 APRO: The Official Voice of the Rent to Own Industry
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Sitemap of APRO's RTOHQ.org Website:
APRO's RTOHQ Homepage APRO's RTOHQ.org website is the Official Voice of the Rent-to-Own Industry. Find RTO news, rent-to-own events and calendars, rent-to-own resources and rent-to-own industry information at RTOHQ.org. Contact APRO Contact the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations. Phone, fax, address and email contact information for APRO. Join APRO (Rental Dealers) Use this form to join APRO as a Rental Dealer. Join APRO (Vendors) Use this form to join APRO as a Rent-to-own Vendor. RTO Today Weekly e-Newsletter Use this form to sign up for RTO Today, APRO's weekly e-Newsletter for the Rent-to-own industry. APRO's Rent-to-Own Customer and Employee of the Year Entry Form Use this form to nominate someone for APRO's Rent-to-Own Customer of the Year or Employee of the Year Awards. APRO's Rent-to-Own Photo Gallery Browse through the photos from APRO and Rent-to-own events and happenings. About Rent-to-Own Rent to own options Rent to own is not only your top option for purchasing on time without incurring debt (How? Too good to be true? See below. It is too good to be true &ellipse; nonetheless, it is true!). Rent to Own is also your premier option for acquiring top-of-the-line brand ... Rent to own process Unlike conventional debt financing, the rent to own process is designed to provide you with immediate use of the big-ticket household appliances, furniture, computer, auto supplies, or electronics which you need right now, without requiring a credit check, or even a down payment. Whether you only need an item ... Rent-to-own tips for consumers in tough economic times In tough economic times, rent-to-own can be a viable means for millions of American consumers to acquire appliances, furniture, electronics and computers, according to a recent article on MSNBC. Especially at a time when consumer credit is scarce and when existing credit lines are being cut, the rent to ... Rent-to-own Product Manuals Here are links to rent-to-own product manuals available online from some of APRO's vendor companies. If you are an APRO vendor and would like to make your online product manuals more accessible to your customers, please contact APRO by e-mail or by calling 800/204-2776, ext. 103, and your company's ... Rent-to-own Reports and Studies Survey of Rent-to-Own Customers published by the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Economics [This report is most beneficial to policy makers, news reporters, legal and legislative analysts] While there has been considerable debate concerning the rent-to-own industry over the past decade or more, there has been little independent systematic ... Rent-to-Own Organization and Company Websites APRO member rent-to-own companies abide by an APRO Code of Ethics and APRO Collection Practices to ensure the highest ethical conduct and customer satisfaction in American communities and the marketplace For vendor information, visit APRO's 2011 Virtual Trade Showor search APRO's associate members. APRO Member Rent-to-own Company Websites 1st ... Rent-to-own franchise companies Here are most of the key players in the rent-to-own franchise industry. A complete profile of each company - including information on what franchisors are seeking in franchisees, as well as statistics and expected growth - is available both on this website and as a PDF by clicking on ... Rent-to-own franchising By Geoff Williams They can focus on their business and not have to worry about vendor or business relationships. We’ve already established those on their behalf,” says Larry Sutton, owner of Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires. “We also have a media buying service. We can take ... RTO: Rent-to-Own Changing With the Times Ownership is just an option The emphasis is on renting, not necessarily owning. While ownership is an option, industry research and statistics have consistently shown that over the past 20 years, three out of four rent-to-own customers—75 percent—return their products within four months. The choice is the ... The rent-to-own customer The rent-to-own transaction is the most flexible transaction in the marketplace today. The fact that customers can return a product at any time for any reason distinguishes itself as a unique and valuable transaction filling many niches. Consumers have choices. They can buy used merchandise, which many customers do ... Rent-to-Own: Cost vs. Value No long-term obligation. Terminate the agreement at any time for any reason. Never incur debt. Credit is never extended. Credit checks are never required. Flexible payment options: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly. Early-purchase options-offering significant price reductions. Re-instatement rights. If a customer has to return a product for any reason during ... Rent-to-own prices For years, critics of rent-to-own have targeted the industry’s prices as being the primary negative aspect of the business. What those critics fail to acknowledge is that rent-to-own doesn’t simply offer new, name-brand products. With every transaction, customers receive unparalleled service, flexibility of payments and no obligation ... Rent-to-Own Industry Overview What is rent-to-own? The $7-billion rent-to-own industry—or RTO— continues to improve its business, customer service and pricing becoming a viable consumer option in the American economy. The unique rent-to-own transaction sprang up in the 1970s in response to a growing consumer need for acquiring the use of household ... What is APRO? Privacy Policy What information do we collect? We collect information from you when you register on our site, subscribe to our newsletter or fill out a form. When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your: name, e-mail address, mailing address or phone number. ... APRO's Scholarship Foundation Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. M A L C O L M F O R B E S The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Members and Associate Members are dedicated to the future of the rent-to-own industry by establishing a permanent educational ... APRO 2011-2012 Committee Assignments The APRO Board of Directors is a talented team with committees headed by top-notch talent. But the association would like to expand committee participation beyond members of the board. APRO is urging participation from other association members to tackle industry issues on its various committees. Listed below, you'll find ... RTO Customer & Employee of the Year Annual Contest APRO's Employee and Customer of the Year are those customers and employees who inspire, help or sacrifice for the betterment of their families and communities—just like the previous recipients listed below have done. Meet 2011's Winners! Employee of the Year Donna Falley - Rent One (Mt. Vernon, Illinois) ... APRO Rent-to-Own Events Overview APRO’s Annual Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show This annual event is the largest, most-prestigious event dedicated to the rent-to-own industry. More than just a trade show, the APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show includes educational seminars offered by top speakers and RTO industry experts from across the country, ... APRO's Rent-to-Own Collection Practices These collection guidelines were initiated by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations for its members and their businesses. Use this link to download a printable PDF of the Collection Practices that you may wish to display in your stores. APRO has also created a list of Code of Ethics ... Meet the staff of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Bill Keese, Executive Director 800/204-2776, ext. 101 Bill oversees all operations of the association, manages the staff and resources and implements APRO board policy. If you've got a policy question– or any question about APRO– he's the person to contact. Email: bkeese@rtohq.org Tulisha Carson, Office Manager 800/204-2776, ext. ... APRO Vendor Advisory Committee The APRO Vendor Advisory Committee serves a critical function in addressing APRO suppliers’ needs and issues. The committee sets the direction and helps with many of the specifics of the convention and buying show, while providing an important link between vendors and dealers. Committee members serve staggered, two-year terms ... APRO's Board of Directors APRO is governed by a 18-member elected board of directors. Sixteen directors serve staggered two-year terms with eight directors elected each year. The 17th and 18thboard membersare from the vendor community andare elected by the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee. All directors are elected at the annual convention. For more ... Honoring the Rent-to-own Industry's Finest The APRO "Buddy" Awards are presented every year to those outstanding individuals and organizations that have raised the level of what can be done to better the industry for everyone. The "Buddys" are named in honor of APRO's founder and first president Bud Holladay. The recipients are ... RTO [Relief to Our] Employees Disaster Relief Fund In 2005, members of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations contributed more than $190,000 to help rent-to-own employees get back on their feet after the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The rent-to-own community helped 159 employees survive and recover from these natural disasters. Unfortunately, natural disasters ... Rent-to-own Industry Timeline The following outline the key points in the history of rent-to-own and APRO over the past three decades. Rent-to-own Industry 2010-Present July 26, 2011 The U.S. House Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee hold a hearing on H.R. 1588 - The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act by ... APRO's Rent-to-Own Code of Ethics These ethics guidelines were devised by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations for its members and their businesses. You may also download a printable PDF of the Code of Ethics that you may wish to display in your stores. APRO has also created a list of Collection Practices in ... Membership Benefits What Can Membership in APRO Do for You? Stay Protected with Federal and State Legislation Since 1993, there have been seven federal bills that would cripple the national rent-to-own industry pre-empting every state RTO law that protects the right for rent-to-own dealers to conduct business. In the past two ... The Voice of Rent-to-Own The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the international voice for the rent-to-own industry founded in 1980. APRO is the nonprofit trade association advocating and representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, Internal Revenue Service, state legislatures, the courts, media and the public. The association offers a ... Rent-to-own Events APRO 2012 Convention and Trade Show APRO 2012 Convention & Trade Show Memphis, TN July 24-26 Marriott Memphis Downtown: Room rate $134 Memphis Cook Convention Center Tentative schedule - subject to change Click here to take advantage of APRO's 2012 Convention Savings Plan Monday, July 23 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Decorator set-up 4-8 ... APRO 2012 Convention and Trade Show - Exhibitor Information The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the national trade association and the official voice of the rent-to-own industry. The APRO Convention and Trade Show is the industry's largest rent-to-own event in North America that puts you face-to-face with hundreds of top decision-makers with the power to buy. If ... APRO 2011 Convention & Trade Show - Sponsors APRO would like to acknowledge these companies for their generous sponsorships of the 2011 Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show in Little Rock.... Rental Advertising Excellence Contest We're looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think your company's advertising has what it takes, enter today! Download In-House Entry Form (To be used if advertisement was created by In-House personnel) Download Advertising Agency EntryForm (To be ... APRO Rent-to-Own Events Overview APRO’s Annual Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show This annual event is the largest, most-prestigious event dedicated to the rent-to-own industry. More than just a trade show, the APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show includes educational seminars offered by top speakers and RTO industry experts from across the country, ... State RTO Associations State Rental Dealer Association Presidents Alabama-Mississippi Rental Dealers Association Shannon Strunk, president Baber’s Inc. 2500 Amonett St. Pascagoula, MS 39567-2422 228/312-0351 Fax 228/312-0387 shannon@babers.com Alabama State Economic Impact - 182 rent-to-own stores, 1092 employees, $38,200,000 annual wages, $5,847,660 annual payroll taxes, $133,900,000 annual revenues Mississippi State ... Rent-to-Own's State Economic Impact and Statutes APRO calculates the key economic indicators for each state according to APRO’s database and the annual industry survey conducted by statistical research firm Industry Insights. APRO has been the leader in defining the rent-to-own industry statistically for the past decade and continues to refine and build the rent-to-own ... State Rent-to-Own Association Resources The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations encourages all rental dealers to become involved in industry activity on the state level in addition to participation on the national level through APRO. State associations were crucial in developing the comprehensive network of positive state rent-to-own laws that govern how rental dealers ... RTO Legislative Activity Master Meetings List Beforeyou schedule your 2011 Legislative Conferencemeetings, please take a momentand view the APRO Master Meetings Schedule. (For technical purposes only one RTO contact will be listed for each meeting) *last updated May 4, 2011, 9:00am Central If you would like to join one of the meetings that have already ... States With Rent-to-Own Laws State Rent-to-Own Legislative History In 1984, Michigan lawmakers, rent-to-own industry owners and consumer groups agreed to balanced legislation that would foster rent-to-own industry security with specific rent-to-own consumer protections. Since then the mutual agreement of balanced legislation has successfully created 47 state rent-to-own laws. Ninety-five percent of the U.... Rent-to-own Consumer Tips In tough economic times, rent-to-own can be a viable means for millions of American consumers to acquire appliances, furniture, electronics and computers, according to an article on MSNBC. (MSNBC - original run date 02/19/2009) Especially at a time when consumer credit is scarce and when existing credit lines are ... APRO Congressional Grassroots Instructions If you have never met with or contacted an elected official then you may be intimidated by the process and politics of the U.S. Congress. But, in reality, the U.S. Congress is there to listen and help you. You will quickly find the political process to be ... APRO's Political Action Committee APRO PAC supports candidates for political office who have demonstrated their support of the rent-to-own industry. Only qualified candidates for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives are eligible to receive these funds. APRO PAC is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the rent-to-own ... Rent-to-Own Bill Co-sponsors H.R. 1588 and S. 881 - The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act of 2011 provides consumer disclosures while recognizing rent-to-own as a lease in the marketplace. The bill mirrors 47 state rent-to-own laws and offers the proper balance between consumer protections and small business competition. Below are the ... Independent Research on Rent-to-Own In chronological order... The Federal Government and the Fringe Economy By University of Houston Assistant Professor of Law Jim Hawkins Published by the Chapman Law Review in Winter 2011. The paper explores the Dodd-Frank Act’s creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and specifically assesses the Bureau’s ... Rent-to-Own Legislative History Federal: Below is a summary of the major federal initiatives aimed at passage of a Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act: 2009-2010 | 111th Congress: H.R. 1744 by Representative William Lacy Clay (D-MO) generated 126 co-sponsors and S. 738 by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) generated 20 co-sponsors. 2007-2008 | 110th ... Rent-to-own vs Retail: A Profit Comparison The Truth about Rent-to-Own Profits Rent-to-own’s supposedly “exorbitant” profits have been a primary point of criticism from the industry’s detractors—but the numbers show that RTO profits are in alignment with a competitive industry and fair profits. This chart represents a sampling of public companies and ... Why the Rent-to-Own Industry is Seeking Federal Legislation Why federal rent-to-own legislation? Passage of a federal rent-to-own bill will benefit consumers, businesses and the American economy *****Download the full text of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act here. The Canseco/Landrieu Bill Defines the Rent-to-own Transaction as a Lease The rent-to-own transaction provides millions of consumers with a ... The Rent-to-own Industry's Message to Congress Dear U.S. Congress, The logical first question you ask is why the rent-to-own industry isa Congressional issue. The simple answer is because of you – Congress. In 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007, powerful members of Congress introduced federal legislation that would eliminate the rent-to-own industry in ... Welcome Legislators An Introduction to Rent-to-Own: We know your time is valuable and we appreciate visiting our site to learn more about the rent-to-own industry. On these pages, we hope you find it easy to locate the resources you need on the industry, its customers, the economic impact of rent-to-own—both ... APRO's Legislative Conference APRO’s 2012 Dave Egan Legislative Conference Rental dealers, employeesand industry vendors will be on Capitol Hill April 17-19, 2012, for APRO's 2012 Dave Egan Legislative Conference.Congressional memberswill be educated about rent-to-own's important contribution to the economy and to their customers. Attendance to APRO's Legislative Conference is imperative ... Rent-to-own Legislative Activity and Resources A history of the rent-to-own industry's legislative efforts and its current strategies regarding state and federal legislation Seeking federal legislation The rent-to-own industry is an established part of the American economy. Since the industry’s inception in the 1960s and its rapid growth in the past 40 years, consumers, ... Rent-to-Own's State Economic Impact and Statutes APRO calculates the key economic indicators for each state according to APRO’s database and the annual industry survey conducted by statistical research firm Industry Insights. APRO has been the leader in defining the rent-to-own industry statistically for the past decade and continues to refine and build the rent-to-own ... RTO Education Resources APRO Rental Training Online Course Descriptions APRO’s Rental Training Online Virtual University was designed to provide basic, specialized training for store-level RTO employees. Each course takes an average of two to three hours to complete. Below is a summary of each course. Introduction to Rent-to-Own This course will introduce students to the rent-to-own industry ... APRO's Rent-to-Own Seminars The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations offers educational seminars designed for owners and employees at our annual convention. Take advantage of the valuable networking and educational opportunities by learning how to make yourself, your business and your industry better. APRO's annual Convention and Trade Show Each year, APRO's Convention ... Rent-to-Own Glossary of Terms Account: a term usually used to designate a customer who has a unit on rent or a rental agreement. Account number: the identification number given to each account and used as a reference for tracking the progress of the agreement. Account transfer: the reassignment of a rental agreement from ... Enter APRO's New Virtual University Experience APRO UNIVERSITY Enjoy APRO University's variety of benefits: Course assignment function allows you to control what courses your employees receive. Payment options include credit card and eCheck, as well as online invoicing. Email function notifies employees when a new course is assigned. Certificates of Completion are automatically generated ... RTO Advertising & Media Online Advertising Opportunities with APRO RTOHQ: APRO's website and RTO Today: APRO's e-newsletter Online Advertising Opportunities Are you looking to reach thousands of targeted eyeballs with your online advertising strategy? Why not advertise with APRO? The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations can help you reach your potential customers through our website and our daily ... Rental Advertising Excellence Contest We're looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think your company's advertising has what it takes, enter today! Download In-House Entry Form (To be used if advertisement was created by In-House personnel) Download Advertising Agency EntryForm (To be ... Download APRO Logos and Graphics Below are links to download APRO’s logo for members’, vendors’ and advertisers’ needs. You can also download a version of the logo specifically for your Web site, letting visitors know you are an APRO member. Click here if you need a logo in a version other than the ... Product Focus and Advertising Deadlines In every issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine, a listing of who’s who in Rent-to-Own will be featured. These listings highlight rent-to-own industry product and service suppliers who support the industry in a variety of ways. January-February 2011: Who’s Who in Rent-to-Own Management Advertising space closing: January 4 ... Advertise with APRO: Expand Your Market RTOHQ: TheMagazine The premier magazine serving the ever-changing rent-to-own industry RTOHQ: The Magazineis APRO’s bi-monthly magazine with an emphasis on larger issues facing its players in the rent-to-own industry. As the premier magazine serving this booming industry, advertising inRTOHQ: The Magazineis essential for those companies targeting the rent-to-own ... APRO Publications Media Tips Media Relations for the rent-to-own company Chapter I HOW PUBLICITY AFFECTS YOUR BUSINESS How necessary is it for you to take the time and effort to prepare for potential media interviews? Just how much can the media affect your business in any case? The Damage of Negative Coverage Consider ... RTOHQ: The Magazine Archives Welcome to the RTOHQ: The Magazine (formerly Progressive Rentals Magazine) Archives. Here you can browse past magazines in full PDF format, or read through the articles on this site or download them for later. Archives are listed in reverse chronological order: 2011 RTOHQ: The Magazine Archives September - October ... Rental Viewpoint E-newsletter Archives Back issues of Rental Viewpoint—APRO’s former online newsletter—are available by clicking on the links below, listed in reverse chronological order. Note: some of the links within these archive documents have been removed. Use this link to sign up for RTO Today—APRO’s current weekly online ... Other APRO Rent-to-Own Publications APRO offers a wide variety of publications to help your rent-to-own business—some available to APRO members only at no charge. Many of these publications have been updated recently and reflect the marketing, advertising, legal and financial analysis specific to the rent-to-own industry. These reports were written by some ... RTOHQ: The Magazine RTOHQ: The Magazine - A Leader As the leader in rent to own magazines, the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations has revamped the look of RTOHQ: The Magazine. Published bimonthly, the magazine provides news, industry trends, profiles of RTO dealers across the nation and more. Among the glossy pages ... Rent-to-own News High Touch and Asset Protection Products launch joint venture High Touch Technologies and Asset Protection Products, LLC today announced a joint venture that will be called Product Assurance Management (PAM). PAM was formed to address the urgent need of operators and franchisees in the rent-to-own market to track, geo-locate, disable, restore, and update computing devices of all types, ... Aaron's conference call set for Friday Aaron’s will hold a conference call this Friday to discuss the company's Q4 2011 annual report at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. There will be opening remarks and then questions and answers with Chairman Charlie Loudermilk, interim President/CEO Ron Allen, COO Ken Butler, and Executive Vice President/CFO ... Serta launches Nickelodeon collection Serta is pleased to announce the launch of the Nickelodeon mattress collection designed for kids to the Rent to Own Industry. All Serta mattresses sold in America are Made in America in Serta plants across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Nickelodeon and Serta have teamed up to ... ColorTyme hires Michael Landry as Vice President of Franchise Sales Michael Landry, new ColorTyme VP of franchise sales. Chain adds new VP-level position as part of aggressive growth plan Michael Landry has joined the ColorTyme organization as vice president of franchise sales. During the 2012 ColorTyme National Convention last week, CEO Cathy Skula announced an aggressive new growth plan ... High Touch continues to acquire out-of-state technology companies Wichita-based High Touch recently closed on the acquisitions of sister businesses in Dallas, UniComData and Dallas Data Center. That followed the Jan. 1 purchase of NewBase LLC, a small web-development company in Wichita. The acquisitions help High Touch further expand its regional presence and its services. In 2011, High ... ColorTyme's Coelho raises money, awareness for Boston Children's Hospital Nathaniel Giannandrea For a third year in a row, Providence ColorTyme franchisee Al Coelho is partnering with a patient at Children’s Hospital Boston to raise money and awareness for the hospital. Going the extra mile on April 16, Coelho will dedicate his 26-mile run of the Boston Marathon ... D&H to RTO dealers: Leverage Super Bowl/March Madness for TV, appliance and gaming rentals Computer and consumer electronics distributor D&H Distributing would like to remind its rent-to-own store owners and dealers to take advantage of upcoming sporting events to gain incremental rental sales. D&H’s RTO customers can market big ticket items such as large-screen, Internet-connected televisions with supporting merchandise such ... TARA announces new server-based email system to improve member communications The Texas Association of Rental Agencies (TARA) today announced it launched a new member communication system - TARA UPDATE. This new system uses the latest server-based technology to provide a powerful email information service designed to keep members continuously updated on the latest association and industry news. Through this ... Vegas Market: RTO dealers turn out for annual LVM gathering Rental dealers and vendors at the APRO/Ashley reception in Las Vegas Tuesday. More than a dozen rent-to-own professionals and vendors turned out Tuesday for the annual RTO reception at Las Vegas Winter Market at the Ashley Furniture Suite. The event was hosted by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations ... Vegas Market: Zero Gravity chairs hover at core of Inner Balance line Bob Whip, president of Inner Balance Wellness shows off one of his Zero Gravity Chairs at Las Vegas Market Tuesday. Inner Balance is offering the sensation and benefits of "weightlessness" with it's Zero Gravity chair, which utilizes NASA research to promote the body's natural resting position -- the ... Vegas Market: Coaster's 'Phoenix Collection' an RTO hit Countryside's Mike Tissot and APRO's Cindy Ferguson showing off Coaster's Phoenix Collection. Countryside R2O owner Mike Tissot knows what his customers like: A whole lot of practicality wrapped in style. "Our customers and our salespeople love the functionality of Coaster's Phoenix Collection," Tissot says. "Whenever you ... Vegas Market: 'Rental Specialty' program new at Fraenkel Brian Akchin, president and CEO of Englander Fraenkel, a 'Made in America' furniture supplier that carries Englander and Advantage bedding and upholstery lines, will roll out its new 'Rental Specialty' program at the Tupelo Furniture Market later this month. The program is designed to allow dealers to custom design ... Vegas Market: "Quickship" is standard at American Furniture Manufacturing American Furniture Manufacturing President Lyle Harris with APRO Marketing Director Cindy Ferguson at Las Vegas 2012 Winter Market. American Furniture Manufacturing is a newly approve TRIB Group vendor and APRO exhibitor that specializes in reclining furniture, motion and stationary upholstery with a decided advantage. "At American Furniture Manufacturing, ... Rent-A-Center backs children's shelter Rent-A-Center Tuesday, delivered $5,000 worth of gift cards to Pendleton Place Children’s Shelter. Tied to a philanthropic initiative dubbed "Random Acts of Caring," the unexpected gesture included gift cards to retailers such as Wal-mart, TJ Maxx, Target, Marshalls, Kohl’s and Old Navy. "Pendleton ... First Maryland Premier Rental-Purchase Opens Premier Dealer Tim Strachan Tim Strachan has come full circle in the Rent to Own industry over the past twenty two years. In 1990 Tim went to work for a Rent-To-Own company that, at the time, was owned by The Premier Companies’ President and CEO Trooper Earle. The store ... Bestway names $5,000 fill A house winner L to R: Kris Swift, Bestway Regional Vice President, David Kraemer, Bestway CEO/President, winner Nakeisha Carter, Chris Nicoulin, Bestway District Manager and Store Manager C.D. Bell Bestway Rent To Own recently gave away $5000 in furniture with its "Fill A House" promotion, October 1 – December 31, ... Rent-A-Center Q4 same store sales up 2.7 percent Rent-A-Center Monday, announced revenues and earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2011. Total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, were $737.5 million, an increase of $60.4 million from total revenues of $677.1 million for the same period in the prior year. ... Twin Star-Classic Flame Party kicks off Vegas Winter Market More than 300 turned out for Twin Star-Classic Flame's fifth annual "Customer Appreciation Party" at the Wynn Resort and Casino kicking off the Winter 2012 Las Vegas Furniture Market Jan. 30-Feb. 3. "We throw this party every year to show our appreciation for all our customers and ... Buddy's franchise group steps up for local food banks Chuck Haver and Travis Johnson, Manager Buddy's Fort Smith, Oklahoma. Beginning in November 2011 the Buddy’s Home Furnishings Franchise Team BREG Group operating 10 locations in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma decided to act on the continuing shortage of food in the local food banks of their communities. Buddy’... U.S. Economy picks up speed The United States economy picked up speed at the end of 2011 as businesses substantially built up their inventories and consumers increased their spending. Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's economic health, grew at a 2.8% annual rate in the last three months of the ... The Premier Companies announce 2012 training seminars John Darden, The Premier Companies Dealer/Vendor Liaison During their recent convention in Key West, The Premier Companies, franchisor of four Rent-to-Own brands, released their 2012 Training Seminar schedule to their franchisees. The aggressive schedule includes workshops and seminars focused on key operational elements of the franchisee’s business. The ... RTOHQ: The Magazine digital-only bonus compilation available APRO is proud to present a special bonus issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine—a digital-only compilation of some of the feature articles we published in 2011. We hope you have already had a chance to peruse a digital version of our magazine, which we introduced in October to complement ... RNR Vegas helps customer stay young at heart RNR Las Vegas Customer Leo Mazer (center) with RNR Manager Kelly Pierce (L) and wife Tammy Pierce. At 87, decorated veteran Leo Mazer of Las Vegas may not seem like the typical custom wheel and tire rental customer. Then again, Mazer isn't your typical anything. A veteran of World ... Walter Clark and Associates serving RTO Industry insurance needs for 24 years Jeanette Beardsley first met Barry Gambini in 1981 when the APRO co-founder and past president sold his RTO stores. They've worked together to serve the insurance needs of rental dealers ever since. "As the APRO endorsed insurance agent for the rent to own industry, we know what rent ... Application for unemployment benefits rise along with durable goods orders The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to a seasonally adjusted 377,000, after a nearly four-year low the previous week. The long-term trend is pointing to a healthier job market. Applications for unemployment benefits have been trending downward the past few months. Just two week ... Childers named ColorTyme's 2011 Franchisee of the Year ColorTyme's 2011 Franchisee of the Year, Mark Childers (R) interviewed by APRO Reporter Murlin Evans at ColorTymes annual convention Tuesday. Rent-to-own franchisor, ColorTyme, honored its top performers and recognized exceptional owner accomplishments yesterday at the 2012 National Convention. Mark and Tracy Childers received ColorTyme’s Franchisee of the Year ... ColorTyme kicks off 2012 National Convention with new vision, lower fees New ColorTyme CEO Cathy Skula. New ColorTyme CEO Cathy Skula delivered shock-and-awe punch to the kick off of the ColorTyme 2012 National Convention by rolling out a new strategic plan for growth that included lower fees. A crowd of approximately 300 franchisees, operators and vendors listened silently and intensely, ... RNR Convention recognizes outstanding operators Former APRO President, Larry Carrico, is awarded RNR's Mike Kent Pioneer Award at RNR's recent convention. RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires just wrapped its 8th annual franchise meeting this past Thursday, Jan. 19, hosting more than 100 wheel and tire rental franchisees at the Reunion Resort in Orlando. ... Congresswoman visits ABC Rental Purchase L to R: Shaun Rush, Rep. Lynn Jenkens, Jim Brown, Rick Rineberg Jim Brown of ABC Rental Purchase, last week, hosted Congresswoman Lynn Jenkens of Kansas' Second Congressional District. Jenkens is on of 98 co-sponsors of H.R. 1588 "The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act".... Bonnie Nitzsche funeral arrangements Visitation: Friday, Jan. 20 5pm-8pm Hodapp Funeral Home 8815 Cincinnati-Columbus Rd West Chester, Ohio 45069 Funeral: Saturday 11am Hodapp Funeral Home Then a procession to the Arlington Memorial Cemetery on Compton ... Franchisee opens first ColorTyme in Ashland, Kentucky Mike Courts is a rent-to-own professional who has, for years, wanted to own his own ColorTyme stores. After years of managing four stores for a competitor, Courts made his move at the beginning of this year. He opened his first ColorTyme at 5850 Route 60, Summit Plaza in Ashland, ... Premier Rental-Purchase opens new store in Snellville, Georgia Coe Ecker and David Quinn Coe Ecker and David Quinn have partnered up to open a Premier Rental-Purchase location in Snellville, Georgia. They celebrated their Grand Opening last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Food and refreshments were provided for their current and soon-to-be new customers. “We look ... Central File celebrates 20 years in RTO In an age of electronic media, the success of Central File Marketing and it's relentless focus on powerful direct mail marketing campaigns is a testament to the power of the visceral over the American consumer. "Where do unsolicited emails end up? They go straight in the trash. People ... DSI Systems re-organizes DSI Systems has reorganized its sales team into separate groups for CE and DirecTV/WildBlue. DSI has formed the Consumer Electronics Group and the DirecTV and WildBlue Group, with Jerry Satoren, senior VP/consumer electronics, being named to run the CE Group, according to a report in Twice Magazine. He will ... Web Piracy Bill faces opponents Supporters of controversial antipiracy legislation face a struggle to regain momentum after the White House sided with irate Internet companies and users over the weekend and complained that the proposal could hurt innocent companies and undermine cybersecurity. On Saturday, the White House outlined its opposition to two similar bills ... Bonnie Nitzsche dies today at her home Long time rent to own vendor and advocate Bonnie Nitzsche "The Flyer Specialist" died Tuesday at her home in Cincinnati after a 14-year battle with Myeloma cancer A former Mary Kay consultant, Nitzsche is largely credited with introducing the industry to four-color print advertising in 1988. She was ... RES, Buddy's come to aid of colleague L to R: James and Brittany Compton, Michael Gerwe Jr., Jeff Robinson from Buddy's Home Furnishings. When RES Accessories CEO Michael Gerwe Jr. learned a long-time Tampa business associate Brittany Compton's home burned to the ground just before Christmas, he knew he had to help. Gerwe tapped long-time client ... "Try before you buy" option could reduce returns In 2011, many shoppers opted to avoid the frenetic crowds and do their holiday shopping from the comfort of their computer. Sales at online retailers gained by more than 15%, making it the biggest season ever. But people are also returning those purchases at record rates, up 8% from ... Aaron's names Jeannie Cave VP of real estate Aaron's today announced Jeannie M. Cave is the company's new vice president of real estate and construction. In her new role reporting to Gil Danielson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Cave will be responsible for a number of activities including the development of strategies that support Aaron's ... Rep. Hurt visits local Aaron's (L to R): Aaron's Franchise Field Consultant Mike Sofge, Franchise Principal Derek Mitchell, Aaron's General Manager at F946 Marcy Muncy, US Congressman Robert Hurt, Franchise Principal Bobbie Floyd, and Franchise Principal Chad Mitchell. US Congressman Robert Hurt of Virginia's 5th Congressional District, visited Aaron's location F946 in Danville last ... US Exporters hit by global slowdown American exporters are starting to face more headwinds from a decelerating global economy. After four straight months of narrowing, the U.S. trade deficit widened in November, the Commerce Department reported Friday. The United States imported $47.8 billion more goods and services than it exported during the month, ... Premier Companies' Award Winners Announced The Premier Companies ended their 2012 National Convention in Key West Wednesday night with the always anticipated Awards Banquet. Premier congratulates all the award winners for their hard work, dedication and success. Shooting Star Award Awarded to stores that gross revenues in the sixth full month of operations reach ... Rent-A-Center Q4 2011 conference call broadcasted live via the Web Rent-A-Center will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 10:45 a.m. ET over the Internet. This call will be held to discuss the earnings release that will be issued after the close of the market on Monday, January 30, 2012. Audio of the ... Jim Forker is Premier's 2011 Dealer of the Year Premier's 2011 Dealer of the Year, Jim Forker. The Premier Companies ended their 2012 National Convention in tropical Key West Wednesday evening by naming Jim Forker the Premier Rental Purchase Dealer of the Year. Hard work, motivation and the desire to succeed are some of the traits that helped ... Mark and Dawn Martin open new store in Raleigh ColorTyme Franchisees Dawn and Mark Martin. Four years after opening their first North Carolina rent-to-own store in Goldsboro, Mark and Dawn Martin have added another ColorTyme, this time in Raleigh. Located at 3673 New Bern Ave, the new store will offer rent-to-own appliances, electronics and furniture to residents in ... APRO Savings Plan makes it easy to attend convention APRO's first-ever savings plan option gives rent to own dealers a manageable way to attend the rent to own event of the year -- APRO's 2012 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Memphis this July. The APRO Board approved option breaks registration and hotel fees into smaller, monthly payments. ... Making the grade: Seven additional scholarship recipients earn award installment A new round of APRO Education Foundation scholarship checks are headed to seven students who finished the fall semester with a 3.0 grade point average or better. College bound rental industry family members were awarded $30,000 in collective scholarships from the APRO Education Foundation last summer. Recipients ... IRS doles out less dough in 2011 The IRS not only doled out fewer tax refunds last year, but it also cut smaller checks with the average refund slipping by nearly $100. Taxpayers received tax refunds averaging $2,913 in 2011, down 3% from the average refund of $3,003 in the prior year, according to ... Motivational speaker addresses The Premier Companies Convention Motivational speaker and auther Mark Gow. Leadership, motivation and productivity was the topic of Mark Gow’s message to The Premier Companies Dealers and convention attendees today during the Opening General Session of their 2012 National Convention at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West today. “It’s ... Last week for TRIB discount The 2012 TRIB Group Annual Convention & Buy Fair is fast approaching and the $100 early bird registration discount deadline is Sunday January 15. TRIB Group's 2012 Convention and Buy Fair is set for Feb. 27-29, 2012 at the beautiful Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. This year’s ... Branding 101 for 2012 What can we expect to see in 2012? Expect to see names get more abstract in 2012. There are more than one million names, taglines, and logos registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Finding a name that is unique, memorable, and-very important-ownable has become increasingly challenging. ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine explores "Marketing Matters" This year marks the launch of a marketing campaign initiated by APRO to build the rent-to-own customer base. It will be a multi-year endeavor employing multiple strategies. In this and upcoming issues of our magazine, we will address the many facets of marketing that affect our industry. Striving for ... Premier Companies Convention opens to record attendance The Premier Companies 2012 National Convention January 9-11 in Key West kicked off Monday with golf tournament and deep sea fishing events at the Casa Marina Resort where organizers anticipate attendance to break all previous records. Premier franchisees, vendors and special guests will enjoy an ocean view and swaying ... CES: Global tech device spending could reach $1 trillion Fueled by growth in emerging markets, global tech device spending is estimated to hit $1 trillion for the first time in 2012. As people around the world buy more tech gadgets, the industry is entering the second phase of the digital revolution, according to a LA Times report. Consumers ... December jobs report: Hiring up, unemployment down American employers stepped up their hiring in December, bringing the unemployment rate down again. The economy added 200,000 jobs in the month, the Labor Department reported Friday, closing out the year with 1.6 million jobs gained in 2011. Only 940,000 jobs were added the year before, ... Congressman Canseco visits local Aaron's Rep. Francisco "Quico" Canseco (second from left) with staff at Ft. Stockton Aaron's Thursday. Congressman Francisco "Quico" Canseco Thursday, lead sponsor of pending rental purchase legislation in the U.S. House, paid a visit to a local Aaron's Sales and Lease store in Ft. Stockton to meet ... Grand opening for Jacksonville Premier Rental-Purchase Location… Location… Location! That was the idea when Mike Zagar, Premier Rental-Purchase franchisee in Jacksonville, Florida, decided to relocate his store after two years. Mike was in search of a shopping center that would provide him the traffic he felt he needed. With the assistance of The Premier Companies ... Is 3D living up to the hype? 3D television was heralded as the breakthrough technology of the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Hot on the heels of James Cameron’s eye-opening Avatar, 3D HDTVs were everywhere on the show floor. One year later, Wired reports, at CES 2011, 3D was back again — this time iterating. We ... Private sector hiring ramps up Private-sector companies significantly ramped up their hiring in December, according to a report issued Thursday. The private sector added a seasonally adjusted 325,000 jobs during the month, up from 204,000 in November, payroll-processing firm ADP said. It marked the biggest monthly gain since December 2010, and was ... Obama appoints first CFPB director In a move that has angered Republicans, President Obama on Wednesday announced he's making a recess appointment of Richard Cordray to be the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, sidestepping the Senate confirmation process, according to CNN Money. Last month, the Senate failed to muster enough votes ... Making the grade: second round of industry scholarships awarded A new round of RTO industry scholarship checks are headed to eight students who finished the fall semester with a 3.0 grade point average or better. College bound rental industry family members were awarded $35,000 in collective scholarships from both the APRO Education Foundation and the newly ... Premier Convention: New schedule time for vendor exhibits, sunset sail The vendor exhibits for The Premier Companies National Convention will be held on Tuesday, January 10th from 12:30 - 4:15pm. This change is due to the timing of the Sunset Sail at 5:00pm. The change will allow attendees to visit with vendors right after lunch and provide enough time ... Will Shoppers Save the Economy? The U.S. consumer is back, but how long can that keep the economy going? One of the growing bright spots in the economy recently has been Americans’ willingness to hit the mall. In the third quarter alone, higher consumer spending accounted for 73% of the rise in the ... 'Ultrabooks" offer quick booting, slim computing at lower cost Intel Corp.'s crusade to redefine the personal computer is entering a crucial phase, as a new breed of sleek skinny laptops jostle with tablet-style devices and smartphones for consumer attention. PC makers are turning out at next weeks Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to show off entries ... Bonnie Nitzsche recovering in Cincinnati hospital Tom and Bonnie Nitzsche at an APRO Convention. Long time rent to own vendor and advocate Bonnie Nitzsche "The Flyer Specialist" was hospitalized at Christ's Hospital in Cincinnati December 21 and entered into the intensive care unit to stabilize her blood pressure. She is out of ICU after ... Rent One store turns quilt into toys for area children Patricia Gibson, Salem Assistant Manager with Salem Manager Joe O'Neill at Rent Christmas Toy Donation. This year Rent One's Salem, Illinois Assistant Manager Patricia Gibson found a creative way to raise the funds for the company's holiday toy drive this Christmas with a little help from her mother. Earlier ... RENT-2-OWN Stores balance success, conscience It happened a week later than usual. But the number was 25 percent greater than what the boss, Mike Tissot, expected. And when he’s surprised, you know that’s a big number. For the past several years, Bainbridge, Ohio-based Countryside Rentals’ RENT-2-OWN stores have selected a week in ... ColorTyme Names Cathy Skula CEO Colortyme, America's oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores, announced the appointment of Cathy Skula to president and CEO, effective January 1, 2012. Reporting to Rent-A-Center President and Chief Operating Officer Mitch Fadel, Skula succeeds Bob Bloom who left Colortyme in October of this year. "Cathy brings a ... Rent-A-Center supports eight army garrisons Rent-A-Center today announced its support of eight Army garrisons. The aid came in the form of furniture, electronics, computers and appliances. Valued at $200,000, the Rent-A-Center-supplied merchandise was delivered in coordination with the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. It builds on an initiative launched ... New credit score to include rent-to-own payments CoreLogic debuted a new credit report in November that incorporates data from sources that traditional credit scoring models have previously overlooked. Rent-to-own payments will be included among the many non-traditional scoring instruments such as lease applications, mortgages with lenders that don’t report to the major credit bureaus and ... Premier Companies expect record attendance at upcoming convention Record attendance is expected for The Premier Companies 2012 National Convention January 9-11 at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West. Attendees will have the option of participating in a Golf Tournament or Deep Sea Fishing adventure on Monday, the day of the opening evening reception. Premier franchisees, vendors ... Arona Corp. makes Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 fastest growing list for 5th year Des Moines, Iowa-based Arona Corp. -- an Aaron's franchisee -- recently made Inc. Magazine's Top 5,000 fastest growing companies list for the fifth year in a row, clocking in at 1,925. The company, with Mark Connelly as chief operating officer, earned the position based on brisk revenue ... Rent One's "Fitnessgram" push featured in local news segment Rent One's Larry Carrico presents an Illinois student with a "Fitnessgram" achievement coin. Click to play video. Rent One's Larry Carrico is on a mission. He's out to give Illinois students the opportunity to improve their mental fitness, by first improving their physical fitness. His efforts were recently ... Aaron's buys Southern Home Rentals Aaron’s HomeSmart bought eight Southern Home Rentals stores in Georgia and Alabama for an undisclosed amount, according to a report today in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Atlanta-based HomeSmart launched in 2010 and has 68 stores in 10 states. The acquisition of Southern Home rentals marks its entry into ... RNR Holds 8th Annual Conference and Expo in Orlando Watch out Orlando, Florida based RNR Custom Wheels & Tires gears up for the 8th Annual Conference & Expo, January 16-19, 2012 at the Reunion Resort and Club in Orlando, FL. More than 100 attendees are planning to attend the conference along with industry leaders and suppliers including American ... Aaron's partners with top universities across the nation Aaron's, Inc.,today announced it entered into a multi-year agreement with IMG College to sponsor athletic programs at 30 top universities across the nation. The sponsorship commitment is one of the most significant national partnerships in college sports and considerably expands the company's reach to universities and the fans ... NRF Survey: half of all holiday shoppers will shop online over the next two weeks It’s the final countdown. Over the next few weeks, millions of Americans will visit stores and websites in droves – some for the first time all holiday season – to complete their holiday shopping lists. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Consumer Intentions and Actions survey ... The Premier Companies Convention registration deadline this week The hotel reservation deadline for The Premier Companies National Convention in Key West, Florida is Friday December 16th. The convention, January 9-11 at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, is set to be Premier's largest yet, with the event set to break all previous attendance records. Register for ... Retailers move with lightning speed to create mobile apps Mobile phone apps are starting to become a key shopping tool — as important to some bargain-hunters as clipped or printed coupons. Download and launch the Shopkick application onto an iPhone or Android smartphone, for example. Then walk into an American Eagle Outfitters store, stand still at the entrance ... APRO offers convention savings plan The APRO Board of Directors recently approved a first-ever savings plan option for rent to own dealers who want to attend the association's annual convention and break registration and hotel fees into smaller, monthly payments. The idea, pitched by new board member Sandi Frye, a single-store Premier dealer in ... Kinnear celebrates store anniversary Scott Kinnear, owner of two Premier Rental-Purchase locations in Dayton Ohio, is celebrating the third anniversary of his second store. Scott first discovered The Premier Companies while on vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia where he saw a Premier Rental-Purchase truck on the road. Then an advertisement in an industry publication ... KHF Holdings partners with program to provide beds for children KHF Holdings, LLC proudly announces its partnership with A Hope to Dream program founded in 2010 by Ashley Furniture HomeStore as one of the company’s philanthropic efforts. A Hope to Dream seeks to provide less fortunate children with comfortable mattresses for a good night’s sleep. For every ... Senate blocks consumer bureau chief The Senate on Thursday failed to muster the 60 votes needed to confirm President Obama's pick to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has become the symbol of the administration's efforts to rein in Wall Street excess. But Obama said after the vote that he was considering sidestepping ... Jobless claims at 9-month low The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level in nine months, that latest evidence that the job market is improving. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications dropped by 23,000 to a seasonally adjusted 381,000. That's the lowest number ... Blue Ribbon wins Ohio's "Battle for the Bell", all companies see gains Bill Wendell and George Schorsten at Blue Ribbon Rental will retain Ohio's coveted "RTO Victory Bell" for a second year after dominating the country's only inter-company rent to own sales competition for the second year in a row, beating out three fellow Ohio indies for bragging rights. The ... TARA announces new communication service The Texas Association of Rental Agencies (TARA) today launched a new member communication system - TARA UPDATE that uses the latest server-based technology to provide a powerful email information service designed to keep members continuously up-to-date on the latest association and industry news. Through this new system, the association ... Parents can rent toys at new Website When you are a kid on Christmas morning, it’s all about volume. But when you are a parent, cruising the aisles of the toy-store in December, it’s about trying to balance a happy holiday with a reasonable budget. Paul Reinsmith of Boston has found a great way ... Aspen Way raises more than $20,000 for American Cancer Society Jeff Hafer, Aspen Way COO, American Cancer Society District Executive Director Hugh Severs, Aspen Way President Rohnn Lampi, the Aaron's Lucky Dog, David Qualls the GM of F258 in Spokane, WA (in white shirt) and Josh Ruddell, the GM of one of our other Spokane, WA, stores, F696 Aspen ... November jobs report: Hiring up, unemployment down Hiring accelerated in November, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly plummeted to its lowest rate in nearly three years. Employers added 120,000 jobs in November, the Labor Department reported Friday, marking a pick-up in hiring from October. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell to 8.6%, the lowest rate since ... ContactPoint unveils sales call optimization software ContactPoint LLC announced today the immediate availability of a public beta version of LogMyCalls.com, ‘the smarter call’ for companies seeking optimized performance management in their sales and marketing efforts. ContactPoint is making the beta available to current LogMyCalls customers, partners, affiliates, resellers and the public. With market-leading ... TRIB Group releases 2012 convention details The 2012 TRIB Group Annual Convention & Buy Fair will be held February 27-29, 2012 at the beautiful Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. This year’s theme urges members and vendors alike to "Achieve Universal Goals" by working towards common objectives and ambitions in the industry. The ... APRO Scholarship Winner Jennifer DeBouse makes the grade Jennifer DeBouse, one of 17 APRO Education Foundation Scholarship Winners this year, earned the second installment on her $2,500 scholarship award with a 3.0 grade point average on her fall coursework at Capella University in Menatta, Georgia. DeBouse has worked for Aarons' for the past three years. ... Consumers continue to unload debt Consumer borrowing fell slightly in the third quarter as Americans continued to shed their debt burdens in the face of a struggling economy. Household debt totaled $11.66 trillion in the three months ending in September, down $60 billion from the previous quarter, according to a report released Monday ... Tablets are the season's must-have Despite the gloomy economy, shoppers are expected to shell out for tablet computers this December. The glossy-screened gadgets are the most-desired electronic devices this holiday season -- second only to clothing, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. The industry group expects U.S. consumers to spend an average of ... Consumer confidence highest since July Americans' confidence in the economy in November rose to its highest level since July, accord to a report by a private research group. The Conference Board says Tuesday its Consumer Confidence Index rose 15 points to 56.0, up from a revised 40.9 in October. The October number ... Black Friday weekend shatters sales records Early hours, freebies and hyped promotions seem to have offset any consumer concerns about the economy this past weekend, according to a National Retail Federation survey over the weekend. Traffic and spending were up both online and in stores, reaching historic highs. According to the survey of 3,826 ... Serta announces first quarter 2012 "National Mattress Event" Past national marketing efforts were so successful for Serta RTO Dealers we’re doing it again in the 1st quarter of 2012. Serta continues to lead the mattress industry with events like this that give RTO dealers the opportunity to capitalize on a nationally advertised event in the Mattress ... Aaron's surprises 85-year old Georgia man with housefull of furniture Aaron's this week, surprised Jessie Farmer, the grand prize winner of Aaron's National Lucky Dog Days Sweepstakes, on Friday morning at her home in Wrens, Georgia, with a houseful of furniture, name-brand appliances and electronics valued at nearly $11,000. Ms. Farmer is 85 years old and has eight ... Subcommittee vote on RTO Bill available for replay H.R. 1588 sponsor Rep. Francisco "Quico" Canseco (R-TX 23) at Thursday's hearing. Watch hearing replay. The U.S. House Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee passed the APRO-supported bill H.R. 1588 yesterday. For replay of the hearing and vote, go here. For a full list of ... Online Registration Opens for PrimeTime! at the Gaylord Palms in Florida Nationwide Marketing Group announced open registration for PrimeTime! by Nationwide, their biannual buying show and strategic member conference, taking place at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on February 26-29, 2012. The theme for the upcoming event is IMPACT your business, your marketplace, your life. ... Mike's Rent To Own helps raise 3,600 pounds of food for local food banks Mike's Rent To Own of Newton, Kansas partnered with a local radio station, car dealership and Wal Mart Saturday, for the "Stuff the Trucks" campaign to raise food for the Reno County Food Bank. Volunteers handed out lists of food items needed by the food bank to customers ... Cleek's/Aaron's raises food donations for local schoolchildren L to R: Tony Trimble (Sales Manager), Paul Olson (Product Tech), John Nissen (General Manager), Tiffanie Nichter (Customer Service Rep), Ciera Cheatum (Manager Trainee), and Amanda Cloud (Customer Account Manager). Cleek's/Aaron's during the months of September and October promoted a "peanut butter drive" in its seven stores and ... Discounts drive consumers to Like a retailer on Facebook The prospect of a deal or discount drives 63% of consumers to Like the Facebook page of a retailer or manufacturer, according to a new report by The E-tailing Group Inc. that was sponsored by consumer review platform vendor PowerReviews Inc. Other reasons cited by consumers for pressing the ... RTO "Victory Bell Contest" returns Ohio's four largest independent rent to own companies are setting their teeth today for week one of the annual "Victory Bell Contest" -- an annual competition that turns comrades into fierce competitors for two weeks in November as each company fights for a bigger share of the state's ... Bestway raises $45,000 for "Sisters for a Cure" Bestway Employees and Customers donate $11,250 to the Sisters For A Cure 3-Day Walk. Dallas-based Bestway Rent To Own, Sisters For A Cure, Bestway customers and a few generous vendors together raised $45,000 during the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Walk, held the weekend of ... Buddy's makes donation to rebuild Joplin L to R: Greg Crawford Joplin Rotary Club President, Chuck Haver, Mark Norton (Will’s Father). In September, Buddy’s Home Furnishings of Tampa held a fundraising event to help the rebuilding and support efforts in Joplin, Missouri, which was devastated by an EF5 tornado on May 22, 2011. ... Benefit Marketing Solutions rallies for "Sisters", Susan B. Komen Foundation Benefit Marketing Solutions’ Norman, OK staff model their Sisters for A Cure shirts and check to Susan G. Komen. For the fourth straight year Benefit Marketing Solutions’ co-workers kicked their support into full gear by working with Beth Durrett of Bestway to help raise over $1,800 for Susan ... Rent-A-Center donates $20,000 to St. Mary's Food Bank Rent-A-Center Wednesday, donated $20,000 to St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. The food bank is one of eleven across the nation sharing in $250,000 worth of Rent-a-Center funding for hunger relief this year. The donation is in addition to the recent hunger-relief initiative staged across Rent-A-Center's 3000-plus stores. ... Kennett delivery techs win Rent One's 2011 'DT Rodeo' Rent One 2011 DT Rodeo winners Chad and Randy Howard (center) surrounded by company personnel. For the second year, Rent One owner Larry Carrico, let his employees strut their stuff in a friendly competition he calls the "Delivery Technician Rodeo" -- a company tournament of RTO delivery skills ... Google platform is "social networking for business" Google is getting ready for businesses to start jumping aboard its Google+ social network. The social network Monday began to roll out Google+ Pages to help businesses create a presence on the social network platform for connecting with their users locally and worldwide. Vic Gundotra, Google senior vice president ... DSI Systems launches dealer app Click here to download app. DSI Systems today launched a mobile application for dealers on the Android platform. The app, for both phones and tablets, allows dealers to easily access pricing, availability, and product details. “Our new app will make DSI Systems more accessible at any time of ... Hispanics shaping TV viewer revolution A consumer entertainment usage and consumption tracking study, released by the Cable and Telecommunications Association forMarketing(CTAM), examined the bourgeoningHispanicpopulation, revealing thatHispanicsare emerging as major consumers of video games, technology and video services. The August/September CTAM Pulse, "Tracking How Entertainment, Demographics and Technology Have Changed in the U.S.,... "Robin" Loudermilk Jr. resigns as Aaron's CEO Aaron's Inc. today announced the departure of Robert C. ("Robin") Loudermilk Jr., who resigned his position as president and CEO of the company due to personal health reasons. Loudermilk Jr. informed the Board he plans to concentrate his time and attention on his health and on personal ... Premier announces motivational guest speaker Mark Gow Motivational speaker Mark Gow. The Premier Companies, franchisor of four Rent to Own brands, announced today that Mark Gow, nationally known speaker, will headline The Premier Companies General Session at the 2012 Premier National Convention Jan. 9-11 in Key West, Florida. Mark is a practicing HR executive with an ... Show-Me hosts annual company picnic Show-Me Rent To Own employees ponder the options at the company's annual employee picnic. Show-Me Rent-to-Own in Farmington Missouri held its annual employee picnic on Sunday September 11, 2011 at the home of owners Gary and Kathy Romine. The beautiful country setting allowed for many activities including horseshoes, washers, ... Rent-A-Center donates $20K to LA food bank Rent-A-Center today donated $20,000 to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. The food bank is one of eleven across the nation sharing in $250,000 worth of Rent-A-Center funding for hunger relief this year. The donation is in addition to the recent hunger-relief initiative staged across Rent-A-Center's 3000-plus stores. ... New York Dealers approve incentives for national participation The New York Rental Dealers Association (NYSRDA) at its annual meeting last month approved a measure to increase dealer participation in the industry at the national level by approving a $1,000 lodging and travel reimbursement per event for each of its members who attend APRO's 2012 Legislative Conference ... Rent One honors veterans in local flyer Rent One Veterans honored in latest company flyer. St. Louis-based Rent One this month is honoring veterans within its organization on it's "Salute to Veterans" in its Veteran's Day themed flier. The flier, and accompanying poster, were distributed Oct. 26-29 and feature the following Rent One team members ... Reddy opens new Aaron's in Rantoul, Illinois L-R: Greg Smock (District Manager),Gopal Reddy (President & CEO), KevinMilliron (VP of Operations),Tulasi Reddy (VP of Finance), SeanLowder, Senator Larry Bomke, Joan Dykstra (District Director for Congressman Tim Johnson). Action Development Corporation -- an Aaron's franchise owned by Gopal Reddy -- soft-opened a new Aaron's Sales and ... RTOHQ: The Magazine now "mobile ready" APRO’s new, mobile-ready version of RTOHQ: The Magazine is now available in addition to its print edition counterpart. The digital format provides the same informative content as APRO'sprinted magazine, but also offers tools to make the reading experience more enriching. Access the table of contents page with a ... Rent One delivery tech regional finals wrap, championship Nov. 8 Rent One 5 and 6 winners -- Chad and George Howard and Nathan Tolvert and Wayne Wicker (center) -- with Rent One company officials. The second and third rounds of Rent One's annual delivery technician (DT) rodeo wrapped Oct. 25 and 26 across four company regions with first place ... MRDA pitches in computer equipment for Joplin non-profits The Missouri Rental Dealers Association is reaching out to victims of the F-5 tornado that decimated Joplin, Missouri this spring by donating 24 computers to two area non-profits as part of MRDA's "Computers 4 Kidz" program. In coordination with Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) -- a non-profit ... Georgia Premier dealer celebrates four years Matt Baker Many grey hairs ago Matt Baker opened his Premier Rental-Purchase store in Covington, Georgia. He’s now celebrating his 4th year of being in business for himself. Baker reached out to Trooper Earle, president and CEO of The Premier Companies, four years prior to opening his store ... Rent-A-Center donates to Learning Lab Rent-A-Center Wednesday, donated electronics, including 12 laptops and two large-screen TVs to the Learning Lab of Boise, Idaho. The donation is tied to a philanthropic initiative dubbed "Random Acts of Caring," launched by Rent-A-Center in 2008. "Our programs' success is built on three key factors: professional ... Countryside named to Inc. Magazine Top 5000 Countryside Rent-2-Own President Mike Tissot. Countryside Rentals (dba Rent-2-Own), a 28 store chain of rentals stores in Ohio and Kentucky, was recently recognized by Inc. Magazine in their annual ranking of the fastest growing companies in America. This ranking is based on the three year revenue growth of the ... Robin Wood joins Benefit Marketing Solutions Robin Wood Benefit Marketing Solutions, the premier provider of innovative Club programs to the Rental Industry, is proud to announce the addition of Robin Wood to their staff as AVP of Training & Sales Support. "We are excited that Robin has joined our team," said Susan Matthews, ... Rent-A-Center Q3 revenues up 6% Rent-A-Center today, announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 including a six percent increase in total revenues driven primarily by the RAC Acceptance business. Third Quarter 2011 Results Total revenues for the quarter were $704.3 million, an increase of $39.7 million from total ... Aaron's Q3 revenues up 7%, same store up 5.3% Aaron's today, announced revenues and earnings ending September 30, 2011, including a third quarter revenue increase of 7% to $485.2 million compared to $452.2 million for the same period of last year. Net earnings were $28.0 million versus $26.2 million in 2010. Diluted earnings per ... Premier announces 2012 convention "Hot Topics" The Premier Companies head to Key West, Florida January 9-11 for their Annual National Convention. The agenda and schedule were recently announced to The Premier Companies dealers. A combination of golf, serious breakout session topics, deep sea fishing and a cooking class will set the stage for an enjoyable ... National TV sponsors fundraiser for local domestic violence program Kathy Windsor presents a check for $5,000 to Ellen Martin, COPE representative. National TV Sales and Rental is pitching in as corporate sponsor for a local non-profit group, COPE, that provides resources, programs and temporary housing to victims of domestic violence. COPE, which provides comprehensive domestic violence services ... Keen elected new IRDA president New IRDA President David Keen The Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association held its Annual Meeting at the Springfield Illinois Hilton Hotel this week electing Rent One's David Keen to a two-year term as president and hearing a number of presentations on state, federal and legal issues. The IRDA 2012 Slate ... Rent-A-Center donates $20,000 to New Orleans food bank Rent-A-Center today donated $20,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. The food bank is one of eleven across the nation sharing in $250,000 worth of Rent-A-Center funding for hunger relief this year. The donation is in addition to the recent hunger-relief initiative ... Rent One DT Rodeo wraps first round The first round of Rent One's delivery tech rodeo winners. The first round of Rent One's annual delivery technician (DT) rodeo wrapped Tuesday with 21 RTO pros emerging from a field of 68 competitors across three company regions taking first through third place. The competition took place in Mt. ... Majap shipments up 3.1% in September Factory shipments of major appliances rose 3.1 percent in September, to some 5.5 million units. Driving the increase was a 96.5 percent surge in dehumidifiers, a 28.2 percent spike in chest-style freezers and a 10.8 percent gain in gas cooktops, according to the Association ... Reddy opens new Aaron's Gopal Reddy Action Development Corporation -- an Aaron's franchise owned by Gopal Reddy -- will soft-open a new Aaron's Sales and Lease location Thursday in Rantoul, Illinois. The six thousand square foot store located near the local Wal Mart will hold it's grand opening October 29 when the store ... RO Store 154 is chamber business of the month Manager Antoine Luster and Assistant Manager LJ Jarrett in front of their business of the month sign. Rent One Store 154 in Malden, Missouri is the Malden Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Month for October. As part of the honor, store manager Antoine Luster gets to display ... DSI releases new catalog The 2011 edition of the DSI Catalog is now available and is full of the latest models of consumer electronics, accessories and virtually any product needed to complete an installation to fully “connect” a consumer’s home. Major brands included are DIRECTV, Toshiba, Sony, Mitsubishi, Sharp, LG, Pioneer, ... Buddy's continues growth in North Carolina Current and future Synergy managers: Gareth Leeds,Derrick Matthews, Chastity Byrd, Kevin Byrd, Heath Guy, Ted Brooks, Bert Keinert, Marty Labus, James Marougas, Jim Ison, DeHan Jefferson "Our people make the difference!" is a motto that rings true with Buddy’s largest franchise group, Synergy Sales and Leasing ... YouTube positioning as "brand builder" Despite online video and commercial-free DVRs, companies still spend 38 percent of their advertising budgets on television ads and just 1 percent on online video. YouTube is trying to change that. In a bid to lure TV ad dollars, YouTube is making the case to brands that online video ... Nationwide promotes new VP of furniture Nationwide VP of Furniture Bill Bazemore Nationwide Marketing Group, one of the largest buying and marketing organizations for independent retailers in the US, announced the promotion of Bill Bazemore to Vice President of Furniture. “To provide the level of service that we do today, we must understand how ... Tessa Hall is new marketing specialist at RentDirect Nationwide Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) this week, welcomed Tessa Hall as the new marketing specialist for its RentDirect division. Hall will take on responsibilities formerly handled by Amanda Lynch, who recentlyleft (NMG) to pursue other interests. Hall is a 2010 graduate of Greensboro College with a B.A. in Business ... Mountain Home ColorTyme celebrates grand re-opening Mountain Home ColorTyme ribbon cutting. ColorTyme of Mountain Home recently held a special Grand Re-Opening to celebrate its move to a new and larger location at 270 E. Jackson St. The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce joined the owner, Jennifer Corrao, and store staff to commemorate the event with ... Illionois, New York dealers gear up for meetings next week The Illinois and New York Rental Dealers Associations each hold annual meetings next week that include a host of legislative and legal updates, vendor presentations and officer elections. Illinois dealers kick off their meeting October 19 at the Hilton Springfield Hotel where IRDA President Kevin Milliron will welcome dealers ... Study: Connection between Hispanic marketing, revenue growth The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies released its 2010 Report on Hispanic Advertising Spending, which revealed that there is a connection between consistent and significant investment allocations of more than 14.2 percent in Hispanic marketing and high levels of overall topline revenue growth. Rent-A-Center is named as one ... Mike's Rent To Own raffle benefits injured Marine Mike Strong with daughter, Angela McCool of Mike's Rent To Own with the recently raffled 2012 Mustang. Mike’s Rent-To-Own of Hutchinson, Kansas recently partnered with Mel Hambelton Ford and a local radio station, to giveaway a 2012 Ford Mustang in a raffle event that raised more than $14,... PTS Financial Services donates $7,500 to three charities PTS Financial Services employees presenting a $5,000 check to local Boys and Girls Club officials. PTS Financial Services today announced the donation of seventy-five hundred dollars ($7,500) to four charitable causes – The Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, The Challenger Sports program of Rome-Floyd County, the Ashworth ... Texas dealers review marketing plan, open buying show Katrina Elkins (l) of Dallas-based Noah's Manufacturing, shows off her company's catalog to Pam Bowers and Kent Clark of Bestway. The Texas Association of Rental Dealers Monday, continued their professional development with an information packed sessions that began with a review of the rental industry's first ever RTO Marketing ... Aaron's founder presented prestigious Four Pillar Award Charlie Loudermilk Sr. Aaron's today announced that The Council for Quality Growth honored R. Charles "Charlie" Loudermilk, Sr., founder and chairman of the board of Aaron's, with its 22nd annual Four Pillar Tribute last Thursday at the Georgia World Congress Center. Paying tribute to Loudermilk and the "... TARA membership elects Sharff Newly elected TARA President Daniel Sharff and vice president Brian Clussman. Daniel Sharff of Home Store Rent To Own, The Texas Association of Rental Agencies' acting-president, was elected to a full term Sunday as the first order of business of TARA's annual membership meeting at the Marriott Quorum in ... TARA Annual meeting kicks off today with legal, marketing insights TARA's Southwest Buying Show The Texas Association of Rental Agencies' (TARA) 28th Annual meeting and Southwest Buying Show kicks off today, Oct. 9, at the Marriott Quorum by the Galleria, a few blocks from the Galleria shopping area in Dallas. The show is being held in conjunction with the ... Bestway Rent To Own opens 91st location Bestway Rent To Own, based in Dallas, has opened its newest location in Clarksville, Tennessee. The store is considered its flagship store. “This opening showcases our most innovative store yet, featuring our new interior package with a dynamic paint scheme and new signage," said Kent Clark, CMO ... Premier Dealer Jim Ratner joins APRO board Jim Ratner The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Board of Directors last month, elected Jim Ratner, a three-store Premier franchisee, to the board after accepting the resignation of William McCrae, former president of Buzz's Lease Purchase Sales. Ratner will complete McCrae's two-year term on the board of the national ... Childers elected as Alaska Rental Dealer president ColorTyme Alaska's Mark Childers There’s no rest for accomplished ColorTyme franchisee Mark Childers who just wrapped up four years of service on the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC). Just as he completes his second and final year as FAC chairman, he accpeted the position of president of the Alaska ... Rent-A-Center Donates $20,000 to Harvesters Community Food Network Rent-A-Center today donated $20,000 to Harvesters Community Food Network. The Kansas City, Missouri food bank is one of eleven food banks across the nation sharing in $250,000 worth of Rent-A-Center funding for hunger relief this year. The donation is in addition to the recent hunger-relief initiative staged ... Aaron's inks $15 million deal for British RTO interest Aaron’s -- the country's second largest rent to own company -- today announced it has reached an agreement to purchase 11.5 percent of Perfect Home Holdings Limited, a privately-held U.K. rent-to-own company, in a move that will allow that company to grow stores and provide Aaron's ... Rent-A-Center Q3 conference broadcasted live via the web Rent-A-Center will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tues., Oct. 25, 2011, at 10:45 AM ET over the Internet. This call will be held to discuss the earnings release that will be issued after the close of the market on Monday, October 24, 2011. Audio of the conference ... Wilson exits Whirlpool, joins Rent-A-Center Glenn C. Averill (top) replaces Don Wilson as Whirlpool's sales manager for the RTO division. Former Whirlpool RTO Sales Representative Don Wilson this month, began the next stage of his career as Rent-A-Center's new vice president of merchandising. Wilson officially took the reigns at the country's largest rent to ... Rent One's Delivery Tech Rodeo competition kicks off this month Rent One VP Sales and Marketing Mark Williams, DT Rodeo winners Wade Clonigner and Jacob Palmer, Rent One President Trent Agin, VP of Operations Murray Beck. Rent One is once again calling out delivery technicians company-wide to participate in the company's second annual 'Delivery Tech Rodeo'. Regional competition begins ... National TV Sales leads food drive All of National TV Sales & Rental's 17 stores throughout Missouri are filling up their food pantries in each of the towns where they do business as part of their “Families helping Families" campaign. Though company donations have been made to the Lebanon, Missouri food pantry -- home ... Oklahoma dealers elect officers, hear industry, vendor updates Oklahoma RDA President Chuck Haver (r) with secretary/treasurer Craig Stanley. The Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association held its annual meeting September 27th and 28th at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa Oklahoma. The event kicked off Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception hosted by Nationwide Southwest. The ... Aaron's converts Crusader, Buzz's to Homesmart Homesmart -- Aaron's weekly rent-to-own brand -- announced today the completed conversion of 29 stores to the Homesmart model. The stores were acquired in July from Crusader Rent to Own. Eight additional stores acquired from Buzz's Lease Purchase & Sales will also be converted in the next few weeks. ... 