 APRO: The Official Voice of the Rent to Own Industry
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RTOHQ.org Sitemap
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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 by clicking on the company names below. Aaron’s Sales and ... 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? APRO's Longtime Members Recognizing rent-to-own dealers and vendors who have been APRO members for more than 10 years 30-Year-Plus APRO Members ABC Discount Superstore-Lease Purchase and Sales, Jim and Deborah Brown, Wichita, Kansas Baber's Inc., Cynthia Baber-Strunk and Shannon Strunk, Pascagoula, Mississippi Basham Furniture Rental Inc., Jeff Basham, Wichita, Kansas KLQ Enterprises ... 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. 2012 Customer and Employee of the Year Contest Click here to enter contest online Click ... 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 A NEW RENT-TO-OWN EXPERIENCE Schedule of Events Registration Information Experience SOMETHING DIFFERENT A REVAMPED SCHEDULE: Streamlined to accommodate you better, with a Welcome Reception in the APRO exhibit hall on Tuesday evening and a full day of exhibits on Wednesday. ⇒Click here for APRO's Schedule of Events _________________________________________________ ... 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 2012 Convention & Trade Show - Sponsors APRO would like to acknowledge these companies for their generous sponsorships of the 2012 Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show in Memphis. .sponsors_collection { width: 575px; margin: 35px 0px; } .sponsors_collection.narrow_collection { width: 415px; } .collection_header { width: 413px; height: 28px; background-image:url(http://www.rtohq.org/images/sponsors/header.gif); margin: 10px auto; } .... Rental Advertising Excellence Contest 2012 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 ... 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 2012 Legislative Conferencemeetings, please take a momentand view one of the following schedules: APRO Master Meetings Schedule (.xlsx) APRO Master Meetings Schedule (PDF) Condensed Meetings Schedule (PDF) mobile friendly For technical purposes only one RTO contact will be listed for each meeting *updated April 18, ... 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 2012 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 ... 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: 2012 RTOHQ: The Magazine Archives January-February 2012 2011 ... 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 Hometown rent to own veteran opens Premier Rental-Purchase Store in Cheyenne, Wyoming Grand opening of Cheyenne Premier Jesse Hunt was a successful store manager for a rent to own business. He and his team grew the store throughout the nine years that Jesse was store manager. Eventually the store became the most profitable store in the company. Finding his success, Jesse ... Deadlines: Contests, Scholarships and More! Each year APRO recognizes the exceptional within the rent to own industry from the best advertising to exceptional customer service to customers who have chosen to make the world a better place beginning with their own communities. From the student seeking to improve themselves through higher education, to the ... MRDA celebrates 25th at Heartland of America The industry's longest running regional trade show kicks off with extra flair this year as it also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association -- one of the most active, influential and consistently recognized state associations. Dealers from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and ... Buddy's expands in Danville, Virginia Buddy’s Home Furnishings is proud to announce the addition of a new franchise partnership with Resource Ready LLC, which has opened their first location in Danville, Virginia under the direction of Evan Lennon and industry veteran Chris Moran. “Buddy’s culture and business philosophy has been the ... O'Rourke Sales Company hosts "Club O" in Puerto Vallarta Another over-the-top "Club O" experience was had by O’Rourke Sales Company’s '2012 Club O Champions' April 26 – 30. This year’s event was held at the Five Diamond Grand Velas Spa and Resort in Puerto Vallarta; whose extraordinary service has garnered numerous accolades, including Condé ... IRDA Team meets with Illinois' Governor Quinn Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (center) with members of the IRDA during their legislative day Wednesday. The Illinois Rental Dealers team hit Springfield running Wednesday, meeting with 32 Illinois Senators and Representatives, including the Governor Pat Quinn and Senate President John Cullerton, during the annual IRDA Legislative Day. Association members ... NEW: APRO's 'Superstar' Customer Service Award Contest We're Changing More Than Just The Name! Yes, the APRO Employee of the Year contest is now the SUPERSTAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD. Recognizing outstanding community service has been our focus in past years and community service is still an important goal. But the changing environment in all customer focused ... X-Box rules slumping video game market The Xbox 360 scored its 16th month in a row as the best-selling console in the United States. With a 47 percent share of all current console sales, Microsoft sold 236,000 gaming units last month, according to the latest stats from NPD Group as reported by CNET. Total ... Premier in Oakland Park, Florida celebrates fourth anniversary Premier Oakland Park staff celebrates fourth anniversary. Drew Summa began his Rent to Own career in 1989 after he left the United States Marine Corp. His first position was as a delivery driver. He worked his way up the professional ladder to hold a District Manager position within the ... Re-energized LRDA mixes business, pleasure Louisiana dealers and vendors touring LSU stadium Wednesday. Close to 80 Louisiana rental professionals dealers and vendors settled into the conference room at the Cook Hotel on the LSU Campus for a rousing talk from Jerry Stovall, former All-American running back and head football coach for LSU. Stovall was ... LRDA cranks up the heat in Baton Rouge Gary Jones, Jeff White and Mitch Fontenot at the LRDA Welcome Reception Tuesday. More than 50 dealers and 24 vendors headed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tuesday for the Louisiana Rental Dealers Association Annual meeting at the Cook Hotel on the Louisiana State University Campus. Dealers kicked off the meeting ... RAE Awards early entries due May 25 It's time to flex your company's creative muscle and go toe to toe with the best ads in the rent to own industry with APRO's 2012 RAE Awards competition. The early entry deadline for APRO's Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) contest is May 25. APRO is looking for the ... APRO Scholarship Recipient to Give Commencement Speech APRO Scholarship recipient Jafon Fearson will be the undergraduate Commencement Speaker for the University of Alabama at Birmingham graduation ceremonies. Fearson received a $2000 APRO Education Scholarship last year. He will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. Fearson is the son of RAC employee ... APRO 2012 Exhibitor Webinar #2-Getting the Most from your Exhibit Leads Join us for a Webinar on May 10 This complimentary webinar presents the secrets of getting meaningful sales leads, not just business cards, and following them up to make sales. You'll also gain insight into how to leverage the basics of body language in the booth and what’s ... APRO 2012 Registration Now Open! Attending the APRO 2012 Convention is "money in the bank" so register today! This year in Memphis, APRO is providing dealers with an unprecedented experience, pairing with the best names in store design, marketing and retail innovation to help you make the most of a radically transformed marketplace. ... APRO Scholarship Winner Jennifer DeBouse on Oprah Network 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, a single parent of three girls, has worked for ... Dixon, Illinois Customer Appreciation Day Benefits Charity Customers always like to be shown that the business they support appreciates their commitment to them. Premier Rental-Purchase in Dixon, Illinois did just that this past Saturday. John Sprayberry, franchisee of the Dixon, Illinois Premier Rental-Purchase store, along with store manager, Stephanie Digman, had an afternoon of food, fun ... RentDirect Nationwide introduces 2-Year product warranty for RTO dealers James MacAlpine of Nationwide and Chris Penn of Warrantech at the PrimeTime! buying show held in February at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando At Nationwide Marketing Group’s PrimeTime! event held in February, NSI Warranty administered by Warrantech, talked about the upcoming release of a brand new warranty extension ... Overall spending slowed in March, RTO continues winning streak Americans increased their spending more slowly in March than in February. The Commerce Department said Monday that consumer spending increased just 0.3% last month after a 0.9% gain in February. Incomes grew 0.4% following a 0.3% gain in February. Still, after-tax income when adjusted for ... Factory orders stay on hot streak with 11% February gain U.S. residential furniture factory orders were up 11% in February, the sixth consecutive month of double-digit gains, Smith Leonard reported. For the year to date, new orders were up 12% over 2011, with 65% of the respondents to the accounting and consulting firm's monthly survey reporting increases, according ... Energized LRDA to unveil scholarship program at annual meeting next week Around 50 Louisiana rental dealers next week, are heading to the famous Cook Hotel and Conference Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge for the Louisiana Rental Dealers Association annual meeting. Newly elected president Louis Bacile of 1st Choice, has a full slate of events and activities planned ... Bestway holds district managers meeting Bestway Managers at annual meeting iin Dallas. Bestway Rent To Own held its bi-monthly district manager meeting last week at the corporate office in Dallas. Bestway acknowledges its district managers play a critical role in its success and meeting bi-monthly gives everyone an opportunity to discuss best practices, continue ... Wal Mart offers 'cash option' to unbanked but connected Wal Mart customers, the majority of whom pay with cash when shopping in stores, now have the option to do the same online with the giant retailer’s new “Pay With Cash” option. Shoppers on Walmart.com who either don’t have a credit card or don’t ... Nationwide purchases Canadian buying group Nationwide Marketing Group this week, inked a deal to purchase Cantrex, Canada’s top buying group with more than 1,200 storefronts producing $2 billion in annual sales. Nationwide has enjoyed a long-standing collaborative relationship with the Cantrex team and views this agreement as an excellent opportunity to further ... ColorTyme names new VP, COO Fred Mattox ColorTyme Wednesday, announced Fred Mattox as the company's new vice president and COO. Mattox brings over 30 years of rent-to-own experience to his new position, in which he will serve as the head of ColorTyme’s Operations Department. He will work with both franchisees and individual stores ... Fashion-friendly appliance trend to continue The trend of fashion-forward looking appliances is set to continue this spring with the release of a new spate of bold kitchen products, created to complement what many acknowledge as the heart of the home. Among the contenders: GE Monogram’s 30-inch-wide counterdepth refrigerators, which offer features like a ... Don't Miss APRO's Free Exhibitor Webinar APRO 2012 is offering two exclusive Webinars on May 3 and 10 that will improve your exhibiting skills and significantly increase your trade show results. These webinars are presented by trade show industry expert, Bob Dallmeyer and are available to both APRO Exhibitors and non-exhibitors alike. The Webinars are ... Big-screen TV's offer profit haven The days of new unit volume records may have faded for the flat-panel TV category, but the 40-inches and larger big-screen segment stands as perhaps the last bastion of opportunity for profit growth from the industry’s former rainmaker. Vendors and retailers report seeing elevated consumer interest in big ... Consumer sentiment in economy, technology down, CEA says Consumer sentiment about the economy, as well as technology spending, are both down in April, according to the latest CEA Index, released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Consumer sentiment about the economy dropped for the third straight month in April. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) , ... Vadnais celebrates store ownership Taking control of his own destiny was the motivation for Rick Vadnais to become a Premier Rental-Purchase franchisee. Rick is a rent-to-own industry veteran having been in the industry for 28 years. He began his RTO career as an account manager and held several different positions throughout the years ... APRO LC wraps with scholarship fundraiser at historic Capitol Hill Club L to R: Bill Keese, Larry Carrico, Jamie Slatton at APRO's 2012 Legislative Conference dinner Wednesday. APRO Legislative Conference attendees topped the first full day of meetings on The Hill Wednesday with a dinner at the historic Capitol Hill Club that included what has come to be an annual ... Buddy's opens in Winslow, Arizona Buddy’s Home Furnishings is proud to announce continued growth in Arizona with a new store opening in Winslow, Arizona under the supervision of Ron Taylor, a 25-year RTO veteran, who started with Buddy’s in 2009 after a successful career at Rentway. “Working for Buddy’s has ... Industry reps support Vets at White House meeting, APRO Leg-Con opens RTO Reps. meet with Vets in the White House Tuesday. A contingent of rent to own industry representatives Tuesday, headed to the White House to pledge support for veterans-for-hire initiatives that would encourage the hiring of military veterans returning from active duty. Aaron's National Director of Franchising Greg Tanner, ... Conference attendees head to D.C. Close to 150 rental dealers from across the country head to Washington, D.C. this week for APRO's2012 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 ... Tablet Sales to Skyrocket in 2012 You know that “post-PC world” that Apple CEO Tim Cook has been talking about last month? It may be arriving sooner than expected, according to Forbes. Market research firm Gartner Inc. said today it expects worldwide tablet sales to surge 98 percent in 2012 to 118.9 million ... National TV Sales and Rental celebrates employees, raises money for charity National TV Sales and Rental "Rising Star" with company owner Mark Windsor Wednesday night. National TV Sales and Rental put a twist in it's annual company awards banquet this year with a friendly gambling, team-building and fundraising event that drew 114 employees and their guests to the Diamond ... Ohio Dealers wrap spring meeting, new Expo location Re-elected ORDA Secretary Keith Ferriman, President Mike Tissot, Treasurer Joel Ehrlich and Secretary Doug Higgins. Some 20 rental dealers representing a dozen companies convened in Columbus, Ohio Wednesday for the Ohio Rental Dealers Association spring meeting where members re-elected a popular slate of officers and rotated the association's annual ... Where do our former customers go? By Jay Roberts, www.rtotrainer.com This is a question I've thought about many times over the years when analyzing the concept of customer growth in a rental store. So I decided to find out. I focused on a very specific question: “Where do the customers go that ... Kearney Premier Rental-Purchase contributes to St. Jude's Telethon Premier dealers Mike Shuler and Heath Peters with staff and family at St. Judes check presentation. It is not always about sales, rental agreements, and collections at Premier Rental-Purchase in Kearney,Nebraska. It is about life and contributing to make a difference in other people’s lives. Mike Shuler ... Pennsylvania dealers join forces tomorrow PARD President Sandi Frye The Pennsylvania Rental Dealers Association continues it's recent tradition of hosting a series of educational talks tomorrow at the group's annual meeting at the Harrisburg Hilton, Harrisburg. Upwards of 35 dealers and associate members are expected including eight vendors, nine of whom will make presentations. ... Census data offers look at effects of recession The Census Bureau offered the first detailed picture of population shift in the United States since the end of the recession, releasing data that showed that population growth in outer suburbs — the fastest growing areas in the last decade — all but ground to a halt in 2010 ... Merchants embrace 'pay by phone' It's the shopper's new mantra as wireless carriers increasingly let you tack on charges — racked up at other online stores — to your phone bill. BilltoMobile, Boku and Zong (owned by PayPal) are luring online businesses to try their mobile payment software as an option for customers who ... Attention Exhibitors: Achieve Success with APRO Webinars Bob Dallmeyer, CEM, Marketing Expert APRO this year is providing two unique webinars May 3 and 10th, complimentary to APRO 2012 Exhibitors! These expert webinars are packed with knowledge, ideas, inspiration, and concrete examples of how to improve your presence and significantly increase your results at the 2012 APRO ... RAE Awards early entry deadline May 25 It's time to dust off your best commercials and compile your best campaigns! The early entry deadline for APRO's Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) contest is May 25. APRO is looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations.If you think ... Illinois Rental Dealers donate computers to job training program (L to R) Action Development Vice President of Operations, Kevin Milliron (l), DDC Director Lowery Taylor, his son, Jonathan Jackson and National RTO Service Manager Pat McBride. IRDA members National RTO Service Manager Pat McBride (r) and Action Development Vice President of Operations, Kevin Milliron (l) recently donated Computers ... Vendor Advisory Committee: Nominations Sought 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 ... Kansas Rental Dealers meetup tomorrow Around 45-50 Kansas rental dealers representing 14 companies and 70 store fronts are heading to the Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta Wednesday for KRDA's Annual Business Meeting. KRDA President Shaun Rush of Triad Leasing has a jam packed agenda planned that includes a mini-vendor exhibition, dealer roundtable ... Premier's regional training session provides invaluable information Throughout the year, The Premier Companies conduct field training sessions across the country. Each training session is designed for the Premier dealer base and their employees. All discussion topics are led and chosen by our dealers. Last week’s field training took place in Grand Island, Nebraska. Mike Shuler, ... January furniture factory orders up 13% over last year Furniture factory orders in January were up 13% from the same month a year earlier, a good start to 2012 after a strong performance in 2011, according to Furniture Today. Shipments in January were up 8% from a year ago and backlogs were up 26% as orders continued to ... Rent One expands school fitness program to Tennessee Rent One CEO Larry Carrico (far left) shoots some hoops with local students at Harrelson Elementary School in Puryear, Tennesee Friday. Students in three Henry County, Tennessee schools now have access to a researched-based program that connects regular physical fitness with increased self-esteem, health and academic performance thanks to ... Showplace celebrates employees at annual event A portion of the attendees at Showplace Rent to Own's annual employee appreciation day. March is a very special time at Showplace Rent-to-Own. Every March, Showplace picks a day to close all 15 stores & gather all personnel for their annual Employee Appreciation Day. This is mostly a fun ... Industry pledges RTO support for hire-a-veteran initiatives at White House Greg Tanner (l) of Aaron's with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Washington at the signing of the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act last year. A contingent of the rent to own industry including representatives from the nation's two largest RTO companies and APRO, are heading to the ... FRDA annual meeting dates set Florida Rental Dealers Association announces that its 2012 Annual Meeting will be held September 24-25 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott. The events on Monday, September 24th will include the 10th Annual Norman 'Slats' Slatton Golf Memorial at Temple Terrace G&CC followed by a welcome reception at the Marriott, ... Consumer spending lags behind consumer confidence U.S. consumers boosted their spending in February by the most in seven months. But Americans' income barely grew and the saving rate fell to its lowest point in more than two years. The appliance department at a Sears store in Oak Brook, Ill., in September 2010. In February, ... APRO Employee/Customer of the Year nominations due June 1 APRO's 2011 Employee of the Year Donna Fally. Watch Video. APRO's Employee and Customer of the Year are members of the RTO family who lead by example through their inspiration, dedication and sacrifice on behalf of their families and communities. If one of your rent to own employees, co-workers ... Knowing Cost, the Customer Sets the Price P. T. Vineburgh has a sense of how much things should cost, and on a recent trip to the Boston jeweler Shreve, Crump & Low, he was not afraid to say so. He has a closet full of haggled items, including shirts from Jos. A. Bank and the Brooks ... APRO Scholarship deadline June 1 The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is looking to award thousands in scholarships to members of the rent to own industry this spring as part of the organization's fifth annual contest. Number of scholarships and amounts have not yet been determined. Last year APRO awarded $30,000 in scholarships ... Young consumers pinch pennies Millennials were supposed to be the next golden ticket for retailers. A cohort of 70million consumers roughly between the ages of 18 and 34, this was the first generation of Americans to grow up with cell phones and the Web. Marketers could reach them in myriad ways—tweets, Facebook ... Rent One donates $20,000 to youth reading program Larry and Sharon Carrico Wednesday, presented United Way of Southern Illinois with a check for $20,000 for the local Imagination Library Program. Rent One owners Larry and Sharon Carrico Wednesday, donated $20,000 to the Jefferson County Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to commemorate the one year anniversary ... One year and growing in Decatur, Georgia Rodney Thompson is a down to earth, laid-back person enjoying ownership of his own Premier Rental-Purchase store in Decatur, Georgia. Being in the rent-to-own business for nearly ten years, Rodney was an independent owner looking to take his business to the next level. He found The Premier Companies through ... Extreme Volunteering: 2,000 Aaron's managers commit to community service in Dallas today Aaron's Lucky Dog at the company's community outreach project in Washington, D.C. in 2009. Aaron's Inc. is once again pairing community service and outreach with its annual national store managers meeting March 20-22 in Dallas. For the fourth year in a row, Aaron's associates will dedicate one day ... Homebuilder confidence holds steady Homebuilder confidence in the market for new single-family homes was unchanged in March, according to a new survey released on Monday. Confidence on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index was steady at 28. Fifty is the line between positive and negative sentiment. After five consecutive ... Rent-A-Center donates to Applegate Housing Rent-A-Center today, donated electronics, including a large-screen HDTV, seven desktop computers and two gaming consoles to Applegate Housing. The donation is tied to a philanthropic initiative dubbed “Random Acts of Caring,” launched by Rent-A-Center in 2008. “Due to a very generous donation from Rent-A-Center, Applegate Housing ... Rent One crowns top performers Elvis Riley (center), Rent One's 2011 Employee of the Year, celebrates with company president Trent Agin (L) and founder Larry Carrico. Rent One topped its three day annual managers meeting in St. Charles, Missouri with an awards banquet where more than a dozen individual managers and high performing stores ... Premier Rental-Purchase opens in Mesquite New Premier Franchiees Rod Pitzer and Mike Machado Pursuing the American Dream of owning his own business finally came to fruition for Mike Machado this month. Mike partnered with Rod Pitzer to open their own Rent-to-Own store. The two recently celebrated their grand opening of a Premier Rental-Purchase store ... Rent One Managers tour 300th Ronald McDonald House Around 60 Rent One corporate staff and company managers capped off day one off their annual managers meeting in St. Charles Missouri with a special treat Tuesday March 13, with an invitation only tour of the 300th Ronald McDonald House. The company and owners Larry and Sharon Carrico, have ... Guest Editorial: The Customer Circle by Jay B. Roberts, RTO Trainer/Consultant The best business advice I've ever received from my mentor was so simple, it was profound. He said “If you want to make your business more successful, serve more customers.” It seemed pretty simple at the time. It turned out to ... TRIB Group announces two new inductees to vendor hall of honor The Rental Industry Buying Group (TRIB Group), the oldest and most respected rent-to-own buying group in the United States, has inducted Sean Deeley of D&W Silks and Ellison Crider of High Touch Technologies to the organization’s Vendor Hall of Honor. The induction took place during TRIB Group’... ColorTyme hires industry veteran to support franchise development Clyde Stutzman, ColorTyme's new franchise development manager. ColorTyme, Inc., the nation’s oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores, announced today that industry veteran Clyde Stutzman has joined the organization as Franchise Development Manager. Stutzman, who has over 15 years of experience in both franchising and the rent-to-own business, ... Higher gas prices lift retail sales Consumers were spending more in February, but a big part of the rise was caused by rising gas prices. Overall retail spending rose 1.1% in February compared to the month before, according to Tuesday's Commerce Department report. But spending at gas stations jumped 3.3% in the month, ... RentDirect Nationwide presents new programs at PrimeTime! Lauren Talicska of RentDirect Ad Factory and James MacAlpine of RentDirect Nationwide in front of a new line of customized in-store signage available exclusively to RentDirect Nationwide members. Last week, at the PrimeTime! buying show and strategic member conference held at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida, RentDirect ... Social media breaks down barriers for shoppers Add social media to the growing list of ways Hispanic consumers wield their power. A just-released study from OMD Latino, Mi Comunidad, found that 90 percent of online Hispanics use social media at least once a month and that 9 percent voice opinions about brands compared to 4 percent ... Milby elected KRDA President New KRDA President Bill Milby. The Kentucky Rental Dealers Association welcomed a record number of dealers to its annual meeting Thursday at the Belterra Casino Resort and Spa in Florence, Indiana, where they elected new board members and executive officers. Bill Milby of Hometown Sales and Lease based in ... What's the best credit card for small business About 37% of business owners are using credit to cover some of their costs, reports the National Small Business Association. The optimal card for your operation depends on how you'll use it, according to CNN Money. Carry a balance: Rate should be your primary concern, says Beverly Harzog of ... Nationwide to electronics dealers: "Go big, or go home!" This week, during a group meeting at the Nationwide PrimeTime! buying show and member conference held at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida. The consumer electronics leadership team at Nationwide Marketing Group addressed their core membership in presentations held throughout the day. “Go big or go home,... TRIB elects Chris Bolin president New TRIB Group President Chris Bolin The TRIB Group Board of Directors Thursday, in its last order of business, elected new officers to head the nation's only member-owned rent to own buying group. The board unanimously elected Chris Bolin, of Bolin Rental Purchase, as president. Bolin will takeover for ... NEW VIDEOS: TRIB Group Buy Fair closes The TRIB Group Buy Fair wrapped in Orlando Wednesday, with preliminary purchase orders totals from the show reaching more than $17 million. The event closed with a TRIB's Annual Awards program and dinner reception hosted this year at SeaWorld in Orlando. Watch videos from the TRIB Group Orlando show ... Kevin Quinn honored with "Slats President's Award" "Slats" President's Award Winner Kevin Quinn plants one on wife Angela as Lyn Leach looks on Wednesday night. TRIB Group celebrated the rent to own industry's finest Wednesday, recognizing outstanding dealers and vendors at the rent to own buying group's farewell dinner and awards banquet at SeaWorld Orlando. ... TRIB Group raises $7,000 for APRO Scholarship Fund, opens buy fair Miriam Eichlin is welcomed by Mark Windsor (L) and her husband Dick at TRIB Group's member reception Tuesday. TRIB Group announced Tuesday that the rent to own buying group's golf outing raised more than $7,000 for APRO's Educational Scholarship Foundation. The announcement was made at the opening of ... NEW VIDEOS: PrimeTime wraps buying show David P. David and Dennis Adams of American Rental discuss product features with Edgar Gonzales of Innovex at PrimeTime! Orlando Tuesday. Nationwide Marketing Group's biannual PrimeTime! Buying Show and Conference wrapped Tuesday after drawing thousands of rent to own, appliance, furniture and electronics dealers to the Gaylord Palms Hotel ... RNR ranked in top 20 dealerships in U.S. Florida based RNR Custom Wheels & Tires (Rent-n-Roll) is one of the Top 20 Dealerships in America, as ranked by Tire Business, the leading source of information for U.S. Tire Dealers, in the February 2012 issue. The rankings are determined by by total retail outlets. This marks the ... TRIB Hot Show clocks more than $5 million, 'Buy Fair' opens Tuesday TRIB Group President Lyn Leach at the group's "Hot Show" Monday night. TRIB Group members Monday, turned in a whopping $5.2 million in purchase orders at the organization's "Hot Show" -- an auction style buying event featuring specially selected and priced merchandise -- at the Marriott ... NEW VIDEOS: PrimeTime! Buying Show opens James MacAlpine at RentDirect meeting Monday. Thousands of independent rent to own, appliance, furniture and electronics dealers opened day one of Nationwide Marketing Group's (NMG) PrimeTime! Meeting and Buying Show Monday at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. Rent to own dealers packed one of the convention center ballrooms for ... Access Plans merges with AON Affinity Access Plans, Inc. the parent company of Benefit Marketing Solutions has announced that a merger agreement between Access Plans and Aon Affinity has been signed. Aon Affinity specializes in providing custom insurance and risk management programs to more than 200 major professional associations and corporations, serving 16.5 million ... Primetime kickoff reception opens NMG Orlando show James MacAlpine, VP of Rental and Business Development for NMG. Thousands of independent appliance, furniture, electronics and rent to own dealers turned out Sunday for Nationwide Marketing Group's (NMG) official PrimeTime! Meeting and Buying Show Kickoff Party and Reception at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. The 3-day event includes ... John Miller celebrates four years with Premier John Miller After moving around the country in a variety of different rent to own positions, John Miller and his wife decided to make a small town outside of Roanoke Virginia their home thirteen years ago. “As hard as you work in this industry, I decided that after ... John Miller Celebrates Four Years With The Premier Companies ... Wichita public schools welcome donation from High Touch The Wichita Public Schools recently accepted a significant technology donation from High Touch Technologies and Rent-A-Center. This donation will provide a broader reach for the Lexia reading program within classrooms. As another extension of the relationship between the Wichita business community and USD 259, High Touch has donated 60 ... NFL great Derrick Brooks teams with Buddy's Derrick Brooks Buddy’s Home Furnishings announced today it has expanded it's footprint into the Florida Panhandle. Through its franchising program Budd's has teamed with former NFL great Derrick Brooks to open four new stores in the past six months. The first four stores opened in Pensacola, Panama City, ... Aaron's names Ronald W. Allen President and CEO Aaron's names Ronald W. Allen President and Chief Executive Officer Aaron's today announced that the Board of Directors has elected interim CEO Ronald W. Allen as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Allen served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines from 1987 ... Aaron's, Inc. Names Ronald W. Allen President and Chief Executive Officer Aaron's today announced that the Board of Directors has elected interim CEO Ronald W. Allen as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Allen served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines from 1987 to 1997, and has been a member of the Aaron's ... Brad Denison named COO of Access Plans Benefit Marketing Solutions (BMS), the largest provider of membership programs to the Rental Industry, announced last week the appointment of Brad Denison as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of its’ parent company, Access Plans, Inc. Denison will assume this responsibility from Brett Wimberley who also serves as ... Consumers to save money this tax season Retailers hoping to see a boost in sales this tax season may be out of luck as more Americans this year plan to save their refunds, according to Retailing Today. The National Retail Federation's tax returns consumer survey, conducted by BIGinsight, found that 43.8% of those expecting refunds ... Five Cents of Every Retail Dollar Spent Online It’s no secret that more Americans are shopping online, but the speed at which sales are moving to the Web is striking. According to a recent report from the Commerce Department, $61.8 billion of retail sales were transacted on the Internet in the fourth quarter of last ... Five cents of every retail dollar spent online in 2011 It’s no secret that more Americans are shopping online, but the speed at which sales are moving to the Web is striking. According to a recent report from the Commerce Department, $61.8 billion of retail sales were transacted on the Internet in the fourth quarter of last ... Hotel deadline for Kentucky RDA meeting tomorrow The Kentucky Rental Dealers Association is holding its annual membership meeting March 8 at the Belterra Casino Resort and Spa in Florence, Indiana. The the board of directors meeting kicks off at 4:30 March 7 after which all association members are invited to Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse for a welcome ... Flat panel manufacturers scale back The flat-panel display industry is in for a sustained recession in 2012 as manufacturers freeze further plant expansions and better control output, according to a new NPD DisplaySearch quarterly flat-panel display market report released Tuesday. However, the firm notes that necessary supply tweaking in the year ahead should reduce ... TRIB Group convention kicks off in less than two weeks The 2012 TRIB Group Annual Convention & Buy Fair begins in less than two weeks, February 27-29, 2012 at the beautiful Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. A vast majority of the 153 members will be attending representing 31 states and the Caribbean islands. This year’s theme urges ... TARA swaps annual convention for legislative conference The TARA Board of Directors recently adopted a new plan designed to focus TARA resources primarily on state legislative, regulatory, and legal issues affecting RTO operations. The plan includes replacing the association's traditional annual convention and buying show with a new TARA Legislative Conference, significantly increasing dues for the ... Retail sales rise in January, with and without auto sales Americans rebounded from a weak holiday season and increased spending on retail goods in January, an encouraging sign for the strengthening economy. The overall January figure was an improvement from December, which was downwardly revised to show a flat reading. And when excluding autos and gasoline station sales, retail ... Rent One lets regions choose community outreach programs Rent One Regional Manager Dusty Ray. St. Louis-based Rent One is taking another step toward making sure its employees feel invested in future community outreach projects. Company owner Larry Carrico this year, is allowing each of Rent One's seven regions to champion the causes they see as most beneficial ... Magic Wheel & Tire expands in Alabama Magic Wheel & Tire LLC has opened its fourth RimTyme, a custom-wheels-and-tires franchise. Expanding RimTyme’s presence in Alabama, the store opened on Feb. 9 at 2809 E. South Blvd. “We really wanted to move into a larger market this time, and the denser population and demographics were ... RTO Vet opens Premier in Torrington, Connecticut Premier Dealer Rich Barton. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to customer service are some of the factors which helped Rich Barton make the decision to open his own rent-to-own business. After being in the rent-to-own industry for 20 years, Rich discovered The Premier Companies through industry publications and networking ... Loudermilk considers selling Aaron's shares Chairman R. Charles Loudermilk Sr. accepting APRO's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Aaron’s Chairman R. Charles Loudermilk Sr., who founded the rent-to-own furniture chain in 1955, said he is considering selling his shares and would support a sale of the company at the right price. There have been ... Aaron's same-store revenue increases 3.7% Aaron's Thursday, announced results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011. For the fourth quarter of 2011, revenues increased 8% to $523.5 million compared to $484.4 million for the fourth quarter in 2010. Net earnings decreased 1% to $30.5 million versus $30.8 ... Bad economy means life altering changes for young adults Most Americans have felt the pinch of a tough economy, but for young adults, these unstable times mean long-lasting, life-altering changes, a Pew Research Center survey suggests today. Kettering University students make plans to talk with representatives of companies they would like to work during the Kettering job fair. ... APRO Scholarship Winners make the grade Two additional RTO industry scholarship checks are headed to APRO Scholarship recipients, Tyler Heck and Robert Sonnenfelt who finished the fall semester with a 3.0 grade point average or better. College bound rental industry family members were awarded $30,000 from the APRO Education Foundation last year. Recipients ... 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 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 ... 