Award Recognizes APRO’s Work to Expand Public Access to Accurate Rent-to-Own Information
AUSTIN, Texas – For the first time in its 46-year history, the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) has been honored by the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) for an advocacy project. APRO received the 2026 TSAE Association Impact Award for its Generative Knowledge Initiative at the TSAE New Ideas Annual Conference, held September 13-15 in Galveston, Texas.
APRO’s Generative Knowledge Initiative helps consumers and legislators find clear, accurate information about how rent-to-own works, including through search engines and artificial intelligence tools. APRO CEO Charles Smitherman presented a session at the conference titled “What AI is Saying About You Right Now and How to Change It,” which explored how associations can help improve the accuracy of information people find about their industries online.
“People deserve clear, accurate information about rent-to-own so they can make informed decisions for their households,” said Smitherman. “We’re bringing together our members’ expertise and customers’ firsthand experiences to help people understand how the transaction works and the options available to them.”
Through this initiative, APRO rebuilt its website and expanded access to public educational resources, including its Rent-to-Own 101 Knowledge Base, which answers common questions about rental-purchase agreements, ownership options, and consumer protections. The association also digitized more than 3,000 historical industry articles, spanning decades of history, and captured firsthand customer and employee experiences through its ongoing Human Impact of Rent-to-Own project.
“This award validates the vision and leadership of our Board of Directors on this initiative and the work we’ve put into educating consumers and the wider public about the rent-to-own industry,” said Smitherman. “With advocacy built into APRO’s foundation, we’re honored to be recognized in this way by TSAE, an organization that our own leaders helped shape, as we continue our work to improve public understanding of rent-to-own.”
Bill Keese, former APRO executive director, past TSAE board chairman, and former member of the Texas House of Representatives, attended the awards luncheon to celebrate the recognition and congratulate the APRO team.
APRO also received a 2026 Power of Associations Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its Generative Knowledge Initiative. Smitherman presented on the initiative at ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis in August.
The U.S. rent-to-own industry serves more than 6.7 million households annually – approximately one in 20 U.S. households – according to APRO’s 2026 Rent-to-Own Industry Health Survey. Rent-to-own, also called lease-to-own, is a rental transaction that allows customers to obtain durable household goods immediately through renewal payments with the option to obtain ownership over time. Unlike traditional financing, rental-purchase agreements do not involve borrowing money or taking on long-term debt. Instead, customers rent the product and may choose to continue renting toward ownership, exercise an Early Purchase Option, or return the item if they decide not to continue the agreement.
To learn more about APRO, visit www.rtohq.org or follow the organization on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About APRO
The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), formerly Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, is the national trade association representing the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Established in 1980 to advocate for and support the interests of RTO businesses, APRO provides its 330 member brands with essential resources, industry insights, and a strong community network. Through educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and professional development opportunities, APRO strives to elevate the standards and success of the RTO sector, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve customers with integrity and excellence.