2011 Bestway Annual Meeting highlights 25 years of success Bestway Rent To Own Associates Bestway Rent To Own held its 2011 Annual Meeting at the Omni Hotel and Resort at Champions Gate recently where more than 100 company managers attended. The four-day meeting included presentations by the executive team, a motivational speaker, breakout seminars by various vendors, and ... Franchisees Jeff and Jill Tepper open third ColorTyme in Virginia With success from their Lynchburg and Danville locations, Jeff and Jill Tepper recently opened the doors to their latest ColorTyme store in South Boston, Va. The new store offers a wide selection of appliances, furniture, computers and other electronics while promising customers the best rent-to-own experience in Halifax County. ... Premier Home Furnishings store opens in Gallup, New Mexico Danny and Justina Sapien recently opened their second Premier store in the state of New Mexico. The Sapiens discovered The Premier Companies back in 2009 and opened their first Premier Rental-Purchase store in November of the same year in Los Lunas, New Mexico. “We always wanted more than ... Newlyweds win National TV Sales shopping spree L to R: National TV Sales and Rental District Manager Rick Windsor and Store Manager John Nashan stand with contest winners Justin and Jessica Ownby, and the couple's account manager Abbey Milligan, far right. In front, Keyara Jamison, 7, Alexis Jamison, 4 and Cayden Jamison, 6 hold the check. ... Elkton ColorTyme announces car show winner Elkton store manager Angelo Lee, with prizewinner Stanley Baldwin. ColorTyme of Elkton recently awarded one lucky winner with giveaway prizes from a drawing held at the Downtown Elkton Classic Car Show. Stanley Baldwin was randomly picked as the winner of a new 60-inch DLP 3D-capable TV and XBOX 360 ... The Premier Companies wrap marketing workshop Scott Kinnear, led marketing budget workshop at recent Premier meeting. The Premier Companies last week, held their second annual marketing workshop in which dealer-led seminars guided participating dealers through successful marketing strategies to help them draw more customers and rental agreements. The workshop was also broadcasted live to the ... FRDA names employee of the year, concludes annual meeting FRDA President Chris Kale, FRDA 2011 Employee of the Year Matt King and RNR President Larry Sutton. The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) Tuesday concluded day two of its annual meeting with its popular vendor mingle where dealers from 15 different rental companies spent face-time with around 31 participating ... FRDA welcomes meeting attendees FRDA President Chris Kale with son and Happy's Home Center co-owner, Chris Kale. The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) Monday welcomed participating rental dealers and vendors to its annual meeting at the Westshore Marriott in Tampa with its annual Texas Hold E'm/Casino Night. The event held its first event, ... Childers expands rent-to-own services in Anchorage Customers on the east side of Anchorage now have access to rent-to-own electronics, furniture, appliances, and other unique items right in their neighborhood thanks to Mark Childers, a franchisee who has been a part of the ColorTyme system for more than 25 years. In addition to expanding services in ... FRDA kicks off annual meeting with "Slats" tourney FRDA 2010 gofters: (l to r) Danny Swafford, Robert Swafford, Jamie Slatton and Kenny Roop. The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) kicks off its annual meeting today at the Westshore Marriot in Tampa with it's annual "Slats" Golf Memorial Tournament golf tournament that ushers in a jam packed ... Buddy's raises money for Joplin tornado victims L to R: Charlie Buff, Buddy's Division Manager - Mike Alstott, former TB Buccaneers fullback - Jody Katz, Buddy's Store Manager - Joe Gazzo, Buddy's President In an effort to continue helping the residents of Joplin, Missouri whose community was devastated by the EF5 tornado back on May 22, ... Wilmington welcomes new ColorTyme After more than seven years of success as a ColorTyme franchising partner, Cort Hill recently launched his own store in Wilmington with hopes of opening more in the area. The new ColorTyme offers a better sales-and-lease option featuring name-brand appliances, furniture, electronics as well as onsite assistance from the ... 'In the Hive' creates a buzz for customer of the year Vivian Saunders recognized at APRO's 2011 Convention in Little Rock. Watch. Robert Townsend presented his new film “In The Hive” this week to a captivated audience of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. The movie tells the real-life story of APRO's 2011 Customer of the ... Consumer electronics tops in customer satisfaction Consumer electronics scored highest in customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year among 47 industries tracked by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and reported by Twice Magazine. CE, specifically TVs and Blu-ray Disc players, scored a chart-topping 85 on the index's 0- to 100-point scale, unchanged from last ... Oklahoma RTO dealers gear up for annual meeting The Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association is holding it's annual meeting hosting guest speakers and electing officers at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center Sept. 27-28. Nationwide Southwest Marketing and Buying Group is covering the cost of all dealers hotel rooms and meals and will sponsor a cocktail reception ... MRDA fall training focus on legal issues begins tomorrow APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III The 2011 Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) fall training seminar on legal issues in RTO is set for this week September 20 and 21 and is free to all MRDA members. The seminars will be conducted by APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III ... Forker opens fourth Premier Premier's Jim Forker After 25 years in the Rent to Own industry working for someone else, Jim Forker has now opened his4th Premier Rental Purchase location and is now making money for himself. Jim opened his newest location over the busy Labor Day weekend with an aggressive marketing campaign. ... Midwest Expo wraps with training, training, training Dave Bradlaw of Sears, goes over energy-saving details of a washer/dryer set with Tammy Hays of UHR Rents. Around 100 dealers from some 20 rental companies across the Midwest wrapped the Ohio Rental Dealers Association's Eighth Annual RTO Expo Wednesday at the Roberts Hotel and Conference Center in Wilmington, ... Wasilla ColorTyme helps create home for family in need The White family with ColorTyme store manager, Karuna McMurtry at right. After learning that local resident Jim White and his family of four were living in a trailer on the verge of collapse, a community-wide effort began to improve their living conditions through the Jim White House Project. Thanks ... Smiles abound at Expo's first annual 'RTO Olympics' Teresa Myer, manager of a Rent2Own in Grayson, Kentucky, lassos a mechanical calf on her first try. See all Expo photos here. More than 100 dealers from multiple states turned out Tuesday for the opening of the eighth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the annual event of the ... Almo launches CE sales training webinar series Almo Corporation, the major national consumer electronics and appliance distributor, today announced an online expansion of their popular Almo Expo training sessions as Sales Training Webinars. The free and informative product training webinars will help educate dealers and their sales teams on the hottest products, key features and hidden ... Right Choice's Tony Craig joins Showplace Tony and wife Tammy Craig. Tony Craig, president of Choice Today, a unique corporation bringing business and ministry together, today announced his plans to step down as president of the company, as well as its two brands Measuring Up and CLAY Team Sports Ministry, accepting a position with Showplace, ... Iowa dealers stay vigilant at annual meeting Iowa State Rep. Chris Hagenow Close to 20 Iowa rental dealers representing a dozen companies turned out Thursday for the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers Annual Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston, Iowa where they heard state and federal legislative updates held roundtable discussions and elected board ... Ashley Furniture HomeStore offers support to Hurricane Irene Victims Hurricane Irene left its mark across the North East and many residents are eager to return their homes to normal. Despite the warning and advance preparation, many home owners were surprised with the after effects of the hurricane. Jesse Jeramczak, of Ledgewood, New Jersey, awoke to a rescue boat ... Midwest Expo kicks off next week The eighth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- hosted by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicks off next week 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 ... RimTyme stores roll out car shows for charity Shawn DiLeo Supporting local charities is more than a yearly plan for RimTyme owner Shawn DiLeo; it’s a promise. DiLeo and his staff are staying committed to their giving efforts by hosting a series of car shows in September with all proceeds from the events going toward local ... Rent-A-Center donates to non-profits at grand opening ceremony Rent-A-Center Manager Jeffery Churchfield and his five-person sales team are pleased to offer Fenton customers an additional option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. "We are happy to be a part of the community and look forward to servicing the needs ... Buddy's hosts first annual company picnic Sunday Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings is hosting its first annual company picnic this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview, Florida where participants will choose from a variety of activities including paintball, canoing, zip lines and a rock wall and a ... Nationwide introduces new private electronics label Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) introduced its new private label electronics brand, Allegra, at the PrimeTime! buying show and strategic member conference in the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas last week. “An entry level private label brand that can’t be shopped through big box ... Premier elects marketing board Seven Premier dealers were elected last week at the Premier 2011 Dealer Retreat in Dallas to the company's marketing board. The new marketing board members are as follows: Scott Kinnear - Chairman Brian Clussman - Vice Chair Dave Jones - Secretary/Treasurer Matt Baker - Member Chad Moody - Member ... BrandSource unveils mobile sales app BrandSource -- strategic partner with TRIB Group -- this week introduced its own app available through the app store of iTunes, during its national convention at Caesar's Palace on Tuesday. The BrandSource app is free; compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and iPad2; and requires a minimum iPhone ... NEW VIDEOS: TRIB Group buying show enters final day TRIB Group President Lyn Leach interviewed Tuesday by APRO's Murlin Evans. Watch video. The rent to own industry's longest standing buying group -- TRIB Group -- entered the first day of the buying show portion of its annual "Meeting of the Minds" event Tuesday at Caesar's Palace, Las ... TRIB Meeting of the Minds HotShow clocks $6.6 million TRIB Members Kevin Quinn, Mike Tissot and Shannon Strunk turn in orders at TRIB's biannual HotShow Monday. The opening buying event of TRIB Group's annual "Meeting of the Minds" kicked off Monday with representatives from 84 rental companies purchasing $6.6 million at the TRIB Group Hotshow at ... Buddy's franchisees open five new fronts across the south Tampa, FL (August 24, 2011) Buddy's Home Furnishings is proud to announce the recent August openings of 5 new stores within existing franchisees. The new openings include the following: 1. Sallisaw, Oklahoma - the 8th store in our BREG Group, LLC franchise operated by Chuck Haver. 1. Fort Smith, ... TRIB preps for MOM record buster The TRIB Group, the rent to own industry's only member-owned and member run rent to own buying group, is scrambling to accommodate unexpectedly large numbers of RTO pros to the group's "Meeting of the Minds" event -- a pow wow of RTO pros who provide an unvarnished view ... RAC Acceptance to enter electronics realm with Best Buy Best Buy is preparing a pilot program to offer electronics through a division of Rent-A-Center known as the RAC Acceptance program, which offers the rent to own option in traditional retail stores to customers not approved for in-house financing. Rent-A-Center plans to set up kiosks in Best Buy stores ... Aaron's Freedom Ride commemorating 9/11 begins today Rent-to-own merchant Aaron's is sponsoring the Aaron's Freedom Ride, in which 20-plus Georgia firefighters and public safety officials will ride bicycles from Atlanta to New York to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The event will pay tribute to those who lost their lives as ... APRO's Richard May honored for moving Austin's "live music" to forefront Richard May accepting APRO's President's Award in 2010. It's not that Austin, Texas' live music scene was not alive and well 20 years ago. But the explicit connection between Austin's place as "The Live Music Capital of the World" and its correlative economic impact on the city was ... TRIB Group Meeting of the Minds draws 'mind blowing' attendance TRIB Group's signature Meeting of the Minds event next week is drawing a record number of rent to own's independent dealers to Las Vegas for frank discussions on key topics ranging from broadening customer base to improving presentation to human resources to club programs and driving core product sales. ... PrimeTime wraps 40th anniversary show in Dallas APRO's Ricahrd May interviews Dan Cole of National Rent To Own at the PrimeTime! Show this week. Click to Watch video. Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) -- parent organization of RentDirect Nationwide -- wrapped day two of the organization's 40th anniversary celebration with a packed show floor at the PrimeTime! ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine continues focus on the family Rent-to-Own Families, Part IV by Kristen Card APRO’s “Family Reunion” in Little Rock was a big hit—a real kinship ofcolleagues from across the country. We continue in the kindred spiritwith profiles of three family-run rent-to-own businesses: The Brileysof Abilene, Texas; the Fishers of Arkansas City, Kansas; ... The Premier Companies launches new online training tool The Premier Companies held its annual Premier Companies’ Dealer Retreat, August 19-21, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. Trooper Earle, President and CEO of The Premier Companies, opened the meeting by sharing his commitment to helping Premier dealers grow their business. On the final day of the Dealer ... PrimeTime! Buying Show launches in Dallas James MacAlpine reviews rent to own industry trends at the RentDirect meeting Monday. Nationwide Marketing Group -- parent company to RentDirect Nationwide -- on Monday launched what organizers are calling the organization's most highly attended buying show in it's 40 year history. More than 1000 vendor and member companies ... Premier opens 2011 dealer retreat, announces 2012 convention location The Premier Companies always begins its dealer retreat with a fun and exciting event and this year was no exception. Friday evening, more than 50 members of the Premier Family boarded a bus for the Mesquite Rodeo. The group was treated to a Texas style barbecue dinner with all ... PrimeTime kicks off 40th Anniversary in Dallas Britt Beemer, consumer research expert. Click to watch PrimeTime! interview. 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 Sunday where the group is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Some 900 vendor and ... KLQ golf tourney wraps another successful round Matthew Webber is a 2011 KLQ Scholarship recipient. He will attend Brigham Young University. Close to 150 golfers from across the rent to own spectrum made their way to the Hawk's Prairie Golf Club in Tacoma, Washington Thursday, for the 7th annual KLQ Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial ... MRDA fall training series announced The 2011 Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) seminar on legal issues in RTO is set for September 20 and 21 and is free to all MRDA members. The seminars to be contacted by APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III on general RTO Legal Topics and collections are set for ... Rent One helps bring Fitnessgram programs to three additional schools Rent One is helping to expand implementation of an innovative health and fitness program -- Fitnessgram -- aimed at elementary school children by funding the program in three additional schools this year. The new participating Illinois schools are: West Plains Elementary School, Summersville Grade School Benton Elementary School. Rent ... Nationwide expects strong turnout at PrimeTime! Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company to RentDirect Nationwide, announced that they are expecting nearly 900 vendor and member companies at their upcoming PrimeTime! buying show and strategic member conference to be held next week at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, Texas on August 21-24. “This will mark ... D&H offers exclusive JVC displays through AmTran Computer and consumer electronics distributor D&H Distributing would like to invite RTO store owners and dealers to visit booth #304 at the TRIB Show in Las Vegas August 29 to 31. Just in time for the show, the distributor is proud to announce it has signed with AmTRAN ... Franchisees open second ColorTyme in Houston Just three months after opening their first rent-to-own store, owners Mike Do and David Rogers have added another ColorTyme to the Houston area. The new location will offer rent-to-own appliances, electronics and furniture to residents in the city’s southwest region. “We are thrilled to open another ColorTyme ... National TV Sales and Rental holds company picnic Around 40 kids enjoy a fresh dip in the pool at the National TV Sales & Rental Company picnic Sunday. National TV Sales & Rental held it's annual company barbecue and picnic Sunday, Aug. 14th, at Mark and Kathy Windsor's home in Lebanon, Missouri. More than 100 employees, family ... The Premier Companies head to Texas The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas will be home to Rent to Own industry business owners this week. The Premier Companies’ Dealer Retreat will be conducted prior to Nationwide’s PrimeTime! Buying Show. This year’s retreat theme will be “Partners in Profitability”. “Our Dealer Retreat provides ... U.S. Court rules against healthcare mandate President Barack Obama's healthcare law suffered a setback Friday when a U.S. appeals court ruled that it was unconstitutional to require all Americans to buy insurance or face a penalty, according to Reuters. The Appeals Court for the 11th Circuit, based in Atlanta, found that Congress exceeded its ... Nationwide: MacAlpine promoted to VP of Rental Division James MacAlpine, VP of Rental and Business Development for NMG. Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) today announced the recent promotions of several key executives including: James MacAlpine to Vice President of Rental Division & Business Development; Ed Knodle to Vice President of Member Development and Frank Sandtner to Vice President ... ColorTyme's Childers featured in Franchise Times ColorTyme Alaska's Mark Childers with his team of sled dogs. ColorTyme Alaska's Mark Childers is featured in this month's Franchise Times where the company's top franchisee comes clean on his sled dog "lifestyle" and how it has influenced and inspired his rent to own business management sense. The ... More compact, portable bed bug cooker released Mike Frye's latest invention, Bug Out Thermal Extermination System, has provided for many rental dealers that elusive cost-effective solution to bed bug infested merchandise. The first version banked on its ability to super heat a delivery truck and the core temperature of mattresses contained within to 135 degrees Fahrenheit ... Iowa dealers gear up for annual meeting, RSVP Aug. 31 Members of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers are heading to Johnston, Iowa Sept. 8, 2011 for the association's annual meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn. The meeting will kick off with a state legislative review by AIRD lobbyist, George Appleby, of Carney Law Firm who will bring members ... Easy 2 Own re-opens after fire disaster number two Easy 2 Own recently re-opened after a second devastating fire. Easy 2 Own of Bluffton South Carolina is back on its feet after a devastating fire. Again. The store re-opened recently after a robber firebombed the building after stealing around $750 worth of electronics in November 2010. The rent ... High Touch announces 2nd MIS scholarship recipient L to R: Doug Hensler, Dean, WSU W. Frank Barton School of Business, WSU Mascott, James Gerlach, Wayne Chambers, president and CEO, High Touch. A former Wichita State University graduate (’72, ’79) and President/CEO of High Touch Wayne Chambers, along with other leadership team members hosted a ... Fall RTO events gear up this month Mark Windsor, Angela Quinn and Bill French at the Quinn's KLQ Golf Tournament welcome reception last year. RTO professionals across the country are gearing up for a fall chalk full of buying shows, state association meetings, training expos and special events. August events kick off with the annual KLQ ... Wary retailers put holiday shipping boost in doubt The struggling U.S. economy is beginning to take its toll on shipping companies which should be seeing a big boost from their peak season but instead find retailers delaying decisions about how much to import, according to the Chicago Tribune. Retailers that had to discount sharply in 2008 ... easyhome reports 2011 Q2 results, same store growth up 6.4% easyhome, Canada's largest rent-to-own company, today announced its results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2011. easyhome continued to show strong revenue increases during the second quarter of 2011. Revenue for the quarter increased 8.0% to $46.3 million, driven primarily by the expansion ... ColorTyme returns to Fort Worth Justin Jordan, new Ft. Worth ColorTyme store’s manager and operating partner. Fort Worth residents can enjoy ColorTyme once again thanks to Justin Jordan, the new store’s manager and operating partner. With 10 years of industry experience and a former manager of rent-to-own stores in Lubbock, College Station, ... American Rental makes dream come true for Indiana family American Dream fulfilled: Dennis Adams, Devin and Tyria McKain and David P. David at the dedication of the McKain's home financed and built by American Rental and its employees. What began as a vision for American Rental General Manager David P. David, became a brick and mortar reality for ... Celebrating 30 Years and Beyond: The American Innovation Expo kicks off tomorrow Tori Hunt rides the mechanical bull at a past American Rental company picnic. The Full-O-Pep/American Rental weekend of events kicks off tomorrow at the Seasons Resort Hotel in Nashville, Indiana with a vendor showcase where around 35 vendor companies will get up close and personal with American Rental managers ... Rent-A-Center donates to City Impact Foundation Rent-A-Center, today donated furniture and electronics, including three large-screen TVs, six laptops and two gaming consoles to the City Impact Foundation. The donation is tied to a philanthropic initiative dubbed "Random Acts of Caring," launched by Rent-A-Center in 2008. "With this donation, Rent-A-Center is making a ... CFA: Top 10 consumer complaints Shady auto dealers yet again took the number one spot on the Consumer Federation of America's list for the highest number of complaints in 2010, followed by credit card issuers and debt relief companies. The CFA compiles its list by surveying 31 consumer groups from 18 states across the ... Hearing on Rent to Own Bill available for replay Premier Dealer Roy Soto at Tuesday's hearing on the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. Watch video. A video replay of Tuesday's hearing on The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act in the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit is available for replay here. At just over two hours ... Subcommittee hearing on RTO Bill NOW The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act by Rep. Quico Canseco (R-TX) is scheduled for a subcommittee hearing today, July 26th at 10 a.m. (EST). The hearing is good news for APRO members as it represents the first step to passing legislation. This scheduled hearing is the product of ... Aaron's reports Q2 results, conference call at 5 pm Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation’s leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced revenues and earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011. For the second quarter of 2011, revenues ... Rent-A-Center releases Q2 Report Rent-A-Center today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, were $698.3 million, an increase of $26.8 million from total revenues of $671.5 million for the same period in the prior year. This 4.... NEW VIDEO: Vivian Saunders, APRO's 2011 Customer of the Year APRO's 2011 Customer of the Year, Vivian Saunders, already knew she had won the award going into the industry's annual awards banquet Wednesday night in Little Rock. But she got a big surprise anyway. At the conclusion of the affair, seasoned on-the-spot fundraiser Jamie Slatton took up the microphone ... Empoyers now looking at new hire "social media" history Companies have long used criminal background checks, credit reports and even searches on Google and LinkedIn to probe the previous lives of prospective employees. Now, some companies are requiring job candidates to also pass a social media background check, according to the New York Times. A year-old start-up, Social ... NEW VIDEO: APRO 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Mark Speese Mark Speese, chairman and CEO of the country's largest rent to own company, Rent-A-Center, had a much more humble beginning as a painter with his brother. However, it was his passion for the rental industry, dynamic leadership and sound judgment that earned him APRO's highest award Wednesday at the ... NEW VIDEO: Cynthia Baber-Strunk is APRO President's Award Winner Cynthia Strunk (center), APRO's 2011 President's Award Winner, with husband Shannon and emcee Lou Briley. APRO's 2011 President's Award of Excellence Award went to APRO Board member and owner of Baber's and Rent-n-Roll stores, Cynthia Baber Strunk. Strunk was joined onstage by her family to accept the award at ... NEW VIDEO: Sidney Burton, APRO's 2011 Heritage Award Winner Sidney and Grace Burton accepting APRO's Heritage Award in Little Rock. Click to watch movie. APRO's 2011 Heritage Award went to APRO Board member Sidney Burton, owner of Hometown Ventures. Sidney accepted the award with his wife, Grace, at APRO's 2011 Convention Awards Banquet July 13 in Little Rock. ... Study: flat-panels decreasing eWaste The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) issued a report Thursday detailing the significant in size and weights of today's flat-panel TVs compared to previous CRT sets, indicating that e-waste recycling volume will diminish precipitously as remaining CRT TVs in U.S. homes are replaced. The report, titled "Materials Footprint ... NEW VIDEO: Richard Rose, APRO Rental Dealer of the Year APRO's coveted rental dealer of the year award went to APRO Boardmember and owner of BestWay Rent-to-Own of Virginia, Richard Rose. In 1984, Rose along with partners Jeff Loeb and Edward Jaffee, launched an RTO business in Norfolk. Today BestWay is a a chain of 19 stores with another ... NEW VIDEO: Roger Sharp, APRO's first rental dealer of the year APRO's first recipient of the Rental Dealer of the Year Award, Roger Sharp, addresses APRO's convention-goers at the association's annual awards banquet July 13 in Little Rock. Watch video.... NEW VIDEO: Sherry Workman, APRO's 2011 Vendor of the Year Sherry Workman is APRO's 2011 Norm Smith Vendor of the Year Award Winner and was honored July 13 at APRO's Annual Awards Banquet in Little Rock. Workman started out as a software vendor and, from the beginning, understood the importance of a strong trade association and was a vigorous ... NEW VIDEO: 2011 State Association of the Year Award The Texas Association of Rental Agencies was named APRO's 2011 State Association of the Year at APRO's Annual Awards Banquet in Little Rock July 13. TARA President William McCrae accepts the award on the associations behalf. Watch video.... 'We' is bigger than 'Me' by Bill Taylor, author entrepreneur and keynote speaker at APRO's 2011 Convention New York Times pundit David Brooks recently expressed in 800 words a message I have spent the last 15 years trying to communicate to senior business leaders and ambitious young people around the world. The title of ... Lexington ColorTyme expands to offer more products and services An updated look is not all that’s new for the local ColorTyme rent-to-own store. Now located at 1315 Winchester Rd., the store occupies a larger space to provide a greater mix of products and services for Lexington residents. “By relocating the store, our goal is to expand ... Bestway retains new ad agency Dallas-based Bestway Rent to Own recently named Creative Alliance in Louisville, Kentucky as its advertising agency of record. "We are excited about retaining Creative Alliance for our advertising needs," said Kent Clark, chief marketing officer of Bestway, "The agency impressed us with their creative and media ... Aaron's purchases Crusader RTO Aaron’s Inc. -- the nation’s second largest rent to own company -- today announced it acquired all 30 of the stores owned and operated by Crusader Rent to Own. Crusader operates stores located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia and is owned by Jack ... Briley re-elected APRO President The APRO Board of Directors Wednesday, re-elected Aaron's franchisee Robert Briley to a second year as the association's president. Cynthia Baber-Strunk of Baber's was re-elected as APRO's 1st vice president; David David of American Rental, was re-elected APRO's 2nd vice president; Richard Rose of BestWay Rent to Own was ... APRO Family Reunion draws UK cousins BrightHouse CEO Leo McKee (L) with company retail director Andrew Parkinson at APRO 2011. APRO's "Family Reunion" themed convention in Little Rock this week drew rent to own relatives from near and far including rental dealers from Alaska, Australia and the United Kingdom. One such guest is BrightHouse ... Buddy's grows to 110 stores, expands Texas market Buddy’s Home Furnishings this week acquired Quality Lease Purchase of Texas in a move that now gives Buddy's signage in Round Rock, Waco, and Temple. Plans also include opening stores in the surrounding areas. Buddy’s Home Furnishing’s corporate and franchise brand operates the fourth most rental ... APRO Board Members elected The APRO membership filled eight open positions on the APRO Board of Directors Tuesday by electing or re-electing candidates at the general session. The winners are as follows: Dennis Adams, Full-O-Pep/American Rental, Bloomington, Indiana Cynthia Baber-Strunk, Baber’s Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi Dan Cole, National Rent-To-Own, Bridgeton, Missouri Dave Edwards, ... Rose is rental dealer of the year, Workman is vendor APRO's 2011 Rental Dealer of the Year winner, Richard Rose, accepts his "Buddy" from the first winner of the award, Roger Sharp. In a star-studded awards banquet Wednesday, APRO recognized a slew of outstanding individuals as part of the association's "Family Reunion" themed convention. APRO's coveted rental ... Speese is APRO's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner APRO's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Mark Speese with Mike Talley, son of Ernie Talley. Mark Speese, chairman and CEO of the country's largest rent to own company, Rent-A-Center, had a much more humble beginning as a painter with his brother. However, it was his passion for the rental industry, ... RTO industry raises close to $30,000 for shuttered school Vivian Saunders, APRO's 2011 customer of the year (center) with Richard Rose and her assistant Tameika O. Jordan. APRO's 2011 Customer of the Year, Vivian Saunders, already knew she had won the award going into the industry's annual awards banquet Wednesday night in Little Rock. But she got a ... NEW VIDEO: Fally is employee of the year, voters cast ballots for APRO Board APRO's 2011 Employee of the Year Donna Fally with Rent One owner Larry Carrico (L) and APRO President Robert Briley. Click to watch Donna Fally video. APRO'S 2011 General Session in Little Rock echoed the convention's "Family Reunion" theme underscoring the industry's unique collaborative, collegial quality and collective ... APRO Trade Show kicks off in Little Rock Day one of APRO's 2011 Trade Show kicked off Wednesday at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock with more than 100 exhibiting companiesshowcasing the latest in consumer electronics, software, high tech asset management systems, furniture and appliances. A record number of new vendors -- 18 companies -- are also ... Past Vendor of the Year recipients recognized APRO's Past Vendor's of the Year At APRO's 2011 exhibitor luncheon, past recipients of the Vendor of the Year award were recognized for their outstanding commitment and service to the rent-to-own industry. Pictured left to right: Bryan Collins, Bryce Jewelry; John Blair, PTS Financial and Tax Services; Ellison Crider, ... 'Grab that New Customer' seminar charts RTO's future Marketing expert Jill Adams McDonough. National marketing expert, Jill Adams McDonough, presented her plan to “Grab That New Customer” during APRO’s annual convention in Little Rock Tuesday, in the form of a specially crafted, first-of-its-kind RTO Marketing Plan provided for free to attending APRO member dealers. The ... Kansas is most improved state association Dave Edwards presents past KRDA President Jess Fisher and association member Richard Cross with APRO's "Most Improved State Association Award". The Kansas Rental Dealers Association Monday night earned APRO's most improved state association award at a special president's reception hosted by outgoing APRO President Robert Briley. The event ... The 2011 Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Classic Winners APRO President Robert Briley, son Parker and John McClure take home first place in APRO's annual golf tournament. First-place team (net score 57): Parker Briley, Briley Investments Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership Robert Briley, Briley Investments Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership John McClure, ... Golfers tee off APRO 2011 The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) today kicks of its annual 2011 Convention and Trade Show in Little Rock today with the Tom Kitchens/Joe Eason Golf Tournament played on one of Arkansas' most prestigious courses -- the Chenal Country Club. The course offers two world-class courses designed by ... Razor, Imagery rack up RAE awards Click to play winning RAE TV and radio ads. The winners of the 2011 Rental Advertising Excellence Awards are in and recognize 35 outstanding industry entries across 15 categories from direct marketing campaigns to television and radio spots. Razor Marketing, which produces ads for Rent-A-Center, took home the highest ... RNR Awards first ever scholarships Two members of the RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires family are the first recipients of what will become an annual honor established by the country's largest wheel and tire rental franchise. The new scholarship fund was established in honor of company president Larry Sutton's mother, Faye Sutton, who ... Rent-A-Center Q2 conference call set Rent-A-Center will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at 10:45 AM ET over the Internet. This call will be held to discuss the earnings release that will be issued after the close of the market on Monday, July 25, 2011. Audio of the conference ... 