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 & Trade Show is “business casual” in the exhibit hall, educational seminars and most other events. Go here for some ideas on casual attire. For those special social events, you may choose to “dress it up” a bit. Here are some ... At Rent One work is a family affair L to R: Rent One's Brian and Murray Beck. Rent One's Murray Beck and son, Brian, were featured in a recent article in the Mt. Vernon Register highlighting the duo's intertwining career paths. Murray Beck is vice president of operations for Mt. Vernon, Illinois-based Rent One and his son ... APRO Convention going to Little Rock in 2011 In keeping with a desire to make it convenient for more rental professionals to attend trade association events, the APRO Board of Directors recently named Little Rock, Arkansas as the host city for APRO's 2011 Convention & Trade Show July 11-14. Steeped in both political history and Southern charm, ... easyhome to open new store in Austin Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of a new easyhome franchise store. This will be the fourth store in Texas and will open on June 5 at 10:30 Norwood Park Boulevard in the Walmart Super Center in North Austin, TX. “We are ecstatic ... Rent-A-Center celebrates Castle Rock opening with mayor Rent-A-Center Manager Bobby Weber and his four-person sales team are pleased to offer Castle Rock and the surrounding communities a new option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. “From bedroom sets to washers and dryers, we’re going to help people ... Statistical survey deadline extended to June 14 The deadline for APRO's online statistical survey has been extended to June 14. The survey -- a critical instrument 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 ... APRO's Rental Roundtable -- Three Ways to Learn in Louisville At this year's Convention and Trade Show, APRO has designed three separate tracks to hone in on a variety of business-enhancing needs based on attendees’ management level and size of the company. The morning of July 20 kicks off at the Marriott Louisville Downtown with APRO’s popular Rental ... Aaron's drives donations for troops Aaron's and the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) have united in a collaborative effort to drive donations for military families this approaching Memorial Weekend. Aaron's and the AFF first initiated a text-to-give campaign that allows participants to text AFF to 50555 to donate $10 to the Armed Forces Foundation which ... Premier Companies announces new marketing director Williamsburg, Virginia May 27, 2010: The Premier Companies CEO/president, Trooper Earle, today announced Nancy Price as the new Director of Marketing for all the Premier brands. Price replaces Jocelyn Swanson, who is refocusing her attention to Premier’s public relations. Price has more than fifteen years in sales and ... High Touch acquires Kansas City-based IT Pros High Touch today announced the recent acquisition of IT Pros, a Kansas City-based IT Managed Services provider. IT Pros provides an array of services including PC and server management, remote and on-site services, and data back-up, minimizing day-to-day hassles of managing business technology. According to Kevin Colborn, High Touch ... Hemmelgarn named national sales director at Protect-A-Bed Barb Hemmelgarn, new Protect-A-Bed national sales director for RTO and corporate housing. Barb Hemmelgarn has been appointed a national sales director for the Rent-to-Own and Corporate Housing division at Protect-A-Bed, a premier provider of bedding protection products. In her position Hemmelgarn will focus on growing the R.T.O ... Premier Companies open house kicks off June 8 The Premier Companies is counting the days to its Franchising Open House in Chicago June 8 at the Westin O’Hare. For those interested in making a career change by opening their own RTO business, Premier will help them explore the strong benefits and advantages enjoyed by its franchisees: ... Retail study shows new opportunities for digital advertising A new report shows that 92 percent of consumers rely on the web when shopping for products. A recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle "Get Connected -- How to Harness the Power of Digital Media" reports that the digital connections must be integrated as a whole to maximize ... Industry statistical survey due Friday 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 ... Rental Advertising Excellence Awards early deadline tomorrow The rent-to-own industry's longest held advertising competition is back. APRO's 2010 Rental Advertising Excellence contest will once again honor the best radio, television, print, direct market and Internet advertising campaigns created for rent-to-own businesses and companies over the past year. In commemoration of APRO's 30th Anniversary, entrants will also ... RSSS Conference attendees push APRO Scholarship Fund past $100K mark Raof Bishay (center), CTO for American Rental upon learning Rent One's Larry Carrico (right) just auctioned his shirt. RSSS Users' Conference attendees weren't the only ones dealt winning hands at the event's 'Texas Hold Em' night' Tuesday. Rent to own dealers, employees and their children came up the big ... Chambers, Crider roll out project 'Fusion' Ellison Crider, general manager RSSS at the company users' conference Tuesday. High Touch President/CEO Wayne Chambers and Rental and Sales Software Systems (RSSS) General Manager Ellison Crider Tuesday, addressed more than 50 RTO dealers outlining project "Fusion" -- a cooperative effort between High Touch and RSSS programmers to ... RSSS Users' Conference kicks off in Corpus Ellison Crider (RSSS), Uzma Powell (High Touch), Larry Carrico (Rent One) at the RSSS Users' Conference in Corpus Christi. RSSS Users from across the country headed to Corpus Christi, Texas, Monday, for the kick off reception for the 2010 RSSS Users Conference where attendees from some 22 rent to ... Aaron's, Atlanta Dream team up to honor local children's hospital patients The Atlanta Dream and Aaron’s have announced a partnership for the 2010 season which will extend the team’s reach in the community by providing tickets to metro Atlanta youth to attend Atlanta Dream games, and establishing a new community initiative with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “... Rent-A-Center announces key senior management appointments Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced the appointment of two seasoned executives to newly created senior management positions. Agustín Viola-Prioli: Agustín Viola-Prioli was named vice president, business development. Reporting to Joel Mussat, senior vice president, strategic planning and development, Viola-Prioli brings nearly two decades' worth ... APRO Board nominations due today Eight seats on the Association of Progressive Rental Organization's Board of Directors are up for election at the general session of APRO's annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky July 21st. Nomination forms should be filled out and returned by fax or email no later than today. All candidates should be ... Queen City and Bernie's join Nationwide Marketing Group Twice today is reporting former NATM Buying Corp. members Queen City and Bernie's have joined the Nationwide Marketing Group. For Queen City, the 11-store CE and appliance chain based Charlotte, N.C., the change marks a return to Nationwide, where it had been a buying group member through much ... DAC Products gives back on Mother's Day A group of DAC employees and family members turned out on the Saturday before Mother’s Day to present roses to all the women residents at Village Care Nursing Home, an elderly care facility in King, NC. Eighty-two red roses were donated and individually delivered to each female resident ... Who will be APRO's 2010 Customer and Employee of the year David Keen of Rent One (center) -- APRO's 2009 Employee of the Year. Watch video. 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 or communities. If one of your rent to own employees, ... Are you paying attention to the 'Millennial' generation? The 92 million Millenial Americans are today's largest generation. Millenials are defined as those who were born between 1981 to 2002. A National Journal telephone and on-line survey examined the views of the Millenials. The survey results can help business better adapt to the generation power-to-be whether as consumers, ... Industry statistical survey due in two weeks 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 ... Icontain asset management featured in tech piece The Boise Weekly today featured an article on the growing demand for "asset management" programs in the rent to own industry, specifically new innovations by IContain: Tough times have kept the $6.8 billion rent-to-own industry healthy, as credit-crunched consumers seek out alternatives to buying new stuff outright. ... APRO Scholarship Applications due June 11 "Bo" Walker with daughter Robin Walker -- APRO's 2009 scholarship winner. Watch video. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is now accepting applications for its third annual $2,000 scholarship award open to all APRO rent-to-own employees and their children. Scholarship applications are due June 11. See full ... APRO Board Nominations Due May 14 Eight seats on the Association of Progressive Rental Organization's Board of Directors are up for election at the general session of APRO's annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky July 21st. Nomination forms were mailed last month to all APRO members in good standing and should be filled out and returned ... High Touch introduces RTO software fusion, 'Cynergi' product line High Touch CEO Wayne Chambers describes the fusion of RSSS and High Touch features at the company's users conference Thursday. High Touch President/CEO Wayne Chambers Thursday addressed users conference attendees and outlined project "Fusion" -- a cooperative effort between High Touch and RSSS programmers to combine the best ... ColorTyme manager Coelho raises $14,000 for Children Hospital Boston Albert Coelho, ColorTyme store manager, raises $14,000 for Children's Hospital Boston. What started as one man’s run to support a personal cause turned into a massive fundraiser for the local Children’s Hospital. Albert Coelho, Providence ColorTyme store manager, recently finished the Boston Marathon with $14,520 ... High Touch gears up for 'modernization' talks at users conference in Wichita Dealers and industry reps. with High Touch and RSSS officials Wednesday. Rent to own industry operators from across the globe Wednesday, converged on Wichita, Kansas for High Touch Technology Solution's Users Conference to learn the ins and outs of a new "Best of Both" software that promises to ... What is your BBB rating? APRO members have spent fifteen years spearheading a public relations campaign to improve the industry's marketing potential and public image. While there are national efforts to improve the industry's image, many have done so at the local level. One of the significant components is your company's Better Business Bureau, ... Reasons you should exhibit at APRO in Louisville! 86% of attendees use face-to-face 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 to ... Customer-Employee of the year nominations due June 11 David Keen of Rent One (center) -- APRO's 2009 Employee of the Year. Watch video. APRO's Employees and Customers of the Year are those customers and employees who inspire, help or sacrifice for the betterment of their families and or communities. If one of your rent to own employees, ... RAE entry deadline June 1 The rent-to-own industry's longest held advertising competition is back. APRO's 2010 Rental Advertising Excellence contest will once again honor the best radio, television, print, direct market and Internet advertising campaigns created for rent-to-own businesses and companies over the past year. In commemoration of APRO's 30th Anniversary, entrants will also ... Rick Wigen Joins Almo as VP of Product Management Rick Wigen, new Almo VP of product management. Almo Corporation, a leading U.S. distributor of consumer electronics and appliances, today announced that Rick Wigen will join the company as Vice President of Product Management responsible for consumer electronics and major appliances. Located at the Philadelphia headquarters, Rick will ... UPDATED: Missouri dealers to donate 35 computers to fire ravaged school The Missouri Rental Dealers Association today a t 2:30 p.m. will hold a formal press conference where it will donate 35 new Compaq computers to the Fredericktown Middle School in Fredericktown, MO. The school burned down April 10 and officials relocated the school to a local church, Calvary ... Industry founders reflect on 30 years of APRO in new RTOHQ: The Magazine By Bill Keese, APRO executive director, A feature in this issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine reflects on the creation and early days of APRO as told by Bud Holladay, Chuck Sims and Ed Winn III. After 30 years, we separate the reality from the myths on the association’s ... Consumer confidence highest since fall 2008 The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had rebounded in March, increased further in April. The Index now stands at 57.9 (1985=100), up from 52.3 in March. The Present Situation Index increased to 28.6 from 25.2. The Expectations Index improved to 77.4 from 70.... CE vet Mike Neighbours retires after 38 years Mike Neighbours retires Friday. After 38 years in the consumer electronics industry -- the last 10 serving rent to own dealers -- Mike Neighbours is prepping for the next phase of his life. Come this Friday, Neighbours is stepping down as RTO Sales Manager for CE distributer SED International. ... Rent-A-Center stock moves noted by Bloomberg Blooomberg Businessweek today reported on a number of stocks that made notable moves in Tuesday's stock market. The nation's largest rent to own company, Rent-A-Center was one of those companies. The publication reported: "Rent-A-Center advanced 9.1 percent to $28.05, the highest price since May 2007. The ... Rent-A-Center donates merchandise to Fort Benning Rent-A-Center is donating merchandise, including furnishings, electronics and computers with a wholesale value of more than $17,000, to Fort Benning. A portion of the donation benefits the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, which provides support to wounded, ill and injured soldiers and their family members. The balance of ... Take APRO's statistical survey now! The time is now to complete APRO's online statistical survey -- the touchstone financial analysts, investment bankers, legislators and the media use to gauge the value of the entire rent to own industry. APRO's simplified, online data entry form is now available. Go here to register a new account ... Aaron's Q1: same store revenues up 4.4 percent Aaron's today announced record revenues and earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2010. For the first quarter of 2010, revenues increased 4% to $495.3 million compared to $474.0 million for the first quarter in 2009. Net earnings from continuing operations increased 5% to $37.0 ... Rent-A-Center Q1: company raises 2010 revenue and guidance Rent-A-Center today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. First Quarter 2010 Results: Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 were $718.4 million, a decrease of $9.8 million from total revenues of $728.2 million for the same period in the ... Missouri dealers rally for local school, donate 25 computers Before Fredericktown Middle School burned down April 10, principal Scott Sikes hadn't even heard of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA). Within a week, he learned the association was donating 35 brand new Compaq Desktop Computers so his campus of 440 sixth, seventh and eighth graders could continue their ... BrightHouse invests $1.5 million in new national service center Picture: Neil Edwards, Head of Service and Kieran O’Callaghan with their team at the ribbon cutting of BrightHouse’s new National Service Centre. BrightHouse, the UK's leading rent to own retailer, has invested $1.5 million in a new National Service Centre, on the site of its National ... Premier to Host Annual Franchising Open House in Chicago, June 8 The Premier Companies is holding its Annual Franchising Open House in conjunction with its Mid-year Dealer Retreat inChicago on June 8. Premier dealers from across the country willcome together to network, participate in hands-on business workshops, and work togetheron strategies to grow their businesses. During that time Premier will ... Rent-A-Center steps up for Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation (LCEF) will be better able to achieve its goal of supporting Louisiana’s economy as it promotes the state’s cultural industry and serves artists, cultural organizations and businesses. Rent-A-Center is donating the following ... Aaron's to honor armed forces foundation with commemorative NASCAR racecar Aaron's announced today it will honor the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) with a commemorative NASCAR racecar at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte during the upcoming race Memorial weekend, Sunday, May 30. The paint scheme will feature a patriotic red, white and blue design. In addition to the custom paint ... Seventh annual "Bowling for Autism" kicks off tomorrow John Cleek Jr.'s annual "Bowling for Autism" event kicks off tomorrow at AMF Town and Country Lanes in Columbia, Missouri at 11;30 a.m. The successful program, which has already raised more than $125,000 over the past six years, will continue to raise money for ... Former ColorTyme manager opens first RTO store Once a ColorTyme manager, Daryck Fuqua recently became a franchisee with the opening of his new store in Phoenix, Ariz. Offering the convenience and affordability of rent-to-own, the new 4,800 square-foot store marks Fuqua’s success at achieving a long-term goal. "Opening a ColorTyme franchise has always ... Rent-A-Center supplies furnishings to Nevada housing units With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada (NHS) will be able to better serve local families and individuals served by their affordable housing initiatives. Rent-A-Center is donating six of each for NHS Affordable Housing Multi-Family Units: • Sofa/loveseat sets • ... Streamlined industry survey due May 28 Financial analysts, investment bankers, legislators and the media depend on APRO's annual statistical survey to gauge the value of the entire industry. And that survey depends on you. APRO's simplified, online data entry form is now available. Go here to register a new account and participate in the most ... Nationwide has long tradition of energy conservation As a four year ENERGY STAR award winner, Nationwide Marketing Group is no stranger to the importance of energy conservation in the retailing industry. For many years the buying group has been pushing an environmental message to their independent retailers, customers and the communities they serve. “We can ... Grab your hat! It's derby time at APRO Convention Time to go shopping for your Derby attire and fabulous hats! The Kentucky Derby is only a few weeks away. And you’ll get to wear it all again at the APRO 2010 Convention & Trade Show July 19-22. APRO is throwing a private party at Churchill Downs just ... PARD donates five computers, software to local school L to R: Nativity School Board member Susan Ewing, Executive Director Jairee Counterman, students Queshawn Jenkins-Barksdale and Jzaquean Carter and Board member Stephen Proctor at PARD meeting Tuesday. Around 31 Pennsylvania rent to own professionals turned out for the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers annual business meeting yesterday which ... IMF: Global economy on the rebound The world economy is bouncing back from recession better than expected and will expand by more than 4 percent this year according to the International Monetary Fund's top economist in a Washington Post report. China is projected to grow by a world-leading 10 percent, while major European nations are ... TRIB Group launches new Web site TRIB Group today officially launched its new retooled Web site that features a fresh design and rebranding along with a host of other tools. TRIB Group first embarked on the website redesign project in the fourth quarter of 2009 after the project was awarded to one of TRIB Group’... Vendor Advisory Committee nominations due May 1 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 ... PA Dealers to donate computers at business meeting tomorrow Around 31 Pennsylvania rent to own professionals are expected at the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers annual business meeting Tuesday in which the organization will donate $5,000 in products and merchandise to an innovative middle school program for inner-city boys. PARD members will make their first "Computerz ... Showplace holds appreciation day Pictured L to R: Keith Ferriman, Rick Hughes, Gary Ferriman, Chris Mefford and Brian Walker Showplace Rent to Own recently hosted a special company activity recognizing its employees and vendors. Gary Ferriman, Founder and President of the Marion, Ohio based company created the event as a means to recognize ... Chris Mueller opens Tampa Premier Home Furnishings store Seasoned RTO veteran and owner Chris Mueller opened his Premier Home Furnishings store in Tampa last week. A smooth launch and steady store traffic bode well for success in his new location. Mueller has been in the industry since he became a driver for Action TV Rentals in 1980 ... Officers elected at high turnout TRDA meeting L to R: Chuck Botts, treasurer, Cindy Hogan, board member, Chris Bolin, president, Harvey Whitehead, secretary, James Garland, vice president. The Tennessee Rental Dealers Association met in downtown Nashville Tuesday for its annual business meeting drawing close to 30 attendees from 11 rent to own company's to participate in ... Rent One re-locates service center A Mt. Vernon rent to own company with stores in five states has moved its service center recently to a 40,000-square feet facility that was once a popular department store, according to a story yesterday in the Vernon Morning Sentinel. Rent One, founded by Larry and Sharon Carrico, ... VIDEO: Rent-A-Center outfits Nebraska Boys and Girls Club On Tuesday, April 13, leaders of Rent-A-Center hosted a dedication and open house at the Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster Co. Teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County have a newly updated positive place to hang out and call their own, thanks to a partnership ... Adding GPS devices could save on comprehensive coverage By Jeanette Beardsley, APRO endorsed commercial insurance agent With the proliferating use of GPS devices in vehicles, we have had a couple vehicle theft claims where there was a GPS devise installed after purchase. In the loss settlement, the actual cash value of the vehicle is determined by Blue ... APRO Board nomination form coming soon Eight seats on the Association of Progressive Rental Organization's Board of Directors are up for election at the general session of APRO's annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky July 21st. Nomination forms were mailed last week to all APRO members in good standing and should be filled out and returned ... D&H wins TRIB's 'Soaring Eagle', 'Rising Star' Awards D&H’s Manager of the Home Entertainment Division John Alifano (left) and TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen during the Group’s vendor meeting at the TRIB Show in Dallas. D&H Distributing, the major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor, is proud to announce that it ... APRO Scholarship applications due June 11 "Bo" Walker with daughter Robin Walker -- APRO's 2009 scholarship winner. Watch video. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is now accepting applications for its third annual $2,000 scholarship award open to all APRO rent-to-own employees and their children. APRO's Scholarship Foundation will award $2,000 toward ... TRDA meeting Wednesday The Tennessee Rental Dealers Association Spring meeting takes place Wednesday at the DoubleTree Hotel Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee where dealers will take part in professional and industry seminars and elect officers. Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals and Ed Winn III, general counsel for the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations ... ColorTyme's Hughes wins Multi-Unit MVP Award Gary Hughes (right) accepting his MVP award from Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine. Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine recently awarded Most Valuable Player status to Gary Hughes, franchisee of 20 years and owner of 12 total ColorTyme and RimTyme stores. Hughes was chosen for the recognition based on outstanding performance in areas including ... Are you and your customers ready for the digital revolution Recent research headed by Karl Finch and Dr. Jim Witte point to an exponentially changing world spurred by the technological revolution. These rapid technological changes will have dramatic consequences for businesses, employees, products and customers. Rent-to-own owners are keenly aware of the latest products that consumers need and want ... Customer-Employee of the year nominations due June 11 David Keen (center) -- APRO's 2009 Employee of the Year. APRO's Employees and Customers of the Year are those customers and employees who inspire, help or sacrifice for the betterment of their families and or communities. If one of your rent to own employees, co-workers or customers represents rent-to-own ... Registration open for APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show Register now for the rent-to-own industry event of the year -- APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky July 19-22. For the first time, the APRO will hold its Convention in Louisville where more than 100 exhibitors will cater to hundreds of decision making rent-to-own dealers taking ... Rent-A-Center selects FM Facility Maintenance for nationwide facility program Rent-A-Center (RAC), the nation’s largest rent-to-own operator today selected FM Facility Maintenance (FM) to provide facility management services for its 3,000 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico. “By leveraging FM’s strengths, we will greatly simplify our store managers’ responsibilities, improve the consistency ... CAL-APRO donates to new homeless center The California Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is donating $1,000 to Today's Urban Renewal Network which is establishing a new Homeless Engagement Center in Riverside, California. Nation's Rent To Own owner Paul Davis -- CAL-APRO's president -- also donated several thousand dollars in furniture from his company to ... Rent-A-Center outfits Arkansas Boys and Girls Clubhouse Rent-A-Center today, will dedicate a new “RAC Room” for teens at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas in North Little Rock outfitted with two new sofas and loveseats, three TVs, four computers and computer games. The dedication is scheduled for 3 p.m.... Rental Advertising Excellence entries due June 1 The rent-to-own industry's longest held advertising competition is back. APRO's 2010 Rental Advertising Excellence contest will once again honor the best radio, television, print, direct market and Internet advertising campaigns created for rent-to-own businesses and companies over the past year. In commemoration of APRO's 30th Anniversary, entrants will also ... Aaron's reaches out to Dallas-Ft. Worth community Some 250 Aaron's volunteers outside the North Texas VA Hospital Wednesday. More than 2,000 Aaron’s employees Wednesday, headed into Dallas -Ft. Worth area communities as part of the company's second annual community outreach initiative -- a new component of Aaron's National Managers Meeting held in Dallas this ... TRIB Group elects Lyn Leach president New TRIB Group President Lyn Leach. As its last order of business Wednesday morning, the TRIB Group Board of Directors elected it's slate of officers for the upcoming year, including electing vice president Lynn Leach of Ace Rent To Own, as president. Leach succeeds Ernie Lewallen of UHR Rents ... TRIB Group wraps meeting at new Dallas Cowboys Stadium TRIB Group members at Cowboys Stadium Tuesday. Close to 300 rent to own professionals from across the globe capped three days of buying networking and fellowship with a tour of the $1.4 billion Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington. Participants toured the facility -- the largest domed stadium in ... Premier named one of fastest growing young franchisors in America The Premier Companies was recently ranked Number 10 on the 2009 Fast 55 list of fastest growing young franchisors in America, published by Franchise Times from data compiled by FRANdata. This is Premier’s second year to be one of the Top Ten on the list. Premier is the ... TRIB Group wraps record setting show Dick Eichlin, Marty Smith and Larry Carrico review Imagery Marketing's latest web features. The TRIB Group Buying Show closed this afternoon in Dallas after a frenetic two day run in which members from 104 rent to own companies bought millions in furniture, appliances, electronics and specialty items. Some 84 ... RSSS and High Touch outline features of "Best of Breed" software collaboration Leading rent to own industry software companies High Touch and RSSS Monday, unveiled development details of their collaborative "Best of Breed" rent to own software at the TRIB Group Convention and Buying Fair in Dallas. "This software will be a combination of the best of High Touch ... ColorTyme dealer turns memory into inspiration For Al Coelho, manager of the Providence ColorTyme, running for a cause is not just an exercise in charity but one that hits very close to his heart. Recently completing the New Bedford Half Marathon, Coelho honored the memory of his newborn daughter and made a promise to raise ... TRIB elects board members, hits buying show Mark Reopelle, Angela and Kevin Quinn of Quality Rentals at the TRIB Group Membership Meeting in which Kevin was elected to the TRIB Board Monday. TRIB Group members elected three board members Monday at the buying group's annual membership meeting which drew more than 200 member rent to own ... Congress heads home for two week recess U.S. House and Senate members are at home for the Easter/Passover recess until April 12th. Congress members return to their districts to gear up for the upcoming election season and to take a rest after a heated Health Care legislative debate. The Health Care bill passed both the ... Aaron's opens landmark 1,700th Store Aaron's has announced the recent opening of its 1,700th store, a reflection of the Company's strong growth and the solid business model offering credit-strained customers lease-to-own options. "The Aaron's business model has proven to succeed in both up and down economies," said Robin Loudermilk, Aaron's, Inc. ... Kathy Windsor honored with top TRIB award TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen presents Kathy Windsor of National TV Sales with the buying group's highest award Sunday. Kathy Windsor, seven-year TRIB board member and co-founder of National TV Sales and Rental, last night in Dallas received the Norman W. "Slats" Slatton Sr. President's Award -- TRIB ... TRIB Group "Hot Show" sales top $5.4 million "Bidders" at TRIB Group's record setting "Hot Show" Sunday. More than 200 rent to own professionals crowded the Coronado Ballroom of the Hilton Anatole Hotel to kick off the buying at TRIB Group's "Hot Show" -- the opening purchasing event at the rent to own buying ... Michael Gerwe Jr. teams with industry execs to launch Asset Protection Products Michael Gerwe Jr. of RES Marketing, has joined forces with other industry notables including Terry Beville, Jamie Slatton, Joe Gazzo and Salvatore Moccia, and others, to launch Asset Protection Products. As the exclusive licensee for products developed by I-Contain, the start-up company will focus its efforts on developing and ... Aaron's brings second annual community outreach managers meeting to Dallas Aaron's "Lucky Dog" greets students from Anne Beers Elementary where Aaron's volunteers dropped off shoes for 400 children and adults at last year's community outreach event. Aaron’s is once again transforming its national managers meeting into a company-wide community outreach effort. More than 2,000 Aaron’s ... Rent-A-Center donates $20,000 to Atlanta Children's Healthcare Service Rent-A-Center is donating $20,000 in video game equipment and televisions on March 26 to the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The equipment and televisions will be used primarily in the teen room at the cancer center. "We are pleased to ... ORDA wraps annual business meeting, plans legislative conference ORDA Officers (L to R): Mark Koehler (VP), Doug Higgins (Secretary), Scott Kinnear (President), Joel Ehrlich (treasurer). Over 20 rent to own dealers and supporting vendors turned out for the Ohio Rental Dealers Association annual meeting at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio Wednesday where members ... TRIB Group Convention begins Sunday TRIB Group's annual Convention and Buy Fair kicks off Sunday in Dallas ushering in a four day rent to own bonanza featuring second-to-none networking opportunities, special show deals, membership meetings and the group's annual awards banquet slated for the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. "We're very excited about the ... FRDA concludes successful legislative conference The Florida Rental Dealers Association held its 11th Annual Legislative Conference March 23-24 in Tallahassee, Florida. Facing no major legislative issues or concerns this year, attendees were able to meet with over 20 members of the house and senate, watch a senate debate, and hear presentations by Randy Miller, ... Healthcare reform's small business impact The health-care overhaul that President Barack Obama signed into law Tuesday will mean big changes for many small businesses. Through a combination of coverage mandates, penalties, tax credits and purchasing pools, lawmakers aim to boost insurance coverage for U.S. workers. But exactly how the legislation will affect small ... Aaron's declares 3-for-2 stock split Aaron's today announced that the Board of Directors of the Company has declared a 3-for-2 stock split effected in the form of a 50 percent stock dividend on both Common Stock and Class A Common Stock. The holders of both Common Stock and Class A Common Stock will receive ... Nationwide selects Audio Authority as vendor partner Audio Authority Corporation, a manufacturer of innovative retail demonstration products, announced today that it has been selected by Nationwide Marketing Group as a new vendor partner. Audio Authority recently exhibited at PrimeTime!, Nationwide’s buying show and conference, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, February 28 through ... Rent-A-Center to outfit 10 U.S. Army garrisons Rent-A-Center today announced plans to donate merchandise, with a wholesale value of $175,000, to 10 Army garrisons. Coordinated through the military’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, the donations are slated for April through November of this year. The 10 garrisons are: Fort Hood, Kileen, Texas; ... Protect-A-Bed sponsors bed bug webinar Protect-A-Bed, the leading provider of bed bug proof mattress encasements for the corporate housing and rent to own industries, is sponsoring an educational webinar discussion on fighting the bed bug battle in cooperation with the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) on March 23. The hour-long session will take place ... Content is key to 3D-TV penetration, study finds Increased availability of 3D content is vitally important to sales of 3D-enabled TVs in 2010 and beyond, according to new consumer research from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Entertainment and Technology Center (ETC) at the University of Southern California. Content remains the key component in future adoption ... Monitor your business with new iphone app New iphone app lets you see your office security cameras from your iphone; anytime and anywhere you may be traveling. Live images can be viewed from your phone in real time, even zooming in and out, on the free iphone app. As long as you have internet through your ... Buddy's, now largest RTO indie, begins franchising Buddy's owner Jamie Slatton with company president Joe Gazzo. Tampa-based Buddy’s Home Furnishings, in February, completed its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and is now listed in the national franchise registry ushering in the next era of the company's development. The seminal rent to own company founded in 1961 ... New "invisible asset management" products helps RTO industry maintain strong growth Due, in part, to a lagging economy and the continuing credit crunch, the rent-to-own industry has seen tremendous growth and success. These successes, however are often hobbled by theft and difficult collection attempts. Industry leaders and local managers alike have searched for a suitable solution to these issues. How ... Premier Wheel Workz offers new wheel repair service “You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em” is the new slogan at Premier Wheel Workz stores where customers not only can buy or lease wheels and tires, but they can come in to repair their bent rims as well. While tire repair has been standard at Premier, ... ORDA annual meeting this month The Ohio Rental Dealers Association holds its annual spring business meeting March 24 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The board will discuss it's popular Midwest Training Expo -- Sept. 21-22 -- and review vendor presentations in addition to holding officer elections. ORDA President Scott ... TRIB Group gears up for annual convention; downloads available TRIB Group will turn up the heat at its annual convention and buy fair in two weeks, March 27- 31, when the rent to own industry's largest member-owned buying group kicks off five days of meetings, award ceremonies and spring buying. Hosted in Dallas, Texas at the beautiful Hilton ... PrimeTime! rebates up 20 percent Nationwide Marketing Group, the parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, announced that independent dealers cashed in on 20 percent more of instant rebate checks, over last year’s spring show, on products purchased at PrimeTime! held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last week. In 2009, an excess of ... Former Rentway CEO to head international business lender Opportunity International today announced the appointment of Bill Morgenstern as CEO, replacing Kadita "A.T." Tshibaka who has served as interim CEO since April 2009. Tshibaka will assist with the transition over the next month and return to his former role as a member of the Board ... Rent One silver anniversary is 'Rentastic' David Keen, employment development manager, and Mark Williams, VP of sales and marketing, at Rent One's silver anniversary managers meeting. Rent One this week celebrated its 25th anniversary at the company's annual business meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where more than 100 managers, their families and vendor partners turned ... ColorTyme announces $30K giveaway winners Thirty ColorTyme customers recently cashed in as names were drawn for the $30K Giveaway, and countless others won in-store prizes. Held in celebration of the company's 30th birthday, ColorTyme's $30K Giveaway gave customers a chance to win $1,000 along with instant prizes in local stores. Rent-to-own customers registered ... Bryce Jewelry introduces 'Bridal Plus' package Bryce Jewelry rings in the new decade with an innovative bridal program that is a marriage of service and success. The Bridal Plus package is the latest of Bryce’s creative marketing concepts designed to create a larger customer base with a lower investment. This compact program allows RTO ... DSI announces 2010 electronic expo dates DSI Systems' 2010 electronics expo tour will cover three states and again offer dealers their choice of four breakout sessions in addition to a general DSI presentation. Toshiba, Mitsubishi, LG, Sharp, Monster, DIRECTV, and more will conduct the breakout sessions for small groups on specific products. Dealers will be ... DSI Systems reduces rebate headaches for independent dealers DSI Systems understands the challenges to a dealer’s cash flow and profitability created by the complicated manufacturer consumer instant rebate programs that more and more manufacturers are utilizing to drive sales. In response to those challenges, DSI developed a rebate claim process in 2009 that allows dealers to ... Rent One rolls out Harley, new store for 25th anniversary bash Murray Beck, Trent Agin, Col. Chris Lawson, Larry Carrico and Mark Williams at Rent One's 2010 managers meeting. Rent One is celebrating its 25th anniversary today at the company's annual business meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where more than 100 managers, their families and vendor partners are expected. To ... Revamped APRO University in session APRO's revised online rent to own training program is live. The easier-to-use lower-cost APRO University online interface is currently offering APRO's original five training courses: Introduction to Rent-to-Own, Rental Delivery and Safety, Customer Satisfaction in Rent to Own, Communication in the Rent to Own Workplace and Account Management in ... D&H offers range of vendors for 2010 TRIB SHOW D&H has Grown its portfolio of offerings for the rent-to-own marketplace, covering items ranging from best-selling notebooks to small appliances, HDTVs and gaming equipment. D&H Distributing, the major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor, announces it is offering an expanded line of manufacturers and products ... BrightHouse expands to Gaolgate Place BrightHouse, the U.K.'s leading rent to own chain, is continuing its expansion program with the opening of a new store in Gaolgate Place, Stafford. The new 3,400 sq ft store, which employs seven staff will have its Grand Opening on Saturday 6th March. To mark the ... ColorTyme manager inspires work through play Toby Littlejohn, ColorTyme championship belt winner. With the recent economic turndown leaving employee satisfaction at a record low, finding a cost-effective way to motivate the workforce can be a challenge. Fortunately, Jim Aldridge, manager of ColorTyme in Gaffney, South Carolina, discovered a creative approach to recognizing top performers that ... Aaron's 'Dream Machine' to honor Mitsubishi Aaron's named Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, its Vendor Partner of the Year for 2009 and will race a Mitsubishi-themed No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine in the company's honor. The racecar, driven by Michael Waltrip Racing No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine driver David Reutimann, will make its on-track debut at ... Blockbuster adds pseudo RTO program Blockbuster Video said Tuesday it would change its fee policy after reporting a loss of $435 million in the fourth quarter, providing for a rent to own option by default option, according to UPI. The new policy changes a charge of $5 for a seven-day rental to a $5 ... Premier's Cuthbertson earns community service award Premier dealer William Cuthbertson. Clarksville Premier Rental-Purchase owner William Cuthbertson earned a special award for community service at the recent Premier Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida. An integral and respected part of the Clarksville, Tennessee community, Premier has been providing furniture, appliances and electronics with both retail and rent-to-own ... RTO heavyweight makes retail inroads with "RAC Acceptance" program Keith Smith of Rent-A-Center, describes the RAC Acceptance program to single store retailer Mo Halawani of XOOM. Rent to Own and retail are not strange bedfellows. Rent to own literally rose from the ashes of a denied credit sale under the guidance of Ernie Talley in the 1960's. Many ... EPA Recognizes Nationwide with 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award NMG Executive Panel: Les Kirk, vice president, Ed Kelly, president and vice president Robert Weisner at a press conference Monday. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) with a 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas ... Rent-A-Center, Washington AG reach agreement, avoid trial on collections case Rent-A-Center and the Washington State Attorney General's office late last week, reached an agreement on a case that was headed to trial March 23. The Washington AG's Consumer Protection Division filed claims against Rent-A-Center in July 2009 asking King County Superior Court to declare Rent-A-Center's collection practices and rental ... ColorTyme named AllStar Franchise for 2010 ColorTyme, the nation’s oldest rent-to-own franchisor, was chosen from more than 800 companies as a top business opportunity in the 2010 AllBusiness Allstar Franchises ranking. Backed by analysis from parent company Dun & Bradstreet, AllBusiness.com’s ranking assesses the strengths of franchising companies based upon criteria including ... PrimeTime! goes live in Vegas Rental Dealers at RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! kickoff Sunday. Close to 3,000 retail and rent to own dealers packed the convention center at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sunday night for the kickoff of Nationwide Marketing Group's (NMG) PrimeTime! conference and buying show. More than 3,300 are ... RentDirect Nationwide Show hits Vegas RentDirect Nationwide kicks off its PrimeTime! buying show and conference at MGM Grand in Las Vegas today where rent to own dealers from across the country will take part in unique educational and networking opportunities and peruse more than 150,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the latest ... APRO Legislative Conference wraps 'day on the Hill' with networking reception L to R: Bill French, N.C. Rep. Virginia Foxx, David Kraemer, James MacAlpine. APRO Legislative Conference attendees ended a full day of meetings with legislators at the event's annual networking reception and dinner Wednesday evening at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. ... APRO conference 'tie auction' raises $7,500 for scholarship fund Tie auction winners (l to r): Jeannie Mendell, Scott Brown, Larry Sutton, Jamie Thompson, Jeff Loeb, Larry Carrico, Joe Gazzo, Charles Smithgall, Mamie Harper. APRO Legislative Conference attendees loosened their ties after a full day of meetings with legislators at the event's annual networking reception and dinner Wednesday evening. ... Job creation is focus of RTO legislative message Missouri Congressman William Lacy Clay addresses a diverse group of RTO professionals at APRO's Legislative Conference Tuesday. Rent to own dealers, vendors and other industry professionals kicked off the first day of APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., united behind the message that rent to own legislation ... Industry memories rekindled in new RTOHQ: The Magazine Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.”—Robert Penn Warren Knowing and understanding the ... RTO industry pros head to DC Rent to own industry professionals from across the country are making their way to APRO's 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference today at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. to kickoff the industry's legislative event of the year. More than 100 rent to own dealers, employees and vendors ... Teletrack and eBureau develop new specialty credit tools Teletrack, Inc., an industry-leading provider of credit risk solutions for non-traditional lenders, and eBureau, an innovative provider of real-time predictive scoring and information solutions, today introduced a suite of credit scoring and other predictive models that are to become core components of Teletrack’s risk management solution offerings. Teletrack ... RNR re-designed site includes social networking At the 2010 RNR Custom Wheel and Tire Franchise Meeting held January 18 – 21, in Tampa, FL, RNR, one of the largest custom wheel and tire stores in the world, launched its newly re-designed website. The site provides improved functionality and benefits to visitors and members, which include ... Missouri dealers gain marketing insights at annual meeting Marketing specialist Kelly McDonald with MRDA President John Cleek Jr. Around 85 Missouri Dealers representing some 20 different RTO companies kicked off the Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbia yesterday where they were treated to a birds eye view of marketing ... Tracking software nabs rent-to-own thief West Valley Police haven't arrested the thief just yet, but they know his name and information -- all because he looked himself up on Salt Lake County Jail's database, according to local news station Channel 5 KSL.com. West Valley EZ Rent-to-Own Assistant Store Manager Cody Flippin said was ... Brennan introduces negative RTO bill in PA State Rep. Joe Brennan, D-Lehigh/Northampton, recently introduced legislation that would further regulate Pennsylvania rent-to-own centers, according to a statement released by Brennan's office today. Pennsylvania is home to 257 rent-to-own stores that employ 1,542 employees. The bill, H.B. 2247, was referred to Consumer Affairs Feb. 9. "... APRO thanks legislative conference sponsors Rent-to-own industry professionals are gearing up for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference next week Feb. 23-25 in Washington, D.C. The conference -- the single most important legislative event for rent to own dealers -- comes at a critical time when calls for industry regulation are still resounding on Capitol ... RAC Q4 2009 investor presentation available Rent-A-Center today released it's Q4 2009 investor presentation in pdf format. Download here.... Aaron's Q4: same store revenues up 5.2 percent Aaron's, the nations largest rent to own franchise and second largest RTO company, today announced revenues and earnings for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009. For the fourth quarter of 2009, revenues increased 10% to $446.3 million compared to $404.9 million for the fourth ... MRDA hosts annual meeting tomorrow Missouri Dealers kick off annual meeting tomorrow at 8:55 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Columbia, Missouri and will feature industry and legislative updates followed by the Missouri Rental Dealers Annual Business Meeting. MRDA President John Cleek Jr. expects around 100 attendees representing around 20 different RTO ... Reverend never 'tires' of preaching RTO gospel The Tampa Bay Business Journal recently featured "The Reverend of RTO”, Larry Sutton, and his now 10-year old company, RNR Custom Wheels and Tires as the subject of a piece titled, "A Rent-to-Own Keeps its Growth Rolling. The article follows Sutton from owner of Champion Rent-to-Own, a ... Teletrack integrates Transunion Credit info Teletrack, an industry-leading provider of credit and fraud risk solutions for non-traditional lenders, has added access to TransUnion credit information and scores to its specialty credit platform for non-traditional credit grantors. Integration with TransUnion allows Teletrack’s non-traditional consumer finance customers to access a single-source specialty credit platform with ... DATATrue 'connects' with kSoft and RTO Pro DATATrue is pleased to announce that it has successfully integrated its verification program with kSoft Corporation and RTO PRO. Key Points: DATATrue customers that also use kSoft or RTO Pro software can now access DATATrue automatically and when they enter a customer’s information on the kSoft or RTO ... RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! launches in two weeks RentDirect Nationwide is preparing for its PrimeTime! by Nationwide buying show and conference at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 28 – March 3. The show will cover over 150,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the latest products from leading manufacturers. Dealers attending the show ... Press takes fresh look at RTO in Ohio The rent to own industry and it's appeal in the current economy was the topic of choice for the Columbus-Dispatch this weekend and featured interviews with a number of rent to own dealers in the area. The mainstream daily newspaper with a Sunday circulation of more than 330,000, ... Protect-A-Bed opens UK office Protect-A-Bed, a leading provider of bedding protection products with a presence in 27 countries, today announced its acquisition of London-based Shine Capital Europe LTD which distributes Protect-A-Bed products across Europe. The acquisition creates a formal corporate presence for Protect-A-Bed in Europe. Simon Zamet, owner of Shine Capital Europe LTD, ... Countryside employees brave winter weather for annual meeting Countryside Rent-2-Own President Mike Tissot with Diane Smalley, manager of the company's store of the year in Hillsboro. It wasn’t the 8 inches of snow and high winds in the Ohio Valley that closed all 25 of Countryside Rentals’ RENT-2-OWN stores on Wednesday. In fact, all of that ... easygates opens two new stores Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of two new easyhome franchise stores. The second store in Arkansas opened on February 6 at 2070 John Harden Drive in the Jacksonville Plaza shopping center in Jacksonville, Arkansas and the second store in Missouri will open on ... InForm offers $59 Easter holiday promo Easter offers another opportunity to get customers in stores. What better way than an “In-store promotional giveaway?” Year round promotions are great traffic builders and they create in-store excitement, repeat business and generate customer good will. Order your holiday promotion at least a month in advance, display it ... Ashley Furniture to open 300 new franchise stores Ashley Furniture hopes to open 300 new lower-cost franchise stores this year, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune. In the story, the Arcadia-based manufacturer says the stores will offer furniture at a single price -- for example, all sofas for $399, rugs for $99, or five-piece dining ... Credit card use down Credit card usage is slowing, according to a USA Today report. Revolving credit — largely made up of credit card debt — fell by nearly 20 percent in November, the largest drop on record, according to the Federal Reserve. The slowdown reflects less borrowing by consumers and tighter lending ... Kaye promoted to Benefit Marketing VP of sales David Kaye, new Benefit Marketing Solutions VP of sales and marketing. Benefit Marketing Solutions, Inc. (BMS), the recognized leader in membership programs for the rent-to-own industry and other retail markets, today announced the promotion of David L. Kaye to Vice President—Sales and Marketing. BMS is a subsidiary of ... DSI now features Panasonic Professional Displays DSI today announced Panasonic Professional Displays is now part of the company's product line. Panasonic Professional Displays are perfectly suited for the needs of our Dealers serving the commercial installation market. Panasonic Professional Displays are designed for the demands of the commercial environment, featuring extensive configuration options for a ... Follow APRO on Twitter and Facebook Keep up to date on all the latest rent-to-own industry news and announcements on APRO's Twitter and Facebook pages. Read previous Twitter posts here, then sign up and "follow" RTOHQ to receive regular updates via e-mail, smart phone application or text. You decide how you want to stay ... Aaron's donates solar-powered electric systems to Haiti relief efforts Aaron's today is donating two solar-powered electric systems valued at $100,000 in support of Haiti relief efforts through ACORP, Aaron's Community Outreach Program. Through ACORP, Aaron's associates have donated thousands of hours of associate time to community service projects in more than 1,700 cities across the U.... ColorTyme manager enters Boston Marathon for children's hospital On April 19, Providence ColorTyme Store Manager Albert Coelho will be running for more than his health; he will be making a difference for thousands of children. Coelho will participate in the Boston Marathon, a 26.2-mile foot race, to raise money for Children’s Hospital Boston. “I'm ... Serta offers national RTO comforter giveaway We are very excited to announce Serta’s 1st Quarter 2010 National Marketing Event. Never before has a Mattress Manufacturer offered an event like this that gives rent-to-own dealers the opportunity to capitalize on a nationally advertised event in the mattress category. Consumers who rent a Queen, Split Queen, ... APRO, Ashley hospitality suite a hit RTO dealers at the Ashley Hospitality Suite at World Market Center Las Vegas Tuesday. More than 30 rent-to-own professionals representing a dozen companies turned out Tuesday for the annual RTO reception at Las Vegas Winter Market hosted by the Association of Progressive Rental Organzations and sponsored by Ashley Furniture. ... Artists Guild of America: Real art by real artists Ron Munoz shows off some art samples at Las Vegas Market. For over 30 years the Artists Guild of America has been producing hand-painted art on canvas in company studios located in Los Angeles, California. Each painting begins with a blank canvas and is painted and signed by studio ... Progressive Furniture expands into hardwoods George Ramel, Mike France and Dan Kendrick of Progressive Furniture. Progressive Furniture, a 25-year old North Carolina Furniture Company, recently expanded its offerings by producing a line of hardwood products manufactured in the company's Mexico plant. Progressive is exhibiting it's hardwood furniture at the Winter Las Vegas Market this ... Coaster Fine Furniture RTO catalog released As an import distributor of fine home furnishings across all major residential categories, Coaster offers one of the largest selections of continually-warehoused merchandise from seven warehouses strategically located across the country. And with Coaster's new 2010 "Rental Catalog", ordering just became that much easier. Download catalog here. Coaster's ... New Majik RTO opens in Huntingdon, PA Huntingdon Mayor Dee Dee Brown, center left, helps cut the ribbon on the new Majik Rentals store in her city. Lancaster-based Majik Rentals and Sales officially opened its fifth rent to own location in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania yesterday. The stores ribbon cutting ceremony was highlighted by a $4,000 contribution ... SLR International debuts at Vegas Market this week Joe Savovic, founder of SLR International. SLR International, leather motion furniture specialist, debuts this week at the Winter Las Vegas Market in Building A, space 1054. SLR International was founded in early 2008 by RTO industry veteran, Joe Savovic. "It gives me great personal pleasure to once again ... Rent-A-Center reports Q4 2009 Results Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. Fourth Quarter 2009 Results: Total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 were $672.9 million, a decrease of $26.9 million from total revenues of $699.8 ... High Touch, RAC donate 40 computers to Kansas community organizations Rent-to-own software leader High Touch, today announced it is joining efforts with long-time business partner Rent-A-Center to donate 20 IBM computers each to Breakthrough and Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. The donation is being organized by High Touch, Inc., a 25-year-old Wichita technology solutions company. “Breakthrough and Girl ... Inspector General warns TARP may not prevent another financial crisis The 2008 economic crises prompted unique opportunities for rent-to-own to promote its positive contribution to consumers. The over extension of credit was one of the driving issues of the financial collapse leaving rent-to-own's credit-free transaction a more viable consumer option for many. The twice initiated Troubled Asset Relief Program ... Las Vegas Market opens today This week’s Winter Las Vegas Market, runs today through Feb. 5 presenting retailers, rent-to-own dealers and design professionals new tools, resources and business strategies to not only survive, but to thrive in a challenging home furnishings industry in 2010. APRO will host a Hospitality Suite from 5-6:30 p.... Twin-Star customer appreciation night a hit LtoR: Scott Hancock of Buddy's ,Gidget Meaut and Craig Meau of Twin Star. Twin-Star International, manufacturer of ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces and Tresanti Media and Wine Cabinets Sunday, hosted it's third annual customer appreciation event at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas on the eve of The Winter Las ... Las Vegas Market: There's an app for that Consistent with its out-of the-box innovative leadership, World Market Center Las Vegas, is launching a free, downloadable application to enhance the experience of those attending Winter Las Vegas Market, Feb. 1 – 5. The first-of-its-kind interactive smartphone application designed specifically for the home furnishings industry provides attendees with quick ... Rent-A-Center names Robert Brockman senior vice president of HR Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced the appointment of Robert Brockman to senior vice president of human resources. Reporting to Mitch Fadel, president and chief operating officer, Brockman succeeds Mel McCall, who retired in December. Brockman's duties will include oversight of traditional human-resources responsibilities such as store ... Waterbury ColorTyme remembers recent shooting victim ColorTyme’s Steve Dwyer never met John Frazier, but the teen’s tragic death in Waterbury, Connecticut, prompted a local rent-to-own franchise owner to get involved. Taking to heart the company’s motto, “People Helping People”, Dwyer is collecting donations at ColorTyme in Frazier’s name and will ... Rent to own part of new consumer diet As the recession continues, Americans are saving more, spending less, and rethinking middle-class living, according to a recent article by U.S. News and World Report. Rent to own is mentioned as a part of the "rental rebound" section of the article as a timely alternative as the ... Joe Urena dies Joe Urena Joe Urena passed away in Redlands, California on January 26. Urena was an associate of Marie May and was in sales for Rental Dealer News and Rentex in the 1990s and had many friends in the rent-to-own industry. All services will be held at Todd Memorial Chapel ... Restonic gives bedding a new lease on rental life When it comes to re-renting bedroom sets, mattresses regularly prove more problematic than profitable. With staining, transportation wear, cleaning costs and bug issues, rent to own dealers typically get seven to eight months -- about two an a half turns -- of life at best from a traditional mattress. ... APRO Vendors: Booth rate deadline Feb. 1 Booth rates for APRO's Annual Convention and Trade Show will increase February 1st. The show is 70% sold out so don't delay. View your invitation to exhibit here. APRO's 2010 Convention and Trade Show will celebrate the association's 30th anniversary in Louisville, Kentucky, July 19th - 22nd. To view ... Troy Aikman is new Rent-A-Center spokesman New RAC Spokesman Troy Aikman. Rent-A-Center revealed today that Troy Aikman is the company’s new celebrity spokesperson. The well-known sports broadcaster, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, three-time Super Bowl champion and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be featured extensively in Rent-A-Center’s marketing efforts starting ... Consumer confidence climbs in January Consumer confidence in the overall economy rose in January to the highest level in seven months, according to the latest figures released today from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET (www.cnet.com). The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) rose to 172.9 this month, an increase ... Past APRO President joins Silko Radio APRO Past President Glenn Davis. APRO past president Glenn Davis announced this week he is currently working as a Silko Radio Sales Representative. Davis will continue to head up the rental sales division of King Koil Mattresses. Davis was president of APRO in 1985 and served as secretary for ... Whirlpool provides online consumer tool for Cash for Appliances program Whirlpool Corporation continues its legacy of leadership in energy efficiency with the launch of an easy-to-use rebate finder tool on three of its brand Web sites – Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands. As a manufacturer and marketer of more than 300 ENERGY STAR qualified major appliances in the U.... Premier Companies convene in Orlando The Premier Companies Annual 2010 Convention kicks off today at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida Jan. 25-28. Premier attendees kick off the event with a round of golf beginning today at noon at a Greg Norman-designed world-class course located directly on the hotel grounds. Throughout the ... BrightHouse opens new store in Gravesend BrightHouse the UK's leading rent to own chain, specialising in the sale of home electronics, domestic appliances and household furniture, is continuing its expansion programme with the opening of a new store in the Thamesgate centre in Gravesend. The 2,500 sq ft store, which employs seven staff will ... High Touch, RSSS join forces for modernized POS software Citing client needs, technology advancements and rent-to-own industry shifts, High Touch announced today a high-speed initiative to develop and implement a new single modernized system. The initiative, a joint effort between High Touch and its subsidiary RSSS, will be accompanied by organic change at both organizations, said Wayne Chambers, ... Baber's expands Rent-N-Roll store reach Cynthia Baber-Strunk and Shannon Strunk of Baber’s today expanded their RNR Franchise with the purchase of two Rent-n-Roll stores in Gulfport, Mississippi and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The stores were purchased from industry veteran Wayne Sutton. The new locations bring the number of stores Baber’s operates to 59 ... PrimeTime! vendor listings now available Updated Vendor Listing and Show Floor Maps are now available for the upcoming Nationwide RentDirect Show at MGM Las Vegas Feb. 28-March 3. See vendors here. PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), the largest buying show for independent rental dealers, is expecting a solid attendance at their upcoming event ... TRIB Group annual convention hosts closing event at Cowboy's Stadium TRIB Group’s annual Convention and Buy Fair, co-located with Brand Source is set for March 27-31, 2010. Hosted in Dallas, Texas at the Hilton Anatole, TRIB Group hosts a 5-day event open to all its members and approved vendors. The convention includes membership meetings, over 11 hours of ... DATATrue auto payment tool lowers returns, cuts costs Recessionary factors continue to draw new customers to the rent-to-own transaction while at the same time it is creating new challenges for traditional RTO customers. Information verification specialist DATATrue's automated EFT/ACH payment program is one that can help customers stay on top of their regular payments, circumvent returns and ... TARA 2010 Convention date set The Texas Association of Rental Agencies today released the convention dates for TARA's 27th Annual Convention & Southwest Buying Show. The event will be held Oct. 10-11, 2010 at the Hotel InterContinental-Dallas. For more details visit TARA's homepage at http://www.taraontheweb.com/ or contact Scott Pospisil, Executive Director Texas ... RNR honors franchisee of the year, company best at annual awards banquet RNR Franchisee of Year: RNR of Virginia. (L to R) Jeff Loeb, Larry Sutton, Ron Russell and Richard Rose. RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires Wednesday, named RNR of Virginia its franchisee of the year at the company's annual awards banquet honoring high performing stores, managers and franchisees. RNR ... Briley sells three stores to Aaron's corporate Robert Briley West Texas Aaron's franchisee Robert Briley, today reported he has finalized the sale of three of his Aaron's Sales and Lease franchise stores to Aaron's corporate. Briley told RTO Today he sold his Mineral Wells, Eastland and Sweetwater stores to Aaron's corporate. He also sold the buildings ... Business to Business names Aaron's "Company of the Year" Atlanta's Business to Business recently named Aaron's, Inc. its 2010 "Company of the Year" as part of the magazine's annual achievement awards selections, which recognize the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Atlanta's great business leaders and companies. Ambassador Andrew Young will present the award to Aaron's at an ... ColorTyme names Hughes 2009 franchisee of the year Gary and Jutta Hughes of the Hughes Group win ColorTyme's "Franchisee of the Year" Award winners. ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom at right. ColorTyme franchise owners Gary and Jutta Hughes of the Hughes Group, took home the company's top honor for the fifth time Tuesday, when they were received ... RNR 2010: Cultural shift drives after-market wheel demand The RNR Custom Wheels and Performance tires kicked off it's annual franchisee meeting beginning with a golf tournament Monday and continuing with a welcome reception sponsored by American Tire Distributors and Benefit Marketing Solutions. A general session commenced today at the Hilton Westshore in Tampa, Florida, that included a ... 46 states in legislative session for 2010 The beginning of the year means the beginning of state legislative sessions. All businesses need to take note when legislators are in session as the many bills introduced could have consequences to your business and employees. It is estimated that more than 125,000 bills will be introduced in ... Shaw is ColorTyme top manager L to R: Franchise owners Gary Hughes and Peter Landretti, Double Diamond Manager Mark Shaw and ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom. Mark Shaw took home ColorTyme's top store manager honor for the sixth year in a row Monday, at the company's annual 2010 convention at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, ... APRO Scholarship Winner is a grade above the rest Robin Walker. Click to watch video of 2009 APRO Scholarship Winner. Robin Walker made the grades. Literally. As a the 2009 APRO Scholarship recipient, Walker must complete the semester with a 3.0 grade point average or better to receive the full amount of $2000 APRO scholarship. Walker completed ... Rent-A-Center assists Texas crisis center With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, the FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center will be able to better serve local families and individuals in crisis. Rent-A-Center is donating eight HP computers and additional support for the center. Founded in 1977, FamilyTime’s mission is to provide ... Aaron's Q4 conference call Feb. 16 Aaron’s, Inc. will hold a live conference call at 5 p.m. (EST) Feb. 16, to discuss the company's fourth quarter 2009 earnings results. Aaron's Chairman Charlie Loudermilk, President/CEO Robin Loudermilk, COO Ken Butler, and Executive Vice President/CFO Gil Danielson will provide opening remarks and participate in a ... Credit bureaus mine more personal data as credit card regs tighten Beginning in February, personal income—as estimated by the three credit bureaus—may be used to help determine new credit card approvals, according to the Wall Street Journal. The move marks a new era of tightened lending and increased regulations on consumer credit. As a result, more consumers could ... Rent-A-Center live Q4 conference call February 2 Rent-A-Center will hold a conference call to discuss the company's fourth quarter 2009 earnings results at 10:45 a.m. (ET) Feb. 2. Read more.... Aaron's "Mini" giveaway makes one "Big" surprise Cynthia Norlin (left) receives the keys to her new Mini Cooper. Aaron's today announced that Cynthia Norlin of Glendale, Arizona, is the grand prize winner of a brand new 2010 Mini Cooper in the Aaron's Mini Cooper Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes, a co-promotion with Hewlett Packard (HP) that ran from ... RNR 2010 Franchisee Meeting Preview RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires -- the country's largest custom wheel and tire rental chain -- hosts its sixth annual franchisee meeting at the Hilton Westshore in Tampa, Florida Jan. 18-21. Around 100 franchisees, managers and vendors are expected at the RNR Meeting which will kick off with ... Inform lauches new Web site InForm Print & Promotions, a company with over 30 years in the rent to own industry, today announced the debut of the company's re-designed website www.shopinform.com. "The web has become a much more effective tool for us to communicate with and display products for our customers ... Legislative Conference Hotel Deadline Approaching: Make reservations today! The hotel deadline for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference is in 10 days. Have you made your hotel reservation? Reserve your room now by calling the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel at 202/484-1000 and request the APRO room rate of $249 single/double. Early conference registration is critical for congressional meeting coordination and ... BrightHouse 2009 holiday revenue up 21% BrightHouse, the UK’s largest rent-to-own company, today announced a 21 percent revenue increase in its trading update for the 13 weeks to 24 December 2009. Trading performance in the period has shown continued revenue growth from both new and existing stores. Highlights: Revenue up 21% to £50.... RTO vet Lowe joins FAN Sales & Leasing as Executive VP Sam Lowe, new executive vice president for FAN Sales and Leasing. Sam Lowe, a 20-year plus veteran of the rental purchase industry, officially takes the helm today as executive vice president of Furniture and Appliances Now (FAN) Sales & Leasing. He will be responsible for all operational activities including ... RAC boardmember Roberts elected to chair North Texas health care system Texas Health Resources’ board of trustees recently elected two high-profile North Texas business executives — Leonard H. Roberts and Kerney Laday Sr. — to serve two-year terms on setting the strategic direction for the largest health care system in North Texas, according to the Dallas Business Journal. Roberts, who ... Aaron's to celebrate BCS National Championship Winner Aaron's is already a winner when it comes to this year's BCS National Championship football game between the University of Alabama and the University of Texas. As a corporate sponsor of both universities' athletic programs, Aaron's is guaranteed a victory no matter which team wins tonight's game and will ... Personal, professional growth highlight ColorTyme 2010 Convention ColorTyme kicks off it's 2010 annual convention in just under two weeks at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas Jan. 18-20, where the rent-to-own industry's oldest rent-to-own franchisor will rally the troops for a week of networking, training, inspiration and good old fashioned fun. Already over 250 rent-to-own franchisees, ... CE to grow in 2010, according to CEA forecast The consumer electronics (CE) industry will generate more than $165 billion in U.S. shipment revenues this year, a slight increase from 2009, according to the semi-annual industry forecast released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro announced the forecast in his opening ... Whirlpool account managers achieve certified green professional designations from NAHB Whirlpool Corporation recently announced that Sue Reed, senior account manager Florida Contract Sales, and Mark Peterson, senior account manager Southern States Contract Sales, have earned Certified Green Professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The CGP distinction recognizes Reed and Peterson as building industry professionals ... DBL Distributing combined with new CE division Ingram Micro Inc., the world's largest technology distributor, today announced it will begin transitioning DBL Distributing into a formal division known as the Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division. Founded upon the same product line card, expert people and high quality service, the new Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division will ... Specialty Electronics Nationwide announces partnership with CEDIA Specialty Electronics Nationwide (SEN) the buying group, today unveiled details of its educational partnership with the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA). SEN announced that CEDIA is co-sponsoring two free instructional seminars at the SENationwide PrimeTime! and CashBack Now! event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, February ... LG unveils HDTVs with 'Skype' capability LG Electronics and Skype today announced that LG’s 2010 HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access will feature embedded Skype software allowing Skype users to make voice and high-definition video calls directly from their family room without a PC. Skype on the new LG HDTVs will be demonstrated this week ... APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference Hotel Registration Deadline: Jan. 22 The hotel deadline for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference is January 22. Reserve your room today by calling the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel at 202/484-1000 and request the APRO room rate of $249 single/double. Early conference registration is critical for congressional meeting coordination and event planning throughout the conference. Please take ... BrightHouse partners for child protection in UK Leo McKee, BrightHouse CEO (far left) with Giles Pegram, Director of Fundraising NSPCC (far right). BrightHouse, the UK's largest rent-to-own company, today announced a new partnership with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) -- a national charity focused on ending child abuse. Brighthouse will ... Premier opens new Memphis store Premier Rental-Purchase dealers Chuck Botts and Bart Stamper have teamed up with former Aaron’s regional manager Fred Reed to open the newest Premier store in Memphis. They celebrated their opening in a big way with over 200 agreements in their first weeks in business. “We came in ... LG introduces first mobile DTV in U.S. Newly-certified to comply with mobile digital television (DTV) technology now being deployed by American broadcasters, LG Electronics is introducing the industry’s first portable, battery-operated mobile DTV in the United States, designed to receive new rugged over-the-air signals being transmitted by local broadcasters. With hundreds of stations expected to ... Synnex corporation announces agreement to acquire video game distributor SYNNEX Corporation, a leading business process services company, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the North American assets of Jack of All Games, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. The acquisition of Jack of All Games provides SYNNEX ... National TV Sales donates 10,000 lbs of food to needy Missouri families When Lebanon, Missouri-based National TV Sales and Rental owner Kathy Windsor read what a heavy toll the economy was taking on a local holiday food drive, the wheels began to turn. She "got the Rolodex to workin", started making phone calls to wholesale grocers and in a matter ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine focuses on the 'states of rent-to-own' Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, This issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine focuses on how state rental dealer associations contribute to the general health of the rent-to-own industry and provide vital information and networking opportunities to its members so that they can better operate and manage their companies ... InForm introduces new 'Tax Preparation' postcard Let customers know about your company's new tax preparation service with Inform's new effective and inexpensive "Tax Preparation" postcard mailing. InForm recently added a new addition to it’s line of stock postcards. The full color 4 X 6 "Tax Preparation" postcard is available with full color ... Register and make hotel reservations for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference Register today for APRO’s 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference set forFebruary 23-25 in Washington, D.C., at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Make your hotel reservations by calling 202/484-1000 and request the APRO room rate of $249 single/double. After 17 years of representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.... Entrepreneur ranks RNR Custom Wheels and Tires #1 in category Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranks RNR Custom Wheels & Tires -- the country's largest custom wheel and tire rental franchise -- tops in the Miscellaneous Auto Products category for 2009. RNR's #1 ranking appears in the January 2010 issue. Larry Sutton, RNR president and longtime member of the ... New Live Oak Rent-A-Center donates to local charities Rent-A-Center District Manager Kris Wolfe, Winona Edwards, Love, Inc. executive director and Rent-A-Center Manager Jeff Jones. Rent-A-Center Manager Jeff Jones is pleased to offer Live Oak and the surrounding communities a new option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. “From bedroom ... Brothers Moody open Premier Rental-Purchase store in Tuscaloosa. Brothers Chad and Jeffery Moody opened their second Premier Rental-Purchase store recently – this one in Tuscaloosa, Al. It was always part of the plan to open another store since they debuted in Columbus, Miss. in mid 2008, but according to Jeffery, it just happened faster than they had ... Rent-2-Own stores spread charity around Ohio Everyone at Countryside Rent-2-Own expected a big number. But this year, that number was 43 percent larger than what company president Mike Tissot expected. And when he’s surprised, it's bound to be big. For several years, Bainbridge, Ohio-based Countryside Rent-2-Own stores have selected a week in December during ... 