Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) visited the Aaron’s in Belvidere, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, as part of the 2016 APRO In-Store Legislative Conference. He was hosted by IRDA President, Casey Pristou, and Watershed Development Corporation Vice President of Operations, Mike Ceruzzi. Store Manager, Jessica Lodge, gave the congressman a tour of the store and discussed with him how the flexibility and versatility of the rent-to-own transaction meets the needs of her customers. Congressman Kinzinger was able to see first-hand how the RTO business works and learn about the economic impact the RTO industry has on his district and the entire state.
Illinois is home to more than 220 rent-to-own stores, serves more than 120,000 customers each month and employs more than 1,300 statewide. During his visit Kinzinger also had the opportunity to meet and speak with several Aaron’s customers.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have Congressman Kinzinger visits our store to see how we are meeting the needs of our customers. Our employees work hard to serve our customers well and it is great when your elected representatives show genuine interest in the work we are doing” stated Mike Ceruzzi.
In addition, IRDA President, Casey Pristou, explained “Adam Kinzinger is a rising star in American politics. He is a military pilot and decorated Iraq war veteran. Adam works hard for his district and we know he has the backs of all of his constituents. We at Watershed and Aaron’s are proud to host Adam at our store.”
About Watershed Development Corporation
Watershed owns and operates Aaron’s (NYSE – AAN) stores throughout Northern Illinois and Iowa. Aaron’s is a leading rent-to-own company with more than 2,000 company and franchise stores throughout North America. Watershed, a franchise operator since 2004, has earned the distinction of being an Aaron’s Top 5 Performing Franchise Operator multiple times since its inception.
About IRDA
The Illinois Rental Dealers Association (IRDA) works closely with the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) to provide membership and the general public with the latest information regarding legislative initiatives concerning the rent-to-own industry. The IRDA works to ensure a vital future for its industry through networking, education, political outreach and legislative vigilance.
To see other visits, visit APRO’s Flckr page.
Click here to join the effort and APRO will contact you outlining which members of Congress represent your stores, meeting ‘how-to’ details and to assist you with the meeting process to make it as easy as possible.
For more information, please contact APRO Deputy Executive Director, Richard May at 512/225-1051.
Illinois is home to more than 220 rent-to-own stores, serves more than 120,000 customers each month and employs more than 1,300 statewide. During his visit Kinzinger also had the opportunity to meet and speak with several Aaron’s customers.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have Congressman Kinzinger visits our store to see how we are meeting the needs of our customers. Our employees work hard to serve our customers well and it is great when your elected representatives show genuine interest in the work we are doing” stated Mike Ceruzzi.
In addition, IRDA President, Casey Pristou, explained “Adam Kinzinger is a rising star in American politics. He is a military pilot and decorated Iraq war veteran. Adam works hard for his district and we know he has the backs of all of his constituents. We at Watershed and Aaron’s are proud to host Adam at our store.”
About Watershed Development Corporation
Watershed owns and operates Aaron’s (NYSE – AAN) stores throughout Northern Illinois and Iowa. Aaron’s is a leading rent-to-own company with more than 2,000 company and franchise stores throughout North America. Watershed, a franchise operator since 2004, has earned the distinction of being an Aaron’s Top 5 Performing Franchise Operator multiple times since its inception.
About IRDA
The Illinois Rental Dealers Association (IRDA) works closely with the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) to provide membership and the general public with the latest information regarding legislative initiatives concerning the rent-to-own industry. The IRDA works to ensure a vital future for its industry through networking, education, political outreach and legislative vigilance.
To see other visits, visit APRO’s Flckr page.
Click here to join the effort and APRO will contact you outlining which members of Congress represent your stores, meeting ‘how-to’ details and to assist you with the meeting process to make it as easy as possible.
For more information, please contact APRO Deputy Executive Director, Richard May at 512/225-1051. 