3D TV prices to plummet If you're in the market for a 3D TV, you'd do well to restrain your urge until the holiday season, when prices are expected to drop as much as $250 from current levels. While 3D TVs commanded a price premium of $900 last year, the premium has now plummeted ... Bestway hits 90 stores with Buddy's acquisition Bill Alexander, manager store #131 Chattanooga unveiling the Bestway banner. Dallas-based Bestway Rent-To-Own expanded its presence in the Southeast last week with the acquisition of three Buddy’s Home Furnishings stores in the Chattanooga market. "We are excited about acquiring these three Buddy's franchise stores, which puts us ... Buddy's grows with new franchisee stores Tampa-based Buddy’s Home Furnishings today announced the recent openings of seven new stores, including three stores with existing franchisees and 4 with three new companies. These openings include the following: 1. Fort Smith, Arkansas - the 7th store in our BREG Group, LLC franchise operated by Chuck Haver. ... High Touch hosts Special Olympics tournament Hotdogs and hamburgers, the crack of the baseball bat and swinging the driver on a par 4, and it’s all happening at the Charles E. Watson Softball and Golf Tournament to benefit Special Olympics Kansas. Wichita is hosting this annual softball and golf competition July 29-31. More than ... Connected TV shipments to exceed $138 million units in 2015 Products launched by TV manufacturers in 2011 show how critical internet services are to the future of TV. In 2011, more than 25 percent of all flat panel TVs shipped are expected to have some form of internet connectivity. According to the DisplaySearch Q2’11 Quarterly TV Design and ... Cynergi takes to the clouds, goes beta today After an accumulation of more than 50,000 man hours of work over the last two years involving as many as 40 full-time equivalent employees and contractors, Cynergi Suite, the new leading edge RTO management software package goes Beta today. “Cynergi Suite is the result of a lot ... Long-awaited Fed ruling caps swipe fees at 21 Cents The Federal Reserve today unveiled its ruling on the fees banks can charge merchants for processing debit cards at 21 cents a swipe. The cap is far less restrictive than the 12 cent ceiling set by the Dodd-Frank bill, but is still less than the current 44 cent average, ... Houston ColorTyme celebrates grand opening with locals The recent Houston ColorTyme Grand Opening was more than just an afternoon of family fun and games. Saturday’s event marked a new locally-owned rent-to-own option for residents and introduced the store’s customer-focused owners and staff. “We had a great turnout for our Grand Opening, and we’... Nationwide Taps Knock and Promotes Weinberg NMG Senior VP's Richard Weinberg and Jeff Knock Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, today announced the promotion of Richard Weinberg to Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Appliances and named Jeff Knock as their new Senior Vice President of Marketing for Appliances. “Bringing on ... Get text updates during convention pro.cras.ti.nate: to postpone doing something Didn’t get pre-registered for the APRO Convention & Trade Show in Little Rock? That’s okay, you can register on-site beginning Monday July 11! Want to get text updates on your cell phone while at the convention? Email your cell ... Best Way donates $500 to Humane Society Best Way supports local Humane Society (L to R): Jesse Bent, Bryon O'Meally, Suffolk Humane Society Director Kay Hurley, Joseph McIntire and Billy Hartley. Best Way Rent-To-Own recently donated $500 to the Suffolk Humane Society in memory of James Babb, a store manager who died this March. Babb loved ... It's a "Premier" day for Indiana customer Did you ever have one of those days where everything went wrong? Like your freezer goes out one week after the warranty expires and you’re short on cash to have it repaired? Well long time customer, Tracey McWilliams of Elkhart, Indiana, had that day. Tracey’s freezer quit ... Airlines Took $3.4B for Bags in 2010 The same day the Department of Transportation released numbers showing that in 2010 U.S. airlines pocketed $3.4 billion in fees for checked bags, trade groups for several carriers asked the DOT to extend a deadline that would require baggage fees be made more transparent to travelers, according ... FRDA Annual Conference registration now open Registration is now open for the Florida Rental Dealers Association Annual Conference which will be held at the Tampa Westshore Marriott from September 26-27, 2011. FRDA will kick off the two-day event with the 9th Annual Norman 'Slats' Slatton Golf Memorial on Monday September 26th followed by a welcome ... APRO awards $30,000 in scholarships The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is giving away $30,000 in scholarship awards this year thanks to the generous contribution of association members and the fundraising skills of Larry Carrico and Jamie Slatton who helped raise more than $25,000 last month at APRO's annual legislative conference. 2011 ... Nardone joins O'Rourke as VP of computer sales O’Rourke Sales Company today announced long-time RTO vendor, Jay Nardone is joining the company as vice president of computer sales. Nardone brings results-oriented experience as vice president of rental division sales garnered during his 15 year tenure at Archbrook Laguna where he managed vendor relations and computer sales. ... Keese honored by Georgia Rental Dealers GRDA honors Bill Keese (L to R): Keese, Dan Kniesly and John Blair. Close to 30 Georgia Rental Dealers honored APRO Executive Director Bill Keese Wednesday at their annual business meeting at the Airport Hilton in Atlanta. "No one has done more to help the state associations than ... Premier "Partners in Profitability" with dealers at annual retreat “Partners in Profitability” is the theme for The Premier Companies Dealer Retreat taking place August 19-21 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center. Following the theme of “profitability” the agenda for the Dealer Breakout Sessions are sure to please everyone with a wide range of topics. ... RTO pros opTEAMize leadership skills at RentDirect Masters Mentor Summit More than two dozen rent to own owners and managers continued specialized training Wednesday at the second annual RentDirect Masters Mentor Summit at Nationwide's Prime Media! Communications Center in Kennesaw, Georgia. Steve Bryant, Nationwide Prime Media! expert trainer, continued leading participants through his opTEAMization program -- a specialized training ... ColorTyme Summer Meeting concludes with entertainment, dinner, snow Following a four-day retreat near Lake Tahoe, Calif., ColorTyme commemorated the end of the 2011 Summer Meeting with an entertaining closing dinner. The franchisees, vendors and their families were greeted by falling snow in the elaborate winter-themed ballroom, where they dined and danced to a live band. Bob Bloom, ... RentDirect Masters Mentor Summit Opens The second annual RentDirect Masters Mentor Summit kicks off June 21-23 at Nationwide's multi-million dollar Prime Media! Communications Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where around 50 rent to own owners and managers will glean highly specialized insights on the finer points of managing and training a winning team and building ... ColorTyme schedules fun in Summer Meeting agenda ColorTyme golf winners: Eddie Edwards, Mike Wood, Steve Dwyer and Woody Webb, Jr. After a successful day of business and networking, ColorTyme Summer Meeting attendees spent a day of fun, enjoying golf in Lake Tahoe and a day outing to the historic town of Truckee, Calif. Named after the ... Join Recruiting Discussion: Complete Hiring Survey Today No longer can a company just fill an open position in a store and expect it to thrive. Wayne Outlaw's sessions, Tips for Hiring Top Performers in RTO and Everyone Wins: Training RTO Employees for Success, address the “Best Practices” of top companies. This is a member benefit ... Franchise council elections, vendor reception kick off ColorTyme Summer Meeting FAC Chairman Mark Childers Keeping a yearly tradition alive, the ColorTyme Franchise Advisory Council (FAC), gathered for a meeting prior to the start of ColorTyme’s 2011 Summer Meeting where the company welcomed franchisees, vendors, family and friends to Olympic Valley, California. The FAC, including newly elected members, met ... Training sessions, roundtable discussion wrap Heartland APRO Executive Director Bill Keese leads an RTO roundtable discussion with Heartland of America attendees. The seventh annual Heartland of America Trade Show concluded Thursday, with product specific trainings aimed at rent to own managers and a roundtable discussion of the industry trends, legislation and marketing. Close to 100 ... Awards banquet closes Heartland Show, product training begins Mark Windsor (l) and Don Juleson teach Windsor's grandson, Ezekiel Jackson, the finer points of DJ-ing. Attendees at the Missouri Rental Dealers Association Heartland of America Conference topped off a day of recreation and buying Tuesday with the 7th annual dinner and awards banquet which recognized more than a ... Bogeys and bass: Heartland gets off to sporting start Gib Collins lands the biggest bass in the annual Heartland fishing tournament, a 4.3 pounder. Rent to own pros took full advantage of the recreational opportunities available at the seventh annual Missouri Rental Dealers Association's Heartland of America Regional Trade Show at the scenic Lodge of Four Seasons ... High Touch named a top technology integrator High Touch Technologies today announced it has been recognized by Everything Channel as a part of CRN’s 2011 VAR500 list, which ranks the top technology integrators in North America. Featuring the highest producing technology integrators and solution provider organizations in the IT channel, the VAR500 rankings consider earnings ... RNR steps in for grandparents of sick child Tampa-based Rent-N-Roll recently pitched in for the grandparents of a Xavier Coller, a now eight-month-old who has faced a series of life threatening health issues since his he was born five month's premature last October. Weighing in at 4 lbs. 11 oz. at birth, he was diagnosed with a ... 17 take home $30K in APRO scholarships The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is giving away $30,000 in scholarship awards this year thanks to the generous contribution of association members and the fundraising skills of Larry Carrico and Jamie Slatton who helped raise more than $25,000 last month at APRO's annual legislative conference. Awards ... Cleek's 'fight against autism' featured in parenting magazine The Cleek family: Johnny, John Jr., Thomas, Heather and Mary. [photo courtesy of PCWSN.com] (Article reprinted with permission of PCWSN.com) Heather and John Cleek Jr. of Columbia became alarmed when their youngest son, Thomas, lost his speech ability when he was two-years-old. Heather, who has a masters ... APRO 2011 Board of Directors Candidates During the association’s general session, July 13 at APRO’s 2011 Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show in Little Rock, APRO members will run for election to fill eight positions on the board of directors. Board members serve staggered two-year terms and half of the positions become open each ... SED taps Tim Moore as RTO director SED International, Inc., a leading wholesale distributor of consumer electronics and computer products, announced the hiring of industry veteran Tim Moore as National Director for its Rent-To-Own division. Moore was previously National Director of RTO and Senior VP of Sales for DSI Distributors, where he was employed for 6 ... May-June RTOHQ: The Magazine The latest issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine hits home office desks this week. Table of Contents: 21st-Century Rent-to-Own Collections by Ed Winn III When the laws relating to rent-to-own collections, debt collections and repossession were written in the 1970s and 1980s, there was no Internet, no email, no Facebook, ... APRO Scholarship Update: Robin Walker 2009 Winner Robin Walker (right) with her father Gary “Bo” Walker. "Dear APRO, I hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods, everything is good in Mississippi. Currently, I'm finishing up my junior year (University of Mississippi). Last summer I lived and worked in Cuzco, Peru, ... Midwest Expo registration opens Registration is now open for the eighth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- hosted by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- Sept. 13 - 14, where rent to own managers and sales representatives from multiple states gain valuable product information they will put to use in their stores ... End of the PC era? In the past eight days, Microsoft and Apple have shown off upcoming versions of their respective operating systems. Their plans differ in fundamental respects, but both companies are looking past the PC era we've lived in for the past three decades. They're building software for an age in which ... Local RTO helps get supplies to tornado victims Rockmart Rent to Own of Rockmart Georgia, joined community leaders and businesses area-wide in a relief effort for victims of April's deadly storms that spawned tornados that killed hundreds including the famous Tuscaloosa tornado. Storms also damaged a number of homes in the Rockmart area on May 26. Rockmart ... New debit card swipe fees take effect next month The U.S. Senate narrowly voted Thursday to defeat a measure to delay new rules that significantly decrease swipe fees, the amount of money banks charge retailers every time a debit card is used. Starting next month, the largest banks will only be allowed to charge retailers $.12 ... MSN Money highlights "Rental Economy' A recent segment on MSN Money takes a look at the growing popularity of home furnishings rentals in the current economy. She segment pays particular attention to the success of Rent-A-Center's "RAC Acceptance" program and Aaron's new "Homestart" initiative as potential game changers that will make rent-to-own ... Employee Fally puts heart into community Donna Fally is not the kind of person content to leave her job as Rent One's corporate financial manager, head home and spend quiet evenings on the couch. In fact it is Fally's concern with her Mt. Vernon community -- and her active involvement in its many organizations -- ... Statistical survey deadline extended to June 13 APRO's simplified, online data entry form is now available. Go here to register a new account and participate in the most important survey you will take all year. Survey deadline Friday, June 13, 2011. The new re-vamped survey format will save time, allowing dealers to save their progress and ... Customer Saunders fights for "discarded boys" Long-time BestWay Rent To Own customer Vivian Sanders is the "Realness of Bertie County." She is also APRO's 2011 Customer of the Year. Her life's work is driven by a keen understanding that a society only harvests what it sows. That is why she has invested her ... Premier dealers reach out to family in need Jamie and Rick Sieverding, Premier Home Furnishings owners in Clinton, Iowa recently donated a 42” LCD HDTV for a fundraiser that brought in $7,500 for a family in need. Andrew and Jenny Connolly married with a dream of a life together full of happiness and children. Their son ... Rental business in China: Oursjia opens Bejing's first superstore for rental services Bejing, China now has a three-story superstore reserved solely for traders offering rental services thanks to rental powerhouse, Oursijia. Located to the east of Chaoyang Park, Oursjia opened during the recent Qingming Festival holiday and packs in a plethora of goods over a modest 10,000 square meters, from ... Richard "Dick" Eugene Windsor dies Richard "Dick" Eugene Windsor, 80, father of National TV Sales and Rental owner, Mark Windsor, died Friday. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 6, 2011 at Shadel's colonial chapel. Burial in the Lebanon cemetery to follow. Visitation will begin at 7:00 P.M. Sunday ... Jobs report: Hiring slows, unemployment rises In yet another alarm bell of a weakening U.S. economy, the job market took a disappointing turn in May. The economy gained a mere 54,000 jobs in the month, a significant slowdown from 232,000 jobs added to payrolls in April, the government reported Friday. The report ... National TV Sales and Rental celebrates silver anniversary National TV Sales and Rental is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a summer long marketing campaign offering "$25 for 25 days" on any new rental agreement. Customers can also register for a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree. "We wanted to give back something to ... Retailers post modest May sales gains Shoppers are showing signs of pulling back on discretionary spending non-essentials as gasoline and groceries eat up more of their paychecks. Those pressures led retailers on Thursday to report only modest revenue increases in May, the latest sign that the economy is hitting a soft patch, according to the ... Lackluster job growth expected in labor report The nation's employment numbers watchers, economists and pundits are preparing for disappointing news as the eyes of the financial world are on the government's monthly labor report due Friday, that will tell the tale of job growth in May. But after several indicators pointed to a recent slowdown in ... Microsoft to limit tablets using windows Microsoft Corp. plans to restrict the number of computer hardware makers that can make tablets using its Windows operating system, at least initially, requiring five select chip makers to pair up with one development partner each, people familiar with the matter said. The software company selected Intel Corp., Advanced ... APRO announces Employee of the Year finalists APRO today narrowed the field of candidates in its Rent To Own Employee of the Year contest to three. They are as follows: Donna Fally is the financial manager for the corporate office of Rent One/SKC Enterprises in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She is an active member of her community ... 2011 Heartland of America gears up this month National TV Sales and Rental company at the 2009 Heartland of America Show. The Missouri Rental Dealers Association is holding 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. The work/play event is a ... Acer warns of July stress test for supply chain Acer, the world’s third biggest PC maker by shipments, on Wednesday warned that July would be the true stress test moment for the global technology supply chain in terms of disruption from the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Jim Wong, corporate president of the Taiwanese company, said the impact ... Home prices: 'Double-dip' confirmed Home prices hit another new low in the first quarter, down 5.1% from a year ago to levels not reached since 2002. It was the third straight quarterly drop for the S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index, which was released Tuesday and reported by CNN Money. "Home ... CONVENTION: Get your "design" on at APRO 2011 One of the premier retail and design industry experts, Martin Roberts of Martin Roberts Design, will show you ideas for the most effective use of your square footage in Store Makeovers for Increased Rentals at the Peabody Little Rock July 12. This new and exciting seminar has been researched ... APRO announces Customer of the Year Finalists APRO this week narrowed the field in its annual Customer of the Year competition from dozens of entries to two finalists. Vivian Saunders -- a BestWay Rent-To-Own customer from Ahoskie, North Carolina -- is a model of community involvement and education reform who "quit her day job" at ... Arkansas dealers elect officers, develop long range plan Around 12 rental dealers representing a half dozen rent to own companies from across Arkansas joined met up Wednesday for the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association annual meeting in Conway. Rent One Regional Manager Tim Daugherity was elected president; Jose Palicia (Aaron's Regional Manager) was elected vice president; John Schlorf ... Premier delivers peace of mind to NC fire victim After surviving a terrible house fire in Charlottesville, living with neighbors, and at the local Residence Inn, Mrs. Jo Neal Scully found a house to rent temporarily. Knowing she needed furniture to fill the rental home, a chiropractor referred them to the local Premier Rental-Purchase. Charlottesville Premier owner, Chris ... Report: Economic growth disappointing U.S. economic growth remained disappointingly weak the first three months of the year, the government reported Thursday. Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's economic health, grew at an annual rate of 1.8% in the first quarter, according to the Commerce Department and reported by ... BrandSource Florida becomes Nationwide Florida BrandSource Florida, a division of BrandSource, will be moving its membership over to Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) as of June 1 and will continue operations under the new name, Nationwide Florida. This decision was made at a BrandSource meeting held last week in Orlando attended by the group's board ... Nationwide Partners with Leading POS Software Providers Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company to RentDirect Nationwide, America’s largest buying and marketing organization for independent dealers, has partnered with ePass Enterprise, Tyler, STORIS and Reliable Softworks, four of the industry’s leading Point of Sale (POS) software providers to ensure their members have access to the ... New cash transfer service rivals PayPal You will soon be able to pay your friend back for dinner or give your kid $100 by simply logging in to your bank account and entering their name and phone number. No cash, check, PayPal or silly app required. Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), JPMorgan Chase (JPM, ... Retail fights for swipe fee cap From the moment he took the reins of the National Retail Federation a year ago, Matt Shay has been intent on increasing the sleepy trade association’s Washington footprint to match the industry’s economic importance. So it’s perhaps no surprise, according to Politico, that for his first ... Buddy's sponsors Vietnam Vet reunion John Blair PTS Tax Service (third from right) with his Marine Battalion at the group's Buddy's-sponsored reunion in Prescott, Arizona. Members of Third Battalion, Fourth Marines held their annual reunion earlier this month in Prescott, Arizona with a little help from Buddy's Home Furnishings. The battalion -- which includes ... How Apple re-wrote the rules of retail This year, Apple celebrates 10 years since the launch of the first Apple Store, marking a record run of sales and a new world order in retailing. "They grew faster than any other retailer in history" in the first three years, says Robin Lewis, co-author of The New ... New home sales up for 2nd straight month The supply of new homes for sale fell to the lowest level on record in April. New-home sales rose for a second straight month in April, but sales remain near the lowest levels on record, the government said Tuesday. The Census Bureau reported an annual sales rate of 323,... RAE entry deadline tomorrow The late deadline for the rent to own industry's longest running awards contest has been extended until tomorrow, May 25. APRO is looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think your company's advertising has what it takes, enter ... APRO Roundtables bring marketing into focus Does your marketing program need a boost? Are you looking for new ideas to help your RTO business grow and prosper? Do you know the value of sharing ideas with your fellow rental dealers? Then do we have an opportunity for you! At APRO’s 2011 Convention & Trade ... Bethlehem resident wins Toyota Hybrid in Aaron's national sweepstakes Chris Snyder, 21 (center), of Bethlehem, PA, is the grand prize winner of the Aaron's 55th Anniversary Super Sweepstakes. Snyder, pictured with his fiance Courtney Laub and Aaron's Lucky Dog. Aaron's today presented Christopher Snyder, 21, with a brand new Toyota Camry Hybrid today as part of the company's ... Six quick-hit marketing ideas for social media In this age of hyper-speed marketing, it's most likely time that you start adding "mini campaigns" to your year-long marketing plans. Think of these as quick hits that fill in the gaps between your major marketing efforts. The challenge and opportunity for businesses -- especially those that rely ... Is a "driving tax" next? Washington lawmakers are kicking around a new idea to help raise funds to fix our highways and infrastructure: a national driving tax charging motorists by the mile. A driving tax could either replace the current 18.4 cent a gallon federal gas tax or, possibly, add to it. Because ... 35 percent use mobile apps before getting out of bed Thirty-five percent of Android and iPhone owners in the U.S. use apps such as Facebook on their smartphone before even getting out of bed, according to a survey conducted by telecommunications equipment vendor Ericsson. The most popular in-bed activity is accessing social networks. Eighteen percent of users log ... D APRO's online statistical survey is the touchstone used by financial analysts, investment bankers, legislators and the media to gauge the value of the entire rent to own industry. And your company's input is the surest way to increase that value. APRO's simplified, online data entry form is now available. ... Americans trim mortgage debt, redirect money to spending, savings Low interest rates, defaults and refinancings have shaved more than $100 billion off the nation's annual mortgage bill — an amount comparable to all unemployment benefits for one year or this year's Social Security payroll tax cut, according to U.SA. Today. "This is a form of economic ... Coshocton, Ohio Premier celebrates 2nd anniversary When Jeff Gibson and Ron Semelsberger first met during their days at RentWay, they developed a strong mutual business respect for one another. As the years went by and they continued to work together, their business respect grew into a friendship that led them into discussing the future that ... NEW: RAE late entry deadline extended The late deadline for the rent to own industry's longest running awards contest has been extended to Wednesday, May 25. APRO is looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think your company's advertising has what it takes, enter ... UPDATED: Fairbanks joins CybertronPC Dennis Fairbanks, new Director of Marketing & Sales for CybertronPC. CybertronPC, an APRO sponsor and provider of gaming PC’s, recently named Dennis Fairbanks its new marketing & sales director. Fairbanks, of Wichita, Kansas, was previously the director of business development & Marketing for RTO software provider High Touch. ... Employee/Customer of the Year nominations due tomorrow Larry Carrico, APRO 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, Premier franchisee Mike Lewis and Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earl. Click here to watch David Lane Video. If one of your rent to own employees, co-workers or customers represents rent-to-own with their selfless deeds, honor and character, then be ... Americans insecure about financial stability Americans are down in the dumps about their personal finances, but still think the American dream is alive and kicking. Only 32% of Americans consider their own personal finances excellent or good, a nine point decline from last year and 23 points lower than 2007, before the economy tanked, ... Most at Fed want rate hikes before asset sales Most Federal Reserve officials prefer to raise rock-bottom interest rates before selling assets when the time comes to tighten policy, restoring their main tool for managing the economy, according to minutes of their April meeting. The minutes, released on Wednesday, also showed worries about inflation rising among Fed officials ... Marketing guru to deliver RTO game-changer Jill McDonough The results of APRO's recent "Potential Customer" surveys will be compiled into a specialized RTO Marketing Plan provided free to those attending the APRO Convention in Little Rock July 11-14. The marketing plan, to be compiled by Jill Adams McDonough, founder and principal of Prevail! Strategic ... Dennis Fairbanks joins CybertronPC team Dennis Fairbanks, new Director of Marketing & Sales for CybertronPC. CybertronPC, an APRO sponsor and provider of Gaming PC’s, recently named Dennis Fairbanks its new marketing & sales director. “Dennis’ twenty plus years of focus on retail, service, technology, diverse channel success and experience in RTO brings ... Premier Rental-Purchase teams with Dayton homeless service center Premier owner Scott Kinnear with company VP Doug Higgins transporting plants to an area homeless shelter. Premier Rental Purchase of Dayton is taking on homelessness by partnering with a progressive local agency that offers a spectrum of services to homeless men and women in the local area. Premier recently ... PlayStation Phone set for preorder this month The industry's first PlayStation-certified cellphone will become available in stores on May 26 at $199 but will be available for preorder on May 19 at Verizon's web site. Earlier this year, SonyEricsson announced that Verizon would offer the Sony Ericsson Experia Play smartphone in early spring, according to Twice. ... Oil up on surprise gasoline stocks drop Oil prices rebounded on Wednesday, supported by a surprise drop in U.S. gasoline inventories with more supply data expected to give prices a further lift. U.S. gasoline stocks fell 676,000 barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday, ahead of government supply data in ... ColorTyme rent-to-own franchise debuts in Houston ColorTyme, a widely known and trusted brand for more than 30 years, has opened a store in Houston thanks to two local residents. Owners Mike Do and David Rogers recently introduced their first of what they hope to be many locally owned-and-operated rent-to-own franchises in the area. “We’... APRO Customer, Employee of the Year nominations due Friday Larry Carrico, APRO 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, Premier franchisee Mike Lewis and Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earl. Click here to watch David Lane Video. Decide who will be APRO's 2011 Rent to Own Employee and Customer of the Year -- Nominate your pick today! Nominations due ... Nationwide PrimeTime! Registration Now Open Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company to RentDirect Nationwide, announced the official opening of online registration for their PrimeTime! buying show and strategic conference (www.nationwideprimetime.com) to be held at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, Texas on August 21-24, 2011. At PrimeTime! NMG, America’s largest buying and ... Cloud-friendly Chromebooks will give Microsoft run for the money Google’s new monthly-subscribed, web-only netbooks have got early customers trumpeting their simplicity, low cost and speed which could pose an immediate threat to Microsoft's business computing dominance. Google announced Wednesday, its Chromebook for Business -- first from Samsung and Acer’s new web-centric PCs -- can be monthly ... Illinois dealers meet with state legislators Illinois Rental Dealers with Representative Mike Bost in Springfield Wednesday. Around 30 Illinois Rental Dealers Association members from around the state hit the Illinois Capitol Wednesday to educate legislators about the rent to own transaction and the it's important place in the state's economy and in the lives of ... Aaron's Furniture wins green award Woodhaven Furniture -- the furniture manufacturing division of rent-to-own giant Aaron's -- received the Green Save Award at the 2011 Atlanta Business Chronicle Environmental Awards. Woodhaven operates furniture and bedding plants in several states and has about 500 employees. The award recognizes the company's successful efforts to conserve natural ... Delaware-New Jersey dealers hold successful meeting Delaware-New Jersey Rental Dealer Association meeting attendees. Around 15 rental dealers from six rent to own companies attended the Delaware-New Jersey Rental Dealer Association annual meeting Tuesday at the Marriott Trenton at LaFayette Yard in Trenton, New Jersey. APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn II addressed attendees about the status ... UPDATED: Industry statistical survey needs your input APRO's online statistical survey -- the touchstone used by financial analysts, investment bankers, legislators and the media to gauge the value of the entire rent to own industry -- needs your company's input. APRO's simplified, online data entry form is now available. Go here to register a new account ... Facebook: The new mass medium TV used to be the way to reach the masses, but now it's the world's largest social network. Facebook's intimate knowledge of its members makes it a unique marketing vehicle as elaborated in an recent article on Internet Retailer. McDonald's Corp.'s three most effective marketing vehicles, CEO Fred ... Have you registered for The RTO Event of the Year yet? What are you waiting for? Step 1: Make your travel plans early. Driving? Flying? Lowest airfares sell out fast, so make your airline reservations on your favorite travel site today! Step 2: Reserve your room at the APRO discounted rated at the Peabody Little Rock. Your Peabody confirmation number ... The Premier Companies hosts franchise open house Many small business owners find it difficult to keep their doors open during tough economic conditions like we’ve experienced over the past few years. Franchising accounts for more than 825,000 businesses, nearly 18 million jobs, and generates over $2.1 trillion to the U.S. economy. The ... Childers spreads ColorTyme goodwill in Alaskan villages Mark Childers This year ColorTyme of Alaska's Mark Childers added his name to an elite list of adventurers who have participated in the The Kobuk 440, known as "The toughest race above the Arctic Circle". Sort of. Though he didn't actually mush in the April 400-mile sled dog ... ColorTyme's Gary and Jutta Hughes honored by Boys and Girls Club Gary and Jutta Hughes For more than 16 years, Gary Hughes, a distinguished ColorTyme franchisee, and his wife, Jutta, have been influential members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley. Recently, the couple was recognized at the fourth annual Breakfast for Kids fundraiser where they ... $11,000 APRO scholaship deadline May 27 The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations will award $11,000 in scholarships to members of the rent to own industry this spring as part of the organization's fourth annual contest. This year APRO, through its scholarship foundation, is giving away more money than ever, making five scholarships available to ... Rent-A-Center lends support to NC food banks after devastating tornados Rent-A-Center late last week donated $5,000 to two area food banks to assist with relief efforts in communities impacted by recent powerful tornadoes. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina each received $2,500 donations to ... Maine Team Opens 3rd Store in Sanford An aggressive goal and persistence are the two ingredients which allowed the dynamic team of Jim Ratner and John Reichenbach to open their third Premier Rental-Purchase in just four years. Jim and John come from different rent-to-own backgrounds. They actually met at The 2007 Premier Dealer Convention in Miami ... Rental industry visits Congressmembers, raises $25,000 for education Congressman Todd Platts (left) meets in his office withPennsylvania rental dealers Dan Fisher and Farzad Irani. Seated nextto the congressman is Fisher's daughter, Maria. Around 125 members of the rent to own industry -- dealers, vendors and family members -- took to Capitol Hill Wednesday for hundreds of meetings ... Rental dealers take to Capitol Hill First time APRO Legislative Conference attendees with the board of directors. More than 125 rent to own professionals took to the Hill Tuesday for the Association of Progressive Rental Organization's Annual Legislative Conference. Over the next two days, industry dealers, vendors and their families will meet with legislators to ... Pennsylvania rental dealers continue charitable tradition The Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers (PARD) concluded their recent annual meeting by giving generous support to Claysburg Kimmel Elementary School. Carrying on the “Computers for Kidz” program started in 2010, PARD provided the school with promethean boards and projectors – a donation totaling more than $5,000. ... Industry heads to D.C. for annual legislative conference next week Rental dealers from across the country next week, will head to Washington, D.C. for APRO's2011 Dave Egan Legislative Conference where rent to own business owners, managers, vendors and their families will share their personal experiences and educate legislators on the merits of the rent to own transaction and ... Reasons to exhibit in Little Rock! 86% of attendees use face-to-face interactions at exhibitions to become aware of new products, evaluate vendors for future purchase and/or narrow their choices to preferred vendors. 