'Cash for Appliances' money begins flowing to states The U.S. Department Of Energy last week began releasing some $300 million promised to states as part of the federal government's Appliance Stimulus Rebate effort, aimed at spurring sagging appliance sales and promoting the use of more energy efficient appliances. Similar to the "cash for clunkers" program, ... Oklahoma dealer seeks county commissioner post Jim Rogers, 50, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma is running for district 3 county commissioner of Sequoyah County. The position is now held by Mike Huff who defeated Rogers by 13 votes in 2006 and has indicated he will seek a second term. "We have an abundance of potential here,... BlackBox GPS encourages 'going green' initiative BlackBox GPSis committed to implementing 'green'initiatives and recognizes its GPS fleet monitoring solutionsproductsforthe RTO industry helpimplement environmentally sustainable practices too. "We recognize that with each seemingly small stepeach business leadertakes toward environmental sustainability," said Robin Standlee, CEO at Blackbox GPS, "together weare making asignificant positive impact ... RTO makes appearance on Christmas retail survey Rent-to-own this weekend, made its first appearance on an annual holiday survey that targets retail shopping habits in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The annual study carried out each weekend in December by consumer research expert Britt Beemer, CEO of America's Research Group (ARG), and UBS Global Equity ... Most RTOs not covered by GLB privacy regs Ed Winn III, APRO legal counsel. Most Rent-to-own industry dealers are not covered by the Graham-Leach-Bliley Act, which took effect in 2001, for two primary reasons according to APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III. The first reason is that rental purchase dealers, as a rule, "operate, maintain, or ... November retail sales fuel recovery hopes Retail sales in November breathed life into forecasts of an economy on the mend, rising more than expected in November, boosting hopes that consumer spending will support the fragile economic recovery, according to the AP. The government's report came as a surprise to the nation's retailers who have been ... Rent-A-Center pitches in for Missouri homeless shelter With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, City Union Mission in Kansas City will be able to better serve local poverty stricken and homeless men, women and children. Rent-A-Center is donating: 10 computer monitors, washer, dryer, 42” monitor, Blu-ray Home theater system, chair/twin sleeper, laptop computer ... Rent-A-Center furnishes homes for New Orleans "Katrina" families A mere four years ago, New Orleans, and indeed much of the Gulf Coast, was crushed in the maw of Hurricane Katrina. Today, five families are returning to New Orleans to rebuilt homes furnished by Rent-A-Center through its Random Acts of Caring initiative. Rebuilt by the St. Bernard Project ... Retail customer satisfaction tanks A new study released today by The SALT & Pepper Group finds that retailers’ customer service leaves much to be desired. In fact the new study pegs service at only 48.2 out of 100. The new stats show a marked discrepancy between the relatively low customer service ratings ... National TV Sales honors outstanding employees Award winners at the National TV Sales and Rental Christmas party this weekend. National TV Sales and Rental this Saturday held its annual employee Christmas party and awards banquet at Andy's 417 in Lebanon, Missouri where 12 of the company's top employees were honored. Taking home the top honor ... RTO Pro Software launches new Web site RTO Pro Software, the rent to own industry's leading Windows-based management system serving over 900 RTO locations, announces the debut of the company's re-designed website www.rtopro.com. "With the addition of so many new RTO Locations over the past several months, the time was right to update ... Rent-A-Center promotes new planning and development Sr. VP Joel Mussat, new Sr. Vice President of Strategic Planning and Development. Rent-A-Center today announced the promotion of Joel Mussat to Sr. Vice President – Strategic Planning and Development. His new expanded responsibilities will include business development – new business, acquisitions and program management – in addition to his current ... Weekend sales foretell bleak holiday retail season, study asserts Britt Beemer, CEO of America's Research Group A new Christmas Retail Survey released today by America's Research Group (ARG) and UBS Global Equity Research reveals that sales are weaker this year than in 2008 contrary to some forecasts of an improved holiday shopping season. Of those consumers not shopping, ... RTO supporter former U.S. Sen. Paula Hawkins dies at 82 Former Sen. Paula Hawkins U.S. Sen. Paula Hawkins, the sponsor of the original rent-to-own bill in 1982 and first female U.S. senator from Florida, died last week at Florida Hospital South in Orlando. Though included as part of a larger piece of bank legislation, the RTO bill ... Study: Word of mouth guides electronics, apparel purchases Retailers will spend millions of dollars on advertising this holiday season, but many shoppers won’t commit to buying some gifts until hearing from people just like them that it’s worth it. According to a Retail Advertising and Marketing Association survey conducted by BIGresearch, word of mouth remains ... Third easyhome opens in Oklahoma Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of a new easyhome franchise store. The store will open on December 5, 2009 at 916 W. Shawnee in the River City Plaza Shopping Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. “We are thrilled to bring the easyhome concept to ... Aaron's associates help company 'go green' Aaron's next week will further propel its new 'Going Green Initiative' by picking the best entries from 100's of conservation minded ideas submitted by company associates. The generator of the selected idea, or ideas -- if more than one is deemed doable by COO Ken Butler -- wins $100. ... Economic recovery gaining traction The economic recovery gained momentum in late fall as shoppers spent more and factories bumped up production. That assessment by the Federal Reserve Wednesday marked its most positive view on the economy since it toppled into recession two years ago. The Fed's new nationwide assessment found that conditions have ... RTO Conventions abound in January Three of rent-to-own's biggest franchise companies -- ColorTyme, RNR Custom Wheels and Tires and Premier -- will ring in the new year with annual conventions and business meetings in January. The run of events begins with the ColorTyme 2010 National Convention at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas Jan. ... RNR teams up with Toys for Tots RNR Custom Wheels & Tires teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve over the last few weeks to help thousands of underprivileged Florida children have a brighter holiday season with the Toys for Tots collection program which continues through December 19. RNR is in the gift giving ... D&H rewards program unveiled D&H Distributing today invites its RTO store owner and dealer customers to participate in the D&H Incentives program, a rewards plan in which dealers gain points toward merchandise available at the D&H online Incentives “mall.” Enrolled dealers earn one point for every $10 of ... Whirlpool named "Vendor of the Year" by Bath and Kitchen Buying Group Whirlpool was recently recognized with the “Vendor of the Year” award from the Bath & Kitchen Buying Group (BKBG) at its annual Fall Conference in Dallas, Texas. “This award recognizes Whirlpool Corporation for a job well done,” said Eddie Schukar, vice president of vendor relations. “... Rent-A-Center presents at investor conference tomorrow Rent-A-Center will present at the Raymond James Boston Fall Investors Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday, December 3. The company will begin its presentation at 2:30 pm ET that day. Interested parties may listen to the presentation on the company’s Investor Services site at http://investor.rentacenter.com. Raymond ... Registration open for APRO's 2010 Legislative Conference Registration is now open for APRO’s 2010 Dave Egan Legislative Conference set forFebruary 23-25 in Washington, D.C., at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Attendees should request the APRO room rate of $249/night single/double 202/484-1000. After 17 years of representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, APRO's ... Highest pending home sales since March 2006 October pending homes sales rose for the ninth straight month and hit their highest levels since March 2006, according to data released today by the National Association of Realtors. October pending home sales were up 3.7 percent in October, compared to September, and up 32 percent versus October ... Two RNR stores sold to Rent-A-Tire Two Georgia Rent-N-Roll Custom Wheel and Tire stores will officially become Rent-A-Tire stores at midnight as the details of the sale are finalized. RNR Franchisee Mike Gilner of H2H Enterprises -- said the sale of the two RNR stores -- in Macon and Columbus -- will better allow him ... ColorTyme store helps feed local families at Thanksgiving On Tuesday, the ColorTyme store in Waterbury partnered with the Youth Service System (YSS) to provide local families with meals, including frozen turkeys, for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The YSS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the overall well being of children, youth and families. “The Waterbury ... Confidence in consumer electronics soars Consumer confidence in consumer electronics reached the highest level in the history of the CEA-CNET Index, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) reached 93.5, the highest level of the index since tracking began ... Registration Opens for PrimeTime! Buying Show and Conference Nationwide Marketing Group announced today that online registration (www.nationwideprimetime.com) is now open for their upcoming PrimeTime! buying show and conference at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 28 – March 3, 2010. “The retail market and consumer profile has changed dramatically over ... Rent-A-Center opens 43rd Oklahoma store, contributes $2K in community grants Rent-A-Center Manager David Testerman is pleased to offer Tahlequah and the surrounding communities a new option when it comes to acquiring ownership of high-quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. “From bedroom sets to washers and dryers, we’re going to help people find what they need and a ... Second easyhome opens in Wichita Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC, announces the opening of the second Wichita easyhome store. The store will open at 407 E. Pawnee (Pawnee and Broadway) on November 21, 2009. Mr. Gates stated: “This will be our second easyhome store in Wichita, KS and the 27th ... Rent-A-Center donations benefit MPowering Kids and the Littig House Community Center Rent-A-Center representatives make donation to local programs. Rent-A-Center helped brighten the day for area youth and their families who participate in programs provided by MPowering Kids and the Littig House Community Center in New York. Representatives from Rent-A-Center stores from the area delivered eight new computers and a $1,... Rent-A-Center outfits substance abuse headquarters in Long Island Rent-A-Center staff present contribution to Long Island non-profit. Representatives from Rent-A-Center stores in Suffolk County delivered and assembled $6,000 in electronics and furniture to the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) for the organization’s new office in Suffolk County (Ronkonkoma) which will now serve ... DKD job training program to help 'wire' southern Illinois The Congressman Danny K. Davis Job Training Program -- based in Chicago -- and The Digital Development Corporation, this week announced a collaboration with four technology companies and three southern Illinois towns to implement a three tier project that would create jobs, deploy broadband Internet and train community residents ... Premier 2010 annual convention set for Orlando, January 25-27 The Premier Companies announced its 2010 Annual Dealer Convention will be in Orlando, Fla. from January 25-27 at the JW Marriott Grand Lakes. With the theme of “Celebrating Excellence,” Premier’s Executive Team is making plans for a “bigger than ever” event, with expected attendance to ... Senate health care bill introduced Democratic Senate majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Wednesday unveiled his party's proposal for overhauling the health care system, outlining legislation Democrats say would cover most of the uninsured while reducing the federal budget deficit. The impact the proposed legislation would have on small businesses differs from the House ... Whirlpool issues global sustainability report Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, today announced the release of the company’s first global, comprehensive sustainability report. The report provides an overview of the company’s efforts to make a sustainable difference in the world. The company also produces an annual ... RAC names Feiler new VP of development Trey Feiler, Rent-A-Center's new vice president of development. Rent-A-Center today announced the appointment of Trey Feiler to vice president of development. Reporting to Dave West, executive vice president of operational services, Feiler is charged with administration of the Company’s real estate, construction and facilities departments. “In his ... Study: Holiday shoppers will use cash, debit cards, less credit It’s the year for a little more green and a little less plastic, according to NRF’s 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey. Conducted by BIGresearch, the study found one-fourth (24.9%) of holiday shoppers will pay for gifts this year with cash, a 9.1 percent ... DAC Products announce point of sale counter system DAC Products, a leading manufacturer of retail merchandising fixtures, today announced it has developed a system to give RTO stores an easy, customizable, upscale, and cost effective cash wrap option. DAC's new modular point of sale counters allow unlimited possibilities in configuring a layout for your unique space. “... Auto sales drive positive retail numbers; furniture, appliance sales down Retail sales rose more than expected in October, pushed largely by a marked rebound in auto sales. However, take out the influence of car purchases and the numbers are far less promising. Sales fell at many other retail stores as consumer spending continues to remain reserved, raising questions about ... Aaron's awards grand prize in national contest Aaron's Inc. recently surprised Ruth Usher, the grand prize winner of Aaron's National Lucky Dog Day Sweepstakes in Perry, Georgia with a houseful of furniture, name-brand appliances and electronics valued at $14,000. Watch the video here http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/shopaarons/41191/ "Aaron's strongly believes in giving back to our ... DATATrue assigns full time RTO training head Katherine Rowse DATATrue recently announced the addition of a corporate trainer dedicated specifically to the RTO industry. Katherine Rowse has been assigned to the RTO training division in support of the much needed demand for new employee training on the DATATrue product line and interpretation of response packages. It ... BrightHouse reaches 190 stores BrightHouse store 190 in Consett. BrightHouse, the UK's leading and largest rent-to-own retailer this week opened its 190th store in Consett, County Durham. "Consett is our thirteenth new store opening since the beginning of our current financial year in April.," Leo McKee, BrightHouse CEO said. "It ... Consumer protection, financial stability at core of sweeping Dodd bill Sen. Chris Dodd Tuesday introduced a wide-ranging financial-regulatory-overhaul measure, seeking more ambitious changes in some areas than envisioned by the White House or proposed by the House of Representatives. Dodd's discussion draft, running more than 1,100 pages, proposes financial reform legislation that would fundamentally change the country's financial ... Sutton honored by charitable mission Pastor Craig Altman with RNR founder Larry Sutton. Pastor Craig Altman of Grace Family Church in Tampa recently presented RNR Custom Wheels and Tires owner Larry Sutton a plaque in recognition and appreciation for providing his Rent-N-Roll location as a site to feed the Tampa Bay homeless and others ... Speese honored for lifetime of entrepreneurship Mark Speese Mark Speese, chairman and CEO of Rent-A-Center, will receive the Murphy Award on Friday at the BDO Seidman LLP Leadership Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The luncheon benefits the University of North Texas Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship and the award is given to an individual ... Healthcare reform and the RTO impact The U.S. House late Saturday, narrowly passed a $1-trillion health-reform package that includes compulsory insurance, tax hikes for the wealthy and a clause to prevent insurers from rejecting customers with pre-existing conditions. Despite House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's and President Barack Obama's optimism, the bill -- the Affordable Health ... Rent One sponsored "Fitnessgram" making an impact in southern Illinois Larry Carrico presents "Fitnessgram" participants with gold thank you coins. Students at the Mt. Vernon District 80 schools are making the most of a program grant to improve their physical fitness and health. Since the beginning of the school year, second and third grade classes have been utilizing ... Brighthouse booms in recession Brighthouse, the rent -to-own retailer is booming as recession-hit families on low incomes line up to purchase flat screens and living room sets. The UK's largest RTO company, which has 188 shops, said its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization jumped by 23.7 per cent to £... New easyhome store to open in Oklahoma City Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates today announced a new franchise store is opening on Southwest 59th Street in the Walker Center Shopping Center in Oklahoma City tomorrow. “We are elated to introduce this new market to the easyhome concept," Gates said. "Tim Green, our ... Fast Track Services offers APRO member exclusive Fast Track Services, an Arlington, Texas-based print, marketing and promotional service provider, is offering a DIY direct mail tool custom designed for the rent-to-own industry which is currently available only to APRO member companies. The RTO portal allows rent-to-owns to design and customize a variety of postcard mailers, select ... BlackBoxGPS hires operation manager BlackBoxGPS today announced the appointment of Bradford Hamilton to head operations. In light of continued growth of the GPS monitoring service for fleet vehicles and to keep up with growing demand, especially in the delivery vehicle fleet markets, BlackBoxGPS announces the appointment of Bradford Hamilton to head operations. Hamilton ... Jobless rate worst since early 80's The unemployment rate hit 10.2 percent in October, surpassing 10 percent for the first time since 1983. The Labor Department said Friday that the jobless rate rose from 9.8 percent in September. The economy shed a net total of 190,000 jobs in October, less than the ... Premier dealers open second Maine store Jim Ratner and John Reichenbach Jim Ratner and John Reichenbach last month opened their second Premier store in Auburn, Maine not long after the anniversary of the opening of their first store in Westbrook, Maine. Partners by accident, they have enjoyed success on several fronts, not the least of ... Retailer gains beat expectations A drop in unemployment claims and better than expected gains by retailers last month have some analysts suggesting the combined news may be a strong sign the economy is heading north just ahead of the holiday season. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped last week, according ... Alliance HealthCard promotes Denison to executive vice president Alliance Health Card, parent company of rent-to-own program provider Benefit Marketing Solutions, today announced the promotion of Bradley W. Denison to executive vice president. Denison, who joined the company in early 2006, will continue in his role as general counsel and secretary for the company. He began as general ... 3-D TVs heading for masses in 2010 The next frontier in television technology is here and heading to retail outlets next year. Just don't forget your glasses. Sony and Panasonic say they will release home 3-D television systems in 2010; JVC is not far behind. All of Mitsubishi's current model Home Theater TVs are 3-D ready ... TRIB Group adds second buying show TRIB Group’s Board of Directors recently finalized the decision that the 2010 Meeting of the Minds will be held at the Paris Resort in Las Vegas on August 30, 2010 in conjunction with the Brand Source convention. This move solidifies the addition of a second annual TRIB Group ... KLQ's Mary Reopelle dies Mary Reopelle Mary Reopelle, long time office manager for KLQ Enterprises died October 30 from complications attributed to the swine flu. Reopelle leaves behind her husband Mark, Quality Rentals Inc. Warehouse General Manager & Buyer, daughter Becky and Son Danny. Both Becky and Danny have worked for Quality Rentals ... DATATrue announces national skip/stolen database DATATrue, the original front end information verification service, today announced the release of Alert1One -- a new national skip/stolen database tool in the fight against fraud and loss. DATATrue specializes in creative and effective methods to reduce fraud and loss by early detection of false data provided customers who ... easyhome announces Q3 conference call and Webcast Canada-based easyhome will hold its quarterly management conference call with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 to discuss the company's third quarter performance. The results will be issued by news release after the market closes on Monday, November 9, 2009. Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 ... 2009 tax deduction for BlackBox GPS fleet tracking equipment GPS Fleet equipment purchases may qualify rent to own companies for the Section 179 deduction. BlackBox GPS, the leading GPS fleet routing and monitoring solution for the RTO, furniture & appliance industry confirms their GPS tracking is tax deductible under Section 179 for 2009. Today Co-Founder, Steven Muntean reports ... ColorTyme Webinar today ColorTyme today is hosting the rent-to-own company's first-ever Webinar for its franchisees. During the secure online presentation, ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom will offer franchise owners a detailed presentation that will include industry trends and current initiatives. “We’re excited to communicate with our franchise owners through this Webinar,... New Premier store opens in Orlando Steve Dovale is an entrepreneur. He has owned several businesses including a cookie company, a construction firm and an outdoor screen enclosure and pool deck operation – each a franchise. So when he had the opportunity to purchase a furniture store from a friend last year, he naturally looked ... Will the future of your business depend on social media networking? A recent book out by business author Erik Qualman, entitled Socialnomics, states the future of your business will depend on your branding through social media networking. Social media networks first became popular with MySpace. Now the most current popular sites are Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter among others. In Qualcom's ... Northwest Rental Dealers Association Meeting Postponed The Northwest Rental Dealers Association (NWRDA) meeting scheduled for November 11, 2009, in Tacoma, Washington, has been postponed. A new meeting date has not been set. Notices will be sent once the meeting has been rescheduled. NWRDA serves the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. E-mail Kevin Quinn ... Sliding consumer confidence fuel uncertainty for consumers Consumer confidence fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen. The Consumer Confidence Index, released by The Conference Board, dropped to 47.7 in October -- its second-lowest reading since May. ... APRO’s 2010 Rent-to-Own Convention to be held in Louisville, KY The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations’ (APRO) board of directors has selected Louisville, Kentucky, as the host city for the association’s 30th birthday celebration, July 19–22. APRO’s 2010 Rent-to-Own Convention will be held at Louisville’s Marriott Downtown and the Kentucky International Convention Center. The APRO ... APRO trade show created business opportunities for American Rentals and Charles Cloud During APRO's recent trade show in Las Vegas, American Rentals CEO David David jokingly asked previous owner Gary McDougal if he wanted to buy his stores back. Former APRO Board member and RTO dealer, Charles Cloud, overheard the conversation and now the deal has been struck bringing Cloud back ... Rent-A-Center beats estimates Rent-A-Center Inc. reported a quarterly profit that beat Wall Street estimates helped by improved margins. Total revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $671.3 million. Net earnings and net earnings per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $36.8 million and $0.... Credit Card industry criticized for punishing credit free consumers The no-debt, credit free rent-to-own transaction continues to be a viable consumer option as credit tightens and customers choose other methods to purchase products and services. According to finance expert, Carmen Wong Ulrich, credit card companies are adding fees and raising interest rates. These aggressive hike in fees and ... Aarons cited as top twelve stock picks Bloomberg columnist, John Dorfman, cited Aaron's Inc, as one twelve "stocks that save my screen." Aaron's recent third quarter results show a 6.8% increase in same store sales. Dorfman states "Aaron’s financial results are attractive. Sales have grown at a 16 percent annual clip ... Ina Mahoney funeral details released Ina Mahoney, 52, beloved industry friend and veteran products buyer for Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings for over 25-years, died in her home Oct. 23 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Details are as follows: Visitation: Tuesday October 27th, 6 to 8pm, Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O Lakes Blvd, ... Long-time Buddy's Buyer Ina Mahoney dies Ina Mahoney, 52, beloved industry friend and veteran products buyer for Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings for over 25-years, died in her home Friday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer. Buddy's President Joe Gazzo issued the following statement to RTO Today: "I am deeply saddened to inform you ... Marketing basics: Don't sell your promotion short As the holiday season quickly approaches, store managers and marketing types are planning holiday “events.” It may be radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts or an in-store promotion. Rent-to-own professionals plan each and every one of these strategies very carefully but too often “sell them short” ... BlackBox GPS RoutePlanner hits home run BlackBox GPS, a leading provider of fleet solutions for delivery and service vehicles announces the victory of RoutePlanner as an invaluable tool for BlackBox GPS customers. “We've had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback regarding the RoutePlanning feature," said company Co-Founder Steven Muntean. "It's great to ... MRDA hosts 'Traveling Roadshow' fall trainings Computer training at MRDA's Heartland of America show this summer. The Missouri Rental Dealers Association next week is once again hosting its popular three day "Traveling Roadshow" training seminars where rent-to-own employees will get up to speed on the latest trends in computers, electronics and appliances. Download brochure ... Consumer Protection Agency passes key committee The U.S. House Financial Services Committee today approved creation of a controversial Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), charged with writing rules for mortgage and credit card lenders and other financial service providers which could include rent-to-own. In a partisan vote that represents the largest expansion of financial service ... Aaron's Inc. Q3: Same store revenues up 6.3% Aaron's Wednesday announced revenues and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. A replay of the company's conference call on the report is available here. For the third quarter of 2009, revenues increased 7% to $415.3 million compared to $388.0 million for the ... Illinois dealers weigh new agency concerns, elect new president IRDA Board Memers with Jill Young Shurtz (third from right), president/CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois. APRO's 'State Association of the Year' -- The Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association -- convened Wednesday at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois to mull a range of issues ... High Touch releases 'Business Intelligence' (BI) application High Touch today announced the release of its high-value Business Intelligence (BI) application to complement its PRO/Store point-of-sale software. The web-based application is designed to provide clients with the power to slice-and-dice data for analysis of what happened, when it happened and why it happened. The delivery of Business ... Members Only: APRO 2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey released APRO's 2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey -- an invaluable customer service, marketing and advertising guidepost -- will be delivered today electronically to APRO members only. This twice a decade study was conducted by leading rent-to-own customer satisfaction expert Britt Beemer of America's Research Group. America's Research Group is one of ... Aaron's signs continued Partnership with Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena Aaron's Inc. today announced a continued partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena. Aaron's is the only Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena partner with a specific Hawks game-night of the week dedicated to the company. "Aaron's Lucky Dog Wednesdays" is a unique franchise position ... Pennsylvania dealers pitch in for 'Computers for Kidz' Over a dozen Pennsylvania rental dealers from across the state joined forced recently for the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers annual meeting at the Harrisburg Hilton. As APRO's "Most Improved State Association" PARD members voted to get behind a community outreach initiative and alloted $5,000 towards the ... New York dealers hit $40K goal for Special Olympics Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earle with NYSRDA President Dave Edwards at the association's fall meeting Oct. 15. The New York State Rental Dealers Association held its fall membership meeting Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York where over 50 rental professionals turned out for ... Whirlpool named one of the top 50 U.S. companies for social responsibility Whirlpool Corporation was named one of the top 50 U.S. companies for Social Responsibility by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Reputation Institute. Based on a recent survey of U.S. consumers conducted by the Reputation Institute, Whirlpool earned a rating of 72.24, ranking it ... RTOHQ: The Magazine - APRO's 2009 Buddy Award Winners The latest issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine hits mailboxes this week and features a long look at those rental dealers whose achievements garnered industry-wide recognition this year with the presentation of a "Buddy". The featured articles in the September-October 2009 issue focus on APRO’s 2009 Rental Dealer ... 2010 census will show a new customer in America A recent Ad Age report shows that the nearly 310 million Americans in 2010 reflect a new breakdown of American consumers. The demographics of Americans dictate marketing, advertising and ultimately sales for retail businesses. "The concept of an 'average American' is gone, probably forever," demographics expert Peter ... KRDA elects new officers The Kansas Rental Dealers Association held its annual meeting Wednesday at the Prairie Band Casino in Mayetta Kansas where 28 attending rent-to-own dealers elected a new slate of officers. KRDA members elected Tyson Johnson (Rent-A-Center) as president, Steve Wine (Rent 1st) vice president and Shaun Rusch (Triad Leasing) as ... Rent One 'Day on the Diamond' scores with vendors, community Southern Illinois community leaders join Rent One and Ronald McDonald House St. Louis representatives Wednesday for Rent One's presentation of the first $10,000 of a $100,000 commitment to Ronald McDonald House. With an entire minor league baseball park at their disposal, Rent One managers braved drizzling rain ... Industry furthers job training program with computer, cash donation Casey Pristou with training program executive director Lowry Taylor. Casey Pristou, President of Aaron's Franchisee Watershed Development Corporation, recently met with Lowry Taylor, executive director of the Chicago-based Danny K. Davis Job Training Program (DKDJTP), to donate a van load of used desktop and laptop computers, LCD TV’s ... IContain expands into new international markets, passes on savings to RTO Profit protection has been heralded as the number one issue for companies during the economic downturn. IContain's products are designed to save RTO owners losses and protect profits by reducing the cost of collections, unwarrented customer visits, missed opportunities to collect product and harassment lawsuits resulting from overzealous managers ... 'Cash for Appliances' rebate program on its way Thursday October 15th is the deadline for states to submit their detailed plan to execute the U.S. Department of Energy's "Cash for Appliances" program. Guidelines and eligibility requirements are determined by each state. According to the U.S. Department of Energy spokeswoman, Chris Kielich, the consumer does ... Gainesville ColorTyme takes donations for injured local man The community of Gainesville was devastated recently after a horrifying motorcycle accident left Ron Hertell – passionate family man and community member – incapacitated and seriously injured. Hertell’s injuries are so significant that doctor’s predict that he will require a year of rehabilitation, which leaves him unable ... Credit no longer the popular choice to acquire household goods According to the recent Nilson Report, the tightening of credit and high unemployment are changing consumer behavior when acquiring household goods and a large majority of economists say the country's slow recovery will continue with consumers decreasing use of credit. "Think about what's happening in the economy," ... TARA Southwest Buying Show kicks off new era New TARA President William McCrae (far right) shares a laugh with Bailey Street sales reps. Barbara Giles (l) and Jose Ramos. TARA's 26th annual convention and buying show continued Monday as dealers from across the Lone Star State took advantage of educational industry updates and browsed booths represented by ... Rent-A-Center furnishes Wichita Children's Home The Wichita Children’s Home received a welcome boost today from Rent-A-Center’s Random Acts of Caring initiative. With new furniture, electronics, and appliances from Rent-A-Center, the Children’s Home will be able to better serve local children and their families. Rent-A-Center is donating: · Two sofas · Two ... New TARA President McCrae promises government affairs focus William McCrae is elected TARA's new president Sunday. William McCrae, president of Buzz's Lease Purchase and Sales became the new president of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies Sunday at the opening of the association's 26th annual convention and southwest buying show at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addison, Texas. ... New easygates store opens in Tulsa Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announces the opening of a new U.S. franchise store. The store opened yesterday on East 31st Street in the Garnett Crossing Shopping Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “We are elated to bring the easyhome concept to Oklahoma," Gates said. ... Rent One pledges $100K to build new St. Louis Ronald McDonald House Rent One owner Larry Carrico (far right) at last year's 'Days at the Diamond' event at Rent One Park. Rent One is pledging $100,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis at the company’s “Days at the Diamond Annual Vendor Appreciation Days” at 4 ... Rent-A-Center outfits Mississippi teen room Representatives of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi andRent-A-Center will join together for a dedication ceremony opening a new “RAC Room” for teens at the Club in Jackson, Mississippi on Thursday, Oct. 15. Teens at this Boys & Girls Clubhouse will have a much improved positive place ... TRIB 'Meeting of the Minds' hosts record breaking crowd R to L: Chris Bolin (Bolin Rental Purchase), Chris Raffo (Home Express) and Ken Mashburn at TRIB Group's annual "Meeting of the Minds" event Wednesday. A record number of rental dealers from around the country wrapped up a full day of networking Wednesday at TRIB Group's annual "... Loudermilk to Georgia dealers: 'Satisfy the customer' L to R: Charles Loudermilk Sr., Ernie Lewallen, Jeff Klopp and Mark Kresch chat after the GRDA meeting today in Atlanta. Charles Loudermilk Sr., 82, founder and chairman of Aaron's Inc., had a simple message for attendees at the annual meeting of the Georgia Rental Dealers Association Wednesday in ... 'Tiger' addresses Aaron's Franchise Association "Tiger" John Cleek at Aaron's Franchise Association annual meeting. 