for the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. *[179 Photos]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	Rentastic 2009, Rent One Managers Meeting, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Rentastic 2009, Cape Girardeau, Missouri *[14 Photos]*

	Missouri Rental Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting February 18, 2009 Missouri Rental Dealers Association Annual Membership Meeting February 18, 2009 *[56 Photos]*

	RNR 2009 Annual Meeting January 19-21 RNR 2009 Annual Meeting January 19-21 *[43 Photos]*

	ColorTyme Convention January 19-21, 2009, Frisco, Texas ColorTyme Convention January 19-21, 2009, Frisco, Texas *[197 Photos]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	Heartland of America Golf and Bass Tournament, June 17, 2008 Heartland of America Golf and Bass Tournament, June 17, 2008 *[52 Photos]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	New York Rental Dealers Association May 15, Verona, New York New York Rental Dealers Association May 15, Verona, New York *[25 Photos]*

	New Las Vegas RNR Store opening New Las Vegas RNR Store opening. *[7 Photos]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	PrimeTime! March 2008 *[68 Photos]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	TRIB Group's 2007 Desert Fiesta Convention TRIB Groups 2007 Desert Fiesta Convention, held May 16-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. *[48 Photos]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*

	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]*