45% of attendees develop an emotional connection with a brand after interacting with it at a trade show. 53% of attendees who plan ... High Touch named 'Best in Business' by Wichita Business Journal The Wichita Business Journal today announced the winners of its annual 'Best in Business' competition, which judges companies on their financial health, recent innovations and community involvement. Among this year's WBJ winners is the rent to own industry's largest software provider, High Touch. The company was noted for its ... Buddy's managers become owners Buddy's managers turned owners (L to R): Richard Petree, Charles “Chaz” Wilson and Larry Lee. Buddy’s Home Furnishings franchise group, BREG Group LLC, is proud to announce three of its active managers have become owners in the business. Their ownership was solidified at a “signing party” ... Coelho completes second Boston Marathon for Children's Hospital In 2010, Al Coelho didn’t know that his mission to run the Boston Marathon would soon become an annual tradition and enormous fundraising event for Children’s Hospital Boston, but that’s exactly what happened. This past April, with the help of friends, family, fellow ColorTyme franchisees and ... APRO Scholarship winner to graduate, application deadline May 17 Cordillia Stewart Cordillia Stewart, one of APRO's 2010 Scholarship winners, has always been pretty good at keeping her plate full. But she's also not one to crumble at the first sign of adversity. It was sheer perseverance that landed this diploma-less single mother of two her first job at ... APRO's Employee Disaster Relief Fund available for storm victims The spate of violent weather across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky Wednesday night, led to 137 tornado reports and left a trail of death and destruction that will continue to be tallied for weeks. The fierce storms spawned tornadoes -- including an F-4 that careened through downtown ... easyhome opens in Rochester with all day community bash easyhome Ltd. Announces the Grand Opening of Its First Store in Rochester, NY on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10 am Offering North America's lowest payment guaranteed or it's free! easyhome, Canada's largest merchandise leasing company will officially open its first easyhome store in Rochester, New York this Saturday ... Bill Clinton welcomes APRO to Little Rock Click to play video. APRO’s rent-to-own convention is converging in the heart of America in Little Rock this July! In addition to a full schedule of all things RTO, you’ll find a wealth of Civil Rights history, a thriving cultural community, incredible restaurants, fabulous shopping and breathtaking ... APRO Customer, Employee of the Year nominations due May 15 Larry Carrico, APRO 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, Premier franchisee Mike Lewis and Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earl. Click here to watch David Lane Video. Decide who will be APRO's 2011 Rent to Own Employee and Customer of the Year -- Nominate your pick today! Nominations due ... Rent-A-Center reports Q1 results Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. First Quarter 2011 Results Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, were $742.2 million, an increase of $23.8 million from total revenues of $718.4 million for ... Aaron's same store revenue up 6% in Q1 earnings report Aaron's today announced record revenues and earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2011. For the first quarter of 2011, revenues increased 8% to $532.7 million compared to $495.3 million for the first quarter in 2010. Net earnings increased 20% to $44.4 million versus $37.... Bestway names Kent Clark as Chief Marketing Officer Kent Clark, Bestway Rent To Own's new chief marketing officer. Bestway Rent To Own today, announced that longtime Ashley Furniture representative Kent Clark is the company's new chief marketing officer. Clark will be responsible for areas including sales management, product procurement, public relations, marketing communications, market research, analytical analyses ... Midwest Expo moves to Wilmington, OH ORDA Officers (L to R): Mike Tissot, president, Doug Higgins, secretary, Keith Ferriman, vice president. Not pictured, Joel Ehrlich, treasurer. For the first time in its eight year history, the annual Midwest RTO Expo is moving. Held in Columbus, Ohio since its inception in 2003, the Ohio Rental Dealers ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine available now By APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, In this, our annual convention edition of RTOHQ: The Magazine, we present detailed information about the association’s upcoming Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show, July 11–14 in Little Rock, Arkansas. I hope that you will pay close attention to our offerings this ... Premier announces 'Partners in Profitability' retreat The Premier Companies is proud and excited to announce the 2011 Premier Dealer Retreat – “Partners in Profitability” -- will take place August 19-21, 2011 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. "To be able to thrive in today’s diverse and challenging environment, extensive training ... RAE entry deadline May 13 The early entry deadline for the rent to own industry's longest running awards contest is quickly approaching May 13. APRO is looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think your company's advertising has what it takes, enter today! ... Full-O-Pep company picnic dates set Tori Hunt rides the mechanical bull at a past American Rental's company picnic. 'Celebrating 30 Years and Beyond: The American Innovation Expo" kicks off July 29-30 at the Seasons Hotel Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana. The event is the 21st annual American Rental training and company picnic, where managers ... Tampa study is an 'eye opener' to area RTO dealers More than a dozen rent to own dealers turned out for the fourth in a series of RTO "Potential Customer" studies in Tampa, Florida, Tuesday, which dealers say yielded a number of "eye opening" insights that will shapea first-of-its-kind RTO Marketing Plan provided for free to attendees ... Rent One's 'Day at the Diamond' vendor appreciation dates set Rent One today announced dates for the company's annual meet and greet to celebrate its vendors with a day of fun and games at Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois July 20-21. See photos of past year's events. Events begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday July 20. This event ... PARD elected new officers L to R: Scott McHale(Colortyme)Secretary, Dan Fisher(Majik RTO)Vice-President, Sandi Frye(Premier Rental Purchase)President, John Chacosky(RAC)Board Member, and Dave Jones(Premier Rental Purchase)Board Member. Pennsylvania rental dealers Tuesday elected new board members and officers at an information packed meeting held in Harrisburg. Officers include: President Sandi Frye (Premier Rental Purchase), Vice President ... Dealers give thumbs up to NMG Business and Leadership Management Conference According to Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, over 100 business owners and their top managers attended the first Business and Leadership Management Conference held on April 3-5, 2011 at the American Airlines Conference Center in Fort Worth, Texas. “We were overwhelmed by the positive ... Rent-A-Center Donates to Louisiana Community Development Capital Fund Rent-A-Center today donated two large-screen televisions and $5,000 to the Louisiana Community Development Capital Fund. The donation is tied to a philanthropic initiative dubbed "Random Acts of Caring," launched by Rent-A-Center in 2008. "CapFund thanks Rent-A-Center for its generous donation in support of the implementation ... Bowling for Autism raises $23,500 ABC's Jeff Page, Thomas and "Tiger" John Cleek Jr. in a recent Bowling For Autism promo. Watch. John Cleek Jr.'s annual "Bowling for Autism" event raised $23,000 last week for TouchPoint Autism Services Approximately 180 bowlers participated in the event in Columbia, Missouri. The successful ... Pennsylvania dealers gear up for packed meeting Approximately 35 rent to own dealers and vendors will head to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania tomorrow to join in the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers annual meeting at the Harrisburg Hilton. Participants will be treated to a packed agenda including talks on human resources, legislative updates, purchasing and product trends, bedbugs ... Study spotlights impact of customer experience No business owner has to be told what a single negative review from a customer can do. But a few statistics can’t hurt. The just-released 2011 Net Promoter Industry Benchmarks study of more than 22,000 U.S. consumers nationwide, found that bad customer experience forced 22 percent ... Rent One manager stands by customer in difficult time As manager of the Rent One store in the small town of Caruthersville, Missouri, Derek Glass knows his customer base on more than a business level. Though he lives a stone's throw away in Bragg City -- he spent many years after college working on his family's farm -- ... Dealers get candid opinions at Ohio customer study Close to 30 rent to own professionals turned out in Columbus, Ohio Wednesday for first of three RTO "Potential Customer" focus groups planned for April that will help shape a first-of-its-kind RTO Marketing Plan provided for free to attendees at the APRO Convention in Little Rock this July. ... ColorTyme's Coelho and Bird team up in Fall River For ColorTyme franchisees Al Coelho and Ray Bird, teaming together to open new stores has been a goal of theirs since they started working together in November of 2008. Today, that promise of becoming partners has been fulfilled with the opening of their rent-to-own store in Fall River, Mass. ... VIDEO: APRO Keynote Bill Taylor welcomes conventioneers Click to watch Bill Taylor video. Best-selling author and self-described business "maverick" Bill Taylor is the keynote speaker at APRO's 2011 Convention in Little Rock, where he will share his innovative ideas on leadership and business at the General Session July 13 at 11 a.m. In this ... Gas prices tamp consumer spending Gasoline prices are soaring past $4 a gallon in many places and driving will continue to be more expensive. Economists say unless consumers are determined to again recklessly pile up credit card debt, higher gas prices will profoundly slow other purchases and the economic recovery. Over a three-year period, ... Aaron's announces 10th anniversary sponsorship of Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Aaron's will sponsor the Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway for the 10th year on April 15 - 17. In commemoration of the anniversary, the company has a celebration in line with Talladega's fun-filled traditions in store for NASCAR fans. The highlight of the weekend's events will be seen ... Rent-A-Center expands presence in Mexico Rent-A-Center continued its expansion into Mexico by opening its first point of sale in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, according to Mexican Business Web. Through a statement, the company said the initial goal is to open four stores in which people who have no access to credit, can rent or buy home ... Cisco cans Flip Cisco said Tuesday it will shut down its Flip pocket camcorder operation, just two years after acquiring the one-time disruptive camcorder trendsetter, then called Pure Digital Technology, according to a report by Twice. In a statement, Cisco said it will exit aspects of its consumer businesses, including the Flip ... Nominees sought for APRO Board In just over four months, APRO members will elect eight board members who will play a key role in shaping the course of the rent-to-own industry. Eight of 17 APRO Board seats are up for grabs at APRO's 2011 Convention at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock and the ... Aaron's Outdoors Premieres 2011 Season on VERSUS and Fox Sports South Aaron's Outdoors, the family outdoors show produced by lease-to-own retailer Aaron's, Inc., will premiere its 2011 programming Thursday, April 7, at 12:30 p.m. ET on VERSUS reaching 77 million homes. The 2011 show will also launch on Fox Sports South on Saturday, April 9, at 8:00 a.m. ... RSVP to attend Ohio and New York focus groups next week APRO and state rental dealer associations invite dealers to attend two RTO "Potential Customer" focus groups next week in Ohio and New York. Participating dealers witness as two groups of potential RTO customers talk about their impressions of rent-to-own, why they do not consider rent-to-own, their potential exposure ... Tennessee dealers host successful meeting Tennessee Rental Dealers at their annual association meeting Thursday. Some 24 Tennessee rent to own professionals representing eight different companies from across the state turned out for the Tennessee Rental Dealer Association's Annual Business Meeting Thursday at the DoubleTree Hotel in Nashville. Dealers heard a legal and legislative talk ... Rent-A-Center Q1 conference call April 26 Rent-A-Center will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 10:45 AM ET over the Internet. This call will be held to discuss the earnings release that will be issued after the close of the market on Monday, April 25, 2011. Audio of the conference ... Vendor Advisory Committee nominations open Six seats on APRO's Vendor Advisory Committee are up for election this year and the nomination process is now underway. The Vendor Advisory Committee is open to any APRO Associate Member in good standing who desires to get more involved with the rent-to-own industry trade association. The election will ... Ohio, New York, Florida dealers invited to upcoming RTO focus groups APRO and state rental dealer associations invite dealers to attend three RTO "Potential Customer" focus groups this month in Ohio, New York and Florida. Participating dealers witness as two groups of potential RTO customers talk about their impressions of rent-to-own, why they do not consider rent-to-own, their potential ... Aaron's Q1 conference call scheduled Participants are invited to join the Aaron’s, Inc. conference call to discuss first quarter 2011 results on Monday April 25, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. (EST). There will be opening remarks and then questions and answers with Chairman Charlie Loudermilk, President/CEO Robin Loudermilk, COO Ken Butler, and Executive ... RTO absent in consumer complaint database In perhaps the most comprehensive database of consumer complaints available, the rent to own industry has nary a mention indicating the industry is keeping its six million customers satisfied. The Federal Trade Commission database -- the Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) -- is a secure online database of millions of ... APRO's 2011 Employee and Customer of the Year nominations now open Larry Carrico, APRO 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, Premier franchisee Mike Lewis and Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earl. Click here to watch David Lane Video. APRO's Employee and Customer of the Year are members of the RTO family who lead by example through their inspiration, dedication and ... Georgia Premier dealer celebrates two year anniversary John and Marion Martin. Have you ever walked into a store and been welcomed with a friendly smile, or even a hug? In this day and age of lackluster customer service, this is typically unheard of. Customers, old and new, find themselves at home in John Martin’s Premier ... Kansas dealers explore social networking and beyond KRDA Board Members L to R: Chuck Kuluva, Gloria Homeier (Secretary/Treasurer, Shaun Rush (President), Angela Strong (Vice President) and Jess Fisher. Around 32 rent to own professionals from across Kansas turned out for the Kansas Rental Dealers Association annual meeting, held March 30 and 31st at the Prairie Band ... Study: 3D TV demand low for immediate future Most Americans, Britons and Canadians are unlikely to purchase a 3DTV in the next six months, according to a recent online poll conducted by market research firm Vision Critical. The survey, as reported by Twice, of representative national samples showed "a negligible number" of respondents - 5 percent ... Texas focus group provides customer insights Around a dozen rental dealers from across Texas pulled up chairs Tuesday evening to hear what real life customers and potential customers think about rent to own. The San Antonio focus group study -- sponsored by TARA and APRO and conducted by Trenholm Research -- involved two groups and ... Free Copy of Keynote's Book to First 100 Convention Registrants! Registration for APRO's 2011 Convention & Trade Show is Now Open! The first 100 rent-to-own companies to register will receive a FREE copy of APRO’s 2011 Keynote Speaker’s new book Practically Radical: Not so crazy ways to transform your company, shake up your industry, and challenge yourself ... APRO to award $11,000 in scholarships The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is looking to award $11,000 in scholarships to members of the rent to own industry this spring as part of the organization's fourth annual contest. This year APRO, through its scholarship foundation, is giving away more money than ever, making five scholarships ... Tennessee dealers spring into action April 7 Tennessee Rental Dealers head to Nashville April 7 for the annual meeting of the Tennessee Rental Dealers Association at the DoubleTree Hotel. Dealers are encouraged to attend the day long event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. which will feature talks from two of the industry's most ... easyhome reports improved 2010 Q4 results easyhome, Canada s largest merchandise rental company, today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010. "easyhome delivered improved revenues and earnings in 2010," said David Ingram, easyhome's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Normalized earnings for the year were 92 ... TRIB Group donates to Ronald McDonald House L-R: Todd Homberger, Alison Barrick, Sharon Tomaszewski, Paul Schaller and Joe Gazzo. On Friday March 25, TRIB Group representatives presented a donation check to the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa for $1,600. The donation was a result of fundraising and donations by the golfers at last month’s ... Eighth annual "Bowling for Autism" kicks off April 9 ABC's Jeff Page, Thomas and "Tiger" John Cleek Jr. in a recent Bowling For Autism promo. Watch. John Cleek Jr.'s annual "Bowling for Autism" event kicks off April 9 at AMF Town and Country Lanes in Columbia, Missouri. The successful program, which has already raised more ... APRO Legislative Conference hotel deadline April 8 Make your room reservation for APRO's 2011 Legislative Conference today and help secure the future of the rent to own industry on Capitol Hill. Hotel reservation deadline is April 8. If you have not done so, please take a minute to register online at www.rtohq.org or email ... Texas RTO focus group tomorrow TARA and APRO invite Texas rental dealers to watch firsthand two San Antonio RTO focus group sessions tomorrw at Galloway Research at 4751 Hamilton Wolfe Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229. Google map directions. The focus groups -- led by Trenholm Research of Austin -- will gauge consumer beliefs about ... Florida dealers wrap up legislative meet and greet Florida rental dealers and business associates at the FRDA State Legislative Conference in Tallahasee. The Florida Rental Dealers Association converged on Tallahasee for their Legislative Conference on Wednesday, March 23rd. After meeting with FRDA Lobbyist, Juhan Mixon, as well as Florida Retail Federation representative, Randy Miller, Dealers went out ... Rent One's Keen is Jefferson County Chamber's Citizen of the Year Jefferson County Citizen of the Year, David Keen. The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Small Business and Presidents Council Wednesday, selected David Keen as the organization's Citizen of the Year. Keen, who is Rent One's employee development and public relations director, is a former Mayor of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. ... Buddy's Home Furnishings opens in Fremont, Nebraska Buddy’s Home Furnishings recently announced its expansion into the Midwest with the opening of the company's newest location in Fremont, Nebraska, just outside of Omaha. With this newest and latest opening, Buddy’s Home Furnishings has grown to a total of 105 stores, with future openings planned in ... Texas RTO focus group next Tuesday, attendance requested TARA and APRO invite Texas rental dealers to watch firsthand two San Antonio RTO focus group sessions next Tuesday, March 29 at Galloway Research at 4751 Hamilton Wolfe Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229. Google map directions. The focus groups -- led by Trenholm Research of Austin -- will gauge ... Rent-A-Center Opens Store in Buckhannon, contributes $2K to community orgs Rent-A-Center manager Cindy Davis and her four-person sales team are pleased to offer residents of Buckhannon a new option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. The new Rent-A-Center is located at 120 Buckhannon Crossroads, Ste. 100. The approximately 4,800 sq. ft. ... RAE Awards: Call for entries We're looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think your company's advertising has what it takes, enter today! Download In-House Entry Form (To be used if advertisement was created by In-House personnel) Download Advertising Agency EntryForm (To be ... Rent-A-Center announces cash dividend for 2011 Q2 Rent-A-Center Inc. the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a $0.06 per share cash dividend for the second quarter of 2011 to be paid to the Company's common stockholders. The dividend will be paid on April 27, 2011 to common stockholders ... easyhome Ltd. Announces timing of Q4 conference call and Webcast easyhome Ltd. Canada's largest merchandise leasing company, will hold a conference call with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. A Press Release will be issued after the market closes on Monday, March 28, 2011. Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Time: 11am EST Dial-in: toll-free: 416-695-7806 ... Briley Investments is Aaron's Franchise of the Year Robert Briley, owner of Aaron's Franchise of the Year, Briley Investments Inc. Aaron’s Tuesday night, announced its top store and managerial performers at the company's 2011 national managers meeting in Orlando, where Briley Investments Inc. took home top prize as Aaron's Franchise of the Year. Aaron’s reported ... Aaron's to create nearly 1,000 jobs in 2011 Aaron’s today announced plans to create nearly 1,000 retail jobs in its stores across the U.S. and Canada this year at the company's 2011 Aaron’s National Managers Meeting at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando. The Company has already added 50 employees this year and ... Aaron's managers donate 4,500 hours of service and $200K to Orlando community Aaron's associates prepare 2,000 personalized military care packages for distribution at the company's community outreach day Monday. For the third year in a row Aaron’s associates dedicated an afternoon to community outreach projects benefiting military service members, area children and the community. More than 2,000 Aaron’... Aaron's stock hit new 52-week high Monday In the last prior five trading sessions, the 50-day stock climbed 1.43% while the 200-day MA has risen 0.43%. In the past 52 weeks, shares of Aaron's have traded between a low of $16.16 and a high of $24.59 and are now at $24.91, ... Rent One puts 110 through drivers safety training Rent One employees at a recent drivers safety course in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Rent One put 110 of its delivery technicians and account representatives through a day long National Safety Counsel defensive driving course conducted by Illinois State Troopers last week in an effort to improve safety. The training, ... Kansas Rental Dealers focus on social media Organizers are anticipating a high turnout for the Kansas Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting March 30 at the Prairie Band Hotel and Casino in Mayetta, Kansas which will focus on social media marketing. "We wanted to do something with marketing and felt like most of us had a ... Montgomery ColorTyme celebrates second Grand Opening The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce join owners Derrick Vinson and Eddie Edwards and ColorTyme corporate staff to commemorate the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. After a warm welcome from the community they serve, ColorTyme held a special Grand Re-Opening event Wednesday celebrating its success as the area’s ... D&H Donates to Japanese disaster relief Computer and consumer electronics distributor D&H Distributing announces it will donate 1% of its US and Canadian sales from products by Japanese-based vendors this Thursday and Friday (March 17 to 18) to The American Red Cross for relief efforts associated with the March 11 tsunami and earthquake. The ... Get the jump on APRO 2011 Convention plans! Get the jump on your travel plans to the APRO 2011 Convention & Trade Show in Little Rock! For those of you who like to plan ahead, you can make your hotel reservations at the Peabody Little Rock right now. Keep in mind the first event is the APRO ... TRIB Group inks deal with Hawk's Landing Golf Course for 2012 convention In early preparation for the 2012 Convention, TRIB Group has signed the contract for the Tom C. Kitchens Annual Golf Outing to once again be held at Hawk’s Landing Golf Course on the property of the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. Hawk’s Landing, a premier golf ... ISPA pushing for new bed bug laws International Sleep Products Association officials are pushing for new state laws to protect consumers from preventable fire and health risks, including the growing bedbug epidemic. The mattress industry trade group is leading efforts in several states to enact new and tougher laws to address the spread of the bugs ... Major Japanese CE plants regroup in wake of earthquake Many CE production plants and facilities in Japan were either damaged or closed in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit the nation. Facilities were closed due to direct damage from the disaster, efforts trying to locate and rescue employees, or from a lack of ... Rising gas prices taking a pinch out of consumer spending High gas prices and the wave of price increases following in their wake could cramp consumer spending and stifle the fragile economic recovery, economists say. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline hit $2.70 on Thursday, according to the auto club AAA. That's up 67 percent ... Premier Dealer takes U.S. Citizen oath Alie and Bryan Holman. Premier Rental-Purchase owner Alia Holman, can finally say she is proud to be an American, after taking her citizenship oath March 3 in Irving, Texas. Alia, of Mesquite, moved from Pakistan to the United States with her family when she was seven years old. Her ... New RTO potential customer surveys set for Ohio, Texas APRO is again testing rent-to-own's image with two new studies in Ohio and Texas meant to gauge consumer beliefs about the rent to own transaction and help determine how best to reach the 50 million non-renting Americans who fit the industry demographic. The studies, conducted by Trenholm Research of ... Nationwide honored by EPA for fifth year in a row Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, will be honored for the fifth year in a row by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) with an ENERGY STAR award for excellence recognizing their outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through ... 2010 Majap Sales Up Retail sales of major appliances rose 11 percent in dollars and 12 percent in units last year, according to market research from The NPD Group. While overall sell-through did not reach pre-recession levels, majap rebates and vendor promotions supported several category standouts, Twice Magazine reports. Ovens, although one of ... Rent One managers praised in Glenn Shepard newsletter Far left: Gina Shelton with regional manager, Dusty Ray (far right) accepting Rent One's District Manager of the Year Award. Last year, Rent One Manager Gina Shelton won the 2010 Glenn Shepard Award for Excellence in Management & Leadership after the organization fielded nominations from across the continent. Yesterday, ... Kathy Ireland is new BrandSource spokesperson Kathy Ireland with UHR Rents' Ernie Lewallen at the TRIB Group Convention and Buy Fair last month. TRIB Group’s affiliated retail buying group, AVB/Brand Source, has announced a deal with Kathy Ireland in which Ireland will become the new spokeswoman for the brand. Kathy Ireland is an American ... Life long retailer turned rent to own advocate dies Eugene "Gene" Leach. Eugene (Gene) Leach, 80, father of TRIB Group President and past APRO President Lyn Leach, died in the early morning hours of Feb. 19 after a long battle with cancer. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, he founded Ace Furniture & TV Inc., and ... APRO Legislative Conference gears up for springtime on the Hill Attendees to APRO's2011 Dave Egan Legislative Conference will enjoy springtime in Washington, D.C. as rental dealers, employeesand industry vendors come to Capitol Hill May 3-5, 2011, to visit with and educate congressional members - many newly elected -about rent-to-own's contribution to the economy and their constituents. Attendance to ... PrimeTime! Buying Show, record breaking savings event Nationwide Marketing Group, parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, officially announced an expected record breaking PrimeTime! buying show and conference in Las Vegas. Nearly 4,000 people were in attendance, representing over 900 independent dealer companies and almost 200 appliance, electronics and furniture companies. “Last year, we sent dealers ... ColorTyme named "best of the best" in new AllBusiness AllStar ranking ColorTyme, the nation’s oldest rent-to-own franchisor, was chosen again this year as a “best of the best” business opportunity in the 2011 AllBusiness AllStar ranking. This is the second consecutive year that ColorTyme has ranked since the AllStar Franchises listing debuted in 2009. Bob Bloom, CEO and ... Premier Auto by Rent opens in Rolla, Missouri Robert Aufner is opening his first Premier Auto By Rent location this weekend in Rolla, Missouri! Aufner worked in the Premier Auto Outlet location in Springfield, Missouri for more than five years as Finance Director. His father became ill and he found himself driving 300 miles each day to ... American Rental to build a Habitat For Humanity House David P. David American Rental employees are scheduled to break ground on a new company-sponsored Habitat for Humanity house on June 1. The house will be built in Nashville, IN and is scheduled to be completed July 22nd just in time for American Rental's annual pig roast celebration - ... RNR Custom Wheels & Tires opens three new locations The country may be suffering from one of the weakest economies in decades, but that hasn't stopped RNR Custom Wheels & Tire franchises from expanding. RNR Custom Wheels & Tires, LLC a retail and rent-to-own custom wheel and tire franchise, announced that it has added three new store locations ... KHF Holdings announces fifth Ashley Furniture HomeStore grand opening Chris Caprio Defying trends of a struggling economy and slack consumer spending, KHF Holdings, LLC today announced the Grand Opening of its newest Ashley Furniture HomeStore location in Castleton, Indiana. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday March 5th at 1:00 pm at 8708 Castle Creek Parkway East ... "Low" becoming the new norm in passenger tires "Low" is increasingly becoming the "standard" as low-profile passenger tires continue to gain a larger share of consumer business and the aftermarket tire sales, according to Tire Business Magazine. According to Tire & Rim Association data, the number of auto rim diameters and tire aspect ratios recognized ... D&H Distributing wins TRIB soaring eagle and executive club award John Alifano (r), D&H’s director of the Consumer Products Division, accepts the TRIB Group Soaring Eagle award from TRIB Group President Lyn Leach during the annual TRIB Show in Orlando this February. North American computer and consumer electronics distributor D&H Distributing is proud to announce that ... TRIB Group convention closes as a record event The 2011 TRIB Group Annual Convention & Buy Fair that concluded last week, was a record breaker. Seventy percent of the entire TRIB Group membership had at least one company representative in attendance. The 106 member companies represented 3,300 store fronts from 37 states and 2 Caribbean islands. ... Providence franchisee, Pawtucket youth join for cause Al Coelho, Christina Bird, Joe Bird. For Providence ColorTyme partner Al Coelho, going the extra mile for local families is part of his everyday routine. On April 18, Coelho will dedicate 26 miles to one special family by running the Boston Marathon in recognition of Christina Bird, daughter of ... High Touch buys Attain Technologies of Colorado Wichita-based High Touch, Inc. recently announced acquisition of Attain Technologies of Englewood, Colorado in a move High Touch officials say will expand and strengthen the company's short and long term service offerings. The Attain name and all its employees have been retained and the deal adds 11 employees and ... Social media do's and don'ts By Kelly McDonald, There is an entire etiquette around social media these days and it’s pretty easy to spot a novice – their blunders are obvious and often provoke a firestorm of online chatter or “flaming.” So here are six basic pointers to help you maximize ... Michigan Premier donates chair to injured customer Beth Grishaber and Chad Kaufman. Employees of Premier Rental-Purchase, Nile, MI -- load up a lift chair for one of their customers. Jim Forker, owner of Premier-Rental Purchase in Niles, Michigan, left no doubt about putting customers first this week, surprising Angela Keys with a lift chair delivered to ... Heartland Furniture sponsors grammy-nominated act Dr. Wes Payne, vice president of Three Rivers College with Cindy Boyers, Owner of Heartland Furniture. Heartland Furniture & Appliance Sales and Leasing announced it is underwriting the cost of hosting Grammy nominated bluegrass act "Dailey and Vincent" which will perform at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar ... Serta RTO dealers report satisfied customers From Q1 comforter promotion It’s not too late to get on board to participate in the nationally advertised Serta FREE Comforter Promotion that runs through march 31st. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give your customers a free comforter with their Serta mattress rental. The Comforter produced great results in ... Buddy's Franchise Group turns managers into owners Buddy's franchise managers Charles Maury, Gary Pree, Whaylon Taylor and Donald Thompson sign on as owners this week. Buddy’s Home Furnishings franchise group, Ark-La-Tex RTO Ventures LLC, is proud to announce that all five of its active managers are now owners of the business. The ownership was solidified ... Exhibitors! 'Little Rock' booth rates increase March 1 Nearly 65% Reserved! RATES INCREASE MARCH 1st. The show floor for the Big Show in Little Rock, July 11-14, 2011, is nearly 65% sold! The booth rates will increase March 1st, so contact APRO today before the rates change and to secure your best location. The show will give ... Amiga taps IContain to enter RTO sector Amiga is leveraging technologies developed by IContain, Ltd. to launch a product line for the Rent to Own market. The IContain Protects Amiga family of consumer electronic products will include laptop computers, all-in-one PCs, Android tablets, cell phones, televisions, 3D televisions, and PCTVs (televisions with built in computers). “... PrimeTime! show wraps, watch all 13 videos Richard May with Linda Rada with Coaster Furniture. One of 13 exclusive videos available here. RentDirect Nationwide wrapped its two day rent to own program and buying show Tuesday at the Venetian in Las Vegas with executive director James MacAlpine reporting robust purchasing. He also noted a high level ... TRIB Group purchases $20 million, names award winners Dick Eichlin (l), TRIB Group's 2010 President's Award Winner, with Lyn Leach Tuesday. Dick Eichlin, a 31-year rent to own industry veteran, took home TRIB Group's most prestigious award -- the Norman W. "Slats" Slatton Sr. President's Award -- Tuesday night at a special awards banquet at the ... LIVE VIDEO: Linda Rada, Coaster Furniture NOW! LIVE VIDEO: Linda Rada, Coaster Furniture NOW! Watch here.... PRIMETIME! VIDEO: Six new videos available for replay APRO'S Richard May with RentDirect's James MacAlpine Monday on the PrimeTime! show floor. APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May spent Monday interviewing more than a half dozen rent to own professionals including independent dealers and exhibitors at the Nationwide PrimeTime Show at the Venetian in Las Vegas. If you ... TRIB Group inducts 'Hall of Honor' members, hits show floor Mike Wood of LG Electronics (far right) demonstrates the latest 3D TVs to TRIB Group members in Orlando Monday. Monday kicked off with TRIB Group's annual membership meeting in Orlando, with members showing their colors as most were sporting nice bright blue polo sport shirts displaying the TRIB Group ... UHR Rents celebrates silver anniversary, credits customer service UHR Rents President Ernie Lewallen United Household Rentals (UHR Rents) -- a 10 store Cincinnati, Ohio based RTO independent -- proudly marked a milestone Sunday, Feb. 20, by reaching the 25th anniversary of its incorporation. The company opened its first store the following May. “It is a tremendous ... RentDirect kicks off membership meeting, live interviews RentDirect Nationwide -- the rent to own division of Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) -- today kicks off its twice a year membership meeting at the Venetian in Las Vegas where industry leaders will update attendees on the latest legal and legislative issues facing the rent to own industry. RentDirect ... TRIB Hot Show clocks $8 million TRIB Group President Lyn Leach (far right) tallies orders at the TRIB Hot Show Sunday in Orlando. TRIB Group members turned out in force Sunday, dropping a record $8 million on specially priced merchandise at the opening buying event -- the Hot Show -- of the TRIB Group/BrandsourceSummit at ... APRO to stream live video from PrimeTime! APRO will be providing exclusive live video streaming from the PrimeTime show floor Feb. 21 and 22 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Key leaders of the rent to own industry as well as those in the furniture, appliance and consumer electronics industries will be featured as guests for ... Industry presents checks to Reyna family John Spangle, left, presents a commemorative check to the Carlos Reyna family Wednesday. Kamilla, Rosie and Karla Reyna accept the check as Robert Reed, Braxton Spangle, Matthew Wilt look on. Representatives from the rent to own industry Wednesday, presented checks to the Carlos Reyna family at the Gulf Freeway ... Premier Takes Training to a New Level The Premier Companies, with franchise brands Premier Rental-Purchase, Premier Home Furnishings, Premier Wheel Workz and Premier Auto by Rent, recently announced the addition of new training modules as part of their online Premier University. This new training enhances the Field Training programs already in place. “Premier is committed ... ColorTyme CEO achieves certified franchise executive designation ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom Bob Bloom, president and CEO of national rent-to-own franchisor ColorTyme, was recognized today as a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.Bloom completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the institute, which is the academic branch of ... TRIB Group convention kicks off this weekend with record attendance The 2011 TRIB Group Annual Convention & Buy Fair begins this weekend, February 20-22, 2011 at the beautiful Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. Member attendance is at record-breaking levels with over 100 rent to own companies being represented. Attendance from the over 100 companies will represent 3,300 ... MRDA elects new leaders at highly attended business meeting New MRDA Officers: president J.C. Cox, secretary/treasurer Cindy Boyers, vice president Macy Mitchell. Close to 100 rent to own professionals from across Missouri turned out Wednesday for an information packed business meeting that concluded with the election of a new board of directors and association officers. Outgoing MRDA ... Aaron's reports record Q4 results Aaron’s today announced record results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2010. For the fourth quarter of 2010, revenues increased 9% to $484.4 million compared to $446.3 million for the fourth quarter in 2009. Net earnings increased 23% to $30.8 million versus ... Nationwide Marketing Group Continues to Expand Web Services Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), one of the nation's largest buying groups for independent retailers and parent organization for RentDirect Nationwide, announced its new partnership with web developer Site on Time and CMIC Data that will provide NMG dealers with more ways to build a competitive online presence. “Site ... MRDA to elect officers, brush up on customer service Outgoing MRDA President "Tiger" John Cleek Jr. Close to 100 Missouri Rental Dealers Association members representing 15 different RTO Companies are registered for tomorrow's annual general membership meeting at the Hampton Inn in Columbia, Missouri where attendees will elect a new board and new officers. "Tiger" John ... Record breaking attendance expected at PrimeTime! Las Vegas Nationwide Marketing Group, parent company to RentDirect Nationwide, buying group for independent appliance, electronics, furniture and RTO dealers, today announced it is expecting a record breaking attendance at the upcoming PrimeTime! buying show and conference. The action packed three-day event will be held in the world renowned Venetian - ... Rent One pitches in for manager during difficult time Rent One CEO Larry Carrico with regional manager Gerald Edgell. Some companies talk about the importance of their employees. Rent One walks it. Nowhere was that more evident than at the company's recent managers meeting this week in O'Fallon, Illinois. That was where a little impromptu fundraising took place ... KRDA hosts successful meeting despite weather Chris Caprio. Around 17 RTO pros from more than a dozen different companies turned out Thursday for the Kentucky Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, Kentucky, despite icy conditions and treacherous travel conditions in the area. "The turnout was very impressive," said ... Carlos Reyna Fund nears $17,000 Rent-n-Roll President Larry Sutton today announced close to $14,000 has been transferred to a holding account for the Carlos Reyna family. Reyna, a Houston Rent-n-Roll manager, is recovering from two severe heart attacks and a stroke suffered in lat last year. See full story. http://www.rtohq.org/07640apro-rnr-rallies-around-manager-in-fight-for-his-life.html ... Rent One Awards Banquet names tops in company Trent Agin, RO Store of The Year Manager Lisa Currie, Larry Carrico and Lori McGovern. Rent One capped its annual managers meeting in O'Fallon, Illinois Wednesday, with a special awards banquet where the company's top 2010 performers were honored. Six Rent One managers and one vendor were singled out ... UHR makes industry's first "Bedbug Free" Guarantee UHR Rents President Ernie Lewallen. Cincinnati, Ohio-based UHR Rents today, announced it is introducing a "Bed Bug Free Guarantee" to its customers for all its products and merchandise -- a first for the rental industry. Cincinnati has been the epicenter of the bed bug battle for the past ... Carrico honored by Illinois State Board of Education The Illinois State Board of Education honors Larry Carrico Tuesday: (L to R) Murray Beck, Larry Carrico, Mark Williams and Kevin Settle, superintendent Mt. Vernon Schools. Rent One Tuesday, kicked off it's 2011 annual managers meeting in O'Fallon, Illinois, with a special surprise presentation from the Illinois State Board ... Heartland Furniture and Appliance is Dexter "Business of the Year Employees of Heartland Furniture accept the Dexter Chamber of Commerce "Business of the Year Award." Heartland Furniture and Appliance of Dexter was named "Business of the Year" by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce Saturday, Feb. 5. The company -- which consists of three stores in southeastern ... FRDA steps up support for struggling RNR manager The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) voted Friday to make a $500 contribution to the Carlos Reyna Family. Carlos Reyna, 37 -- a Houston area Rent-n-Roll Manager -- suffered two major heart attacks and a stroke in November that have left him clinging to life at a local hospital. ... SLR names RTO Industry Veteran Bill Short EVP & Managing Partner Bill Short, new executive vice president and managing partner of Straight Line resources. Leather Motion Furniture Importer, Straight Line Resources, LLC (SLR International) announced today that Bill Short has joined the company as Executive Vice President and Managing Partner. Joe Savovic, SLR’s founder and CEO stated, “We ... Super Bowl TV rentals move the chains for RTO dealers The first part of the first quarter of every year, rental dealers on the whole see a friendly spike in television rentals due to a little contest known as the Super Bowl. Long before FOX begins broadcasting live from Cowboys Stadium this Sunday, chances are, those big flat panels ... Right Now Mgmt takes top spot in ColorTyme Top 10 Tracy and Mark Childers, along with their Pasco Team and Mayor of Pasco at the Grand Opening of the Pasco ColorTyme. Success is no stranger to Mark and Tracy Childers, ColorTyme multi-unit franchisees and owners of Right Now Mgmt, Inc. For the second time in three years, the couple ... RNR rallies around manager in fight for his life Carlos Reyna with daughers (l to r) Kamilla and Karla and wife, Rosie. When Robert Reed went to work with his manager, Carlos Reyna, at the Gulf Freeway Rent-n-Roll Nov. 9, he had no idea anything was awry with his good friend of five and a half years. Reyna, ... Kris Lowe earns HR Certification Kris Lowe Rent One’s CEO Larry Carrico and President Trent Agin are pleased to announce that Kris Lowe, Human Resource Manager for SKC Enterprises, Inc. dba Rent One has received her certification with the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Professional in Human Resources. Kris has been part ... Rent-A-Center Q4 results released Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2010. Total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, were $677.1 million, an increase of $4.2 million from total revenues of $672.9 million for the same ... The Premier Companies gives back to Native American hosts at annual convention Dealers, guest, staff, and vendors associated with The Premier Companies returned from a successful annual convention near Phoenix last week, having made new friends and some significant contributions to two native tribes, the Pima and Maricopa – their hosts at the Wild Horse Pass resort in Chandler, Arizona. “... ColorTyme Franchise Advisory Council discusses new programs and owner feedback The ColorTyme Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) serves as a critical link between franchisees and the corporate management team. Following the conclusion of another successful ColorTyme National Convention, FAC members met at the corporate headquarters Wednesday to address important business topics and offer ideas on strengthening the rent-to-own franchise brand. ... United Furniture breaks out colors in first Las Vegas Market appearance United Furniture Rental Sales Manager George Ramel displays one of his company's more colorful offerings at Las Vegas Market. United Furniture Industries made its premier this year at the Las Vegas Furniture Market in a 12,000 foot showroom that has played host to approximately 400 dealers at this ... Legare' offers elegant 'tool free' kids collections Howard Klion, Legare' VP of Sales, displays the trendy "Flower Power" kids bedroom collection at Las Vegas Market. Legare' Tool Free Furiture is making a splash at this year's Las Vegas Market with a new line of tough affordable kid's collections that are turning heads. "This is ... Simmons has best single market day ever L-R: Vince Nicholson, Simmons VP market groups, Cindy Ferguson, APRO Marketing Director and Ben Crowder, Simmons director of rental division. Furniture dealers across Las Vegas Market are reporting an uptick in activity this year and Simmons is no exception. Ben Crowder, director of Simmons rental division said this LVM ... APRO hosts hospitality suite at LVM 2011 RTO pros at Las Vegas Market Tuesday. More than 20 rent-to-own professionals representing close to a dozen companies turned out Tuesday 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. "We're seeing ... ColorTyme names Birds franchisee of the year Rent-to-own franchisor ColorTyme recognized owner accomplishments and top performers today at its National Convention in Frisco, Texas, awarding its highest honor, the Eagle, to Ray and Wendy Bird -- ColorTyme's 2010 Franchisee of the Year. “Ray and Wendy exhibit all of the characteristics we look for in our ... Vendors make ColorTyme Buying Show a success ColorTyme Franchisee Richard Pannell with Bill Kelly, COO of EBRO International dba ColrTyme. After a morning of corporate presentations, speakers and store manager awards, the first day of the ColorTyme National Convention concluded by bringing together vendors and franchisees for a Buying Show. The event showcased new technology, the ... ColorTyme Convention "Revs Up" with record attendance, awards, showcase ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom (r) presents Waipahu, Hawaii manager Mark Shaw with his seventh "Double Diamond" award. 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 will focus on implementing core values and ... Gulf Coast L&P is RNR's 2010 Franchisee of the Year RNR President Larry Sutton, (second from right) presents the RNR's Franchisee of the Year 2010 Award to Gulf Coast L&P (l to r): Shane Baber, Paul Wood and Shannon Strunk. RNR franchisee Gulf Coast L&P, LLP took home RNR's "2010 Franchise of the Year" award at ... Premier Wraps Up Best-Ever Annual Convention The Premier Companies annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona last week was unprecedented with events and surprises for its attendees at every turn. Activities that were equaled only by an exquisite setting at the Wild Horse Pass Resort included a tribal blessing at the opening of the general session, generous ... High Touch goes mobile: helps businesses streamline, connect with customers First there was email, then came Web sites, then social media. And if you're business is up to speed on all those fronts, High Touch technology is helping clients prepare for the next trend in the way business gets done -- mobile technology. And High Touch is wasting no ... Larry Sutton and his 10 year reflection on RNR APRO’s RTO Today took the opportunity to speak with RNR franchise owner, Larry Sutton, to reflect on 10 years growing his business into one of the biggest wheel and tire business in the country. Here’s what he had to say. Tell us about the last 10 years ... RNR recognizes the best of 2010 David Benedict (l), RNR Manager of the Year 2010 with RNR franchise owner Larry Sutton. RNR Custom Wheels and Tires Franchise owner Larry Sutton hosted the company's annual award banquet in his usual lively manner Wednesday evening, Jan. 19. The event celebrated the RNR stars of the past year. ... Kinnear is Premier 2010 Rental Dealer of the Year Premier's 2010 Rental Dealer of the year, Scott Kinnear. Scott Kinnear, an 18-year RTO veteran, is the Premier Company's 2010 Rental Dealer of the Year. He was named last night at a special awards banquet that concludes Premier's annual convention in Chandler, Arizona this week. Kinnear owns two Premier ... Buddy's passes 100 mark with acquisition, new openings Terry Beville and Jamie Slatton of Buddy's. With the acquisition and conversion of former Rent Max locations in the Tampa Bay area and a new opening this week in Pryor, Oklahoma, Buddy’s Home Furnishings has surpassed the century mark with a total of 103 locations. “Right now ... Serta comfortor giveaway begins Feb. 1 Serta is pleased to announce the return of the Serta’s First Quarter 2011 National Marketing Comforter Event. Last year was such a success we’re doing it again in the First Quarter of 2011. Never before has a Mattress Manufacturer offered an event like this that gives RTO ... RNR General Session: "We haven't even started yet" RNR VP of Franchising, Vince Ficarrota. The 2011 Rent n Roll Annual Franchise Meeting in Tampa started off with owner Larry Sutton telling a story paralleling the positive vision of the wheel and tire franchise. The lesson he evoked was “we haven’t even started yet”. Sutton uses ... Premier, Rent-N-Roll kick off conventions Two of rent-to-own's largest franchise companies Premier and RNR Custom Wheels and Tires kick off annual conventions this week. Premier Companies Annual 2011 Convention began yesterday at scenic Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona opening with a golf outing at the World Wind Golf Club. Attendees will look forward ... Strong line up for The Premier Companies Annual Convention in Phoenix Dealers at The Premier Companies 2011 Annual Convention next week will find it tough to choose which Breakout Sessions to attend. The line-up is rich with business gurus, successful dealers, and longtime Premier vendors. They will present on hot topics such as Maximizing Marketing Dollars, Guerilla Marketing, and Managing ... D&H has the TVs and appliances to meet Super Bowl party needs Rental Items like LED and 3D HDTVs, Wine Fridges, Elaborate Drink Blenders and More Round-out an Extensive Portfolio for Renters Who are Looking to Throw a Super Bowl Blow-Out — Football fans across the country will soon be gearing-up for Super Bowl XLV on February 6. North American computer ... Waterbury ColorTyme outfits youth safe home Steve Dwyer Steve Dwyer and his team at the ColorTyme in Waterbury, Conn. have been devoted advocates of the Waterbury Youth Services System (WYSS) since 2008. Kicking off another year of support, Dwyer and his staff recently donated lobby furniture for the organization’s new office building and provided ... APRO Scholarship winner accepted to Auburn University Evan Carter Howell isn't one to tread lightly into post-secondary education. Evan Carter Howell Now entering his fourth semester at Faulkner State Community College, and assisted by an APRO scholarship, Howell received an acceptance letter from Auburn University last week. Realization of that goal will power the 19-year old ... RTO inspired inventor turns up heat on bed bugs Bed bugs' worst nightmare: the Bug Out Thermal Extermination System, a new invention from Premier dealer Mike Frye. A simple Google search for "bed bug solutions" yields a plethora of results from options involving various combinations of bug sniffing dogs, specially designed mattress covers and heavy duty pesticides ... ColorTyme sends customer to the Big Game ColorTyme Big Tyme Big Game winner Kathryn Flores. It is a dream come true for Kathryn Flores of Wharton, Texas to be announced winner of the ColorTyme Big Tyme Big Game Giveaway. Flores, whose name was drawn randomly from hundreds of entries, wins a trip for two to the ... Jay Roberts leaves National TV Sales to begin consulting firm Jay Roberts Long-time National TV Sales & Rental VP of Operations Jay Roberts today, left the company to establish his own RTO consulting firm, J.B. Roberts & Associates. His first client? National TV Sales & Rental of course. Roberts, a 30-year rent to own industry veteran who has ... Ashley Furniture HomeStores donates $300K to local charities Louisville-based KHF Holdings – A locally owned and operated parent company of four Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Louisville and Indianapolis – took the spirit of giving to new heights in 2010 by generously donating over $300,000 in cash, product and volunteer hours to nearly 80 local charitable organizations. ... RTO franchise meetings ramp up in January Three of rent-to-own's largest franchise companies -- Premier, RNR Custom Wheels and Tires and ColorTyme -- will ring in the new year with annual conventions and business meetings this month. Events kick off with the Premier Companies Annual 2011 Convention, Jan. 17-19, at the scenic Wild Horse Pass in ... Rent One Annual Meeting registration deadline Jan. 17 Rent One's Annual Managers Meeting kicks off Feb. 8-9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in O’Fallon, Illinois and those wishing to attend are encouraged to register by Jan. 17. This year’s key note address will be given by Jeremiah Wilson. Wilson is a sought after speaker, delivering ... Rent King employees donate $2,500 to local charity L to R: Kristina Smallwood - Rent King's Director of Marketing, Katelyn Smallwood,Tim Marks - President of Metropolitan Ministries and Rent King Controller Sharon Tomaszewski. For the sixth year in a row, Rent King employees provided a generous donation to Tampa-based Metropolitan Ministries. For over 38 years, Metropolitan ... Nalley Truck Among Sponsors for The Premier Companies 2011 Convention Sponsors like Michelle Dunning of Nalley Truck, are signing up in record numbers to participate at the annual convention of The Premier Companies Jan. 17 -19 at The Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, Arizona. A longtime supporter of Premier, Dunning has been to every Premier dealer gathering since ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine available The November-December issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine is hitting rent to own home offices around the country this week and features a plethora of information including an analysis of the new health care law, a run down of the top RTO software companies and a public relations checklist to ... Carrico named Ronald McDonald House Chair Larry Carrico Larry Carrico, CEO of SKC Enterprises in Mt. Vernon, is the new chairman of the board of directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis. “The Ronald McDonald House is a fantastic organization,” Carrico said. “We have co-workers and clients who live ... Rent-A-Center acquires The Rental Store Rent-A-Center the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, Wednesday announced the acquisition of The Rental Store (TRS), a Scottsdale, Arizona-based company that operates 145 rent to own kiosk location through third-party retail furniture and electronics stores. The Company acquired TRS for $75.5 million on a debt free basis, using a ... Rent-A-Center sponsors Super Bowl special, donates furnishings to Brees Foundation L to R: Rent-A-Center's Chief Marketing Officer Ann Davids, Drew Brees and Brees Dream Foundation Board Member Chris Stuart. Rent-A-Center Wednesday, sponsored an hour long Super Bowl special in New Orleans featuring New Orleans Saints quarterback and city philanhopist Drew Brees. After the shoot, company executives surprised the Super ... Local ColorTyme teams up to provide food for local charity The ColorTyme rent-to-own franchise in Lexington and its neighboring grocer, Save-A-Lot, recently joined to spread goodwill for the holidays. Thanks to their partnership, ColorTyme delivered approximately 6,000 pounds of donated food to The Nest, a non-profit center for women, children and families. Happy to have been a part ... Rent-A-Center announces cash dividend for the first quarter of 2011 Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced its Board of Directors has declared a $0.06 per share cash dividend for the first quarter of 2011 to be paid to the Company's common stockholders. The dividend will be paid on Jan. 26, 2011 to common stockholders of record ... Sharon Hill ColorTyme announces giveaway winner Sharon Hill Store Manager Angelo Lee (l) awards winner plasma TV winner Daryl Booker. It was an exciting day for a local rent-to-own store and particularly for one lucky customer. Daryl Booker of Sharon Hill was recently drawn as the winner of a new LG 50-inch plasma TV in ... Aaron's survey finds nearly half of Americans would choose computer or TV over bed According to the results of a recent survey sponsored by Aaron's, Inc., a large percentage of Americans, 42 percent, responded that they would give up their bed before giving up their computer or television. While the majority, 58 percent, would still choose a good night's sleep over entertainment, the ... Premier dealer convention registration deadline tomorrow The 2011 Premier Dealer Convention Jan. 17 - 19 at the Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, Arizona is less than one month away. The Premier Companies Convention Team is excited in anticipation of this upcoming event. Larkin Mott has planned yet another year of fun & surprises at ... Holiday gifts come early for TRIB Group members The TRIB Group staff and board of directors announced today that all members in good standing are being mailed a $400 one-time distribution check. The first ever announcement came after one of the most successful years in TRIB's history. 2010 saw TRIB host a record breaking convention and an ... Premier Auto By Rent wraps year with new franchises Wayne Lewis, President of Premier Auto by Rent (PABR) announced this week the opening of a new store in Joplin, Missouri and the anticipated opening of a new store in Rolla in January. This comes on the heels of exciting news last summer when PABR was named among the ... RentDirect announces new marketing program RentDirect Nationwide, a division of Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) and the rent-to-own industry’s largest buying and marketing organization, announced its partnership with Banner Marketing . For more than 25 years, Banner Marketing has managed retail and rent-to-own marketing programs for dealers and manufacturers. Banner’s new partnership with rent-to-own’... RentDirect Announces New Marketing Program RentDirect Nationwide, a division of Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) and the rent-to-own industry’s largest buying and marketing organization, announced its partnership with Banner Marketing. For more than 25 years, Banner Marketing has managed retail and rent-to-own marketing programs for dealers and manufacturers. Banner’s new partnership with rent-to-own’... Aaron's Outdoors Signs With Versus, Fox Sports South Aaron's Outdoors, the outdoor family show produced by lease-to-own retailer Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), will move its programming to the Versus cable channel on December 30, 2010, reaching 77 million homes. The show will also launch on Fox Sports South on January 1, 2011, reaching an additional 11 million ... National TV Sales honors employees at annual awards banquet National TV Sales and Rental's 2010 Manager of the Year Tom Welshimer (center) with company owners Kathy and Mark Windsor. 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 ... Buddy's customer appreciation draws more than 1,000 "Wrestlemania" Buddy's Style 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. Entertainment was provided by the Florida Championship Wrestlers, Tampa Bay Storm, Sponge Bob. Witnesses report Santa Clause was also present ... easyhome provides revised NY rental agreement for APRO members When New York enacted the nation's strictest RTO law this August, the New York State Rental Dealers Association met to get in line with the new requirements. It was at that meeting that easyhome U.S. representatives Mark Feldbauer and John Natale pitched the idea to share their company's ... Rent One health initiatives inspire 40 to kick the habit More than 40 Rent One smokers snuffed the habit this year as part of Mt. Vernon, Illinois-based Rent One's ramped up Health and Wellness Program, improving their quality of life and work performance. After learning that more than 48 percent of his Rent One employees smoked, company owner Larry ... Premier announces record sponsorship for 2011 convention The Premier Companies announced today that a record number of Vendor Sponsors will be participating in the 2011 Premier National Convention. The convention is being held January 17th -19 at The Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, Arizona. Premier’s Franchise/Vendor Liaison, John Darden, made the announcement today. “... Leading Edge Technology hosts reception at CES Leading Edge Technology (LET), formerly Silko Radio, is hosting an "invitation only" reception at the Penthouse Suite at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas Jan. 6-8, 2011 during the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. "We'll be introducing our home theatre system, the Cinematik Entertainment Cabinet, and our ... Aaron's announces shareholder stock conversion Aaron's today announced that its shareholders have approved the conversion of its non-voting Common Stock into voting Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis effective Dec. 10, 2010 The conversion was approved by a majority of the holders of both the Company's Common Stock and Class A Common ... North East Rental Dealers Association donates $5,000 to children's hospital L to R: Ray Bird, Al Coelho (ColorTyme franchisees), Mark Anderson (FasTrack Rent to Own) Mark Key, (SEI Aaron’s). ColorTyme manager Al Coelho is again running in the Boston Marathon in 2011 in a fundraising effort that last year netted more than $14,000 for Children's Hospital of ... North East Rental Dealers Association donates $5,000 to children's hospital L to R: Ray Bird, Al Coelho (ColorTyme franchisees), Mark Anderson (FasTrack Rent to Own) Mark Key, (SEI Aaron’s franchise). ColorTyme manager Al Coelho is again running in the Boston Marathon in 2011 in a fundraising effort that last year netted more than $14,000 for Children's Hospital ... easyhome franchisee opens third store in Arizona Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces franchisee, easyphoenix, LLC, has opened their third easyhome franchise store in Arizona in Phoenix. The store had their grand opening on December 4 at 7502 West Thomas Road in the Desert Sky Palms Shopping Center. easyphoenix, LLC is a relatively ... KHF Holdings kicks off angel tree program Chris Caprio Chris Caprio, CEO of Louisville-based KHF Holdings -- the parent company of four Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Louisville and Indianapolis -- kicked off the holiday season by once again initiating the "Angel Tree" program in which he hopes to help bring the Christmas spirit to more ... Ashley Furniture HomeStores support toys for tots and NORWESCAP In the month of December, Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Morris County/Ledgewood, New Jersey, will donate $25 to Toys for Tots with every “bonus buy” that customers purchase and for every $25 down payment customers make when they finance their furniture. The goal of Toys for Tots is to ... Online registration opens for PrimeTime! buying show and conference Registration is now open for PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide. The event will be held on February 20-23, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada at The Venetian. PrimeTime! is North America’s largest buying show and conference for appliance, electronics and furniture independent dealers. ... Twin Falls ColorTyme re-opens The neighborhood rent-to-own store once familiar to residents is back in business in Twin Falls, Idaho. ColorTyme recently returned to the community after closing in 2005. Franchise Owner Jennifer Corrao promises to build on ColorTyme’s strong legacy giving customers an even better in-store experience and, as always, a ... ColorTyme moves into Montgomery The wait for a locally owned and operated rent-to-own store in Montgomery, Alabama has finally come to an end. Eddie Edwards and local resident Derrick Vinson recently opened the doors to ColorTyme, a trusted 30-year-old franchise brand. “Montgomery has a special place in my heart because it’s ... TRIB Group announces "Magic at the Summit" convention details The 2011 TRIB Group Annual Convention & Buy Fair will be held February 20-23, 2011 at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. This year’s theme, "Magic at the Summit", is is a reflection on the host hotel which boasts 2,000 rooms and a world-class convention ... Blue Ribbon is Ohio RTO Champ RTO "Superbell" awarded to Blue Ribbon Rentals in Ohio "customer gain" contest. Blue Ribbon Rentals eclipsed Countryside Rent To Own last week in the country's only Independent rent to own company face-off for new customers. Last week's "RTO Super Bowl" capped two weeks of heated competition ... Global marketing guru to speak at Premier Convention Kelly McDonald, a global marketing and advertising expert and author, will be featured as a keynote speaker in January at The Premier Companies annual convention in Phoenix. Her topic, “Relating, Not Translating: How to Market to U.S. Latinos” will address the “Latinization of America” and how ... Bestway expands into Midwest, buys Home Express Stores Bestway VP Benny Check (L) and Jesse Fraley, new Bestway district manager, formerly of Home Express. Dallas-based Bestway Rent To Own grew its store count by 10 percent last week after inking a deal that secured purchase of all eight free-standing Home Express Sales and Lease stores in Kentucky ... Rent One, local group help brighten holidays for troops overseas JCOIF Committee members showing off one of the $800 gift cards troops will receive this holiday season. For the seventh year in a row the Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom Committee (JCOIF) is showing support for local troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last week JCOIF committee members purchased ... Hillsboro Franchise hosts charitable events through December Employees at the Hillsboro ColorTyme store are doing their part to spread cheer to those in need this holiday season. Continuing yearly traditions, ColorTyme will collect turkeys for charity and support a local event for kids. To give thanks to customers and feed the hungry during the holidays, ColorTyme ... Meister-Hughes opens new ColorTyme in Hemet With success from their Temecula location, Franchisees Tim and Cindy Meister and Gary Hughes recently opened the doors to their second ColorTyme store in Hemet, Calif. To celebrate the grand opening of the new rent-to-own franchise, visitors will be entered to win their choice of a free living room ... APRO speaker Kelly McDonald featured on CNBC Click to watch interview with Kelly McDonald. APRO speaker Kelly McDonald of McDonald Marketing, was recently interviewed on CNBC as an expert on the car industry's efforts to market to women. McDonald was a guest speaker at both the 2009 and 2010 APRO Convention and Buying Show where she ... Mac Motion names Meaut RTO coordinator Mac Motion Chairs, the manufacturer and importer of brand 2 piece recliners, has named Gidget Meaut & Associates as their Rent to Own Coordinator. Meaut, who has been actively involved in the Rent to Own industry for 10 years, has brought a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this ... Franchisee opens second easyhome in Oklahoma City Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces franchisee has opened their second easyhome franchise store in the Oklahoma City area in Warr Acres. The store had their grand opening on Nov. 13 at 3800 N. MacArthur Boulevard in the MacArthur Shopping Center. Mr. Gates stated, “We ... Blue Ribbon, Countryside to battle for Ohio Four Ohio Independent RTO companies got back or attracted hundreds of new customers last week through good old fashioned guerilla marketing in the first and final round of match-ups prior to the first ever Ohio RTO Super Bowl Thanksgiving week. Blue Ribbon Rental will face off against Countryside Rent ... Rent One's Shelton wins 2010 Glen Shepard Award Gina Shelton Gina Shelton of Rent One in Vincennes, Indiana, recently won the 2010 Glenn Shepard Award for Excellence in Management & Leadership. Nominations came from as far away as Canada and California, but she was unanimously voted the winner. In recognition of her achievement, Shelton will be presented ... Carrico honored by Illinois health association for school fitness efforts Larry Carrico presenting "Fitnessgram" participants with gold thank you coins last year. Rent One owner Larry Carrico will be honored Thursday Nov. 18 by the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) for his work to implement a fitness program for Mt. Vernon District 80. ... Moodys Celebrate Anniversary of Premier Rental-Purchase Store in Tuscaloosa. Chad Moody. Brothers Chad and Jeffery Moody are celebrating the first anniversary of their second Premier Rental-Purchase store this month in Tuscaloosa, Al. It was always part of the plan to open another store since they debuted in Columbus, Miss. in mid 2008, and according to Jeffery it happened ... RTO Pro Software adds SMS texting RTO Pro Software, one of the rent-to-own industry's leading Windows-based management system serving over 1050 stores, announces new integrated SMS texting to customers functionality. "Store owners and managers tell us, more rental customers respond and reply to text messages which are less intrusive than phone calls," reports ... Ray of Easy Rental dies J. Darren Ray, 49, operations manager for the Miami market of Georgia-based Easy Rental, died of a heart attack Friday Nov. 5. A former police officer, Ray joined Easy Rental in 1995 as a delivery specialist. He became operations manager for the company's Miami market in 2000 where he ... Credit Unions must consider "alternative credit" information Trycera Financial a diversified financial services company, announced today that it received a legal opinion from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) stating that when making a creditworthiness determination, Federal Credit Unions (FCUs) must consider information presented by a member that is not included in a traditional credit report. ... Ohio's largest RTO indies go head-to-head in Q4 smackdown For 51 weeks out of the year Countryside and Showplace Rent-To-Own owners Mike Tissot and Gary Ferriman play nice. They joke, they laugh, they chat. But for one week in the fourth quarter, the gloves come off and friends turn rivals. This week kicks off the fourth annual RTO ... Louisville Ashley Furniture HomeStores Receive Better Business Bureau ethics award Chris Caprio The Better Business Bureau recently announced Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Louisville, operated by KHF Holdings, LLC, is the winner of its 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in the small business category. The Torch Award is the result of years of conscientious efforts from the Ashley Furniture ... Rent One Managers Meeting set for February Rent One is once again hosting a two-day meeting to kick off the company's New Year Feb. 8th and 9th at the Hilton Garden Inn in O’Fallon, Illinois. This year’s Key Note address will feature Jeremiah Wilson, a highly sought after motivational speaker, who delivers keynote addresses ... BrightHouse on track to reach goal of 650 stores UK rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse today revealed that it was on track to achieve its long term goal of opening 650 shops nationwide as it delivered a "resilient" half year performance, according to The Yorkshire Post. The company, which sells laptops, televisions and sofas to customers who pay for ... Baber's success is a family affair Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk. Baber's is a $30 million, Pascagoula-based business that has built its success by operating as a family, declares a recent article in the Sun Herald which covers Biloxi-Gulfport and South Mississippi. The company's story began in 1959 when James Baber opened a Firestone store ... RTO industry vet Hugh Duncan of Welton dies Hugh Duncan formerly of Welton USA. Long time Welton USA salesman and WWII Veteran Hugh Duncan, 85, died on Oct. 28 at the Owensboro Medical Health System in Owensboro, Kentucky. Duncan began his career in consumer electronics in 1972 at Morse Electrophonic alongside men he would eventually work with ... Baber's Q4 managers meeting a success Ashley Furniture Vendor Gary Jones teaches Baber’s manager Mike Lepre how remove the sofa rails for an easy move. Mississippi-based RTO indie, Baber's, gathered together district managers and the rest of the company's management team at Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, Miss. this week for its annual ... Fed to buy $600 billion in debt to spur economy The Federal Reserve announced a second, large purchase of Treasury bonds on Wednesday in an effort to spur economic growth by lowering long-term interest rates though some fear the move could spur "long-term" inflation. The New York Times reports that while the Fed has been signaling that it ... ColorTyme arrives in Winston-Salem Winston-Salem is the latest home for ColorTyme, a rent-to-own franchise featuring name-brand appliances, furniture and electronics. Franchising partners Zach Routh and Steve Dami intend to give residents a fresh rental experience by promoting a hometown atmosphere and providing high-end merchandise at affordable prices. “We want to give the ... ColorTyme Halloween celebration a treat for all It was the first time the local rent-to-own franchise celebrated Halloween, but it certainly will not be the last. The ColorTyme of Corsicana, Texas recently drew a crowd inside and outside of the store with family-friendly festivities. Kicking things off Oct. 30, the store hosted a Halloween party for ... New partnership with Tailbase expands Web site solutions for rental dealers Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, the largest buying and marketing organization representing thousands of appliance, electronics and furniture dealers; announced their new partnership with Tailbase, one of North America’s leading web developers for retailers and manufacturers. “Our organization represents dealers who own one ... Aaron's promotes John T. Trainor to VP chief information officer Atlanta-based Aaron's today, announced that John T. Trainor has been promoted to Vice President, Chief Information Officer. "John has been instrumental in the Company's success over the last 11 years and has earned this promotion," said Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Aaron's, ... Aaron's raises dividend for fifth year Aaron's, the nation's second largest rent to own sales and lease operator specializing in residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances today announced that its quarterly dividend rate has been raised to $.013 per share. The Board of Directors of Aaron's, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of ... Louisiana Rental dealers meeting Nov. 9-10 Around 40 rent to own dealers are headed to the Paragon Casino in Marksville Nov. 9-10 for the Louisiana Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting where participants will elect officers and participate in roundtable discussions of pertinent rent to own issues. LRDA President Byron Blanchard of Quality Furniture and Appliance, ... Rent-A-Center announces pricing of $300 million offering of 6.5% senior unsecured notes due 2020 Rent-A-Center today announced that it has priced a private offering of $300 million of senior unsecured notes due 2020, which will bear interest at a rate of 6 5/8% per annum. The Company intends to use $200 million of the net proceeds from the offering to repay term loans ... Furniture Smart levels playing field for independents Bill Caples of Twin Star and Bill Bazemore of Furniture Smart, the furniture division of Nationwide Marketing Group, last week at the High Point Furniture Market. Furniture Smart, a division of Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), the largest buying and marketing organization serving thousands of independent dealers across the country, ... Rent-A-Center hosts first "Investor Day" Rent-A-Center today announced it will hold its first ever Investor Day in New York City next week on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. At the meeting, Rent-A-Center's management team will provide a detailed overview of the company and its business objectives, and discuss key strategic initiatives and financial highlights. The ... FRDA coordinates TV donation to Ronald McDonald House in Tampa FRDA and Aaron's representatives with with Janice Davis, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. On October 14, representatives from Aaron’s Southeastern Operations team and Florida Rental Dealers Association delivered 11 42 inch LCD TVs to a Ronald McDonald House in Tampa, FL. “Back in ... Aaron's announces Q3 results Aaron's Inc. today announced revenues and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. For the third quarter of 2010, revenues increased 9% to $452.2 million compared to $415.3 million for the same period last year. Net earnings rose 6% to $26.2 million ... Rent-A-Center reports Q3 results Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today released its results for the third quarter 2010. Total revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, were $664.6 million, a decrease of $6.7 million from total revenues of $671.3 million for the same period in the prior year. ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine looks at "potential customer" perceptions In this issue, APRO’s Public Affairs Director Richard May reports on the initial results of our latest Potential Rent-to-Own Customer Survey, conducted this past summer by Trenholm Research Group. You’ll be surprised by the wide gap of perceptions between our customers and non-customers—what they understand, and ... ColorTyme spreads goodwill in Sharon Hill Two local franchisees have done more than make a promise to offer the best rent-to-own products with the best service in town; they’ve also made a commitment to the community. Scott McHale and Harry Pappas III, owners of the new ColorTyme, demonstrate another meaning to customer service with ... APRO members receive 'Potential Customer' survey results APRO member companies today received the official summary of APRO's latest "Potential Customer" study -- a trove of information on how rent to own dealers can better reach the approximately 50 million people that fit the RTO demographic but have not yet utilized the transaction. The full study, ... Rent One employees help spearhead new mentorship program in Jefferson County When the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters ceased operations in Jefferson County, Rent One's David Keen and Mark Williams went to work getting another mentorship program, Mentors 4 Kids, tapped into the local scene. "Mark had been on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors ... IRDA elects officers, welcomes state senator More than 40 rent to own professionals turned out for the Illinois Rental Dealers Association Annual meeting at the Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center in Springfield last week where members heard informative talks by industry leaders and enjoyed a special appearance from Illinois State Sen. Larry Bomke. Elected ... Nationwide Marketing Group represents indies at 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner Meeting Last week, Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), the largest buying and marketing organization for appliance, electronics and furniture independent retailers and parent company to RentDirect Nationwide, represented the independent channel at the 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner Meeting held in Denver, Colorado. According to ENERGY STAR, partners and industry leaders gathered ... Oklahoma's dealer goes over the edge for Special Olympics Oklahoma Come Saturday Oct. 16 newly re-elected Oklahoma Rental Dealer President Randy Braucher will take the elevator to the 19th floor of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa as part of his fundraising pact with Special Olympics Oklahoma. But that's the easy part. The second part of the ... Oklahoma dealers elect officers Re-elected Oklahoma Rental Dealer Association President Randy Braucher. Close to 30 rent to own industry professionals turned out Wednesday for the Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association annual meeting Wednesday at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa where they elected officers and received timely updates on industry issues. "I was ... Oklahoma dealers head to Tulsa for annual meeting The Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association hosts its annual meeting today at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa where association president Randy Braucher is expecting more than a dozen rental companies. Oklahoma Lobbyist Steve Kelly will provide dealers with a state legislative update and Dennis Willich, whose organization -- Nationwide ... ColorTyme franchisee gives thanks during Hispanic Heritage Month In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, ColorTyme Franchisee Ray Bird recently took to the airwaves to show his appreciation to the Hispanic community. Bird’s radio announcement combined with further efforts to give back earned ColorTyme the title of “Business of the Week” by the Hispanic publication Providence ... TARA wraps convention with trade show Glenn Davis of Silko Radio and Jeff White of Rent One at TARA's Southwest Buying Show Monday. The Texas Association of Rental Agencies wrapped its 27th annual convention with an info-packed membership meeting featuring key industry speakers followed by a buying show where dozens of exhibitors met face to ... Texas rental dealers gather for TARA's 27th TARA President William McCrae presents the association's 2010 Most Improved State Association Award to TARA Executive Director Scott Pospisil. 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, ... Veteran dealer, industry supporter dies Robert L. Moody, an 18-year APRO member and general manager of Rentown, died Thursday, Oct. 7. Moody ran the 10-store Statesboro, Georgia-based rent to own company which consisted of 10 stores, all within the state. Rentown first opened its doors in 1991. Obituary is as follows: Statesboro/Glennville - Robert ... Premier Rental Purchase reaches out to Jacksonville, Florida community Premier dealer Mike Zagar Premier Rental-Purchase in Jacksonville, Fla. recently gave away a 50” TV as part of a “better things in life” Snapple promotion. Participating gas stations around Jacksonville and radio station 96.9 The Eagle partnered with Premier to run the campaign and offer drawing entries ... FRDA closes annual meeting, names employee of the year L to R: Chris Kale, FRDA 2010 Employee of the Year Henry Zenteno, Paul Schaller and Larry Pividal. Rental dealers from 17 companies across Florida packed meeting rooms at the Sheraton Suites Hotel in Tampa, Tuesday for the final events of the Florida Rental Dealers Association Annual Meeting where ... FRDA kicks off annual meeting with "Slats" tourney FRDA 2010 "Slats" Tourney winning team: (l to r) Danny Swafford, Robert Swafford, Jamie Slatton and Kenny Roop. The four man team of Danny Swafford, Robert Swafford, Jamie Slatton and Kenny Roop took home first place in the Florida Rental Dealers Association Annual Norman "Slats" Golf Memorial ... easyhome opens in Ft. Smith, AR Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces easyhome opening its doors in Fort Smith, AR. The store’s grand opening was October 2nd at 5609 Rogers Avenue. Mr. Gates stated, “We have received a great response. The residents of Fort Smith are excited about easyhome being ... FRDA kicks off annual meeting with "Slats" golf tourney The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) kicks off its annual meeting today at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Westshore Airport in Tampa with its popular networking events including a golf tournament and 'casino night' prior to a jam packed meeting slated for Tuesday. More than 100 attendees from 17 rent ... Consumer spending beats expectations Consumer spending in the U.S. rose more than expected in August, bolstering the Federal Reserve’s forecast that the U.S. economy will continue expanding at a “modest” pace. Purchases rose 0.4 percent for a second month, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The gain ... RTO Pro Software central server version due Dec. 2010 RTO Pro Software, the Rent-To-Own Industry's leading Windows-based management system serving over 1050 RTO locations, announced it has begunbeta testing its long-sought-after Central Server version which is expected to be released Dec. 1. "This is our most advanced version of RTO Pro to date andanother example of how ... Arkansas dealers build momentum at annual meeting Around 17 Arkansas rental dealers from across the state met to re-organize their state association and elect new officers Sept. 15 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dealers elected a new president Shane Carver (Don's E-Z Pay), vice president, Tim Daughtery (Rent One), treasurer, Rhonda Weatherford ... Consumer confidence in economy, tech climbs in September Consumer confidence in the economy climbed more than five points in September, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. Confidence in consumer electronics rose slightly, by more than one point, as well. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) rose more than five ... MRDA fall training kicks off in St. Louis Wednesday MRDA's annual "free-to-members" fall training event kicks off this Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza hotel at the St. Louis Airport. The one-day training event this year will feature training seminars led by top industry vendors including Hewlett Packard, Mitsubishi, Simmons and Whirlpool. Last year 150 area rent-to-own professionals ... Almo product catalog now in print and digital formats Almo Corporation, the major national consumer electronics and appliance distributor, announced the release of their annual full-line electronics catalog in both print and digital formats. This product packed tool offers their dealers a better way to visualize and share product information with their sales teams and customers. “Almo’... Franchisee opens second easyhome store in Arizona Wichita, KS, September 27, 2010: Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces franchisee, easyphoenix, LLC, has opened their second easyhome franchise store in Arizona in Glendale. The store had their grand opening on September 25 at 5838 N. 43rd Ave. in the Fry’s Plaza Shopping Center. ... Rent One promotes McGovern to VP of Information Systems Rent One President Trent Agin, Lori McGovern, Rent One Owner Larry Carrico and Rent One VP Murray Beck. Mt. Vernon, Illinois-based Rent One today, announced the promotion of long-term employee Lori McGovern to the position of Vice President of Information Systems. McGovern began her career at Rent One in ... Training is key to Midwest Expo success ORDA President Scott Kinnear with Jewell Dalton of DSI Systems. The 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 ... New York dealers prepare for new law, focus on customers The New York State Rental Dealers Association Thursday, kicked off it's annual dealers meeting at the Turnings Stone Casino and Resort in Verona New York, drawing close to 50 attendees representing a dozen rental and dealer companies. The meeting follows closely on the heels of a new rent to ... Franchisee opens third RimTyme store Franchisee David Deignan recently opened another RimTyme in Georgia; this time it’s in the city of Columbus. The new store makes Deignan’s third custom-wheels-and-tires franchise with other locations in Macon and Warner Robins. “Opening our doors in Columbus is exciting because we get to show people ... Bestway wraps managers meeting with awards banquet Bestway's 2010 'Profit King' C.D. Bell, center, surrounded by fellow Bestway high performing managers at the company's awards banquet Wednesday. Bestway Rent-To-Own closed out its 2010 annual managers meeting at Hilton Head, South Carolina Wednesday, with an awards brunch celebrating district and store managers of the company's highest ... 'Building Culture' with Bestway CEO David Kraemer David Kraemer is not the kind of CEO who says "jump" and expects other to say "how high"? In fact, he openly engages his managers, friends and associates in the kind of verbal swordplay meant to leave the best idea standing whether the topic be sports, ... Bestway goes pink for breast cancer awareness, fundraising event Bestway CFO Beth Durrett at Bestway's Annual Managers Meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Bestway Rent To Own CFO Beth Durrett is determined to make an impact in the search for a cure for cancer. With the support of her company and some loyal vendors, this year will likely ... Rent-A-Center donates laptops to Buffalo students in "Random Act of Caring" (L-R) Evan Manley, Rent-A-Center regional director,, is joined by students who won the computers, a mother of a winning student and Mayor Bryon W. Brown at the Reading Rules! 2010 Kids Summer Reading Challenge awards ceremony. In recognition of National Literacy Month, Rent-A-Center employees this week, joined Buffalo Mayor ... easyhome announces third franchise package winner In October, 2009, easyhome launched the “Be A Contender” program to provide the industry’s top operators a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a franchise financing package. Candidates submitted complete business plans and a rigorous screening process narrowed the field to some of the best operators in the U.... Bestway's District 3 is two-time "Knowledge Bowl" Champ Two time Bestway 'Knowledge Bowl' champs: District Three. Bestway CEO David Kraemer far right. (See complete identification below.) Bestway Rent To Own's District Three -- 'The Eight Profiteers' -- again took home the $5,000 top prize in the company's annual jeopardy-style face off Monday at the scenic ... Buddy's hits 100 stores as company cruise sets sail Joe Gazzo, Terry Beville, Amy Slatton and Jamie Slatton. Buddy's Home Furnishings President Joe Gazzo Friday, opened the company's Bahamas cruise with an announcement the 50-year old RTO indie now claims signage on 100 stores. Hitting the 100 mark came as a result of the recent conversion of Tampa-staple ... Arkansas team wins Rent One's first (DT) rodeo Rent One VP Sales and Marketing Mark Williams, DT Rodeo winners Wade Clonigner and Jacob Palmer, Rent One President Trent Agin, VP of Operations Murray Beck. This may not be Rent One's first rodeo. But is WAS the company's first "Delivery Technician Rodeo." In a friendly intra-company ... Show-Me Rent to Own hosts company picnic 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. Around 75 guests participated in the Carnival themed event with catered carnival food from PRI Catering plus funnel cakes, snow cones, cotton candy. Activities included ... Buddy's, Bestway and Midwest Expo kickoff annual events Annual rent to own events abound next week as the nation's two largest independent RTO companies host scenic company meetings and companies from multiple states convene for the country's largest regional rent to own training expo in Columbus, Ohio. Buddy's: Tampa-based Buddy’s Home Furnishings is bringing back an ... Buddy's West Texas group opens new franchise store Buddy's Home Furnishings Franchise Owner/Operator Adrian Rosales and the members of the West Texas RTO Ventures Inc. are proud to announce the opening of their 5th store in Anthony, New Mexico. "Our team has done a wonderful job since we opened and have been able to grow our ... Caprio heads ambitious Kentucky RDA agenda KYRDA President Chris Caprio. Elected president of the Kentucky Rental Dealers Association at the APRO Convention this July, Chris Caprio is a 20-year RTO veteran who hopes to turn his experience into good proactive leadership. "Kentucky is a pretty RTO friendly state right now," Caprio says. "... Harry Pappas III and Scott McHale team to open ColorTyme franchise Two franchisees recently set out to improve rent-to-own in Sharon Hill, Pa. by introducing ColorTyme to the area. Harry Pappas III and Scott McHale combined their extensive retail and franchising experience to give residents a better way of doing business. “We believe this store is an opportunity for ... easyhome conference enters training mode, honors top performers Jersey Boys 'easyhome style": L to R David Ingram, President & CEO, Dave Maries, Senior VP, Marketing, Merchandise & Financial Services, Steve Goertz, Senior VP & CFO, Rick Atkinson, Senior VP Development Day two of easyhome’s 2010 National Conference in Niagara Falls, kicked off with several timely ... APRO's Potential Customer survey shows improved industry perception APRO's periodic "Potential Customer Survey" wrapped up Wednesday in St. Louis, mining a trove of information on how to reach the approximately 50 million people that fit the RTO demographic but have not yet utilized the transaction. The full study, conducted by Linda Trenholm of Austin-based Trenholm Research ... Iowa dealers hold 23rd annual meeting Attendees at the Iowa rental dealers meeting Thursday. Around 20 people turned out for the annual meeting of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston, Iowa. The turnout represented some 9 Iowa rent to own companies turned out for the meeting where ... Top Premier dealer to open new San Antonio store Premier dealers Trinidad Rubio, Roy Soto and Brian Clussman. Premier Rental-Purchase partners Roy Soto, Brian Clussman and Trinidad Rubio announced they will open their fifth store in November. This follows their collectively being named Dealer of the Year at the annual convention of The Premier Companies in Orlando, Florida ... RNR focuses on expansion, passenger tire sales Larry Sutton (center) leads an RNR Managers class at the company's HQ in Tampa. After 10 years of offering performance tires and wheels with a rent-to-own option, Rent-N-Roll President Larry Sutton says the company is again growing its franchise network as it bolsters its broadline passenger tire sales. After ... BrightHouse picks up 'Retail Rising' awards BrightHouse the UK’s leading rent-to-own retailer recently picked up the prize for Buyer/Merchandiser of the year and Supply Chain Professional of the Year this week at the Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. The best of the retail industry were ... Teletrack launches new suite of tools for non-traditional lenders CoreLogic, a leading provider of information, analytics and business services, today announced the launch of LeadOptix, an innovative lead quality model, and LendOptix, a credit risk model, from Teletrack Inc., a subsidiary of CoreLogic, Inc. Created for online credit grantors, LeadOptix delivers an objective assessment of applicant identity risk ... easyhome opens National Conference, presents $250K to Boys and Girls Club Debbie Dagley, easyhome's 2010 Customer of the Year with easyhome President & CEO David Ingram. easyhome store managers and Corporate staff gathered at Canada’s leading Casino Resort that sits on the ledge of Niagara Falls Canada, this year for their 2010 Annual Conference. Over 400 employees including managers, ... Lowe's is tops in paid search rankings for appliances Lowe’s Cos. claims the top position in paid search rankings among Appliances merchants according to Internet Retailer’s new 2011 Search Marketing Guide. According to the report, Lowe's amassed 347 total points. Sears Holdings Corp. came in second with 329 points. The Home Depot Inc. (191 points), Oreck ... FRDA kicks off partnership with Ronald McDonald House L to R: Sharon Tomaszewski, FRDA executive director, Janice Davis, executive director and CEO of RMHC Tampa Bay and Chris Kale, FRDA president. The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) this August kicked off a statewide partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Florida with a merchandise donation to the ... American Rental GM David, and company, helps family build home after his is flooded David P. David and Brown County Habitat of Humanity Coordinator Quentin Small. When American Rental General Manager David P. David returned from a brief vacation this August, the comfort of "home" gave way to the anxiety of homelessness in the blink of an eye. A water line had ... Nationwide Marketing Group's membership boost adds $200 million in volume Today Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) announced that recent growth in membership has increased their total sales volume by over $200 million. NMG’s list of new members includes former BrandSource dealers Friedmans Appliance Center of Long Beach, CA; Friedmans of Pleasant Hill, CA; Airport Home Appliance of Northern California ... easyhome announces second franchise winner Matthew Holman, wife Kathy and his son Lane Last year easyhome launched the “Be A Contender” program to provide the industry’s top operators a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a franchise financing package. Candidates submitted complete business plans and a rigorous screening process narrowed the field to some ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine profiles industry's finest By APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, APRO’s 30th anniversary party in Louisville is behind us. For all of you who were there, I know you learned a lot, enjoyed the venue and are now back home with a renewed excitement about rent-to-own. Our seminars at the event were ... California law creates banking districts to avoid industries such as rent-to-own ... EPA enters Bedbug debate According to a recent Associated Press article, the EPA issued a warning regarding the use of certain chemicals to fight the increasing bedbug problem in America. Bedbug infestations have not been this high since the 1950s. Many states where the bedbug infestations have become serious problems have petitioned the ... TRIB Group 'Meeting of the Minds' concludes day two, show floor opens Curt Banigan (Whirlpool) with Frantz Coulanges, Aubre sadler and Dan Singh of Dial Rent to Own. Day two of the popular TRIB Group 'Meeting of the Minds' wrapped Tuesday with a focus on leadership, training and recruiting followed by a full blown buying show co-located with retail buying group ... ColorTyme franchisee contributes to FAPA raffle Bringing together adoptive families, caregivers and members from across the panhandle, the Foster Adoptive Parent Association recently concluded its annual conference in Destin, Fla. ColorTyme Franchisee Richard Pannell showed his support for the organization by donating a laptop computer for the event’s raffle giveaway. “The Foster Adoptive ... Rent-A-Center commits $250,000 to National Hunger Relief Program In challenging economic times when many companies are reducing or curtailing community service initiatives, Rent-A-Center (RAC) is donating $250,000 to food banks across the country in September, national Hunger Action Month. This is part of the national Rent-A-Center Soup to Nuts campaign, designed to help food pantries across ... Baber's Rent-n-Roll makes list of top growing companies Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires out of Pascagoula, MS was named Inc. 5000's list of growing businesses according to GulfLive.com. The business is part of the Baber's Rent to Own chain owned by Shannon and Cynthia Baber-Strunk. The Rent-n-Roll franchise stores which span the southeast were named amongst ... TRIB Group 'Meeting of the Minds' breaks attendance records in Vegas TRIB Boardmember Shannon Strunk (l) takes an order from Premier dealer Wally Landmesser (#28) while Tony Battaglia of Blue Ribbon Rentals looks on at TRIB's Hotshow auction Monday. Close to 200 rent to own operators are in Las Vegas this week for TRIB Group’s annual 'Meeting of the ... Cincy is top U.S. bedbug city Online news magazine, the Daily Beast recently published its list of America's top 10 "Most Bedbug Infested Cities" with Ohio cities claiming three spots on the list. The list is as follows: 1. Cincinati, Ohio: "David Ralph Hoffman, owner of Merlin’s Pest Control, says if you ... Beltone honors McCrae William McCrae, APRO (Association of Progressive Renal Organizations) board-member and president of Buzz's Lease Purchase and Sales, received Beltone's prestigious President's Cup Award at the company's annual convention in Chicago this summer. Chicago-based Beltone is one of the largest manufacturers of hearing aids. McCrae has been a Beltone hearing ... TRIB Meeting of the Minds focuses on RTO issues large and small TRIB Group’s signature Meeting of the Minds event begins next week and promises cutting edge dealer-led information and training sessions sure to resonate with today's independent RTO operator. The event will be co-located with Brand’s Source’s National Convention at the Paris/Bally’s Resorts in Las Vegas ... Rent-A-Center outfits Springfield Recovery Center (L-R) Ron Muns, regional director, Rent-A-Center with Ed Battles, executive director, Springfield Turning Point Recovery Center after the Random Acts of Caring donation unveiling ceremony. Rent-A-Center helped strengthen the sense of community for the Springfield Turning Point Recovery Center through the donation of merchandise valued at $5,000 to ... DAC to Release New Store Displays at TRIB Show DAC Products, a leading manufacturer of various retail merchandising fixtures, has announced plans to roll out several new items to their line-up this year at the 2010 TRIB Meeting of the Minds and Buy Fair. These new additions will include: • Freestanding Accessories Display – This four sided display ... Bryce Awards helps business owners reward excellence Savvy business owners are always looking for an edge in a competitive market. Experts agree that regardless of economic trends or company status, rewarding a job well done is always an effective strategy for increasing productivity. Appreciation never goes out of style. Bryce Awards, a division of Bryce Co. ... New Nationwide, Funai partnership strengthens independents' edge Doug Schatz, Vice President of Electronics Merchandising for NMG with Ernie Padalino, President & COO of Funai. At PrimeTime! in National Harbor, Nationwide Marketing Group rolled out their exclusive program with Funai Corporation. The new program will offer Nationwide Members a good, better, best strategy on Funai’s popular ... Easyhome announces first of four franchise winners Shane Birch and wife Karri In October, 2009, easyhome launched the “Be A Contender” program to provide the industry’s top operators a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a franchise financing package. Candidates submitted complete business plans and a rigorous screening process narrowed the field to some of the ... Nationwide Marketing Group Launches New Electronics Recycling Program Last week at the PrimeTime! buying show and conference in National Harbor, Nationwide Marketing Group introduced their new partnership with CExchange that will allow dealers to offer electronics trade-in and recycling to their customers. “It is illegal in most states to throw away electronics into waste,” said ... Baber's wins Tupelo National Buyer Appreciation Award Baber's President Shannon Strunk. Last Friday, Pascagoula-based rent to own company Baber's became the Tupelo Furniture Market's 2010 National Buyer Appreciation Award Winner. Before that, only two of the previous 42 winners hailed from Mississippi. Baber's Inc. became the third Magnolia State winner, getting the coveted award in front ... TRIB Group 'Meeting of the Minds' promises big ideas and big buys TRIB Group’s signature roundtable event, Meeting of the Minds, now with a second Group Buy Fair added, begins next week, Sunday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Sept. 1. The event will be co-located with Brand’s Source’s National Convention at the Paris/Bally’s Resorts in Las Vegas. Registration ... Fanchisee Ray Bird brings ColorTyme back to Woonsocket After a seven-year absence, Woonsocket has a ColorTyme to serve the community thanks to Ray Bird. A rent-to-own franchisee for 20 years, Bird recently opened the doors to his new store – the third including his Providence and Pawtucket, R.I. stores. “Woonsocket is a perfect place for ... Rent One 'Delivery Tech Rodeo' stirs up friendly competition Rent One technicians participated in the company's first ever "Delivery Technician Rodeo" last week, honing install skills and team building across Rent One's seven regions and making the front page of the August 19 edition of The Paragould Daily Press in the process. Delivery technicians competed in seven ... Premier's Frye celebrates five years in business Sandi and Mike Frye. Sandi Frye recently celebrated her fifth year as a Premier Rental-Purchase dealer in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Her RTO career spans nearly two decades, beginning with Rainbow Rentals where she worked up to award-winning management before opening her Premier store. Like many Premier dealers, she has turned ... KLQ golf, auction raise 58 K for local scholarship program Nancy Quinn and daughter Shana Quinn-Watkins celebrate a key shot at the KLQ Golf Tournament in Tacoma Thursday. Around 150 golfers representing a broad range of the rent to own spectrum braved drizzling weather Thursday to participate in the 6th annual Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial Golf Tournament ... Annual KLQ scholarship fundraiser draws loyal RTO participation Mark Windsor, Angela Quinn and Bill French at the Quinn's KLQ Golf Tournament welcome reception Wednesday. 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 ... ColorTyme now open in Lawrence, MA Another ColorTyme recently opened for business in Massachusetts; this time in the city of Lawrence. The store aims to attract customers with an unparalleled level of service and low prices on rent-to-own items including appliances, furniture and electronics. “Customer satisfaction is our top priority. This means giving customers ... PrimeTime! wraps fall show, industry update positive Premier Franchisee Sandi Frye with Premier Companies President/CEO Trooper Earle. PrimeTime! -- Nationwide Marketing Group's (NMG) twice annual conference and buying show -- wrapped up Tuesday at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. More than 2,900 attendees representing some 807 companies (RentDirect: 186 ... Rent King hosts 14th annual company picnic Rent King 2010 winning volleyball team. Rent King held its 14th annual company picnic Sunday, August 15th, at Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, FL. Owners Chris Kale, Larry Pividal and Paul Schaller hosted the event which included a catered barbecue lunch, a DJ, a scavenger hunt for ... High Touch establishes scholarship fund A former Wichita State University graduate (’72, ’79) and President/CEO of High Touch, Inc., Wayne Chambers, along with other leadership team members hosted a reception to honor Wichita State University junior Derek Meyer as the first recipient of the newly-established High Touch Scholarship. The reception was attended ... PrimeTime! attendance exceeds estimates Donna Henshaw and David P. David of American Rental with Tracy Loke of DSI at PrimeTime! Monday. PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) kicked off it's fall conference and buying show Sunday at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. On Monday, NMG officials confirmed ... National TV Sales hosts company picnic National TV Sales and Rental company picnic Sunday. National TV Sales & Rental held its annual company picnic Sunday, August 15 when company president and executive vice president, Mark and Kathy Windsor played host to more than 130 National TV employees, family, and friends over barbecue and a special ... RimTyme employees earn SEMA certification Five RimTyme employees from across the country recently passed the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Z5 Custom Wheel and Tire certification exam. The credential acknowledges Elijah Dickerson, Jeremy Hankins, Robert Blake, Sean Barnes and Taylor Jones as certified installation specialists. The SEMA certification establishes benchmarks for employee knowledge and ... PrimeTime! kicks off new RTO opportunities in Maryland PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) kicked off it's fall conference and buying show Sunday at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The event runs August 15 – August 18. Some 2,800 manufacturers and independent retail and rent to own dealers from across ... ColorTyme franchisee outfits Florida Ronald McDonald House Bill Burgin and Bill Kelly at Ronald McDonald House grand opening Saturday. ColorTyme franchisee Richard Pannell recently answered longtime RTO vendor/sales rep Marty Lebowski's call for donations to The Ronald McDonald House of NW Florida in Pensacola. The 25 year franchise, EBRO International dba ColorTyme donated furniturefor the stunning, ... Thousands expected at PrimeTime! by Nationwide Buying Show and Conference PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) is one of North America’s largest buying shows and conferences for appliance, electronics and furniture for independent dealers. NMG's upcoming show will be held at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center located in National Harbor, Maryland next week August 15 – ... Rent-A-Center names Short new VP of finance reporting Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, Tuesday announced the promotion of Maureen Short to vice president of finance - analytics and reporting. Reporting to Robert Davis, executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer, Short is tasked with helping define and implement the strategic vision for analytics at ... American Rental helps on "Habitat" project Around a dozen American Rental employees are hard at work home building for a needy family in Brown County, Indiana. Construction on the five bedroom home -- which will house a family of 8 -- began off site in nearby Columbus, Indiana. It is being constructed through the Brown ... RAC execs turn ColorTyme franchisees in Dallas Pat Gartland and Dan Eichelberger recently turned their careers from executives to franchisees with the opening of ColorTyme in Dallas. With a combined 32 years working for Rent-A-Center, the duo is pleased to share their passion and sales-and-lease experience with Dallas residents. "Living and working here in Dallas ... Easyhome opens 34th U.S. store New easyhome franchisee, easyphoenix, this weekend, opened its first franchise store in Mesa, Arizona. “The owners in easyphoenix are two of the most experienced and most successful business people I know," said Bud Gates, chairman and CEO of easygates -- the company's francising division, "They have ... S.C. raises RTO late fees The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affair recently raised the amount of late/delinquency charges in rental purchase agreements in the state from $9.20 to $9.60 on monthly accounts and from $5.00 to $5.20 for accounts that pay more frequently than monthly, according to APRO Legal ... NEW VIDEOS: APRO awards banquet videos APRO's Convention and Trade Show is where the industry's outstanding personalities are recognized for their achievements. Nowhere was that more evident than at the association's annual awards banquet July 21, 2010 in Louisville. Watch acceptance speeches from APRO's 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and owner of Quality Rentals, Kevin ... Kenmore connect enables appliances to "talk" to service techs Sears Holdings announced that it has launched new technology Kenmore that enables select Kenmore and Kenmore Elite washers and dryers to "talk" directly to service experts. With Kenmore Connect, customers questioning whether their appliances are running exactly right or needing machine instructions find answers with a phone call ... Whirlpool Q2 profits jump 163 percent Whirlpool’s Q2 2010 profits leaped 163 percent to $205 million on sales of $4.5 billion, up 6 percent year over year. The company attributed the strong results to tighter cost controls, increased production efficiencies and greater global unit volume growth, which was partially off set by rising ... Citibank to provide up to $25 million for ColorTyme dealers ColorTyme, America’s oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores, announced today that it has entered into a franchise financing agreement with Citibank’s Business & Commercial Banking Group, a leading provider of commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses, which will provide up to $25 million in loans ... Nationwide's new web services boost independents' online presence Since 2009 Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) has been growing its web services division. Now providing independent dealers increased online presence through a national directory service, email marketing program and customized website solutions. Today NMG introduced its brand new website offered through ayr1.com. ayr1.com, the world’s largest ... New York enacts nation's strictest RTO law, again New York Gov. David A. Paterson Friday, signed into law a stringent rent to own bill that will increase consumer protections through enhanced contract disclosures and new price setting guidelines. The new law, described by APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III as the "the strictest rent to own ... SA IT is new TRIB approved vendor The Electronics Committee for the TRIB Group informed SA IT Services today that they have been approved as a TRIB Group Vendor. This status provides TRIB members with exclusive programs, specials and rebate offerings. SA IT Services is extremely excited about our new status and relationship with the TRIB ... High Touch, Special Olympics team up this weekend More than 400 athletes from around the state will gather in Wichita July 30 thru August 1 for the annual Special Olympics Kansas State Softball and Golf Tournament. This is the second year the Tournament will be played in Wichita. High Touch, Inc. is the presenting sponsor and has ... Shuler, Peters open second Nebraska Premier store Mike Shuler and Heath Peters Mike Shuler and Heath Peters opened their second Premier store in Nebraska this summer in Hastings. The partners have branched out from their successful Kearney location, which was opened in November 2008 and has done “incredibly well” according to Shuler. With 26 years ... Countryside prevails in latest RTO "Battle of Ohio" Gary Ferriman presents Mike Tissot with the "Battle of Ohio" trophy in their periodic company competition to gain customers. Gary Ferriman of Showplace Rent to Own recently awarded Mike Tissot of Countryside Rent to Own the "Battle of Ohio" trophy in their periodic race for customers in ... Consumer electronics sales outpacing projections The Associated Press recently reported that the rapid sales of new gadgets such as Apple's iPad and Amazon.com's Kindle have prompted an industry trade group to raise its projections for sales to retailers to $174.9 billion. The Consumer Electronics Association said Thursday that revenue for electronics manufacturers ... Home Express opens second New Albany location Home Express Sales and Lease announces the Grand Opening of the newest location in New Albany, Indiana. The grand opening celebration is scheduled from Saturday July 31st at 10:00 am at 2325 Green Valley Road, at the corner of Green Valley and Daisy Lane. Home Express Sales and lease ... Rent-A-Center exceeds earnings guidance, announces cash dividend Rent-A-Center, this week announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2010. Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, were $671.5 million, a decrease of $8.1 million from total revenues of $679.6 million for the same period in the prior year. This ... Aaron's Q2: Same store revenues up 2.4% Aaron's this week announced revenues and earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. For the second quarter of 2010, revenues increased 7% to $445.0 million compared to $417.3 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net earnings from continuing operations were down ... Woodhaven Furniture Industries announced as new name for Aaron's furniture plants Aaron's announced today that it has changed the name of its 11 furniture and bedding manufacturing plants from MacTavish Furniture Industries to Woodhaven Furniture Industries. The name change is synonymous with the Woodhaven brand of products the Company manufactures and accompanies a move toward greater green practices within the ... Briley is new APRO President New APRO President Robert Briley. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Board of Directors Thursday, elected Robert Briley as the association's new president. Briley, who currently serves as first vice president, succeeds outgoing president "Tiger" John Cleek who was elected APRO's president the past two years. In the ... Quinn is APRO Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Kevin Quinn, APRO's 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, with grandson Keagan Conder. Kevin Quinn, owner of Tacoma-based Quality Rentals Wednesday, was named APRO's 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner at the association's annual awards banquet at the Marriot Hotel in downtown Louisville. The awards banquet was the final social event ... Slatton is dealer of the year, Collins is vendor of the year APRO's 2010 Rental Dealer of the Year, Jamie Slatton (Left) with mother Lois Slatton. The Association of Progressive Rental Organization's annual awards banquet Wednesday, honored rental dealers, vendors and state associations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the rent-to-own industry and exude dedication to ... Eight elected to APRO Board During the APRO's general session, July 21 at the association's 2010 Convention and Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, association members elected eight candidates to the APRO board of directors including reinstalling a 20-year past board member and adding a fresh face, new to the board. Board members serve staggered ... APRO General Session kicks off in Louisville L to R: Kathy Windsor, Shannon Strunk, Ernie Lewallen and Trent Agin with keynote speaker Jeremiah Wilson at APRO's general session Wednesday. Close to 300 rent-to-own dealers from across the country packed the main Marriott Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky today, for the general session of APRO's annual Convention and ... NEW VIDEO: David Lane, APRO's 2010 Employee of the Year Larry Carrico, APRO 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, Premier franchisee Mike Lewis and Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earl. Click here to watch David Lane Video. Today the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations formally honored David Lane, a sales assistant for Premier Rental Purchase of of Goshen, Indiana, ... NEW VIDEO: Cordillia Stewart wins top APRO Scholarship Click to watch Cordillia Stewart video. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) today honored Cordillia Stewart, a junior at Drury University. where she is pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Criminology, with a specially produced video in commemoration of her winning a $3,000 scholarship from ... NEW VIDEO: Louise Brown, APRO's 2010 Customer of the Year Click here to watch Louise Brown video. Louise Brown, a pillar of community service in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' (APRO) 2010 Customer of the Year and today was honored at the general session of the association's annual convention and trade show ... RAE 'Best of Show' Winners Announced The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations today announced its first ever "Best of Show" winners in the association's annual Rental Advertising Excellence competition. The two winning "Best of Show" ads -- a first ever designation to commemorate APRO's 30th Anniversary -- were selected from the 26 in-house ... APRO Convention heads to Churchill Downs L to R: Steven, Kelly, Sharon and Larry Carrico at APRO's Churchill Downs Social Event Tuesday. Hundreds of rent to own dealers, vendors, family and friends donned festive hats and headed to historic Churchill Downs Tuesday night for an evening of networking and camaraderie as part of APRO's 2010 ... Rent-A-Center names new VP's Eric McCartney is new Vice President of Fleet Management: Rent-A-Center today announced the appointment of Eric McCartney to vice president of fleet management. Reporting to Dave West, executive vice president of operational services, McCartney is charged with developing and implementing the strategy for design requirements, replacing and reselling, fleet ... APRO Rental Roundtable offers three track RTO education Chuck Simms leads a room of more than 200 rental dealers Tuesday. The Association of Professional Rental Organizations today, kicked off the educational component of its annual convention and trade show with a new three-track training program meant to help rent to own professionals at a variety levels take ... Texas named most improved state association Dave Edwards (left) presenting TARA President William Mcrae and several TARA board members APRO's "most improved state association award". The Texas Association of Rental Agencies (TARA) earned APRO's most improved state association award at a special president's reception Monday eventing hosted by outgoing APRO President "Tiger" John ... APRO golfers tee off convention in Louisville, results announced APRO Golf Tournament first place team L to R: Doug Funk, Mike Goodin, Keith Selby, Kelly Ireland. Some 92 golfers from across the rent-to-own spectrum -- dealers, vendors, employees and family members -- officially kicked off The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' (APRO) 2010 Convention and Trade Show Monday ... APRO 2010 Convention kicks off in Louisville The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) today kicks of its annual 2010 Convention and Trade Show today with Tom Kitchens/Joe Eason Golf Tournament in Louisville, celebrating the rent to own association's 30th anniversary. The convention, which is highlighted by a number of educational sessions, receptions and awards banquets ... American Rental show, picnic a family affair L to R: Cindy Ferguson, David P. David, Shelly Martinek and Bill Keese at the American Rental Trade Show Saturday. The 20th annual American Rental/Full-O-Pep product training and pig roast kicked Saturday at the Seasons Hotel Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana. Managers from across American Rental's 47-store chain flocked ... Rent One, vendors raise $27K for charities at annual event One of several Rent One "Day on the Diamond" teams. Mt. Vernon, Illinois based Rent One last week put the "fun" in "fundraising" generating more than $27,000 for Ronald McDonald House and other charities at the company's annual Day on the Diamond Vendor appreciation event ... American Rental Annual Pig Roast set for Saturday Tori Hunt, 9, rides the mechanical bull at American Rental's 2009 hog roast. The 20th annual American Rental/Full-O-Pep product training and pig roast commences tomorrow at the Seasons Hotel Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana. Managers from across American Rental's 47-store chain will flock to the event Saturday morning for ... IContain and APP team with T-Mobile for real-time default, theft solutions IContain, a leading developer of asset protection solutions, and Asset Protection Products (APP), a solutions provider in the asset security market, today announced IContain’s ICX cellular-controlled power interrupt switch has shown tremendous success in collecting payments from delinquent accounts in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry over an eight month ... ColorTyme supports youth through FFA and 4-H ColorTyme, a rent-to-own franchising company, recently purchased a prized pig at the Henderson County Livestock Show. More than a charitable donation to the show’s youth exhibitors, the purchase marks a corporate tradition maintained for over two decades. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the livestock show gave FFA ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: AMCASE Today’s Home Entertainment Products want to hang, swivel, surround, thump and dazzle! A sleek, well organized display environment to showcase every pixel and decibel will make your store the number one destination for TV, Audio and more. AMCASE has developed modular solutions for complete RTO store interior packages ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Asset Protection Products Asset Protection Products LLC (“APP”), the RTO industry’s only “One Stop Shop” for asset protection solutions, will make its long anticipated debut at the upcoming APRO Convention. Launched by industry notables Terry Beville, Jamie Slatton, Michael Gerwe, Joe Gazzo and Salvatore Moccia, APP will be ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: ContactPoint While other keynote speakers pack a notepad and pen, Jeremiah places a one inch thick board in his briefcase. Traveling the United States, Jeremiah Wilson’s not so ordinary keynote address has created quite a buzz over the unusual presentation. This year’s APRO (Association of Progressive Rental Organizations) ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: DAC Products DAC Products, the designer and producer of wood, sewn and various other products has announced a consolidation and considerable new investments into their Rural Hall facility. The integration process is expected to be complete by the end of the third quarter 2010. In conjunction with an immediate $250,000 ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: eTax Partners Since 1988 eTax Partners has helped businesses increase profitability by offer the most comprehensive tax preparation services in the industry. What makes eTax different. eTax provides tax preparation services to more than 600 partners across the country. There are no sign up, training, or software fees. Offering tax preparation ... High Touch donation improves YMCA efficiency Imagine, you just piled the kids in the car. They’re hungry and a bit cranky. It’s definitely time for a nap, but you dare not say it out loud. As you go over the list of chores waiting for you at home – dinner, dishes, laundry, kids’ ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Fine Art Express Fine Art Express is a division of a 40 year old wall décor vendor supplying all of the top furniture stores, chains, and mass markets. We are excited to be one of APRO’s newest members, with hopes to establish mutual relationships with many of its’ members. We ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Florida State Games Do your sales people know the differences between HD Blu-Ray DVD’s and HD DVD’s? How about the bells and whistles offered by the latest video game systems? Florida State Games exudes excitement, facts and passion for the future of a new era of interactive video gaming aimed ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Protect-A-Bed Protect-A-Bed, a premier provider of mattress and box spring encasements for the consumer and professional market, is showcasing its line of Bed bug and waterproof products to the Rent to Own industry during the APRO 2010 Conference. Protect-A-Bed will attend APRO (Booth # 110) to showcase their mattress and ... APRO Special Products Services Focus: SA IT Services SA IT provides a broad range of Information Technology services to small, medium, and large businesses across North America, and has earned a reputation of exceptional service, efficiency, and flexibility. SA IT offers Break/Fix support for desktops, laptops, servers, printers, POS devices, and many associated computer peripherals, regardless of ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: TRIB Group TRIB Group is the nation’s oldest and most respected buying group. Dedicated solely to the RTO industry since 1983, TRIB Group is a member owned and member run organization. The staff at TRIB Group invites all APRO Convention attendees to visit their booth, #313, during the show. We ... Rent-A-Center donation to benefit children at Hornell YMCA Children at the Hornell YMCA, a recent recipient of Rent-A-Center donations. Rent-A-Center helped strengthen the sense of community for the residents that attend the Hornell YMCA. Representatives from Rent-A-Center stores from throughout the area delivered and assembled more than $5,000 in electronics and furniture to the Hornell YMCA ... NEW WEBSITE: Rent-to-Own State Associations get connected The web remains a vital resource for rent-to-own companies, customers, and vendors. To promote online involvement on the state and local levels, the Association for Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) recently teamed with Imagery Marketing Group to offer local associations affordable websites of their own. Each state-level website ties into ... APRO Software Focus: Cynergi High Touch, Inc. and subsidiary RSSS have announced that they are on target for the completion of Cynergi and fully committed to the release date announced in January. “Our teams are working diligently and making visible progress,” says Ellison Crider, RSSS general manager. The highly anticipated product ... APRO Software Focus: Drake Drake Software offers a quality product at a great value, providing over 33,000 tax professionals the tools they need for a successful tax season. All packages, including office management tools, tax research, accounting and payroll are included for one price with no hidden fees or costly add-ons. And ... APRO Software Focus: VersiRent Is your current RTO software holding you back and preventing you from taking full advantage of your business opportunities? Does your current RTO software make you run your business its way (the way its creators decided it should perform its tasks)? VersiRent (www.VersiRent.com) is the most versatile ... Premier franchisee sends managers to Disneyland Premier store managers Peyson Wiers (far left) and Tylor Davis (far right) with their families at Disneyland last month. Two lucky Premier store managers, Payson Wiers and Tylor Davis, earned trips to Disneyland in Anaheim, California this June as a gift from franchise owner John Reichenbach. Reichenback, who owns ... RAE Award Winners Announced The rent-to-own industry's longest held advertising competition this year again honors the best in the business naming the top radio, television, print, creative campaign, community relations, and Internet advertising campaigns created over the past year. A selection of APRO's 2010 Rental Advertising Excellence Award Winners are as follows: TELEVISION ... APRO Computers/Electronics Focus: D&H Distributing D&H Distributing, the major one-stop resource for an array of merchandise including computer products, consumer electronics, home entertainment solutions, housewares, small appliances, and console video games invites Rent-to-Own dealers, store owners and managers to visit the D&H APRO Trade Show booth #518 at the APRO Show. The ... APRO awards $8K in scholarships The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is proud to announce the four students receiving APRO’s Educational Scholarships. This is the first year the association is awarding multiple scholarships. The opportunity was made possible after the non-profit APRO Scholarship Foundation reached its initial fundraising goal of $100,000. The ... APRO Furniture Focus: Brooks Furniture APRO Furniture Focus: Brooks Furniture Brooks Furniture introduces their new 53 Series post back glider rocker that features a new casual look with details such as solid end panels and apex back cushions that provide a unique style and a true value. Visit Brooks Furniture online here. The 53 ... APRO Furniture Focus: Coaster Company Thank you for your ongoing support of Coaster Company. By now, most of you should have received the Coaster Rental Dealer specialty catalog. Download here. It is available in print, email, and soon via our web portal for Coaster Connect. The catalogue was conceived by rental dealers, and integrated ... APRO Furniture Focus: Dimplex In the fast-growing home entertainment category, finding the right blend of fashion and function can be the key to driving sales. An innovative landscape electric firebox is the focal point in the Novara, a stylish and tech-savvy media console electric fireplace from Dimplex, the world leader in electric fireplaces. ... APRO Furniture Focus: Donco Trading Co. Donco Trading Company will feature it's latest creation at the APRO Convention and Buying Show -- the new mattress ready, solid wood, mission style stairway bunkbed. Donco is a furniture importer specializing in juvenile furniture from child to teen; bedroom sets to staircase bunks. The company, founded in 1992, ... APRO Furniture Focus: Comfort Chair by MAC Motion A new concept in motion seating will take place at the APRO show in July, Comfort Chair by MAC Motion. This newly designed program is tailored for the RTO Industry and allows a replacement for the dominating bubba recliner. The swivel reclining chair comes with a matching ottoman which ... APRO Furniture Focus: Purdue Furniture Perdue Furniture Inc. is a family owned and operated USA manufacturer of quality built, competitively priced adult and youth bedroom groups, media stands, bookcases, and accent chests. In addition, we offer a popular stand-alone chest program. Perdue offers many product features that appeal to both the dealer and consumer. ... APRO Furniture Focus: Simmons Do you want to increase your mattress sales? Do you want one of the most recognizable names in the Furniture Industry on your floor? Do you want more steel? Less movement? Better conformability? Product training and full advertising campaigns. A dedicated Customer Care Department and bedding regulation expertise. The ... APRO Furniture Focus: Twin Star Entertainment is popular year-round in the rent to own industry, and for Twin-Star International, providing RTOs with quality entertainment components from their versatile product lines is a foundational aspect of their business. “Our entertainment products have been a huge success,” said Alexia Rouquette Mays, director of marketing ... Reports show economic recovery is still struggling Reports show economic recovery is still struggling. Unemployment claims are up, home sales are down and manufacturing growth is slowing. New claims for unemployment benefits jumped by 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 472,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average increased to 466,500, its highest ... David Lane is APRO's 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, a sales assistant for Premier Rental Purchase of of Goshen, Indiana, is the Association of Progressive Rental Organization's 2010 Employee of the Year, demonstrating selfless deeds within his community that represent the best of the rent to own industry. Lane made headlines last year when he spearheaded ... Aaron's shuts down office furniture division Aaron’s Monday announced it is ceasing the operations of its Aaron’s Office Furniture division and reducing its 2010 earnings guidance. During the second quarter the Company closed all but four of its Aaron’s Office Furniture stores and plans to have the remaining stores closed by September ... APRO Applicance Focus: Crosley Crosley is excited to introduce new models in refrigeration, cooking, and laundry categories. Dealers and consumers will see new designs and higher end features, while recognizing many of the base features that drew them to Crosley in the first place. Many new Energy Star models will enter the lineup, ... APRO Applicance Focus: GE GE CustomerNet is the ultimate online resource for GE appliance information. This innovative customer service resource makes doing business with GE appliances easier and is FREE to all customers. GE CustomerNet gives you the ability to place orders, check pricing, check availability, obtain product specifications (Product Library), product training, ... APRO Appliance Focus: Speed Queen Speed Queen Home, an Alliance Laundry Systems brand, has provided commercial-quality laundry equipment for home use for more than 100 years. It continues to offer the best warranty in the business. Products used in the rent-to-own industry need to withstand excessive wear and tear and frequent relocation. Speed Queen’... APRO Appliance Focus: Whirlpool Whirlpool will be showing a complete rental line-up with products from Whirlpool, Estate, Amana and Maytag. The focus will be on the new top load laundry assortment on display, including the new high efficiency 7000 and 5000 series Whirlpool Cabrios, the Maytag Bravos, and front load laundry. A sleek ... Louise Brown is APRO's 2010 Customer of the Year APRO's 2010 Customer of the Year Louise Brown. Louise Brown, a pillar of community service in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' 2010 Customer of the Year. Brown has been a customer of Virginia-based BestWay Rent To Own for 20 years. "I ... APRO Computers/Electronics Focus: Silko Radio Silko Radio has been in business for over 40 years specializing in refurbished consumer electronics with an emphasis on Sony laptops, digital cameras, and small electronics including several brands of GPS devices and LCD TV's and home theatre systems. Silko Radio has four warehouse distribution centers in the U.... APRO Computers/Electronics Focus: O'Rourke Sales Company O’Rourke Sales Company, proud to be an APRO sponsor, continues to excel in the rent-to-own industry by offering dealers a complete one-stop-shop solution for their rental customer’s needs. O’Rourke Sales Company stocks cutting edge technologies offered by LG, Mitsubishi, JVC, DELL, Kenmore, Speed Queen, Crosley and ... APRO Computers/Electronics Focus: LG Electronics From super slim LED HDTVs with 3D capability to advanced thin-bezel plasma screens to Network Blu-ray Disc players delivering streaming online content, LG Electronics is bringing its latest technologies to APRO 2010, Booth # 117. A proud 29-year member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, LG will showcase ... Rent-A-Center spells good news for Omaha Tribe of Nebraska With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, the Omaha Tribal Council will be better able to serve the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. Rent-A-Center is donating the following items: • Three desktop computers • Sofa and loveseat • Two washers • Two dryers • Seven TV’s ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine: A 'Winn' for the industry By APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, As we gather in Louisville to celebrate 30 years of association history, we should recognize that there has been one constant since the beginning of APRO: Ed Winn III. Ed wrote the original bylaws, incorporated the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, served as ... APRO's Employee of the Year finalists announced The Association of Progressive Rental Organization's annual "Academy Awards" of RTO narrowed this week to five outstanding finalists in the employee of the year category. Again this year, employee of the year finalists represent the best of the industry. Louis Carpenter of Portsmouth, Virginia has been an employee ... Premier announces 2010-2011 purchasing, marketing boards Following elections at their 2010 Dealer Retreat in Chicago earlier this month, The Premier Companies announced its 2010-2011 Premier Purchasing Cooperative Board and its 2010-2011 Premier Rental-Purchase Marketing Board. Both seven-person boards are dealer run and hold annual elections of three members to replace those rotating off. The following ... RTO vet and 'guy's guy' John Allevato dies John Allevato with daughter Jenna (left) and son John on Father's Day. Respected industry leader John Allevato, 48, died Wednesday night surrounded by friends and family at Lewisville Memorial Hospital in Lewisville, Texas, ending a two year battle with cancer. Allevato, who most recently served as vice president of ... Downtown Louisville offers variety of cultural, historic, and entertainment options Click to download PDF of downtown Louisville map. While at the APRO Convention & Trade show, you’ll be within walking distance of a host of interesting museums, galleries, historic sites, and fabulous restaurants. Some that you won’t want to miss: The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, The ... APRO Customer of the Year finalists selected The Association of Progressive Rental Organization's annual "Academy Awards" of RTO narrowed this week to four outstanding finalists in the customer of the year category. Again this year's entries represent the best of the industry. Louise Brown has been a customer of Virginia-based BestWay Rent To Own for ... National TV Sales and Rentals kicks off in-store literacy program Librarian Heidi Lanz (L) and Kathy Windsor (center) lead a "coloring" session at National TV's first ever "Reading, wRiting and Rent to own" storytime Wednesday. Lebanon, Missouri-based National TV Sales and Rental Wednesday, planted the seedlings of what the company hopes will expand into a literacy program ... Countryside team volunteers for differently-abled campers Jason Salyers and Bill Hall, along with Kamp Dovetail campers and volunteers take a boat ride on Rocky Fork Lake. By 8:30 a.m. the summer storm had passed. As the skies cleared on Wednesday, and the temperature and the humidity both raced towards 90, over 10 percent of ... Rent-A-Center wins Supreme Court arbitration case In a 5-to-4 decision, Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Rent-A-Center in an decision that is a win for employers who want to resolve disputes with employees in the most efficient manner possible. The ruling in Rent-A-Center West Inc. v. Jackson saw the court rule in favor ... RentDirect Nationwide partners with Support Squad to improve RTO customer experience RentDirect Nationwide, the rental division of Nationwide Marketing Group, announced today that Support Squad is now a supported vendor for their more than 350 rent-to-own member dealers across the country. Support Squad provides remote and phone based technical support to assist customers resolve issues with their personal computers, PC-related ... ColorTyme Summer Meeting concludes with sea-themed closing dinner To mark the end of the ColorTyme annual Summer Meeting, employees, franchisees and vendors joined for a Closing Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. See photo gallery here. The event featured dinner, a live band, palm reader, caricaturist and a spray tattoo artist. Attendees also ... APRO to provide four scholarships this year Because of the level of donations and amount in the Scholarship fund, the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations will this year award four scholarships as part of its annual educational mission In addition, an "Anonymous Donor" matched this year's scholarship amounts. This year’s amounts are as follows: ... Brighthouse opens 200th store BrightHouse, the UK’s leading rent-to-own retailer, today announces details of its accelerated store opening programme in the UK as the company this weekend opened its 200th store in Bedford. That store opening was quickly followed by its 201st and 202nd store openings in Andover and Orpington. These stores ... New room block reserved for APRO Convention Didn’t get your room for APRO Convention yet? Although the APRO room block at the Marriott Louisville Downtown has sold out, you’re in luck. APRO has reserved an additional block of rooms at the nearby Springhill Suites Louisville Downtown at the discounted rate of $112 per night. ... ColorTyme tees off with summer golf tournament Following a successful buying show at the ColorTyme Summer Meeting, more than 130 attendees enjoyed a day of leisure with activities including the annual Willie Talley Golf Tournament. This year, the tournament was played at Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Florida. Named after the founder of ColorTyme, ... Heartland wraps high energy show and seminar with awards banquet Golf winners at the Heartland of America Awards banquet Wednesday night. The Missouri Rental Dealers Association rounded out its Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar with an Awards Dinner on the evening of June 16, followed by a full morning of training sessions on June 17. These ... DAC plant consolidation to enhance efficiencies DAC Products, the designer and producer of wood, sewn and various other products has announced a consolidation and considerable new investments into their Rural Hall facility. The integration process is expected to be complete by the end of the third quarter 2010. In conjunction with an immediate $250,000 ... Last chance to reserve room for convention The deadline for making your hotel reservations at the Marriott Louisville Downtown is Monday, June 21. However, the APRO room block is getting close to being sold out so reserve your room today! Make your reservations online here or call 800/533-0127. Don’t forget to register for the convention ... ColorTyme retreat launches with general session Charlie and Becki Doege. The general session for ColorTyme's 2010 Dealer Retreat at Bonita Bay, Florida, Thursday included company, industry and legislative updates from key officials at both ColorTyme and parent company Rent-A-Center. ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom opened the session and welcomed around 135 franchisees, vendors, friends and family. ... High Touch promotes Jason Mock to director, research and development Jason Mock of High Touch. High Touch, a technology solutions provider, has promoted Jason Mock to Director of Research and Development, a new division recently added to meet client demands. The announcement was made by Wayne Chambers, High Touch CEO/president. Mock has 10 years of technology experience, including founding ... ColorTyme retreat kicks off in Bonita Springs L to R: Brian Duke (O'Rourke Sales Company), Mike Wood (LG), Thomas Seago (ColorTyme Corporate), Joe O'Rourke (O'Rourke Sales Company), Nicole Chanovich (Archbrook Laguna) The Country's oldest rent-to-own franchise company kicked off it's annual franchisee getaway this year in Bonita Springs, Florida today with a vendor appreciation reception. Around ... NEW PODCASTS: Heartland companies keep it "all in the family" National TV Sales and Rental's family. In a recent issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine, APRO's General Counsel Ed Winn III observed that today's rent-to-own companies increasingly are family-run businesses. Gone are those dealers who were in it primarily to make a quick buck; they've been replaced by business men ... Heartland golf tournament winners announced Tiger John Cleek Jr. (Cleek's), Jeff Dowdy (Cleek's), Larry Nilges (ALMO Distributing) and TJ Swafford (Ashley Furniture). The winning teams from the annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show Golf Tournament, held June 16 at The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri are as follows. First-place ... NEW PODCAST: "Tiger" John Cleek Jr. MRDA President "Tiger" John Cleek Jr. Click to listen to podcast. "Tiger" John Cleek Jr. is serving his fourth and final year as MRDA president. In this exclusive podcast, Cleek shares some of his thoughts on the evolution of the MRDA Heartland of America Trade Show during ... Golf and bass tournaments rule day two of Heartland Show Fishing enthusiasts at the Heartland of America Trade Show Annual Bass Fishing Tournament. The weather couldn't have been better for golfers and fishermen who got busy recreating bright and early June 16 at the Missouri Rental Dealers Association's Heartland of America Regional Trade Show's Golf Tournament and Buddy Bass ... MRDA Heartland kicks off three days of work and play Don Julson (BriteLite), John Rogers (High Touch), John Blair (PTS Tax Services) and Bill Keese (APRO Executive Director). The Missouri Rental Dealers Association kicked off its sixth-annualHeartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar at the Lodge ofthe Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri, on June 15 with ... Georgia, Kentucky hosting state association meetings at APRO Convention The Georgia Rental Dealers Association and the Kentucky Rental Dealers Association will be hosting state association meetings during this year’s APRO Convention. Network with your fellow state dealers, catch up on state business and enjoy a complimentary lunch. Please RSVP by June 25 to provide an accurate lunch ... easygates opens third Arkansas store Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, announces the opening of a new easyhome franchise store. This is the third store in Arkansas and opened on June 12 at 2909 E. Nettleton Avenue in the University Plaza Shopping Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. “We are ecstatic to bring the ... Find the 'Passion to Succeed' at APRO's keynote address APRO 2010 Keynote Address: The Passion to Succeed, The Power to Break Barriers Jeremiah Wilson, ContactPoint 9–11 a.m., Wednesday, July 21 Sponsored by GE Consumer & Industrial and Simmons This keynote address won’t put audience members on the edge of their seats—it will stand them ... APRO’s 2010 Board of Directors Candidates During the association’s general session, July 21 at APRO’s 2010 Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, nine APRO members will run for eight available positions on the board of directors. Board members serve staggered two-year terms and half of the positions become open each year ... ColorTyme franchisees gear up for annual getaway America's longest running rent to own franchise, ColorTyme, this week hosts the company's annual getaway and networking retreat at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort at Bonita Springs, Florida June 16-20. Around 135 franchisees, vendors, friends and family will head to the beach for a much deserved week of ... Premier Mid-Year Retreat, open house bookends successful year The Premier Companies Mid-Year Dealer Retreat and company open house wrapped up last week at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago with around 65 Premier dealers, associated vendors and guests honing their franchising chops in over 15 individual dealer-led breakout sessions. "Our franchisees want to hear from other dealers ... Employee, customer of the year, scholarship nominees due TODAY APRO's "Academy Awards" of rent to own -- where outstanding industry personalities will be recognized -- will take place July 21. This is when APRO will recognize the contributions of rent to own employees as well as customers with its annual Employee and Customer of the Year award. ... Deadline APRO hotel deadline June 21 The deadline for reserving a room at the Marriott Louisville Downtown for the APRO 2010 Convention at the discounted rate is Monday June 21. Haven’t decided if you’re attending yet or not? The education alone is reason enough to be there. Not to mention the legislative updates, ... Heartland of America gears up for sixth annual regional show Next week the Heartland of America Trade Show marks it's sixth year when hundreds of rent to own dealers and vendors head to Lake Ozark, Missouri, where they will take part in an enviable golfing, fishing, networking and buying bonanza, that distinguishes the show's regional legacy as a value ... RimTyme teams with major league soccer event for rim and tire display Soccer fans enjoyed a day of food, fun and games with a look at custom wheels Saturday in Frisco, Texas. Parked on location, RimTyme showed off rims and tires at MLS Futbolito, an all-day soccer competition. Futbolito is the largest touring Hispanic event hosted by a U.S. professional ... Social, networking events abound at APRO Convention APRO's 2010 Convention in Louisville features a host of social and networking events with great food and world class entertainment. Always the highlight of the APRO Convention, this year's social and networking events return to tradition with the APRO President's Welcome Reception, a Gala Cocktail Party at Churchill Downs ... FAN Sales and Leasing converts to Aaron's Geron Vail. FAN Sales and Leasing President Geron Vail, today confirmed his company is in the final steps of converting to an Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership franchise. The transaction, which will become official once all contract formalities are completed in coming days, includes the sale of six of ... Mason is new VP of Biz Development for SA IT Charles Mason III Charles Mason III, a 20 year veteran vendor to the rent to own industry is the new Vice President of Business Development/Depot for SA IT Services and will manage the depot services for the RTO Channel. Mason's years of experience and contacts within the RTO industry ... Business beware: many social networks provide companies with user information Guest editorial by Gene Sacco, President of DATATrue, LLC The recent Facebook debacle that involved a hacker obtaining and selling the log-in information of thousands of users has again placed social network security standards in the spotlight. As more Americans become aware of identity theft risks, more websites are ... Convention fashion tips General attire for the APRO Convention & |