'Tiger' John Cleek, president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) and recently converted Aaron's franchisee, addressed a crowd of around 300 at the Aaron's Franchise Association annual meeting Tuesday morning at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta. Cleek ... Aarons makes U.S. News and World Report's top ten businesses The October 5th U.S. News and World Report's Money section features Aaron's as one of the top ten businesses doing well in today's economy. The article by Rick Newman reflects the recent positive media attention rent-to-own has received in today's economy. The article also reflects the many advances ... Rent-A-Center outfits new Phoenix area Boys and Girls Club Representatives of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and Rent-A-Center, Thursday will formally dedicate a new “RAC Room” for teens at the Club, furnished with merchandise form Rent-A-Center. Teens at the Boys & Girls Clubhouse will finally have a positive place to hang out and call their ... Georgia dealers welcome Loudermilk at annual meeting Wednesday Charlie Loudermilk Sr. presented with the APRO Lifetime Achievement Award last year in St. Louis. The Georgia Rental Dealers Association welcomes Charlie Loudermilk Sr., entrepreneur, philanthropist and chairman of the second largest rent-to-own business in the country, Aaron's, Inc. at its annual meeting Wednesday. Loudermilk headlines a packed agenda ... New easyhome opens in Omaha Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, this weekend announced a new easyhome franchise store opening on October 3, 2009, in Omaha, Nebraska. The store is the first opened by JSNB Enterprises, LLC, an easyhome franchise owned by Jerry Stine and Vernell Jackson. “We are thrilled to partner ... Rent-A-Center outfits new Brooklyn Boys and Girls Club Teens at the Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse in Brooklyn will finally have a positive place to hang out and call their own, thanks to a partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Rent-A-Center, Inc. Teenagers are a tough group to impress, but the new RAC Rooms ... Consumer Confidence Drops, Consumer Credit Tightens A recent Conference Board study shows consumer confidence in the retail market dropped this month. Consumer confidence is trying to gain momentum but unemployment and shaky confidence in the market keeps purchases stagnating. These trends have retail markets worried going into the busy Christmas season. On the housing market ... Product training, networking highlight RTO Expo L TO R: Mark Griffith, Brooke Smith and Lee Fink with Countryside Rent-2-Own at a product demonstration by Bob Brandlin of SilkoRadio. Over 150 rent-to-own dealers packed training rooms Wednesday to get up to speed on the latest product innovations in electronics, appliances, computers and furniture at the sixth ... TRIB Group 'Meeting of the Minds' next week TRIB Group’s annual Meeting of the Minds event kicks off in one week and is on track to be the best attended event to date. The event will be held next week, October 7-8, 2009 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The event ... BlackBox GPS proves a win for RTO owners, managers BlackBox GPS is the leading provider of fleet monitoring and tracking solutions for the RTO industry. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback from our current RTO clients, and intend on continuing to be the leading GPS solution provider for the Rent-To-Own industry” ” states Austin Kocielko, ... Midwest RTO Expo opens with reception, bowling Ohio State Rep. Seth Morgan and ORDA President Scott Kinnear officially open the 2009 Midwest Expo in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday. The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicked off Tuesday evening at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center ... DSI holds first annual Vendor Summit DSI Systems held its first annual Vendor Summit at its corporate headquarters last week in Des Moines, Iowa. Inviting account executives and senior management from all of the DSI Systems vendors, over 100 representatives came together for this important meeting. “The independent retailer channel is the only sure ... ColorTyme celebrates new multi-unit course graduates ColorTyme, and its ColorTyme University program, celebrated with the first 10 graduates of its all-new multi-unit management training course, held Sept. 21-23. “As more and more ColorTyme franchisees become multi-unit owners, this multi-unit management course is crucial for our system,” said Albert Kohut, vice president of operations ... Sixth annual Midwest Expo begins tomorrow Expo 2008 show floor. The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicks off tomorrow at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio where close to 160 rent-to-own dealers from as many as nine states are expected ... Bestway honors high performers at awards banquet Bestway 2009 Award Winners. Front middle: C.D. Bell -- Bestway Profit King. Bestway Rent-To-Own today closed out its 2009 annual managers meeting in Destin, Florida, with an awards brunch celebrating 43 managers of the company's highest performing stores. The company is wrapping up the most profitable year in ... FRDA names first-ever 'Employee of the Year' Mike Van Heusen (l) accepts FRDA's first ever 'Employee of Year' award from Jan Arnett. Mike Van Heusen of Z-Best Rentals is the Florida Rental Dealers Association's first ever 'Employee of the Year.' Heusen accepted the award Tuesday from Jan Arnett at the conclusion of FRDA's annual business ... NEW PODCAST: David Kraemer president, CEO Bestway Rent-To-Own Listen to podcast with Bestway president and CEO David Kraemer. Kraemer is a 26-year RTO veteran who served as past executive vice president with Rent-A-Center and joined Bestway in 2002. The company is currently the largest independent rent-to-own company in the country with 77 stores in seven states. Kraemer ... NEW PODCAST: Beth Durrett, CFO Bestway Rent-To-Own Listen to podcast with Bestway Rent-To-Own CFO Beth Durrett. Beth Durrett is the chief financial officer for Bestway Rent-To-Own. In her 30 years with the company -- dating back to its pre-RTO well-servicing days -- Durrett has lived the Bestway philosophy of putting employees first. New hires at Bestway ... UPDATED: Chair Frank Joins Push for Financial Regulatory Reform Today, House Financial Services Chair Barney Frank reiterated the House commitment to pass a financial regulatory overhaul by the year's end. U.S. Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd yesterday set forth his proposal to merge the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of the Comptroller of ... Rent One hosts Bowl-A-Thon for Jefferson County troop fund Rent One bowling team at the recent JCOIF Bowl-A-Thon. Rent One recently hosted a Bowl-A-Thon for Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom (JCOIF) -- a fundraiser for Jefferson Country troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rent One kicked off this year's fundraiser with the first donation. The Bowl-A-Thon raised over ... Congress keeps super financial regulatory agency on table U.S. Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd yesterday set forth his proposal to merge the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision into a single entity as confirmed by committee staff. The new agency would ... Rent-A-Center donates to Texas Community Storehouse With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, the Community Storehouse will be able to better serve local children and their families with new furnishings and electronics for their facilities in Keller and Roanoke. Rent-A-Center is donating: Four computers Sofa Loveseat Area rugs 32” LCD HDTV Full-size ... ColorTyme, RimTyme honored with 14 RAE Awards As part of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) 2009 Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas, which took place earlier this month, ColorTyme’s two brands, ColorTyme and RimTyme, were honored with 14 Rental Advertising Excellence (RAE) Awards. APRO’s RAE program recognizes some of the best ... Bestway District 3 is Knowledge Bowl Champ Bestway District 3 took home the $5,000 'Knowledge Bowl' prize Tuesday night. Bestway Rent-To-Own's third annual Knowledge Bowl contest rounded out a packed day of leadership and product training Tuesday night at the largest independent RTO company's annual managers meeting in Destin, Florida. District 3 -- "The ... Bestway turns on the 'Afterburner' L to R: Jamie Cryer, Alexis Graham (Ace) and Bill Masters review mission plans Tuesday. Bestway managers found a new appreciation for the words planning, leadership and execution Tuesday. That's when three U.S. Air Force fighter pilots stormed the company's annual managers meeting in Destin, Florida and broke ... Rent-A-Center to dedicate new "RAC" rooms to Boys and Girls Clubs Rent-A-Center is outfitting two new "RAC" rooms for Boys and Girls Club teens in Florida and Washington this week. Tomorrow the company will dedicate a new room at the Laurence F. Lee Boys & Girls Club in Jacksonville, Florida where area teens will finally have a positive place ... Aaron's expects positive same store revenue growth in Q3 Aaron's, Inc. today announced expectations for third quarter 2009 same store revenue growth. Same store revenues (revenues earned in Company-operated stores open for the entirety of both periods) are expected to increase in the mid-single digit percentage range during the quarter ending September 30, 2009 compared to the same ... Bestway managers hit the beach for annual meeting Steve Kruse (operations analyst), Marvin Macklin (store manager Birmingham, AL), and CEO David Kraemer at the Bestway welcome event Monday. The nation's largest independent rent-to-own company -- Bestway Rent-To-Own -- kicked off it's 2009 annual meeting Monday at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort in Destin, Florida where close to ... FRDA annual meeting kicks off with golf tournament, casino night Sharon Tomaszewski, FRDA executive director and proud father Terry Beville FRDA treasurer at the association's second annual poker tournament. Over 60 rent-to-own professionals turned out Monday, for the seventh annual Norman "Slats" Slatton Golf Memorial -- the kickoff event for the Florida Rental Dealers Association's annual meeting at ... Matthews is new Benefit Marketing Solutions president Susan Matthews Benefit Marketing Solutions (BMS) today announced the promotion of Susan Matthews to President. BMS is a subsidiary of Alliance HealthCard, a leading membership and insurance marketing company. Matthews served as executive vice president of sales and marketing for BMS for many years. She was named 2008 Vendor ... DAC Products declares APRO Show huge success DAC Products, maker of electronics merchandising displays exhibited at the recent APRO Show in Las Vegas and announced that they were very pleased with the results. “We were hopeful that we could meet or exceed last year’s sales, which were good," said Todd Woods, vice president ... Pasco, Wash. welcomes ColorTyme back into community Front L - R: Adan Saenz, Alma Cruz, Armondo Tovar. Standing L - R: Erick Davis and Albert Vasquez. Today, Pasco residents welcomed ColorTyme back to the community. After weeks of preparation, Franchise Owner Mark Childers and his Vice President of Operations, Albert Vasquez, worked together to open a ... O'Rourke kicks off this year's APRO TEAM Fund Successful grassroots political efforts take motivation, elbow grease and money. Sending rent-to-own advocates to Washington several times per year on behalf of the rent-to-own industry's federal legislative effort is a costly affair. But the gains of maintaining those Capital Hill connections and a robust federal effort are too important. ... August retail sales jump 2.7 percent The U.S. Census Bureau today announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for August, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, increased 2.7 percent over July. Though greater than last month, the $351.4 billion ... NEW VIDEO: Watch, listen to winning RAE ads APRO's 2009 Rental Advertising Excellence Awards included 70 winners in over 15 categories culled from thousands of entries that represent the best advertising in the rent-to-own industry. The contest was divided into two broad categories -- in-house and agency produced -- and broken into contests representing the best rent-to-own ... APRO Virtual Tradeshow is live The APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show is long gone. But keeping in touch with the 84 vendors who attended the Las Vegas show is now easier than ever with APRO's Virtual Tradeshow link. Dealers will find specific details on all vendors who attended the show including product descriptions ... Iowa Dealers head off threats through organization, leadership L to R: Ed Winn III, state sen. Matt McCoy, Jim Carney and Brian Luksetich at recent AIRD meeting. Almost two years after turning back a rent to own price control bill, Association of Iowa Rental Dealers (AIRD) President Brian Luksetich is confident the state's relatively quiet RTO business ... APRO Show tops $18 million Bolstered by a large showing of rent-to-own companies across the country, the APRO Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas tallied over $18 million in purchase orders during the two day show. 132 Rent-to-own companies representing over 5,300 stores shopped 84 exhibitors across 137 booths during the two ... LG Electronics Partners in weekend recycling project LG Electronics USA and 9NEWS, in cooperation with Waste Management, have teamed up to host a FREE recycling event for area residents on Saturday, Sept. 12. Consumers can drop off up to 10 electronic items for free recycling from 7 a.m. to 12 noon (or until capacity is ... UPDATE: Rent-A-Center Prevails, download opinion here The Massachusetts Supreme Court today ruled in favor of Rent-A-Center in a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit -- Silva et al v. Rent-A-Center -- that put the state's 23-year old rent-to-own statute to the test. Download opinion here. The question at hand was whether rent-to-own contracts fell under the ... Healthcare reform and the RTO impact The U.S. Congress is back in session with health care legislation dominating the attention of lawmakers and the public. The current proposed health care legislation mandates small businesses with payrolls of more than $250,000 must provide health insurance to their workers or pay a fine. The health ... RTO's capitalize on $154 billion tax credit expansion Liquid Tax, an aggregate tax preparer announced today that new tax breaks will drive fresh customers to it’s dealer channel. As federal stimulus dollars begin to flow, one unlikely beneficiary is the $30 billion tax-preparation industry. “It’s because of this stimulus coupled with a weak economy ... TARA registration deadline Friday Friday is the last day to reserve discounted rates on hotel rooms for TARA's 26th Annual Convention and the last day to preregister for the convention at the lowest registration fee possible. The reduced hotel convention rate is educed convention rate is $136. Additionally, those TARA members who register ... Colorado dealers meet Sept. 12 The Colorado Rental Dealers Association will hold it's annual meeting Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy in Denver.... NEW PODCAST: APRO President "Tiger" Cleek re-elected Listen to "Tiger" John Cleek podcast here. "Tiger" John Cleek of Cleeks/Aaron's will serve another year as president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) after his re-election Wednesday morning at the rent-to-own trade association's biannual board meeting in Las Vegas. The election took place during ... French elected vice chairman of vendor committee Listen to Bill French podcast. Bill French of O'Rourke Sales is the new vice chairman of APRO's 12-member Vendor Advisory Committee (VAC), replacing past president Ellison Crider of RSSS who has served in the position for the last four years. Michael Gerwe of RES Accessories, was re-elected as the ... McDougal is APRO Lifetime Achievement Award winner APRO 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Gary McDougal. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) Tuesday night, bestowed its highest honor on former rental dealer turned lifelong industry advocate Gary McDougal, naming him APRO's 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek presented Gary and Mary ... Edwards is Rental Dealer of the Year, Blair is Vendor of the Year APRO's 2009 Rental Dealer of the Year Dave Edwards (l) with APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek. The Association of Progressive Rental Organization's annual awards banquet Tuesday, honored rental dealers, vendors and state associations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the rent-to-own industry and ... NEW PODCAST: APRO Boardmember Cynthia Baber-Strunk, Baber's Listen to podcast with Cynthia Baber-Strunk here. Cynthia Baber-Strunk knows how to convert a bad circumstance into something better. It’s how she got into the rent-to-own business in the first place—and it is why she’s inspired to run for a position on the APRO board of ... NEW PODCAST: Aaron's Todd Evans talks about APRO's convention Listen to Todd Evans podcast. Vice President of Aaron's franchising, Todd Evans, talks about the state of Aaron's franchising during APRO's annual convention. Listen to Todd Evans podcast.... NEW PODCAST: Vontoo has a message for rent-to-own Listen to Vontoo podcast. Vontoo messaging company provides rent-to-own companies voice technologies for increased promotions and labor saving collections. Listen to Vontoo podcast here.... NEW PODCAST: BestWay's Steve Kruse Listen to Steve Kruse podcast. BestWay's Steve Kruse, who received the award for most Congressional meeting during APRO's 2009 Legislative Conference, talks to APRO about the most effective tips to generating support for rent-to-own in Congress. Listen to Steve Kruse podcast.... APRO Golf winners announced Dave Edwards, Robert Barnes, Charles Smithgall and Mark Fore. APRO's 2009 golf tournament at the Angel Park Golf Course in Las Vegas kicked of the 2009 Convention and Buying Show with close to 60 rent-to-own dealers and exhibitors participating. Winners are as follows: First Place: Dave Edwards Robert Barnes ... Vendor Advisory Committee elected APRO Associate members today elected two new members to the association's vendor advisory commitee (VAC) and re-elected five at a special exhibitor lunch at the APRO 2009 Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas. Newly elected VAC members are Larry Furiani (Coaster) and Mike Neighbors (SED). Re-elected VAC members ... NEW PODCAST: APRO Boardmember Dennis Adams, American Rental Play Dennis Adams podcast. If ever a company name described one of its employees, Full-O-Pep defines Dennis Adams. Bloomington, Indiana-based Full-O-Pep/American Rentals operates 50 stores and three RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires locations across four states and Adams has helped open many of those locations. Currently, as district ... Four new faces join APRO board Members of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) Monday, elected eight candidates to the association's board of directors Monday including four new members with extensive industry experience. The election took place during the general session of APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas. Newly elected members ... Romine announces bid for Missouri Senate Gary Romine announcing bid for Republican nomination for Missouri State Senator in 2012. Gary Romine, past APRO president and owner of Show Me Rent To Own, today announced his candidacy for Missouri Senate at the president's reception banquet closing the first full day of APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying ... APRO's Rent-to-Own Roundtable features protection and profit America's Research Group CEO Brit Beemer. APRO's popular rent-to-own roundtable discussion Monday featured the most prominent professionals in the industry during the association's annual convention in Las Vegas, featuring a presentation and open discussion on the most recent updates regarding federal legislation, customer satisfaction and legal issues. APRO's roundtable ... APRO General Session kicks off convention Rent One's Larry Carrico (l) and APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek (r) present the RTO Employee of the Year Award to David Keen. Close to 200 rent-to-own dealers from across the country packed the Bally's Event Center in Las Vegas for the general session of the annual APRO ... NEW VIDEO: Robin Walker is APRO 2009 Scholarship Winner Play video here. Robin Walker, a University of Mississippi sophomore, is APRO's 2009 Education Scholarship winner and was formally honored today during the association's 2009 General Session at the association's annual convention and buying show in Las Vegas. Daughter of Gary “Bo” Walker, director of operations for RTO ... NEW VIDEO: Wilders are RTO Customers of the Year Play video here. Sherron and Robert Wilder, Rent-A-Center Customers since 1992, are in the business of helping others. The couple's charity work in Benton Harbor, Michigan was formally honored today during APRO's 2009 General Session at the association's annual convention and buying show in Las Vegas. From their Safe ... NEW VIDEO: Dave Keen is RTO Employee of the Year Play video here. David Keen, employee development manager for Rent One, is APRO's 2009 Employee of the Year and was formally honored today during APRO's 2009 General Session at the association's annual convention and buying show in Las Vegas. Keen served four terms on the Mt. Vernon City Council ... APRO golfers tee off in Vegas Dave Edwards, Robert Barnes, Charles Smithgall and Mark Fore took first in APRO's annual golf tournament. Some 60 golfers from across the rent-to-own spectrum -- dealers, vendors, employees and family members -- officially kicked off The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' (APRO) 2009 Convention and Buying Show Sunday in ... BlackBox GPS names new CEO Boca Raton, FL -August 30th, 2009: BlackBox GPS, the leading provider of Fleet Routing and Monitoring Solutions for the RTO Industry, announced thetransition of Co-Founder and CFO, Robin Standlee, CPA, to serve as the company's new CEO. Standleebrings her uniquemanagement backgroundinthe capacity as CFO andconsultant successfully navigatingstartups and established ... New easyhome to open in Wichita, Kansas Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, today announced the opening of a new easyhome rent-to-own store in the Providence Square Shopping Center in Wichita, Kansas on August 29, 2009. "This will be the 23rd easyhome store in the United States and the concept has proven to be ... Whirlpool closes Evansville, Indiana plant Whirlpool Corporation today announced changes to its North American manufacturing operations resulting in the closure of its manufacturing facility in Evansville, Indiana. The closure will eliminate approximately 1,100 full time positions in mid-2010. Production of top freezer refrigerators made at Evansville will be transferred to one of the ... DAC touts new products at APRO show DAC Products, maker of electronics merchandising displays will be exhibiting again at this year’s APRO show in Las Vegas in booth #812. “We are focused on the RTO industry and their needs so we are introducing several new designs intended specifically for them," said Todd Woods, ... Lewallen featured in 'Day on the Hill' mini-doc Watch video here. Rent-to-own dealer and industry ambassador Ernie Lewallen is the subject of a new mini-documentary produced by Moneris Solutions that follows Lewallen's experiences during APRO's 2009 Legislative Conference this April. For over 15 years, rent-to-own dealers have been coming to Washington DC for the Dave Egan Legislative ... Rent-A-Center furnishes new 'RAC Room' in St. Louis Representatives of Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Rent-A-Center, area teens and their parents will formally dedicate a new "RAC Room" today that was fully outfitted with merchandise from Rent-A-Center. The dedication will take place at 5 p.m. at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Adams ... ColorTyme University graduates celebrated (l to r): Ted Schlaack, Mike Tagle, Carol Thomas, Justin Nusser, Justin Vaughn; back row: Christopher Cook, Gerardo Cuevas, Ryan Alford, Greg Green, Bill Carlton and Mark Shealy ColorTyme and its ColorTyme University for Store Managers program celebrated its 33rd graduating class of nine students. The graduating class includes: ... RAE Community Relations winners make difference where it counts Community relations is a category of particular significance in APRO's annual Rental Advertising Excellence contest. While more traditional forms of advertising, particularly television, powerfully influence the public image of rent-to-own, a company's active engagement with the concerns of the community in which it does business conveys an equally moving ... DSI Systems launches online ordering DSI Systems, the largest national distributor of televisions, satellite equipment, and accessories, today launched a new online ordering system that will allow retailers to place orders directly through the DSI Systems online product catalog. Access to online ordering is available to all current DSI Systems customers and includes the ... Rent One funds innovative school fitness program Rent One is spearheading an innovative program to help students improve their academic performance and overall health by tuning up their physical fitness. This year some 1,200 K-8 student in Mt. Vernon District 80 will participate in Fitnessgram -- a program that promotes the awareness and importance of ... TARA registration deadline Sept. 11 September 11 is the last day to reserve discounted rates on hotel rooms for TARA's 26th Annual Convention and the last day to preregister for the convention at the lowest registration fee possible. The reduced hotel convention rate is educed convention rate is $136. Additionally, those TARA members who ... RTO Pro introduces 'Web@Pay' RTO Pro, a leading provider of rental-purchase software with over 800 user locations, announces the release of WEB@PAY- RTO Pro’s new online payment functionality allowing customers to make rental payments through the rental dealer’s website. "WEB@PAY is another example of how RTO Pro is able to ... Consumer confidence rises in August Consumer confidence in the overall economy improved in August, as consumer confidence in technology and consumer electronics (CE) jumped in the same period, according to the latest figures from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) reached 172.2 in August, a ... New stimulus effort: 'Cash for Appliances' A new federal program beginning in late fall will set aside $300 million for consumers to upgrade their old appliances for new energy efficient models under a new "cash-for- clunkers" type program designed to improve household energy efficiency and boost floundering appliance sales to boot. As part of ... 2009 RAE Award winners announced Some 70 winners in over 15 categories were announced today by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) in the country's longest running rent-to-own advertising contest APRO's 2009 Rental Advertising Excellence Award winners were culled from thousands of entries and represent the best advertising in the rent-to-own business. The ... Rent-A-Center furnishes new Harlem teen center Representatives from the Children’s Aid Society and Rent-A-Center christen a new Teen center in Harlem. Teens at The Children’s Aid Society Dunlevy Milbank Boys & Girls Club will finally have a positive place to hang out and call their own, thanks to a partnership between Boys & ... KLQ Auction raises $21 K for scholarships Angie Quinn (Quality Rentals) and Bill French (O'Rourke Sales) at the KLQ Golf Tournament and Auction Thursday. In what KLQ Education Foundation co-founder Kevin Quinn of Quality Rentals is calling the biggest turnout ever, rent-to-own pro's from around the country turned out for the fifth annual golf tournament and ... Rent-A-Center selects CyrusOne as exclusive data center provider CyrusOne, Texas’ leading data center facility provider announced that Rent-A-Center, the largest rent-to-own operator in the United States, has selected CyrusOne as its exclusive data center provider. CyrusOne will provide high availability colocation services to Rent-A-Center from one of its three Dallas-area facilities. Operating more than 3,000 stores ... KLQ Foundation fundraiser tees off in Washington KLQ Golfers attend a special "thank you" dinner at Kevin and Angie Quinn's home Wednesday. Over 150 golfers from across the country turned out today for the 5th annual Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial Golf Tournament in Lacey, Washington -- the key fundraiser for a highly successful ... APRO Computer-Electronics Focus: ArchBrook Laguna ArchBrook Laguna continues to deliver proven name brand offerings to the rent to own industry with computer and electronic products shipped together in one shipment. ArchBrook Laguna’s alliance with Expert Warehouse and Brand Source has bolstered an unrivaled consumer electronics line card that features such manufacturers as Toshiba, ... Imagery Marketing hosts RTO Roundtable At Imagery Marketing Group’s annual roundtable for rent-to-own industry clients earlier this month, conversation led to the topic of improving business in light of recent economic trends. Imagery took the opportunity to present cost effective marketing opportunities, inspiring clients to consider implementing some non-traditional approaches to effectively boost ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Aaron's Leading RTO Independents Are Converting To Aaron’s. “It’s happening all across North America, independent RTO operators are converting their stores to Aaron’s,” says Greg Tanner, national director franchise development for Aaron’s. “And, leaders in the industry are leading the way. We’ve ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: BlackBox GPS With over 2,000 RTO vehicles and counting, BlackBox GPS, the leading Rent-to-Own GPS solution provider, will showcase their highly anticipated GPS Routing Software, RoutePlanner at the APRO convention August 31 through September 2, in Las Vegas. Since 2003, BlackBox GPS has been developing GPS Fleet Solution's with a ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: BriteLite Enterprises BriteLite Enterprises is a leading vendor for DJ and audio rack systems for the RTO industry. nearly 14 years in the business, BriteLite sells to many retailers in the U.S. and Mexico and will be targeting the Canadian market in this second half of 2009. At the APRO ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Benefit Marketing Solutions Don’t lose your customers because they are losing their jobs. Economic times are difficult. The jobless rate is at an all time high. Customers are being laid-off. Companies are downsizing or closing, Jobs are being terminated. This affects your business because when this happens to a customer they ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Central File Marketing At a time when most marketers are singing the blues, Central File Marketing’s customers are seeing lots of green. The company is posting record sales and is one of a handful of Milwaukee-area employers that is hiring, according to Dan Chaudoir, founder and CEO of the firm. He ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Classic Models Jewelry Classic Models Jewelry Manufacturing is a major diamond importer and prime jewelry manufacturer established in 1986 and located in Atlanta, GA. To meet the demands of a growing market that includes RTO, retail jewelry locations, catalog, gift, and award/recognition jewelry CMJ has opened an additional sales office in Chattanooga, ... Hughes, Squires open new ColorTyme in Clarkson, Wash. To the cheers of many Clarkson, Wash. residents, the much anticipated ColorTyme store at 205 Diagonal Street (on the corner of Diagonal and Second Street) has officially opened its doors for business. “Everybody is so glad we’re back in Clarkston,” said Colleen Squires, one of the ... Coble, Hogan open new ColorTyme in Smyrna, Tennessee Carl Coble and Scott Hogan are thrilled to be in Smyrna, Tenn. Their new ColorTyme store at 291 Sam Ridley Parkway East (Suite 245) is now open for business. “We’re different than our competition because we have an owner/operator, Carl, who is loved by his customers,” ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: DAC DAC Products, maker of displays for merchandising electronics along with other retail fixtures, is set to show two new, innovative products at the upcoming APRO show in Las Vegas. Both items are expansions of existing categories, which can be coordinated to give tremendous flexibility when outfitting a store. Chris ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Dimplex The industry’s most realistic flame effect, superior quality, unparalleled service and support, plus a one-year warranty make Dimplex the world leader. Nothing says “home” quite like a warm hearth. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a fireplace is one of the top three most-desired features ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: dPi Teleconnect Want to increase your store traffic with qualified rent-to-own customers? Here’s how. Offer the pay-as-you-go services they are looking for: dPi home phone, energy, long distance, Internet, cellular-recharge and bill pay. dPi’s traffic-building products are tailored-made to fit your RTO customer. Just think of all the great ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: DreamSeat Want to take the seasonality out of sports furniture and have less headache figuring out which sport or team to inventory? Want to turn more and make higher profits on your investment? Wouldn’t you want one chair to become any team you wanted? DreamSeat has the solution. DreamSeat’... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Florida State Games Do your salespeople know the differences between HD Blu-Ray DVDs and HD DVDs? How about the bells and whistles offered by the latest video game systems? Denis Rosen, national sales manager for Florida State Games, spouts facts and figures, but he also exudes excitement and passion for the future ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Imagery Marketing Group Many know Imagery Marketing Group for its savvy ability to combine its knowledge of rent-to-own with innovative strategies and fresh design. In addition to empowering clients to reach their audiences through TV, radio, web, and print advertising, Imagery is implementing a more targeted marketing approach to increase sales and ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Liquid Tax Liquid Tax, an Aggregate Tax Preparer and leading provider of tax prep solutions today’s retailers need to help increase profits and customer counts with efficiency and automation, announced thesuccess of itsLiquid TaxFlat-ratetax prep service in27 states, including Alaska. Unlike most traditional tax prep services where customers are subject ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Marcone Supply Whether installing new appliances or refurbishing used ones, Marcone Supply is your partner for all the supplies you need, right now. They offer moving blankets, Fore-Arm Forklift and hand trucks for making deliveries, plus power cords, hoses and ducting for use in new installations. They also offer specialty products ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Moneris Moneris Solutions has a 40-year history as one of North America's largest processors of all forms of electronic payments, including credit and debit cards, ACH, e-check and gift cards. We can deliver processing capabilities through point-of-sale hardware, payment processing software and e-commerce solutions. We are dedicated to providing cost ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Peg Perego Peg Perego has been in business for 60 years. The company was founded in Italy with the creation of a baby carriage, designed by Giuseppe Perego for his son, Lucio. His carriage caught the attention of other parents who asked him to build one for them. Peg Perego was ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Teletrack Teletrack improves credit screening for rental purchase dealers by delivering traditional credit reports including tradelines Teletrack, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: FADV), is expanding its ability to deliver predictive data from multiple data sources as a result of its integration with ExperianSM. Teletrack is ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: TRIB Group TRIB Group is the oldest and most respected buying group specifically designed for the rental industry. Established in 1983 by a group of independent rental dealers, it has grown over the last 26 years to a nationally recognized RTO organization dedicated to helping independent dealers improve their bottom line. ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: TV Armor Since 2007, TV Armor has manufactured and retailed TV Screen Protectors for todays fragile LCD, LED, and Plasma TVs. TV Armor screen protectors are made from the highest quality optical grade plastic available, yet they can stand up to the worst abuse a consumer can dish out, while maintaining ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Twin Star Twin-Star International, manufacturer of ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces and Tresanti Media Cabinets is introducing a new line of unique and cool home furnishing: Tresanti Refrigerated Wine Cabinets. Filling a void in the marketplace, Tresanti Wine Cabinets have been well received by retailers. Each cabinet is constructed using the finest quality ... APRO Special Products/Services Focus: Walter L. Clark and Associates Insurance consultant Jeanette Beardsley. In today’s economy it is of utmost importance to keep costs down. One of the areas to look at is of course insurance. Walter L. Clark and Associates prides itself in finding the best price for the coverage a store needs rather than just ... APRO Software Focus: High Touch Answering the needs of its clients, High Touch, a 25-year-old technology solutions provider, will showcase two highly requested products that complement their PRO/Store point-of-service software at APRO Aug. 31 thru Sept. 2 in Las Vegas. Auto Dial voice marketing and GPS Asset Tracking and Fleet Management are both designed ... APRO Software Focus: Ideal Software Systems Ideal Software Systems will be featuring a new Microsoft Windows-based rent-to-own point of sale product at the APRO convention in Las Vegas. Ideal has, for 25 years, offered the premier business enterprise management software for rent-to-own and retail businesses. "What do you do when you have the best ... APRO Software Focus: Rental Information Systems Rental Information Systems, Inc., developer of The RAM System software application, has announced the release of two powerful new products that focus on increased employee productivity and improved RTO customer experiences. These new products deliver an online payment processing solution, company wide inventory and customer search tools, and a ... APRO Software Focus: RSSS For over 25 years, RSSS has been a leading innovator of technological solutions for the rent-to-own industry. To continue that tradition, RSSS is proud to announce some exciting new items for the APRO Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas August 30 - Sept. 2. Online Web payments continues ... Bankruptcy rate soars as credit crisis deepens Job losses and pruned credit options are driving an increase in consumer bankruptcies this year, with new filings poised to hit 1.4 million by Dec. 31, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) and Bloomberg News. The growing number of bankruptcies, many of which are accompanied by job ... Cincy DJ puts Policy Matters Ohio on Hotseat Cincinnati talk show host, Mike McConnell Tuesday morning, went toe to toe with Ohio Policy Matters representative, David Rothstein, regarding the think tank’s recent public criticisms of rent-to-own. Listen to full radio interview here. During the hour long radio broadcast, "Midday With Mike" on WLW AM, McConnell ... Easyhome released Q2 Results Canadian Rent-To-Own Company easyhome, today released results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. Revenue for the quarter increased 9.3% to $43.5 million compared with $39.8 million in the second quarter of 2008. Same store revenue growth was 1.0% in the quarter. Operating income ... APRO Furniture Focus: Coaster Fine Furniture Coaster Fine Furniture recognizes that the smaller footprint of a typical rental store is a perfect fit for their quick-ship inventory program and is rolling out new initiatives that underscore the company’s commitment to rental dealers. As an import distributor of fine home furnishings cross all major residential ... APRO Furniture Focus: Donco Trading Company Donco Trading Company will feature it's latest creation at the APRO Convention and Buying Show -- the new premier Staircase Bunkbed. Donco is a furniture importer specializing in juvenile furniture from child to teen; bedroom sets to staircase bunks. The company, founded in 1992, features centralized warehousing, same Day ... APRO Furniture Focus: King Koil In 1898 Samuel Bronstein began the King Koil tradition of bench-built craftsmanship in St. Paul, Minnesota with six employees in a small factory. Since then King Koil has been committed to designing and manufacturing the best sleep products in the industry Throughout the 1900's, King Koil grew domestically and ... APRO Furniture 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 Association of Progressive Rental Associations (APRO) 2009 Convention and Buying Show. Protect-A-Bed will attend APRO ... APRO Furniture Focus: Simmons Company Founded in 1870, The Simmons Company prides itself in innovation. From the invention of the Pocketed Coil, to the Queen and King size mattress, to the Bowling Ball commercial, Simmons boasts products that create tremendous quality as well as value in today’s rental industry. Simmons offers beds that ... APRO Furniture Focus: Serta Serta Mattress will be offering tremendous savings on its popular mattress collections at the upcoming APRO Show in Las Vegas. The bedding brand leader is offering a show exclusive of $50 off any Queen or King Perfect Sleeper set as well as $50 off any Queen or King size ... APRO Furniture Focus: Soflex You want it where? You need it when? You want how many? Soflex has redefined “quick ship” and guarantees unbeatable delivery anywhere in the U.S. Receive your order in one to four days, depending on your trading area and location in the United States. Soflex ships all ... APRO Furniture Focus: Welton USA Since 1985, Welton USA has provided quality furniture and electronics to the rental industry. Welton designs, assembles and distributes high quality furniture and electronics, providing exceptional products at competitive prices. Our exacting standards and dependable quality have earned the trust of rental dealers throughout the United States, Canada and ... Rental Rountable Kicks off RTO Education Bonanza Rental Rountable Kicks off RTO Education Bonanza Moderated by Michael Hoffman 1-3 p.m., August 31 APRO's popular rental roundtable session brings together the top minds in rent-to-own for an open forum on the issues affecting the industry. Moderator and keynote speaker Michael Hoffman will lead interactive discussion of ... Chesterfield, Va. resident wins ColorTyme $500 E-mail Sweepstakes “I was looking for a new refrigerator. So I went to ColorTyme.com and signed-up for the e-mail coupons. About a week later, I received a message saying I had won,” said Melissa Payne, a resident of Chesterfield, Va., and the winning customer of the ColorTyme $500 ... APRO Computer-Electronics Focus: SED International SED provides Rent-To-Own Dealers with the best brands, competitive prices and the largest selection of name brand computer and consumer electronics products. A full service provider for the RTO channel, SED combines the experience of a team of dedicated professionals, specialized services, and a large selection of products to ... APRO Computer-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, Philips, RCA, JVC, DELL, Kenmore, Speed Queen, ... APRO Computer-Electronics Focus: DSI After introducing a new website in September of 2008, DSI introduced online ordering for all of the company's dealers. Dealers are now able to go into the website, get their price, check local inventory in real time and place their orders electronically. Although DSI still believes our sales force ... APRO Computer-Electronics Focus: D&H D&H Distributing, the major one-stop resource for computer products, consumer electronics and home entertainment solutions, announces that its APRO Trade Show booth #604 will promote this year’s top-selling new computing formats. D&H carries an array of models, from the latest space-saving, all-in-ones like Lenovo’s A600 ... APRO Computer-Electronics Focus: CybertronPC Cybertron's RTO partners are thrilled with the growing Gaming Systems sales success in their stores. Dealers with that cutting-edge product vision are offering Cybertron's gaming systems not only for the exciting new revenue potential, but due to the "look" of the systems, as a customer attraction highlight in ... Walker is APRO Scholarship winner Robin Walker, a University of Mississippi sophomore, was today announced The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' 2009 Education Scholarship winner. Daughter of Gary “Bo” Walker, director of operations for RTO Rentals of Paris, Tennessee, Walker was selected from a competitive field of over 100 entries which was narrowed ... Rent-A-Center commits to Kerrville community Customers in Kerrville and surrounding communities now have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store Aug. 11 at 423 Main Street featuring approximately 5,330 square feet of high-quality merchandise. ... APRO Appliance Focus: Whirlpool Whirlpool will have its booth on the APRO show floor instead of being part of the Whirlpool booth on the retail side. We will be showing the complete Rental Line-up with products from Whirlpool, Estate, Amana and Maytag. We will be showing a wide range of laundry products - ... APRO Appliance Focus: GE GE's development and manufacture of Smart Grid-enabled appliances will shave energy peaks for utility companies and save consumers money. "I've been in the appliance business for nearly 30 years," said GE President and CEO Jim Campbell. "I've seen many innovations and changes in the industry. Some ... APRO Appliance Focus: Crosley Corporation Crosley’s business model focuses not only on bringing quality products in at competitive prices, but also on the service aspect of the business. Crosley backs up its products with one of the most inclusive warranties in the industry and a highly trained network of appliance distributors. These same ... APRO 2009 Scholarship finalists continued The Association of Progressive Rental Organization's 2009 Scholarship Award Competition narrowed this week to six finalists who come from a variety of RTO backgrounds and companies throughout the United States. The scholarship competition -- which provides a $2,000 award to the winner -- is open to RTO employees ... APRO 2009 Scholarship finalists selected The Association of Progressive Rental Organization's 2009 Scholarship Award Competition narrowed this week to six finalists who come from a variety of RTO backgrounds and companies throughout the United States. The scholarship competition -- which provides a $2,000 award to the winner -- is open to RTO employees ... TRIB's Meeting of the Minds: Oct. 7-8 TRIB Group is pleased to announce the schedule of events the group's annual members-only Meeting of the Minds. The event will be held on October 7-8, 2009 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The event is free of charge for TRIB Group members and ... Aaron's directors declare dividend The Aaron's, Inc. Board of Directors today declared a quarterly cash dividend. The dividend declared is $.017 per share on Common Stock and $.017 per share on Class A Common Stock, payable October 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine focuses on "The Board" The latest edition of RTOHQ: The Magazine hits the post office this week and focuses on APRO's 2009 Board elections and the candidates who hope to guide the rent-to-own industry over the next two years. In his introduction, APRO Executive Director Bill Keese takes a look at the four ... Waterbury ColorTyme supports Youth Service System with donation To Steve Dwyer, supporting the Waterbury, Conn., community - where his ColorTyme store is based - means everything to him and his team. Recently, he and his staff donated a Whirlpool stove to the Waterbury Youth Service System - a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the overall well being ... Benton Harbor's Wilders are RTO Customers of the year Sherron and Robert Wilder are APRO's 2009 Customers of the Year. Sherron and Robert Wilder, Rent-A-Center Customers since 1992, are in the business of helping others. From their Safe Haven programs for children, to their current outreach mission for the homeless, the Wilders' impact on Benton Harbor, Michigan and ... New easyhome store to open in Texas Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates announces the opening of a new easyhome store in the Brazos Square Shopping Center in Waco, Texas on August 1, 2009. This is the third store opened by easycompany an easyhome franchisee based in Wichita, Kansas. “The easyhome concept has proven ... RTO Employee of the year finalists announced The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations today, announced the finalists for its prestigious "Employee of the Year" contest. The contest -- aimed at celebrating those rent-to-own employees who best represent the industry through their contribution to their families, communities and society at large -- was narrowed to four ... High Touch rolls up sleeves for Habitat for Humanity workday High Touch employees at a recent Habitat workday. A team of 20 High Touch employees and their families volunteered their time Saturday, July 25, to participate in a Habitat for Humanity workday and sponsorship. The home is for a local single parent family seeking a safer place to live ... APRO seminars add key insights into RTO business Sometimes it takes an outsider looking in to help us see what we can do to improve our businesses. We need to know what’s going on legally that is affecting how we do business today, and may very well influence how we do business in the future. And ... Aaron's racing enters new marketing partnerships Aaron's, of Atlanta, GA, the Aaron's Outdoors television program and Mossy Oak Brand Camo have teamed together to produce a unique marketing campaign that features specialty paint schemes on three NASCAR racecars and a national register-to-win sweepstakes. Aaron's will replace its familiar Aaron's Dream Machine paint schemes with Mossy ... RTO Customer of the Year finalists announced The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations today announced the finalists for its prestigious "Customer of the Year" contest. The contest -- aimed at commemorating those rent-to-own customers who best exemplify the human spirit through their contribution to their families, communities and society at large -- was narrowed to ... Educational seminars highlight APRO convention Educational seminars highlight APRO convention Where can you find the most education focused entirely on helping you grow your rent-to-own business in one place? At the APRO 2009 Convention & Buying Show in Las Vegas August 30-September 2. The APRO educational program includes individual sessions on topics such as ... CEA: Consumer confidence falls to lowest level this year Consumer confidence in the overall economy dropped in July to its lowest level this year, according to the latest data from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The CEA-CNET Indexes also showed that consumers’ confidence in technology and consumer electronics (CE) declined this month. The CEA-CNET Index of ... Easyhome announces Q2 conference call, webcast easyhome, Canada's largest merchandise leasing company, will hold its management conference call with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers at 4 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. The results will be issued by news release after the market closes on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009. Dial-in: toll-free: 1/888-789-9572 or 416-695-7806 ... Rent-A-Center releases Q2 results Rent-A-Center today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 were $679.6 million, a decrease of $39.4 million from total revenues of $719.0 million for the same period in the prior year. This anticipated ... Colortyme store manager helps win "Mt. Rainier to the Pacific Relay" ColorTyme Store Manager Dave Ross (Back row, third from left) with his running team -- the recent winner of the "Mt. Rainier to the Pacific Relay". ColorTyme Store Manager Dave Ross and his running team won the “Mount Rainier to the Pacific Relay” – a 154-mile foot ... Contest nomination deadline today 5 p.m.! Today is the nomination deadline for APRO's annual contests and awards. Check out the links below and make sure your employees, customers and companies are entered to win! RTO Employee and Customer of the Year Award: APRO's annual award set aside for those customers and employees who inspire, help ... easyhome CFO Fregren steps down Canadian rent-to-own company easyhome, today announced Chris Fregren, easyhome's current senior vice-president and chief financial officer, is stepping down from the company effective August 16, 2009, after which Steve Goertz will take over the position. Fregren was a key player in some of easyhome's most important recent initiatives, including ... RNR, DropJaw Team up for Custom Car Tour DropJaw Magazine Editor Glenn Pilgreen and RNR Austin Operations Manager Braxton Spangle. John Spangle's RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires Austin location Thursday became the the latest stop on a nationwide custom car show tour co-sponsored by DropJaw Magazine. Around 30 cars were expected Thursday at the RNR parking ... Aaron's and La Quinta Inn & Suites team up to reward customers Specialty retailer Aaron's Inc. and LQ Management LLC, operator of La Quinta Inn and La Quinta Inn & Suites, are teaming up to provide their customers exclusive discounts and offers. Aaron's customers will enjoy a discount at participating La Quinta hotels by using the discount promo code included in ... Rent-A-Center to make 80K donation to North Texas Food Bank A special ceremony celebrating Rent-A-Center's $80,000 plus donation to the North Texas Food Bank is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Monday, July 27 at Rent-A-Center Headquarters in Plano. Representatives of the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), executives and employees of Rent-A-Center and a family who has benefited from ... LG Electronics Introduces first ever THX display Redefining the LED LCD HDTV landscape, the newest HDTVs from LG Electronics are the first LCDs to receive THX Display Certification in the U.S. market. LG’s new LH90 series, available now through national retailers such as Best Buy and other leading electronics dealers, offer consumers advanced picture ... Aaron's same store revenue up in Q2 Aaron’s Inc., today announced revenues and earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009. For the second quarter of 2009, revenues increased 8% to $417.3 million compared to $387.0 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net earnings from continuing operations were ... Bargain Center makes Aaron's conversion Dale Frederick of Bargain Center, today announced his conversion to Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership Bargain Center, a company with stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas, today became the latest independent RTO company to convert to Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership. The deal, which includes the selling of three ... Harvey replaces Hickey at Aaron's Scott Harvey, new VP of management development for Aaron's Inc. Long-time Aaron's franchisee and corporate man Mike Hickey recently stepped down as vice president of management development for Aaron's Inc, making room for Scott Harvey. Hickey -- a 15-year Aaron's employee in charge of e-learning, field training and managers-in-training ... RTO Pro unveils dynamic new features After requests from its over 800 single and multi-location users, RTO Pro, a leading provider of point-of-sale rental-purchase software, announces two new features to its Windows-based program: Company-wide Inventory and Multiple Depreciation Methods. "This new functionality is just another example of how RTO Pro is able to use ... 25 Year Industry Vet Opens Premier in Murfreesboro New Premier dealers Tom and Martie Opial. Tom Opial opened his Premier Rental Purchase store in Murfreesboro, Tenn. last May, despite the fact that his building wasn’t finished, he had no sign, and it had been a rough road to getting a loan. But he had launched his ... Full-O-Pep company picnic ends with a bang Tori Hunt, nine, daughter of American Rental Manager Timothy Hunt, tries her hand on the mechanical bull Saturday. Over 400 employees, friends and family from Full-O-Pep's 57 American Rental and RNR Custom Wheel and Tire stores turned out for a company wide picnic and fireworks extravaganza Saturday at the ... American Rental Show wraps, company picnic begins American Rental Managers Terry Gross and Sharon Lidberg check out the latest product offerings from Guy Pasvogel of Dorrance Supply. Store and regional mangers made their final rounds to vendor booths today at the annual American Rental Product Experience Show at the Seasons Hotel in Nashville, Indiana where they ... American Rental Show hosts trainings, state association meeting Rental Purchase Dealers Association of Indiana President Dennis Adams (standing) leads the association's meeting Friday. Managers company-wide trekked to pastoral Nashville, Indiana Friday, for the 19th annual Full-O-Pep/American Rental Product Experience Show where a record number of vendors turned out to support the show at the Seasons Hotel Conference ... RimTyme kicks off customer appreciation events Throughout the first half of July, several RimTyme locations celebrated the “dog days of summer” by hosting customer appreciation events. In the past, to celebrate the summer season, RimTyme corporate-owned stores and franchise locations hosted parking lot auto shows and other customer-oriented events to exhibit rim brands such ... BlackBox GPS Announces the release of RoutePlanner BlackBox GPS, a leading provider of fleet solutions for delivery and service vehicles announced today the release of their fleet routing solution, RoutePlanner. BlackBox GPS RoutePlanner provides the ease and ability to promptly route your vehicles in Real Time with the click of a mouse. This highly anticipated solution, ... Broyhill enters RTO market Jim Vaughn, right, Broyhill rental channel representative, meets with APRO Membership Director Laurie Hill and Marketing Director Cindy Ferguson. Broyhill Home Furnishings, a division of Furniture Brands International, has its sites set on rent-to-own where representatives see the company's innovative product line as the perfect answer to more discriminating ... Nine vie for APRO Board of Directors In just over a month, members of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations will decide who will fill half the seats on the APRO Board of Directors. The official election takes place Aug. 31 during the general session of APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas. This ... High Touch pitches in for Habitat for Humanity A single, working mom wants a safer place to live and separate bedrooms for her two young children. High Touch wants to make a difference for the Lee family and other families in need. Both are getting their wish, thanks to a July 25 Habitat for Humanity workday and ... Measuring Up Expands Internet presence with social networking features Tony Craig, founder and president of Measuring Up and its parent corporation Right Choice Today, announced the expansion of its Internet presence for Measuring Up. The company added new features to its existing Web site and launched a new auxiliary site as part of Measuring Up's campaign to connect ... NEW VIDEO: IRDA Boys and Girls Club donation Watch video Members of the Illinois Rental Dealers Association July 7, became role models for the local business community after committing $21,000 for much needed capital improvements to a Springfield Boys and Girls Club forced to temporarily shut down next week due to state budget cuts. Read more. ... APRO's Rental Rountable brings together top minds in RTO Early Registration: July 15 APRO's popular rental roundtable session brings together the top minds in rent-to-own for an open forum on the issues affecting the industry. Moderator and keynote speaker Michael Hoffman will lead interactive discussion of nuts and bolts rent-to-own business issues including: Good Business Practices Economic Trends ... TLH Enterprises relocates its Alice, Texas ColorTyme TLH Enterprises, owner of more than 40 ColorTyme stores, relocated its ColorTyme store in Alice, Texas, to a more visible location – from one side of Main Street to the other. “Our store has been in Alice for about 15 years,” said Diana Cuellar, co-store manager. “... APRO Seminars help grow your RTO business APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying Show in Las Vegas offers a wide range of multi-faceted educational sessions that have something for everyone.Whether you're a store employee, manager, owner or corporate executive you will take away relevant information and strategies to help you do your job better.Choose the ... Indiana Dealers to shape legislative strategy next week The Rental-Purchase Dealers Association of Indiana will hold it's annual meeting at the American Rental/Full-O-Pep Trade Expo and Company Picnic at 10 a.m. at the Seasons Hotel and Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana July 17. Main order of business: negative rent-to-own legislation introduced in the state legislature last ... Illinois Rental Dealers step up when economy is down IRDA members present a check for $21,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois Tuesday. Members of the Illinois Rental Dealers Association Tuesday, became role models for the local business community after committing $21,000 for much needed capital improvements to a Springfield Boys and Girls Club ... Rent-A-Center donates furnishings, funding to Utica teen center Representatives from Rent-A-Center presented more than $6,800 in furnishings and electronic merchandise, as well as a $1000 check,to Utica Safe Schools Healthy Students program today. Rent-A-Center gave students involved in the Utica Safe Schools Healthy Students after-school advantage program another reason to check out The Underground Café ... APRO Scholarship Award entries due July 24 Click to play video. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is seeking qualified applicants for it's second annual scholarship competition open to all APRO rent-to-own employees and their children. Deadline: July 24, 2009 APRO's Scholarship Foundation will award $2,000 toward college tuition fees for the winning applicant who ... Convention: Early Registration Deadline July 15 Early Registration Deadline Next Week! The Rent-To-Own Industry Event of the Year Is Here Register by July 15 – Save $100! Register Now: Dealers Exhibitors Convention packages are $1,195 for Bally's and $1,295 for Paris, with discount, and include a four night hotel stay and complete registration ... UK's Brighthouse posts 21.5 percent profit gain BrightHouse CEO Leo McKee and business developer Hamish Paton at a meeting this summer with APRO officials in Austin, Texas. The UK's largest rent-to-own company, BrightHouse, today announced a 21.5 percent rise in full-year underlying profit and said current trading was in line with management expectations. The 177-store ... ColorTyme's biggest gets bigger: TLH Enterprises opens second Corpus Christi store TLH Enterprises, owner of more than 40 ColorTyme stores, opens its second store today in the “sparkling city by the sea,” Corpus Christi, Texas. “I have been working for TLH and ColorTyme for about 10 years,” said store manager Stella Griffin. “I was from ... Premier dealers turn "jailbirds" to send MDA kids to camp William Cuthbertson jailed to raise money for the Muscular Distrophy Association. Local business owners and community leaders from Clarksville, Tenn. were accused recently of “having a big heart” and were “arrested” and hauled off to “jail” on Thursday, June 18. Among them were Premier Rental-Purchase dealers ... APRO Golfers tee off at scenic Angel Park Angel Park Golf Club. This year's annual Tom Kitchens/Joe Eason Golf Tournament will be held on the Palm Course at the Angel Park Golf Club in Las Vegas during APRO's annual Convention. Registration Deadline: August 14 Find full tournament details and download entry form here. At almost 3,000 ... Aaron's Inc. Q2 Conference call July 22 Aaron’s, Inc. will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. EST July 22 to discuss the company's second quarter 2009 results. There will be opening remarks and then questions and answers with Chairman Charlie Loudermilk, President/CEO Robin Loudermilk, COO Ken Butler, and Executive Vice President/CFO Gil Danielson. ... 'A breath of fresh air': Illinois RDA makes renovation possible at area Boys and Girls Club IRDA Board members. It wasn't the outreach project they'd planned to do; but it's the one that needed doing. The Illinois Rental Dealers Association Tuesday will formally present The Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) with a check for $21,000 at a press conference at 10 ... New Consumer Protection Agency could impact RTO bills The Obama administration yesterday sent a detailed proposal to Congress to create an agency to protect consumers and oversee nearly every facet of consumer lending. Though the bill, and the agency it proposes to establish – The Consumer Financial Protection Agency – does not name rent-to-own directly and is ... Employee and Customer of the Year: deadline July 24 Click to watch video. APRO's Employee and Customer of the Year Contest is On! Deadline July 24! The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others. Nominations can be made online here or ... Minnesota Supreme Court: Franken wins, Dems at 60 The Minnesota Supreme Court today unanimously ruled former "Saturday Night Live" star Al Franken the winner of last November's Senate race, putting him on the brink of becoming a U.S. Senator and giving Democrats a dominant 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. In a unanimous 5-0 decision, the ... APRO Convention Update: Early bird registration July 15 The Rent-To-Own Industry Event of the Year Is Here Register by July 15 – Save $100! Register Now: Dealers Exhibitors Convention packages are $1,195 for Bally's and $1,295 for Paris, with discount, and include a four night hotel stay and complete registration for two people. For example, ... Rent-A-Center, Q2 2009 conference call broadcast July 28 Rent-A-Center will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 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 27, 2009. Audio of the call ... American Rental product expo, picnic set for July American Rentals General Manager David P. David tries his luck on the mechanical bull at last year's American Rental company picnic. American Rental, the third largest independent RTO company in the U.S., is gearing up for its 19th annual training expo and company picnic which this year includes ... Premier wraps midyear dealers retreat with open house The Premier Companies wrapped a successful midyear dealers retreat in Atlanta, Georgia Thursday with an open house for entrepreneurs interested in joining the Premier family. Over 90 dealers attended the retreat and took part in 15 offered workshops available to support dealers in their growth. Premier unveiled a number ... RAE Awards celebrate the industry's best ads: July 24 deadline Click to watch. The rent-to-own industry's most prestigious advertising competition is back. But if you want your ad or community relations program included in this year's 2009 Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) awards competition, you don't have time to waste. The RAE submission deadline is July 24, so click ... Newly elected councilman donates 1,000 DVDs to libraries Riverside City Councilman Paul Davis (center) with family at his swearing in ceremony this week. Riverside City Councilman-elect Paul Davis of Ward 4 was officially sworn into office this week, but he's already going to bat for local libraries. Davis, owner of Nations Rent-To-Own, who ran on a platform ... ColorTyme and RimTyme offer franchise financing guarantee ColorTyme and RimTyme rent-to-own companies offer franchise business opportunities with a franchise financing guarantee. If an approved franchisee does not receive financing, ColorTyme will refund the franchise fee. ColorTyme, Inc. is America’s oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent to own stores. ColorTyme’s history is rooted in the ... Countryside team volunteers for local campers Countryside Rentals Human Resources Director Jim Runnels pilots a boat full of Kamp Dovetail campers and volunteers. On a picture-perfect summer day, near a postcard lake in southwest Ohio, over 10 percent of the Countryside Rentals workforce was there to lend a hand for one of the largest summer ... Customers honored at Bargain Center Customer Appreciation Day Grand Prize raffle winner Ralph McCord atop his new Harley Davidson. Bargain Center -- a rent-to-own company based in Grove, Oklahoma -- recently held a customer appreciation event throughout all 14 of its store locations to thank its customers the communities it serves. “We really wanted to show ... APRO Convention registration open: Early bird discount deadline July 15 This year the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations returns to the "City of Lights" for the rent-to-own event of the year: APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying Show at Paris and Bally's, Las Vegas, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2. This year APRO offers attending dealers a $100 discount off ... ColorTyme bikers trek across U.S. for franchisee retreat ColorTyme Time Travelers. While many chose to endure air travel to Jackson Hole, Wyo., for ColorTyme’s 2009 Summer Meeting, a valiant group of franchise owners and corporate employees trekked across the country by motorcycle. The group named the Tyme Travelers, included Larry Hill, Mark Shealy, Nellie Rosete, Mark ... High Touch auto dial product helps cut costs High Touch, Inc., a technology solutions provider, will soon rollout a highly anticipated product that complements the company's PRO/Store point-of-sale software. Auto Dial Voice Messaging is designed to maximize staff efficiencies and minimize overhead, according to Jason Mock, Director of Enterprise Accounts for High Touch. Talley’s Beta Tests ... Local ColorTyme owners announce essay contest winners ColorTyme franchisee Louis Garcia presents laptop computers to local high school essay contest winners. Owners of five ColorTyme franchise stores in Maryland, Epic Ventures LLC today, announced the four winners of the 2009 Epic Ventures People Helping People Senior Essay Competition. Winners of the essay contest include Sloane Morgan ... Premier Rental-Purchase Donates $10K to Booker High School Premier dealer Calvin Cooksey and wife. Premier Rental-Purchase in Sarasota, Florida, is the proud No. one sponsor of Booker High School's sports program, having recently committed $10,000 to support the Booker Tornadoes. Premier Sarasota is a family-owned and operated rent-to-own store specializing in furniture, appliances and electronics. They ... ColorTyme franchisees, vendors pow wow in all day conference Yesterday, as part of the ColorTyme Summer Meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyo., franchise owners participated in an all-day conference where they met with several vendors. Vendor representatives provided a list of merchandise that franchisees could later purchase during a special "hot buy" session. ”I love the summer ... Heartland Show totals rock expectations Sale in progress on the show floor of the 2009 Heartland of America Trade Show. The economy may be rotten but you won't find evidence of that in show totals posted at the fifth annual Heartland of America Trade Show which wrapped up yesterday in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The ... Rent-A-Center commits to community at Wyoming store opening Customers in Riverton, Wyoming, and surrounding communities now have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center celebrated the opening of its newest store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. The new store is located in The Shoppes at Federal, ... Heartland training day adds new level of value to show Dan Green of Ashley Furniture shows off the engineering behind an Ashley Furniture recliner. The Heartland of America Trade Show today launched its much anticipated product training day where over 150 rent-to-own dealers will rotate through vendor led training sessions aimed at sharpening product knowledge at the store level ... Heartland Show wraps with awards banquet MRDA Executive Director Ken Steiner (l) with association president John Cleek Jr. Heartland of America Trade Show attendees packed the Granada Ballroom at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort Wednesday night for the annual awards banquet recognizing golf and bass tournament winners and reflecting on the association's and ... Relationships rule at Heartland Show National TV Sales and Rental company at the Heartland of America Show. Though purchase order totals will not be available until tomorrow, organizers of the Heartland of America Tradeshow are all smiles as activity in the main exhibit hall winds up Wednesday evening. Around 167 dealers representing 20 rent-to-own ... Dealers, vendors make Heartland Show networking events L to R: Sean Keefe (DSI), Larry Carrico (Rent One), Kelly Carrico (Rent One) and Dan Haight (Pioneer) enjoy a game of four man scramble Wednesday. Rent to own professionals took full advantage of recreational and networking opportunities today at the fifth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show ... Jackson Hole hosts ColorTyme franchise summer meeting Starting today, the Snake River Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyo., will host ColorTyme’s Franchise Summer Meeting in which franchisees from around the country will gather to spend several days working with members of the ColorTyme corporate staff, collaborate with fellow franchisees and attend several vendor buying presentations. “... RTO dealers turn out for Heartland; attendance up 26 percent Clint Young (l) of Fisher & Paykel Appliances shows off one of the company's high tech washing machines to Murray Beck of Rent One. Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from over five states across the midwest trekked to the banks of The Lake of the Ozarks tonight to shatter attendance ... BlackBox GPS launches Imagery's "Company Cake" training BlackBox GPS, the leader in RTO Fleet Routing and Monitoring Solutions announced today their launch of Imagery Marketing’s Company Cake Training Course. The BlackBox GPS Company Cake Courses were developed to help RTO Managers effectively manage their fleet and improve the overall efficiency of their mobile workforce. The ... Rent-A-Center donates $10,000 to D.C. Food Bank Rent-A-Center's Dwight Dumler presents a check for $10,000 to Lynn Brantley of the Capital Area Food Bank. Rent-A-Center today donated $10,000 to the Capital Area Food Bank – the Capital region’s largest public, nonprofit food and nutrition education resource. The donated funds will help support the ... Above and beyond: RTO employee, customer of the year sought The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others. These are people who inspire, help and sacrifice for the betterment of their families and/or communities. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations annually celebrates ... Rent One donates computer to youth program Rent One owner Larry Carrico, Rev. James Gordon, a youth advisor and several children at Rent One corporate offices yesterday. Rent One donated a laptop computer to the Southtown Youth Program in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Wednesday. The program is run by a local church and coordinates a summer camp ... New York dealers hold successful legislative day NYSRDA annual membership meeting. Around 18 New York Rental Dealers from across the state turned out in Albany, New York, yesterday to meet and greet state lawmakers and promote a better understanding of the rent-to-own transaction's impact on consumers and the economy. The New York State Rental Dealers Association ... Training to highlight re-vamped Heartland Show Bass tournament at last year's Heartland Tradeshow. Next week the Heartland of America Trade Show in Lake Ozark, Missouri, will add training to it's enviable golfing, fishing, networking and buying bonanza, a move that will further fortify the show's regional legacy as a value packed company destination. Over 150 ... Easygates opens two new franchise stores Easygates -- the franchise division of Canada-based easyhome -- opened two new stores last week in San Marcos, Texas and Salina, Kansas. “We are elated to bring the easyhome concept to two new markets," said Bud Gates, chairman and CEO of easygates, "Trent McKenzie and Chuck ... Davis wins Riverside City Council Seat Riverside Ward 4 City Councilman Paul Davis. Listen to podcast. Rent-to-own dealer Paul Davis is the new Riverside Ward 4 City Councilman after winning a decisive victory over the two-term incumbent last night. Davis took home 52 percent of the vote in the race against Frank Schiavone in a ... Discover Rental Purchase launches franchise happiness guarantee In a business landscape cluttered with companies seeking franchise operators, Jim Steger thinks he may have it figured out. As Vice President of Franchise Development for Discover Rental Purchase, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Steger knows he is competing with hundreds, if not thousands, of U.S businesses who ... Rent-A-Center contributes $2K to library at store opening Starting today, customers in Novi, Michigan, and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. Featuring approximately 4,500 square ... APRO 2009 Scholar search begins APRO 2008 Scholarship winner Penny Wyatt (center) with then APRO President Larry Carrico (left) and Show Me Rent To Own owner Gary Romine. Watch Video. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is seeking qualified applicants for it's second annual scholarship competition open to all APRO rent-to-own employees and their ... Don's EZ Pay to open new store in July Arkansas-based Don's E-Z Pay is looking to open a fourth store in neighboring Idabel, Oklahoma this July, almost a year after the company's founder, Don Cecil died. Cecil's daughter, Rhonda Weatherford, a registered nurse, who has also managed the company's three existing stores for the past 10 years, said ... ColorTyme franchisees see big future in Canton Tony Trombley and Tom Smith Partner to Offer Superior Customer Service in New Store Canton, Ohio is now the home of a new ColorTyme store – co-owned by Tony Trombley and Tom Smith. Located near the corner of Whipple Avenue and Tuscarawas Street West in Canton Centre Mall, the ... ColorTyme store celebrates successful fundraiser for boy awaiting heart transplant It started with Hanover’s local ColorTyme store donating a laptop. Then it progressed to the development of a “Have a Heart, Give a Heart” fundraising campaign – all for Jarrett Peck, a 10-year-old boy who will soon undergo a complicated heart surgery. See previous story. Today, the ... RTO employee and customer of the year search is on Far right: APRO's 2008 Employee of the Year Bill Tennison of Heartland Furniture and Appliance. Watch video. The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others. Nominations are being accepted now through July ... RNR continues to help feed hungry in Tampa Members of Grace Family Church serve meals in their outdoor soup kitchen set up in the parking lot of an RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tire’s store in Tampa, Fla. RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tire’s store on East Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, Florida, has been drawing ... DSI, Digital Delivery Group announce strategic alliance DSI Systems, the nation's largest distributor of satellite and consumer electronic equipment, and Digital Delivery Group (DDG), the leading convergence and digital products-focused distribution consortium, today announced a strategic partnership creating the DSI DDG Alliance. With 59 pickup facilities coast to coast, the alliance will provide custom integrators with ... Rent-A-Center Gift to benefit summer camps in Onondaga and Madison Counties New York State Sen. David Valesky joins Rent-A-Center representatives as they present Camp Healing Hearts with a check for $4,000. Rent-A-Center will help brighten summer vacation for more than 740 children attending Camp Lookout in Madison County and Camp Healing Hearts in Onondaga County. Representatives from 14 area ... Electronics lead consumer confidence rally Consumer confidence in the overall economy moved up sharply in May, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The CEA-CNET Indexes also show that consumers continue to feel more confident about future spending on technology and consumer electronics (CE). The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations ... Vendor Advisory Committee nominations due July 1 Seven 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 ... Cleek's annual bowling event tops $100K mark John Cleek Jr.'s sixth annual "Bowling for Autism" event earlier this month raised $21,400 for the Judevine Center for Autism in Columbia, Missouri, bringing the six-year fundraising total for the event to $106,000. Money from the event held at the AMF Town and Country Lanes, ... Consumer confidence rallies for biggest jump in six years The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index last month posted its largest month to month gain in six years, rallying to an eight month high as consumers continue to gain footing in an economy rife with sluggish economic factors. The Index now stands at 54.9 (1985=100), up from 40.... Lynn Porter of RentQuik dies Longtime APRO member Lynn Porter, 53, of RentQuik died this Sunday afternoon of cardiac arrest. A memorial service has been scheduled for 4 p.m. at Freeman Harris Funeral in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Porter had been in business since 1985, and an APRO members since 1987, with six RentQuick stores ... Industry arguments begin in Mass. Supreme Court case Industry attorneys head to Boston June 9 to begin oral arguments before the Massachusetts Supreme Court over a multi-million dollar lawsuit that claims the state's 20 - year old RTO statute does not regulate RTO transactions. Read More. Last December the lawsuit a Massachusetts Federal District Court sent the ... Rent One first to donate to holiday fundraiser for troops JCOIF officials Sherri Meadows and Joyce Coorman accept a check from Rent One Owner Larry Carrico while Rent One managers Keen, Murray Beck and Trent Agin look on with other members of the JCOIF. Larry and Sharon Carrico and the entire Rent One family Thursday, kicked off the 2009 ... FRDA signs up dealers for new skips/stolen database Florida rental dealers discuss a new skips/stolen database at their annual association meeting last September. Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Rent King, and ColorTyme dealer Dave Pagano this week are the first companies to sign on to a new real time database rental dealers hope will allow them to reduce ... Consumer protection, regulation drive credit card reform A sweeping bill that would tame "abusive" practices by the credit card industry could make it's way out of the U.S. House of Representatives today after passing the Senate yesterday on a 90-5 vote. Propelled by a wave of anti-bank and pro-consumer sentiment, the bill would outlaw ... Dolezal named new High Touch CFO New High Touch CFO Vernon A. Dolezal. High Touch, a technology solutions provider, has hired Vernon A. Dolezal Jr., as director of finance and chief financial officer. The announcement was made by Wayne Chambers, High Touch CEO/president. Dolezal has 20 years of finance and accounting experience, including corporate finance ... Call for APRO Board nominations In just over three months, members of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) will play a key role in shaping the course of the rent-to-own trade association and the industry as well. Eight of 17 APRO Board seats are up for grabs at APRO's 2009 Convention and Buying ... ColorTyme, RimTyme name new communications head Ryan Alford, new corporate communications specialist for ColorTyme, RimTyme. ColorTyme and RimTyme announced today the hiring of Ryan Alford as the new corporate communications specialist. In his new role, Alford will lead both brands’ public relations strategies, assist with internal communications and, most importantly, support franchisees. Before joining ColorTyme ... Wayland Russell to headline Premier dealer retreat Wayland Russell, founder and former CEO of Rainbow Rentals, will address attendees at the Premier 2009 Dealer Retreat June 24. Russell will focus on the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit and explain how Rainbow’s mantra – “More, Better, Different” – continually challenged those within the organization to ... Past APRO President heads rental sales for King Koil Glenn Davis of King Koil Mattress Company. APRO past president Glenn Davis and Curtis Spain will head up the newly created national rental sales division for King Koil Mattress Company, he announced this week. Davis was president of APRO in 1985 and served as secretary for six years. He ... Registration opens for 2009 Midwest RTO Training Expo Packed show floor at last year's Midwest RTO Expo. Registration for the hottest regional RTO Training Expo has begun. The sixth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo -- the brainchild of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) -- kicks off September 29-30 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine profiles industry lobbyists, "Niche" Connection By APRO Executive Director Bill Keese Prior to becoming our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant was fond of sipping brandy and smoking cigars in the lobby of the famed Willard Hotel, just two blocks from the White House. Folklore has it that America’s Civil War hero coined the ... Premier to host franchising open house The Premier Companies, one of the top five fastest growing young franchisors, is hosting an Open House for those interested in owning their own business or growing their business portfolio in the rent and sale of household, auto related and financial goods and services. The event will be held ... Georgia Dealers welcome Loudermilk October 7 The Georgia Rental Dealers Association (GRDA) annual membership meeting will be held 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Marriot Airport Renaissance Hotel in Atlanta and will feature a talk from the head of Aaron's, Inc. The meeting will precede the TRIB Group’s Meeting ... Arkansas dealers elect new board New ARDA Officers and Board members. Around 30 Arkansas rental dealers met Wednesday to elect a new slate of board members and officers to their state dealers association and participate in a range of educational presentations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Little Rock. New board-members and officers ... WVRDA elects new officers, sets course for future West Virginia Officers: vice president Josh Hendricks, president Mike Courts and secretary/treasurer Rebecca Hollen. Around 16 rental dealers from 10 companies showed up at the Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna, West Virginia today to elect officers and come to grips with new regulations regarding the pricing of used ... Hanover ColorTyme rallies community support for boy's heart transplant Residents of McSherrystown, Hanover and surrounding Pennsylvania communities -- including the Hanover ColorTyme -- are combining forces to raise funds for a local 10-year-old in dire need of a heart transplant. The Community fundraiser is for Jarrett Peck a 10-year-old boy, who has had two open-heart surgeries, five stints, ... Re-tooled Heartland Show set for June 16-18 Dealers from at least five states will again head to the scenic Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri, for the fifth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar June 16-18. Rent-to-own pros from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri are expected and dealers ... Does FTC "Red Flags" rule apply to RTO? Ed Winn III By Ed Winn III, APRO Legal Counsel There is considerable press and palaver about the new FTC Red Flags rule, and what companies must do to get in compliance with it. You can read all about the rule at www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule. The first step to ... New ColorTyme opens with donation to child advocacy group Ribbon cutting ceremony for new ColorTyme in Augusta, Georgia. Bud Evans, owner of the new ColorTyme franchise store in Augusta, Georgia, cut the ceremonial red ribbon in front of his store April 30 to kick-off the grand opening celebration. Representatives from the mayor’s office and the chamber of ... Rent One takes on students in job shadowing program Rent One staffers Lori McGovern, Murray Beck, Chris Lowe and Donna Fally mentored local high school students in a job shadowing program Thursday. Rent One's Mt. Vernon, Illinois corporate staff grew by four yesterday as part of a new job shadowing initiative aimed at giving local high school students ... Easyhome Q1 results released Canadian-based rent-to-own Easyhome today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Revenue for the quarter increased 10.2% to $43.9 million compared with $39.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. Operating income was $4.4 million, down from $5.7 million for ... RTO vets open new Premier store in Coshocton, Ohio Jeff Gibson and Ron Semelsberger. When Ron Semelsberger decided to join the RTO industry 23 years ago, he had no idea it would lead him and his family toward three acquisitions, six different relocations and the ability to one day own his own business as a Premier franchisee. When ... Arkansas dealers gear up for spring meeting Arkansas dealers from across the state will convene next Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Little Rock. Members will elect directors to its board as well as officers during the packed agenda which also includes a talk by Chuck Sanders, Rent-A-Center Regional Director (R064) for the Dallas, ... CORT Furniture enters staging game Furniture rental company CORT is using its furniture muscle to help sell homes through a nationwide home staging program that will outfit empty homes homes for sale, according to the Washington Business Journal. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company also runs a corporate relocation service that includes helping sell the homes ... Voting begins in Paul Davis' council race Riverside City Council Candidate Paul Davis of Nations Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast. Rent-to-own veteran Paul Davis' bid for a seat on the Riverside, California City Council began in ernest Monday as voters began receiving ballots for the mail-only election that will determine three council races. Davis, owner of two ... West Virginia dealers to study new pricing landscape, elect new officers WVRDA President Shawn DiLeo. When Shawn DiLeo, spearheaded the re-organization of the West Virginia Rental Dealers Association (WVRDA) two years ago, he was glad to have six dealers show up. A lot has changed since then. After two years as the WVRDA president, DiLeo is no longer managing stores ... RAC outfits rec-rooms for Fort Knox soldiers With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring program, soldiers at Fort Knox will enjoy new furnishings in six rest and recreation areas on the U.S. Army base. Three rooms in the 233rd Transportation Barracks, two rooms in the 19th Engineer’s Building and the reception area ... Theft on the rise, lash back with world's first free GPS tracking devices Merchandise theft and loss costs Americans over an estimated 50 billion dollars every year. Globally, hundreds of billions are lost annually. IContain Aims to remedy this problem. With the cost of loss prevention climbing in an effort to combat these increases in theft, loss, and damage, available solutions for ... CEA: Net-enabled TV's in high demand Demand for Internet-enabled televisions is growing rapidly, according to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The study, Net-Enabled Video: Early Adopters Only? found that about half of prospective TV buyers say they are likely to purchase an Internet-connected TV. The study reveals numerous ways consumers would ... Montana bill exempts rental goods from property tax A bill that will lighten the tax load on rent-to-own dealers in Montana became law last week after passing out of the state legislature one vote shy of unanimously. The new law will exempt from personal property tax "property (that) is owned by a business whose primary business ... Imagery welcomes vendors, clients to new digs Imagery Principal Marty Smith (right) discusses the company's newest offering, variable print on demand solution iDemandNOW, with open house attendees. After outgrowing their old digs and moving to a new building in April 2008, Imagery Marketing Group’s staff went to work. They worked on fliers and product development, ... GDP falls 6.1% in first quarter on record investment drop The U.S. economy again took a nosedive in the first quarter of the year as business investment declined at a record rate, the Commerce Department reported today. Real gross domestic product -- the inflation-adjusted, seasonally adjusted value of all goods and services produced in the United States -- ... RAC opens new store, commits $2,000 to Sheridan community Come April 1, customers in Sheridan, Wyoming, and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at noon on Wednesday, April 29. Featuring 4,640 square feet of ... Northwest Rental Dealers meet May 14 The Northwest Rental Dealers Association will meet May 14 for the group's annual business meeting at the La Quinta Hotel in Tacoma Washington. The group, which represents the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, will meet to hear an update on Washington state legislative issues as well as ... Neyharts hold ColorTyme Easter Egg Hunt Lisa Neyhart, Easter egg hunt winner and Tom Neyhart. Tom Neyhart stood at the front of his ColorTyme store with arms folded, surveying his place of business with a sly smile. The store was clean and perfect, and everything was in place as usual – the electronics section was ... Aaron's reports record Q1 revenues Aaron’s, Inc. Monday, announced revenues and earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2009. For the first quarter of 2009, revenues rose 15% to $474.0 million compared to $412.7 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net earnings from continuing operations were $35.4 ... Rent-A-Center reports first quarter 2009 Results Rent-A-Center today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. First Quarter 2009 Results Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 were $728.2 million, a decrease of $28.4 million from total revenues of $756.6 million for the same period in the ... DiLeo opens third ColorTyme in Kentucky Shawn DiLeo last Friday, opened his third ColorTyme in the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Georgetown, Kentucky. A ColorTyme franchisee since September 2008, DiLeo's two other stores, also in Kentucky, comprise the first phase of DiLeo's six store plan. "This is a great time to be in rent-to-own," DiLeo ... Buddy's car earns pole award at Talladega Tom Hessert and the Andy Belmont Racing Team accept the Menards Pole Award. Tom Hessert, in the Andy Belmont Racing owned Buddy’s Home Furnishings #1 Ford Fusion, earned his 1st career Menards Pole Award for the ARCA RE/MAX 250 race on Friday, April 24th at Talladega Superspeedway in ... Aaron's Q1 conference call tomorrow Aaron's Inc. will hold it's first quarter 2009 earnings conference call live tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. ET. Featured speakers include: Ken Butler, COO, Gilbert Danielson, EVP & CFO, Charlie Loudermilk, Chairman and Robin Loudermilk, President & CEO. The Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division has 983 company-owned stores ... Fleet management systems key to RTO success In today’s business world, maintaining a strong competitive advantage is critical to achieving long term sustainable growth. In the past, RTO growth has been associated with effective marketing programs, improved customer service, and maintaining a great product margin. However during these difficult economic conditions, business owners and managers ... Legislative momentum strong at APRO Conference Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk with Sen. Roger Wicker. Wicker agreed to sign on as an RTO co-sponsor today. Rent-to-own dealers and industry representatives headed to Capitol Hill en masse today for the second of a two day barrage of meetings with Congressional leaders in support of the Consumer ... Industry hits Capitol Hill Bob Lawrence, Ernie Lewallen, Joel Ehrlich and Scott Kinnear at the Longworth House Office Building Wednesday. Rent-to-own industry representatives from across the country this morning kicked off the first of a two day mission to send a message to the nation's lawmakers: rent to own legislation is good for ... RTO synergy at APRO Legislative Conference opener Frank Davis, senior policy analyst to RTO bill sponsor Rep. William Lacy Clay, praises the industry Tuesday night. More than 150 rent-to-own industry representatives from across the country packed the grand ballroom of the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. today to learn more about the intricacies of ... Son joins father at Rent One Rent One owner Larry Carrico welcomes son Steven Carrico as the company's new property development manager. Steven Carrico this week joined his father, Rent One owner Larry Carrico, on the Rent One team as the company's property development manager. For the past two and a half years, Steven, 24, ... Premier in Dayton Awards High School Student with Computer Scott Kinnear with new laptop winner Austin Reid. Dayton Premier Rental-Purchase, in conjunction with WRCX-TV 40 and The Ohio Lottery Commission, awarded Vandalia Butler High School Senior Austin Reid with a brand new Acer Lap Top Computer. The computer was part of the Student Achiever Initiative, an award given ... ColorTyme backs industry at APRO Legislative Conference ColorTyme, America’s oldest rental-purchase franchisor, has turned out in force for the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations’ (APRO) 2009 Dave Egan Legislative Conference scheduled for April 21 - 23 in Washington, D.C. More than 150 attendees representing close to 50 rent-to-own companies will convene this week at ... Home Express expands with first licensee location Rent-to-own newcomer Home Express celebrated the grand opening of its first licensee location in Jeffersonville, Indiana Friday. With the strong performance of the six company owned locations, Penny Neace will head up Home Express' first licensee store and kick off a new development phase for the company, now only ... Rent One donates van to Danny Davis Computer Training Center Rent One's Trent Agin and Larry Carrico with Lowry Taylor. Mt. Vernon Illinois-based Rent One yesterday donated a fully reconditioned van to an innovative Chicago based training program, named after rent-to-own bill co-sponsor Rep. Danny K. Davis. The Danny K. Davis Job Training Program (DKDJTP) is a "hands ... Rent-A-Center helps boost Literacy program in Oswego County Xavier Dominicis (center), vice president public affairs for Rent-A-Center with Sen. Neil Breslin (l) and Jane Murphy, executive director for LIteracy Volunteers of Oswego County at the presentation of the new learning center for Literacy Volunteers at the YMCA in Oswego. Rent-A-Center’s most recent Random Act of Caring ... Countryside bowlers raise money for family fighting cancer Beulah, Brittney and Don Riffle at Countryside Rent-2-Own's "Bowling 4 Brittney" fundraiser. Countless times Ben Davis has gotten sweaty and knocked down some wood at Trio Lanes in Wellston, Ohio. But never had hurling his ball down the alley had more meaning or impact than earlier this week, ... Ohio RTO rivalry enters round three Mike Tissot and Gary Ferriman compete for Ohio RTO bragging rights this week. Ohio rent-to-own company owners Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals and Gary Ferriman of Showplace Rent To Own this week are furthering their legendary rivalry this week, pursuing a no holds barred rally to gain customers. The ... RTO House bill gains five, ups total to 53 Georgia Rep. Tom Price is the 14th member of the House Committee on Financial Services to support H.R. 1744. Industry congressional leaders learned today five new House co-sponsors committed to support the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, marking the largest show of support prior to APRO's Annual Legislative ... Bestway acquires F.A.N. stores Dallas-based Bestway Rent To Own, today announced the acquisition of four F.A.N. Rent To Own stores, raising the company's total store count to 77. The four purchased stores are located in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway and Russellville, Arkansas. The acquisition leaves F.A.N. owner ... Best: Briley, Sayre tie for top Aaron's franchise Kelly Sayre, owner of Alliance Rental, tied for Aaron's top franchise Tuesday. Aaron's wrapped up its annual managers meeting Tuesday night, with a star studded awards banquet honoring the best performing franchises, company stores and managers at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. APRO Vice President ... Aaron's guides massive community outreach in DC Aaron's emcee Michael Blair fires up runners before Aaron's first ever Wounded Warrior 5K at the company's annual managers meeting in Maryland. More than 1,000 Aaron's franchise owners, managers and employees braved drizzly rain Tuesday morning to take part in the company's largest ever community outreach campaign involving ... Aaron Rents becomes Aaron's, Inc. Effective April 20, Aaron Rents, will change its name to Aaron's, Inc. according to Robin Loudermilk Jr., Aaron's president and CEO, who officially unveiled the new name Monday evening to 2,000 associates in attendance at Aaron's National Managers Meeting held in Washington, D.C. "Aaron's is creating ... Aaron's launches managers meeting, historic community projects top agenda Aaron's Dream Team dancers kick off the company's national meeting at the Gaylord Convention Center in Maryland. Close to 2,000 franchise owners, managers and divisional vice presidents from Aaron's 1,560 store rent-to-own chain opened the company's annual managers meeting Monday at National Harbor, Maryland, with a high ... Easyhome 2008 annual report details new initiatives, growth opportunities Canadian-based rent-to-own company easyhome, today released it's 2008 annual report detailing the company's performance last year and growth opportunities for its franchise division, easygates, which is poised to open 10-15 new locations this year. In the past five years, easyhome has expanded the number of stores from 131 to ... TARA Convention and Buying Show exhibitor contracts available online Today, the Texas Association of Rental Agencies announced the dates for its 26th Annual Convention & Southwest Buying Trade Show will be October 11-12, 2009, at the Hotel InterContinental-Dallas, a few blocks from the Galleria shopping area. "And this is only one of the many improvements your TARA ... ORDA elects Kinnear president, moves Midwest Expo dates New ORDA officers: (l to r) Joel Elrich, treasurer, Scott Kinnear, president, Mark Kohler, vp, Tony Craig, secretary (not pictured).. Around 18 rent-to-own dealers from 11 companies turned out today for the Ohio Rental Dealers Association spring business meeting in Columbus where they elected a new president and set ... Conference sponsors support RTO legislative agenda APRO's 16th Annual Legislative Conference comes to Washington, D.C. April 21-23 and hundreds of rent-to-own dealers, vendors and employees will head to Capitol Hill to put a human face on the industry and urge passage of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- a bill that would regulate ... ColorTyme store manager supports child in need of heart transplant Maria Brooks, ColorTyme store manager in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Maria Brooks, ColorTyme store manager in Hanover, Pennsylvania, likes getting to know her customers. She says over time she gets to hear their life stories and she feels lucky to be in a position to ‘hear and serve’. Her philosophy ... BlackBox GPS, TruckSkin partnership delivers strong ROI BlackBox GPS, a leading provider of GPS Monitoring Solutions for Delivery and Service Vehicles, today announced TruckSkin -- maker of interchangeable banners, decals, and adhesive wraps for fleet vehicles -- has become a Licensed BlackBox GPS Authorized Dealer. The Authorized Dealer Agreement between BlackBox GPS and TruckSkin will provide ... RAC 2008 annual report: acquisitions, community intitiatives lead agenda Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own company, today released it's 2008 annual report on the company's investor relations Web page. Download Rent-A-Center annual report here. The 87-page report contains a forecast for future growth that details the opportunities for expansion both nationally and internationally through further acquisitions and consoladations. "... RAC lends hand to Pennsylvania fire victims With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, citizens of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, continue to piece together homes and communities destroyed by arson in dozens of fires in and around this struggling steel town. Nearly 50 fires have been set in Coatesville since February 2008 and 20 nearby. ... Almo adds Fujifilm digital cameras, accessories Almo Corporation today announced that Fujifilm's line of digital cameras and accessories is now available to their customers. As the nation’s largest consumer electronics and appliance distributor, Almo offers an extensive lineup of consumer-friendly digital imaging products from the industry’s top brands, which now encompasses Fujifilm. Almo ... Rent-to-Own stores saw furniture fly out the door in Q1 Furniture rentals were up for a number of franchise and independent rent-to-own dealers in the first three months of 2009, according to industry announcements and informal interviews. ColorTyme, the nation's oldest rent-to-own franchise, announced today its franchisees reported an increase in furniture rentals in Q1 2009, even though traditional ... Rent-A-Center seeks $150 million redemption Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced that it has provided notice to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, the indenture trustee, of its election to redeem $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 7½% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010 (the "Redeemed ... Easygates announces new franchise stores in Texas and Arkansas Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, today announced two more franchises are opening stores in the U.S. Both stores will open on April 4, one on South Congress in Austin, Texas and the other in the Geyer Springs Shopping Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. "We are ... Aaron's commits to historic community outreach in D.C. In two weeks, Aaron Rents will embark on a massive community outreach agenda in Washington, D.C. that will coincide with the company's national manager's meeting and first ever legislative conference. Close to 2,000 franchise owners, managers and divisional vice presidents from Aaron's 1,560 store rent-to-own chain ... Epic Ventures sponsors senior essay competition Epic Ventures, a ColorTyme franchise company announced today it is sponsoring an essay competition for 2009 seniors graduating from high schools in the areas surrounding their Maryland stores. Epic Ventures, ColorTyme will donate a laptop computer to the top two senior essays in this judged competition. Essay Topic: With ... Zagar opens Premier store in Jacksonville, Florida New Premier Franchisee Mike Zagar. Mike Zagar opened his Premier Rental-Purchase store in Jacksonville, Florida last month, armed with 14 years of industry experience. As a former Rainbow and RAC market manager, he was ready to take the next step and own his own business, turn a profit for ... Aaron Rents Q1 2009 Earnings Conference Call April 28 Aaron Rents will hold its live Q1 2009 Earnings Conference Call on April 28 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Featured speakers include: Ken Butler, COO, Gilbert Danielson, EVP & CFO, Charlie Loudermilk, Chairman and Robin Loudermilk, President & CEO. More details. mevans@rtohq.... Seven new co-sponsors join RTO House bill Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri is one of seven new co-sponsors to sign on to progressive rent-to-own legislation in the U.S. House. Seven new co-sponsors today signed on to a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would define the rent-to-own transaction as a lease and ... Oneida Rent-A-Center helps local family Oneida County Habitat for Humanity of New York state received a little help from the local Rent-A-Center store in Oneida, New York for one of the organization's most recent home building projects. The Clark family of four began moving into their new Deansboro home in early March and was ... Credit-card reform bill edges out of committee Credit card reform legislation narrowly edged out of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee Tuesday on a 12 to 11 vote that has bolstered consumer groups and drawn the ire of financial firms who say the legislation will make it even more difficult to extend credit. Passage of the ... March consumer confidence flat The Conference Board, which tracks an index on consumer confidence, said the index, which had declined sharply in February, was flat in March. The Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 26.0 (1985=100), up from 25.3 in February. The Board's Present Situation Index declined to 21.5 from ... Sen. Isakson supports RTO bill Georgia Sen. John Hardy "Johnny" Isakson Georgia Sen. John Hardy "Johnny" Isakson this morning, signed on as the sixth co-sponsor of S. 738 -- The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- according to an aide with bill sponsor Sen. Mary Landrieu's office. New co-sponsors typically appear in ... Bird elected new vice president of NERDA NERDA Vice President Ray Bird. The New England Rental Dealers Association (NERDA) this morning, elected ColorTyme Franchisee Ray Bird Jr. as the association's vice president. Bird, who owns one store in Providence, Rhode Island, was elected at the association's first official meeting at the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Uncasville, ... Sen. Landrieu introduces RTO companion bill U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) today, introduced the Senate version of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- S. 738 -- on the floor of the Senate with five original co-sponsors who have agreed to support the bill, which would define the no-debt ... Economy gives rise to increasing theft, insurance rates Jeanette Beardsley, CPIW, AIS with Walter L. Clark and Associates, an APRO endorsed insurance provider. Rent-to-own store break ins are on the rise. The industry has noticed an increase in store thefts, "smash and grabs" and vehicular "smash and grabs" especially in cases where jewelry cases or ... New York Assemblyman Camara introduces price control bill New York Assemblyman Karim Camara introduced Assembly bill 7180 that would impose price controls on rent-to-own agreements. Assembly bill 7180 is now the seventh negative bill introduced in the New York legislature this session. Assembly bill 7180 has been referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee chaired by ... New York dealers rally for uphill legislative battle, commit to Special Olympics From left: NYSRDA secretary/treasurer Greg Heck, president Dave Edwards, vice president Cathy Skula and Dwight Dumler, senior vice president of government affairs for Rent-A-Center. New York rental dealers from across the state turned out Thursday to assess a gloomy state legislative climate that has already seen the introduction of ... UPDATED: Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act introduced with record 41 original co-sponsors U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay. U.S. Congressman William Lacy Clay (D-MO) today introduced HR 1744, The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, on the House floor with a record 41 original co-sponsors already signed on in support of the legislation that would define the debt-free rent-to-own transaction in ... Delaware/New Jersey Rental Dealers Association formed Joe Romano, newly elected president of the Delaware/New Jersey Rental Dealers Association. Over one dozen rent-to-own professionals representing six companies met yesterday to form the Delaware/New Jersey Rental Dealers Association at the Marriott Trenton in Trenton, New Jersey. Attendees elected Joe Romano, regional director for Rent-A-Center, was elected the ... No fooling, High Touch is 25 Pioneering rent-to-own software company High Touch will celebrate 25 years of fine-tuning business software on April Fool's Day next week. In a recent interview in the Wichita Eagle, High Touch co-founders Mark Lenz and David Glover said April 1 will mark the quarter century anniversary of the software company ... Grace Family Soup Kitchen calls RNR home Volunteers from the Grace Family Soup Kitchen feeds the community from an RNR parking lot in Tampa, Florida. If you’re ever ridden down E. Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, Florida, on a Monday or Tuesday evening, you can’t miss the crowd of people in front of RNR Custom ... TRIB Group President Lewallen elected to third term Re-elected TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen. In its final order of business Wednesday, the TRIB Group Board of Directors wrapped up the group's annual convention and buying show in Dallas by electing officers. Current board president Ernie Lewallen, of UHR Rents, will retain his position after winning re-election by ... Rent-A-Center outfits new Big Brothers Big Sisters office With help from the Rent-A-Center Random Act of Caring initiative, Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters of Galveston will be able to better serve local youth and families from a fully furnished new office. Their previous location was destroyed six months ago when Hurricane Ike slammed ashore. Big Brothers ... New RTOHQ: The Magazine celebrates ColorTyme Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese: Thirty years is a long time—and the world has changed considerably since 1979. That year, the price of a first-class postage stamp was 15 cents; today, it is 42 cents (and, in May, will increase to 44 cents). The median household ... CEA-CNET: Consumer confidence highest in 13 months Consumer confidence in the overall economy increased in March to its highest level in more than a year, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET (www.CNET.com). Although consumers reported improved expectations for the broader economy, the CEA-CNET Indexes also show that ... Beville honored with top TRIB award, members purchase $23 million at tradeshow TRIB Executive Director Dennis Shields, "Slats" Award Winner Terry Beville and TRIB President Ernie Lewallen. Long-time TRIB board member Terry Beville of Buddy's Home Furnishings was honored Tuesday night with the Norman W. "Slats" Slatton Sr. President's Award -- TRIB Group's most prestigious honor. The award -- ... VENDOR PODCAST: Ray Oribello, BriteLite Ray Oribello senior vice president of BriteLite. Listen to podcast. Ray Oribello is the senior vice president of BriteLite a 14-year-old company that offers a line of DJ audio rack systems for home and professional use. Kits start in the low $600's to the $1,200. BriteLite is a ... NEW PODCAST: Ernie Lewallen, TRIB Group president TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen. Listen to podcast. Ernie Lewallen, a 28-year rent-to-own veteran, has served as TRIB Group's president for the past two years. He also owns 10 UHR Rents stores and three customer wheel and tire rental stores. Lewallen is a past APRO president who has been ... NEW PODCAST: Kevin Quinn, Quality Rentals Kevin Quinn of Quality Rentals. Listen to podcast. Kevin Quinn is the owner of 20 Quality Rentals rent-to-own stores and two RNR Custom Wheels and Tires stores, all in Washington. Kevin, a past president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, has been a TRIB Group member since the ... VENDOR PODCAST: Tony Farrell, PTS Financial Services Tony Farrell of PTS Financial Services. Listen to podcast. Tony Farrell is the owner of PTS Financial Services, one of the largest and oldest successful independent tax service providers in the country since 1988. PTS Financial Services provides "in-store" tax services for rent-to-own dealers and was one of ... TRIB Show rates a "win" for dealers, vendors Dick Klein of Steve Silver Company, shows off dinning room sets. The TRIB Group wrapped up its 2009 Buying Show today with high ratings from both dealers and vendors who set up camp for the last two days at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, where a record 85 ... NEW PODCAST: Dan Fisher, Majik Rent-To-Own Dan Fisher of Majic Rent-To-Own of Pennsylvania. Listen to podcast. Dan Fisher is the owner of four Majik Rent-To-Own stores in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Fisher got his start in rent-to-own in 1984 when his father -- who owned a video rental store -- started allowing customers to ... NEW PODCAST: David Moore, Marketing Director Countryside Rent-To-Own David Moore, marketing director, Countryside Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast. David Moore is the Marketing Director for Countryside Rent-To-Own, one of the most active and dynamic rent-to-own companies in the country. In this exclusive APRO Podcast, Moore, who has previously worked in newspaper and radio advertising before putting in his ... NEW PODCAST: Lyn Leach, TRIB Group Vice President TRIB Group Vice President Lyn Leach of Ace Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast. Lyn Leach is the vice president of TRIB Group a past president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and owner of 14 Ace Rent-To-Own stores in Nebraska and Iowa. Leach started in the rent-to-own industry in ... TRIB elects board members, readies for new challenges Attendees at TRIB Group's annual membership meeting in Dallas. TRIB Group members carried the momentum of last night's Hot Show -- in which rent-to-own dealers bought $3.6 million in special priced merchandise -- into their annual membership meeting in Dallas Monday morning, electing three new directors to their ... TRIB Hot Show posts $3.6 million, vendors honored Bidding frenzy at the TRIB Hot Show Sunday. TRIB Group, the rent-to-own industry's seminal buying group, jump started its convention and buying show in Dallas Sunday, by racking up $3.6 million worth of purchase orders during the group's annual "Hot Show" auction. Around 400 rent-to-own dealers and ... NYSRDA to stay legislatively responsive, active in community NYSRDA President Dave Edwards at the association meeting last year in Verona, New York. The New York State Rental Dealers Association hopes to have a repeat performance of last year's highly attended meeting when it reconvenes next week at the Turning Stone Casino in Verono, New York March 26. ... Franchising Times: Premier is 5th fastest growing young company Franchise Times today named Premier Rental Purchase the fifth fastest growing young franchise in its annual Fast 55 survey of franchise companies. To make the list companies must be five years old or younger and must exhibit positive franchise unit growth for each year during this period. Premier Rental ... TRIB Appliance Focus: GE GE Appliances is behind a quiet revolution of the laundry business. “Our newest top load washers using GE’s patented HydroWave Wash System are so technologically advanced that they not only do a better job of washing the clothes, but they do it in a very, very quiet ... TRIB Appliance Focus: Speed Queen Speed Queen has begun its second century in the laundry business by giving its commercial quality washer and dryers for the home a control makeover and new knobs. “We’ve put quite a bit of time and thought into the newly designed graphics and control knobs. Our goal ... TRIB Appliance Focus: Whirlpool High-efficiency. Top-load. Hot new color – Lunar Silver. Put these three features together and you’ve got an idea of the Whirlpool brand Cabrio laundry pair’s unique position in the fabric care industry. THE TOP-LOAD THAT SAVES LIKE A FRONT LOAD Inside, innovations like the unique wash plate ... Premier's Trooper Earle on RTO and the current economy Premier's Trooper Earle Most people, including me, had no idea just how bad the economy is and how terribly close to an economic meltdown – like the Great Depression – we came. Seriously, it was a matter of days before life as we know it was about to change ... TRIB Computers/Software Focus: CybertronPC As one of the premier computer vendors in the RTO Industry, CybertronPC, at the upcoming TRIB convention, introduces the newest edition to their gaming/desktop line-up: The “Ferrari Red” Formula 430 Model. In the spirit of cutting-edge race car design, this sexy model is rendered in high gloss metallic ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: D&H Distributing D&H Distributing, the national computer products and consumer electronics distributor, will feature Lenovo’s ThinkPad and IdeaPad Series notebooks and netbooks; plus the Aspire One netbook from Acer at booths T327 & T329 at the TRIB Group Show. Both Lenovo and Acer offer high performance mobile units at ... TRIB Computers/Software Focus: High Touch Helping its clients achieve a higher level of success is High Touch, Inc.’s continued service mission. The company’s software and solutions provided for Showplace, Inc., is an example of how the Internet is becoming a necessary business tool for increasing store revenues, says John Rogers, High ... TRIB Computers/Software Focus: PCRental Agent PCRental Agent this week announced the addition of a Rental PC Backup and Restore feature designed specifically for rent-to-own dealers. The feature - now part of the standard PCRental Agent software package - can restore used computers to rent-ready condition in thirty minutes. PCRental Agent® is the most powerful ... TRIB Computers/Software Focus: RSSS For over 25 years, RSSS has been a leading innovator of technological solutions for the rent-to-own industry. To continue that tradition, RSSS is proud to announce some exciting new items for the TRIB show including those that address online web payments. Side effects of online web payments have been ... Almo 2009 expos kickoff in May Almo brings new product lines and incredible buying deals to dealers nationwide through their 2009 Consumer Electronics & Appliance Expos. Almo Corporation, a leading U.S. distributor of consumer electronics and appliances, today announced their 2009 Almo Consumer Electronics & Appliance Expo schedule. These regional expositions feature more than ... Rent-A-Center opens first Better Living Store, donates $3,000 Customers in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and surrounding communities now have a new choice available when it comes to leasing or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Featuring approximately 3,800 square feet of high-quality merchandise, the store is located at 650 Portland Street in Dartmouth. Better Living will ... TRIB Furniture Focus: Ashley Furniture As the nation's top-selling furniture brand, Ashley Furniture Industries continues to dominate the industry and differentiate its offerings by working directly with rent-to-own companies as a complete business partner. "What some other companies might call ‘sales reps' our company calls ‘marketing specialists'," said Jim Williams, ... TRIB Furniture Focus: Home Line Industries Home Line Industries headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, strives daily to be the most reliable supplier of home furnishings in the industry. With over 40 years experience, Home Line has evolved from a furniture store, to a wholesale distributor, to an international furniture source that caters to retailers throughout the ... TRIB Furniture Focus: Serta Serta Mattress will be offering tremendous savings on its popular mattress collections as well as a one-time only advertising offer to RTO partners at the upcoming Buying Show in Dallas. The bedding brand leader is offering a show exclusive of $50 off any Queen or King Perfect Sleeper set ... TRIB Furniture Focus: Welton USA Welton USA has designed, assembled and distributed high quality furniture for over 25 years. Welton provides exceptional furnishings for the furniture industry. Our exacting standards have earned the trust of furniture customers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Welton USA's 552,000 square foot distribution center is ... TRIB Games Focus: Florida State Games Florida State Games offers gaming expertise to dealers and merchandise for a growing $19 billion industry. There’s no denying that video games are an extremely profitable and expanding RTO category now reaching every age demographic and economic level. Retail sales in the video game industry approached $19 billion ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Central File Marketing Central File Marketing has long been the industry leader specializing in direct mail marketing. Since 1994 Central File has been developing and producing successful direct mail campaigns that get "trackable results"! "We do one thing and we do it better" says Al Benson, sales director, since ... DSI announces electronic expos DSI Systems is proud to announce their 2009 Electronic Expos coming to Dallas on April 8th, Phoenix on April 29th, Columbus on May 6th, Atlanta on May 13th and Des Moines on May 20th. Each Electronic Expo will feature a tradeshow style environment where dealers will be able to ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Blackbox GPS BlackBox GPS, a new APRO associate member, announces the release of a remarkable, yet easy-to-use, GPS monitoring application specifically designed for tracking and monitoring RTO delivery vehicles at an exceptionally low cost. In partnership with TRIB Group, BlackBox GPS offers their members GPS fleet monitoring solutions which provide the ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Benefit Marketing Solutions Economic times are difficult. The jobless rate is the highest it’s been in the past 25 years. Over seven percent of Americans are out of work. Customers are being laid-off. Companies are downsizing or closing, Jobs are being terminated. This affects your business because when this happens to ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: DATATrue It’s a fact of life that not everyone is as honest as we’d like them to be. While some omissions of fact may be innocent enough (such as inadvertently switching digits in a phone number) others are not (falsifying a social security number). Regardless of which occurs ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: Imagery Marketing Group Known by many as the premier advertising agency of the RTO industry, Imagery Marketing Group supports its substantial rent-to-own client base with a multimedia marketing approach that empowers clients to reach their audience through TV, radio, web, and print advertising. “We encourage our clients to increase brand awareness ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: O'Rourke Sales Company O’Rourke Sales Company is the leader in distribution for the RTO industry, being a preferred supplier for over 40 years. Adding Kenmore, America’s most recognized appliance brand, delivers rental customers affordability without sacrificing quality and reliability. The addition of Kenmore’s complete lineup of refrigeration, ranges and ... TRIB Special Products/Services Focus: SED SED International announced it will be exhibiting at the TRIB Brandsource Summit in Dallas, March 22-25, 2009. A leading distributor in the rent-to-own market, SED has been a long-time partner with the TRIB group, exhibiting at past events and providing its members with custom product and program solutions. SED ... TRIB Specialty Products/Services 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.... Keller's to Aaron's conversion finalized A second Missouri rent-to-own chain today, finalized an agreement with Aaron Rents to convert four of its five stores to Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership franchise stores. John and Barb Keller, owners of five Keller's Rental Place Stores in five separate cities will sell their St. Roberts store to ... TRIB Group rallies for annual buying show blitz TRIB Group, America's oldest and most respected rent-to-own buying group, will again co-locate with the nation's largest retail buying group, AVB-BrandSource, for TRIB's annual buying show and membership meeting March 22-25 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, next week where more than 80 rent-to-own exhibitors will show their ... Florida dealers to team with state AG against cybercrime, meet 19 legislators FRDA members meet with Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. The Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) marked it's 10th annual state legislative conference with a meeting with Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum March 11 in Tallahassee. Florida dealers had an informal "sit-down" with McCollum to discuss the rent-to-own industry ... Credit Limits and Credit Scores Continue to Shrink The Federal Reserve reported 45% of of U.S. banks reduced credit limits for new or existing credit card customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Add to the fact that financial analysts predict that up to $2 trillion in credit card lines will be eliminated in the next ... RAC donates $2,000 to new home Colorado Springs Starting tomorrow, customers in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13. Featuring 3,744 square feet of ... Sen. Schumer supports creating Consumer Protection Commission U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer. U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) announced today he is co-sponsoring legislation by U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to create a Financial Product Safety Commission, a single government agency in charge of ensuring consumer protections regarding financial products. The proposed commission ... Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefits from Rent-A-Center Fund-Raiser From March 13 through April 11, customers and area residents can visit their neighboring Rent-A-Center to donate one dollar and sign a colorful spring egg to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Rent-A-Center's more than 3,000 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico participate in the ... 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 ... Easyhome Q4 report caps "challenging and disappointing year" easyhome, today announced its fourth quarter earning results for the year ended December 31, 2008. Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 was $44.1 million, an increase of $5.3 million or 13.5% compared with the same period a year ago. Operating income decreased to $3.... Kniesly takes reigns of GRDA New GRDA President Dan Kniesly of Easy Rentals. The Georgia Rental Dealers Association (GRDA) Board of Directors, unanimously affirmed Dan Kniesly of Easy Rentals as the new GRDA president during a conference call yesterday . Dan replaces former GRDA president Andrea Bozeman, who resigned recently due to personal reasons. Bozeman ... Florida Dealers head to capital next week Members of the Florida Rental Dealers Association head to Tallahassee, Florida, next week for their annual state legislative conference March 10-12. This marks the 10th year Florida dealers have made an appearance on the state house steps and the effort has paid off in the eyes of FRDA President ... Dodd, Schumer aim to strengthen consumer protections Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said Tuesday a new emphasis on consumer protections would accompany the coming overhaul of the nation’s financial regulations, according to Congressional Quarterly. According to the article, Dodd cites a failure to adequately protect consumers and ... Premier's Serina opens computer repair service in Newberry Bob Serina family. Premier Rental-Purchase owner Bob Serina announced today he will will expand his furniture, appliance and computer rental business in Newberry, South Carolina, to include computer repair. According to Serina, the service has been long awaited in Newberry County, the closest alternative being 35 miles away. He ... Buddy's grows legacy with licensing expansion Buddy's Home Furnishings -- one of the premier independent rent-to-own companies -- is continuing its tradition of innovation and customer service through an aggressive licensing campaign that has expanded the company by 16 stores and five states in just under two years. Under the direction of seasoned RTO veteran ... Whirlpool awarded 10th Energy Star Award Whirlpool, the world’s leading home appliance manufacturer, has been recognized with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award recognizes the company’s leadership in offering consumers appliance energy and water ... Americans saving more, January spending at two year high U.S. households saved most of the extra income they got in January from annual cost-of-living raises, boosting personal savings rates to the highest they've been since 1994 according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Annual pay raises and cost-of-living increases sent disposable real incomes higher in January and ... Rentastic '09: Self-evaluation, work-life balance top meeting Rent One management team at annual membership meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Rent One senior and store managers from across the company's 42 store network suited up this week for Rentastic '09 -- Rent One's annual managers meeting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where the company celebrated it's successes and ... RimTyme makes tracks in Ohio, opens first store in Whitehall Fast-growing custom-wheels-and-tires retailer RimTyme has opened its first Ohio store at 310 E. Main Street at Robinwood Avenue in Whitehall, the company has announced. RimTyme stores specialize in quality wheels and tires from major manufacturers and offer immediate while-you-wait installation. RimTyme said its huge inventory and wide range of ... Leadership changes mark high energy Kentucky meeting KYRDA Board of Directors. The Kentucky Rental Dealers Association (KYRDA) yesterday showed just what a difference a year can make. More than 30 dealers representing 15 rental companies turned out for KYRDA's annual membership meeting in Louisville -- an impressive show of strength for an organization that was only ... American Rental, Colorama acquire Zion's Rental Purchase stores David P. David, American Rental. Bloomington, Indiana, based American Rental recently acquired four of five Zion's Rental Purchase stores in a deal finalized late yesterday that will raise the company's total store count to 54. David P. David, owner of American Rental, said part of the arrangement, which originally ... SEI/Aaron's celebrates excellent 2008 performance on cruise Top SEI performers: John Saladin (District Manager Western Mass stores), Manny Correia (GM F600) Meriden, CT), Julio Velazquez (GM F262 Lawrence, MA), Patrick Courtney (GM F328 Springfield, MA ) and Rob Stevenson (GM F116 Springfield, MA). SEI/Aaron’s, Aaron’s largest franchisee with seventy one stores in the northeast, ... Can RTO fit Obama's call for new regulation? In his bicameral address Tuesday, President Barrack Obama outlined a blizzard of programs and reform efforts including an overhaul of financial regulations, tax relief provisions and stimulus spending aimed at increasing consumer lending and creating jobs. The president's foremost message and mission -- that of market regulation and job ... Consumer confidence plummets to all time low in February The consumer confidence index, which had decreased moderately in January, declined in February, reaching yet another all-time low, according to data released today by The Conference Board. The Index now stands at 25.0 (1985=100), down from 37.4 in January. The Present Situation Index declined to 21.2 ... Economy transforming rent-to-own's public image Positive news coverage of the rent-to-own transaction and its value in a declining economy continues as the financial outlook for millions of Americans remains uncertain. Two recent stories in Georgia and Colorado illustrate this trend as news reporters clamor for fresh stories to contrast against the bleak retail, business ... New "invisible asset management" products could help RTO industry reduce collections Collecting has always been the obvious, though arguably less enjoyable dynamic of renting, taking up as much as 16 percent of a rental operation's time and earning variable degrees of results. Today, new APRO Associate member IContain says it will transform the business of collections with it's new "... DSI Systems and Wilson Electronics partner for better cell connections Wilson Electronics, the leading provider of quality amplifiers and antennas for cellular phones and data cards, today announced its partnership with DSI Systems, the largest national distributor of television, DIRECTV, and accessories. The partnership provides Wilson Electronics’ superior line of in-building cellular amplifiers and antennas to DSI Systems’ customers ... Stealth Security rolls out wireless surveillance technology Next Friday, Stealth Security will take the next leap forward in cutting edge video surveillance technology. That's when the company will unveil it's Smartvue S8 -- the latest in surveillance and security product development -- a line of state of art wireless security cameras and digital video recorders. Stealth ... Rent One, Carricos honored at United Way function United Way President Lane Harvey and Campaign Chairman Brett Hall present Rent One Owners Larry and Sharon Carrico and Rent One Manager Donna Fally with special awards Friday night. The United Way of South Central Illinois honored Rent-One owners Larry and Sharon Carrico and the entire company last night ... UPDATED: Bolin elected to APRO Board Click to play video. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Board of Directors Friday, elected Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase as its newest board member. Bolin, who was elected during a tele-conference board meeting, will fill a vacancy left by Larry Goad, who recently resigned his board seat ... Analysis: Rent-A-Center settlement in West Virginia By APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III. Rent-A-Center recently settled a class action lawsuit over RTO pricing issues that had been pending against the company in West Virginia federal district court since October of 2006. In the settlement, RAC agreed to pay $3.... Countryside Rent-2-Own honors company best Top performers sport special awarded Rent-2-Own leather. Identification below. Tax refund money was flowing in the marketplace last week, but all 23 Rent-2-Own stores in Ohio and Kentucky were closed and no one was answering the phones. Yet Countryside Rentals’ President Mike Tissot was still smiling at more than ... Rent-A-Center teams with Magic Johnson for all-star ad campaign Earvin “Magic” Johnson Rent-A-Center announced today the launch of an integrated advertising campaign featuring basketball hall-of-famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Touching upon themes of respect and the achievement of goals, the ads spotlight Rent-A-Center’s exclusive Worry-Free Guarantee, introduced in last year’s advertising campaign. Created by Dallas ... Indiana to become first state to prohibit reserve accounts A bill that passed the Indiana House of Representatives last night could make Indiana the first state in the country to prohibit reserve accounts. The bill is a compromise of sorts, one reached through negotiations with the Indiana Rental Dealers Association over the past several weeks. The bill language ... Vendor training to highlight Heartland Show Re-elected MRDA Officers l to r: vice president J.C. Cox, secretary-treasurer Trent Agin, president John Cleek Jr. Missouri Rental Dealers Association officials topped a day's worth of legislative updates, leadership training and networking Tuesday by electing two new board members and adding a vendor training day to the ... NEW PODCAST: John Cleek Jr., president MRDA John Cleek Jr., MRDA president and Aaron's franchisee. Listen to podcast. John Cleek Jr., an Aaron's franchisee, is serving his third year as president of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association. In this exclusive podcast, Cleek discusses his take on the MRDA board's recent decision to add "vendor" training ... NEW PODCAST: Gary Romine, Show Me Rent To Own Gary Romine of Show Me Rent To Own. Listen to podcast. Gary Romine is a past president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and a current board member of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association. Romine opened his first Show Me Rent-To-Own in 1988 and now runs nine stores ... NEW PODCAST: Dan Cole, National Rent To Own Dan Cole, National Rent-To-Own. Listen to podcast. Dan Cole is an MRDA Board Member and its political action committee chairman who opened his first National Rent To Own -- now a 33-store chain located mostly in metropolitan St. Louis -- in 1984. MRDA's decision to incorporate a training program ... Missouri bill defines leased property theft The Missouri Legislature has introduced a bill that will more clearly define the crime of leased property theft. The bill H.B. 741, introduced Tuesday by Republican James Viebrock, introduces a number of definitions that specifically relate to the failure to return rental property as stipulated or to pay ... Whirlpool wins prestigious education award Whirlpool Corporation recently became the first appliance manufacturer to be honored with the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES) Award for Excellence. “Whirlpool Corporation's heavy involvement in the architecture community enables it to create significant and inspiring educational tools for today's architects," said Thom ... MRDA to shake up Heartland Show format The Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) Board of Directors will vote Wednesday on a number of issues including election of officers and potential changes to the association's annual Heartland of America Trade Show. Over 100 Missouri dealer's from across the state will head to Columbia, Missouri for MRDA's annual ... Aaron's Q4: Same store revenues up 6.2 percent Aaron Rents today announced revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. As previously announced, on November 6, 2008 the Company consummated the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Aaron's Corporate Furnishings division. The Company no longer includes the revenues ... TRIB Group's Wicker honored for five years service TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields presents services coordinator Karl Wicker with his five year service pin. TRIB Group, the nation's oldest and most respected rent-to-own buying group recently honored services coordinator Karl Wicker with his five year anniversary pin. Wicker, who provides communication support between vendors and dealers ... Tom Bailey opens ColorTyme in Wilmington New ColorTyme franchisee Tom Bailey. When Tom Bailey decided to open his own rent-to-own franchise store after 21 years on the corporate side of the RTO business, he began a very deliberate search for just the right franchise brand and just the right store location. “I knew that ... Shuler, Peters put Premier footprint on Nebraska Mike Shuler and Heath Peters. Until recently, Kearney, Nebraska offered only one place to shop for rental-purchase customers. But industry veterans Mike Shuler and Heath Peters brought new life and some welcome changes in their town upon opening their Premier Rental-Purchase store late last year. The first and hardest ... Illinois rental dealers push for training program in St. Louis Representatives from St. Louis-based Metropolitan Education Center, IRDA, Rent One, Rep. William Lacy Clay's office and Chicago-based Danny Davis Training Program met in St. Louis Thursday. An innovative Chicago-based job training program may soon expand to St. Louis thanks to the efforts of Rent One and the Illinois Rental ... Retail sales rebound mildly in January January sales of consumer electronics and major appliances rose 2.6 percent from December to $8.7 billion but decreased 7.8 percent year over year, according to figures released today by the U.S. Commerce Department. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales on the whole ... Pioneer exits TV business, will cut 6,000 jobs; Vizio drops plasmas Pioneer Electronics, the world's fourth-largest maker of plasma televisions, today announced it was exiting the flat-panel TV business and will shed 6,000 full time workers and 4,000 temporary workers by March 2010, according to Business Week. The company will end in-house development immediately. The news comes on ... LG Electronics supports DTV delay When President Obama signed legislation setting June 12 as the date for the final phase of the nation's transition from analog to digital television (DTV) broadcasting, Michael Ahn, president and CEO of LG Electronics North America, applauded the action and pledged his company's full ongoing support: "LG Electronics ... Dealers give high marks to Vegas Market at special reception Rent-to-own dealers at the APRO and Ashley hosted reception in Las Vegas Tuesday night. More than 20 rent-to-own professionals representing companies from around the country made their way to the Ashley Furniture Suite Tuesday evening after a hectic day of pricing and shopping at the Las Vegas Winter Market. ... Vegas Market attendance down, but higher than expected Quality Rentals buying team at Las Vegas Market. Owners Kevin and Angela Quinn, center. Buyers and designers from around the world are driving attendance at the 2009 Winter Las Vegas Market higher than anticipated, with overall attendance slipping a mere two percent compared to last January's market. The first ... TruckSkin unveils "see-through" store signage Joe Lapekas displays TruckSkin's latest transparent marketing product -- "Window View Through". TruckSkin, maker of interchangeable banners, decals and adhesive wraps for fleet vehicles, introduces its latest advertising innovation with "Window View Through" decals at the 2009 Winter Las Vegas Market. TruckSkin President Joe Lapekas designed the ... Twin Star "Plug N' Play" products offer elegant practicality Jim Gaffey, senior vice president of business development for Twin Star, shows off Tresanti's "Waverley" line. Twin Star's track record of innovation continues at the Winter Las Vegas Market where, in a special reception Monday, the company unveiled new innovations to its Tresanti brand that will change the ... RimTyme opens new stores in Houston RimTyme District Manager Johnny Clark. RimTyme today announced the opening of two new locations in Houston bringing the company's total corporate owned store locations to nine. The new stores -- on Jones Road and Veterans Memorial Drive -- join the current RimTyme store on Bissonnet in southwest Houston that ... Las Vegas Market promises dealers tools to thrive in down economy This week’s Las Vegas Market, held Feb. 9 – 13, will present retailers, rent-to-own dealers and design professionals new tools, resources and business strategies to not only survive, but to thrive in a challenging home furnishings industry in 2009. APRO will host a hospitality suite, generously sponsored by ... Pennsylvania dealers raise $12,500 for Special Olympics Torch icons cover the front counter at Dan Fisher's Majic Rent To Own store. The Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers (PARD) raised nearly $12,500 this January, for the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania 2009 Winter Games in Johnston. PARD will present the check at the games where more than ... NRF says stimulus bill falls short for consumers, urges sales tax holiday The National Retail Federation today told the Senate that economic stimulus legislation under consideration fails to do enough for consumers, and repeated its call for a series of national sales tax holidays intended to jumpstart spending. “We are extremely concerned that it (economic stimulus package) does not do ... DiLeo opens second ColorTyme ColorTyme's Shawn DiLeo. Shawn DiLeo is wasting little time expanding his ColorTyme franchise with the opening of his second store just four months after his first. DiLeo opened his second ColorTyme store this Monday in Somerset, Kentucky and will hold a community-wide grand opening on March 21. The 4,... Buddy's Home Furnishings to sponsor Tom Hessert at Daytona Tom Hessert's Ford Fusion with Buddy's logo. Buddy’s Home Furnishings recently signed on as the primary sponsor for Andy Belmont Racing’s No. 1 Ford Fusion driven by Tom Hessert for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Daytona International Speedway. “It is ... RTO Dealers defrost after ice storm Ice encrusted spigot in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Rent-to-own dealers across the South and Midwest continue to recover this week after a massive ice storm snapped power lines and left millions without electricity and blanketed under a thick sheet of ice in late January. Jerry Pinkley operations manager for Missouri-based ... Higher income customers discover RTO option The consumer credit crunch may be turning some higher-income buyers into renters, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News. Rent-A-Center officials say the recession is leading more customers with higher incomes into the company's stores, which rent and sell appliances, consumer electronics and furniture to customers who ... DTV delay headed to White House The House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday, 264-158, to delay the analog cutoff TV date 115 days to June 12, 2009, according to Twice. The measure, which was identical to a bill passed unanimously by the Senate for a second time, will now be sent to President Barrack Obama, ... Desert states unite: SW Rental Dealers Association created SW Rental Dealers Association President Ernie Lewallen (UHR Rents) and vice president Mark McDougal (Discover Rental Purchase). Close to a dozen rent-to-own dealers from Arizona, Nevada and Utah turned out Wednesday in Las Vegas to form a tri-state association that aims to unify the industry in the west and ... Vote due on negative RTO bill The Indiana House Financial Institutions Committee will vote next Wednesday on bill that would make a variety of changes to laws affecting a number of financial institutions and transactions including rental purchase agreements. Today, the committee heard testimony from Ron DeMoss, Rent-A-Center executive vice president, in a scheduled hearing ... RTO friend Rep. Putnam will not seek re-election U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) will not seek re-election in 2010. U.S. Congressman and RTO bill co-sponsor Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) will not seek reelection in 2010 in favor of a bid for Florida Agriculture Commissioner, a move one GOP official said is a precursor to ... Illinois man wins ColorTyme $10,000 grand prize giveaway From left: ColorTyme Asst. Manager Brian North, prize winner Patrick Zabel, Store Manager Jose Hernandez, Patricia Zabel and Chris Tatro, Bolingbrook franchise owner. ColorTyme announced Patrick Zabel of Bolingbrook, Illinois is the winner of the $10,000 grand prize in the company's 2008 “ColorTyme BigTyme $10,000 Giveaway” ... RAC Q4: Fewer stores drop revenues $17 million; same store sales flat Rent-A-Center, the world's largest rent-to-own company, today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2008. Fourth Quarter 2008 Results Total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 were $699.8 million, a decrease of $17.2 million from the total revenues of $717.... New entrepreneurs shine in latest RTOHQ: The Magazine The latest issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine focuses on The New Entrepreneurs -- rent-to-own employees turned owners whose heart and dedication continually infuses the industry with new vitality. The new edition also features an in-depth vendor profile of Imagery Marketing Group and the company's leader, Sharon Carrico. The magazine ... Arizona, Nevada and Utah to organize Wednesday Around 20 rent-to-own dealers from three states are expected Wednesday for the flagship meeting of the Arizona, Nevada, Utah Rental Dealers Association at the Boulder Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. APRO's State Association Coordinating Committee Chair Dave Edwards will lead the meeting and former Ohio Rental Dealers ... CEA: Super Bowl will drive 2.6 million in HDTV Sales Super Bowl XLIII is expected to drive the purchase of some 2.6 million high-definition television (HDTV) units, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). For the fourth year in a row, the Super Bowl retains the title of top driver for HDTV purchases. The season has historically been ... House Votes down DTV Delay Despite a unanimous vote by the U.S. Senate to delay the Feb. 17 deadline to transition to digital television, the changeover will proceed as planned after a vote Wednesday by the House of Representatives. The bill, which had passed the Senate by unanimous vote on Monday, failed to ... Negative RTO state bills at 11; two new price control bills in NY Scarcely one month into 2009, and almost one dozen negative rent-to-own bills are looming over state legislatures from Indiana to New Jersey. New York state senators this week introduced two more rent-to-own price control bills which now raises total negative RTO bills in that state to six, including three ... Son's wisdom guides Premier's Bob Serina at one year anniversary Bob Serina and family. As a manager for a national rent-to-own store in Cleveland, Robert Serina had a successful career for over a decade. But one day on the way home from work with his six-year-old son in the car, things were put into a perspective that has never ... Circuit City Liquidation hits $450 Million Circuit City’s liquidators have already sold $450 million of the company's inventory in the first two weeks of clearance sales, according to Twice. They expect to conclude the liquidation weeks ahead of schedule due to “record shopper turnout." According to Great American Group, one of four ... APRO Board votes not to co-locate in 2010 The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) Board of Directors today, at a special called meeting in Dallas, voted not to co-locate the association's 2010 buying show. Last May the board voted in a first ever decision to co-locate it's 2009 Buying Show with mega buying group AVB/BrandSource on ... Rent-to-own laws offer model for regulation-friendly Congress President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress are promising quick action to rewrite a slew of consumer financial regulations and impose stricter federal rules for everything from credit reporting agencies to mortgage brokers. With lawmakers' sites set on regulation, rent-to-own industry officials note how rent-to-own laws enacted in ... Consumer confidence continues downward spiral Consumer confidence in the overall economy continues to slide downward in January, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The CEA-CNET Indexes also show consumers are less likely to spend money on consumer electronics (CE) and technology products. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer ... APRO Board meets in Dallas The APRO Board of Directors meets today in Dallas for a special called meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel DFW Airport. Board members will discuss and potentially act upon a number of issues including board membership policy amendments, bylaws amendments and sites for future APRO Conventions. In addition the ... Aaron's plans massive Canadian expansion Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, a division of Aaron Rents, announced today it is targeting Canada for a major franchise expansion. There are currently 23 Aaron’s locations in Canada and the company calls for a major expansion across Canada over the next several years with plans to ... Buddy's to make Super Bowl appearance Jamie Slatton, Buddy's owner, and Joe Gazo, Buddy's president, show off the Buddy's logo at Raymond James Stadium. This weekend's Super Bowl contest between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals will not only determine the NFL's best team, but the game will also put one of rent-to-own's seminal ... New Jersey state association meeting rescheduled The Jan 28th New Jersey/Delaware state association meeting has been canceled due to icy weather conditions. The meeting was to re-organize the New Jersey and Delaware state associations and to discuss the two legislative bills - Assembly Bill 695 and Senate Bill 1703 - currently pending in the New ... New York City Council hearing calls for rent-to-own regulation A number of New York City and state officials called on state lawmakers to impose stiffer regulations on the rent-to-own industry in a hearing Monday morning at New York City Hall, according to The New York Daily News. City officials are calling on more oversight of the industry which ... APRO Executive Advisory Board named APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek. APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek announced today the appointment of a new five-member executive advisory board that will provide insight and advice to the APRO Board of Directors. All five appointees -- Wayne Chambers, Kevin Quinn, Gary McDougal, Gary Romine and Lyn ... Pheffer introduces fourth RTO bill in New York New York Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D) late last week introduced a companion bill to rent-to-own price legislation introduced in the New York Senate. The bill -- A3083 in the Assembly; S557 in the Senate -- introduced Jan. 7 in the New York Senate by Sen. Eric Adams (D-20), is ... Home Express Sales and Lease enters franchising; Caprio replaces Milby Home Express Sales and Lease President and CEO Chris Caprio. Home Express Sales and Lease -- a Louisville, Kentucky-based company -- announced today it acquired its first franchise partners. With strong performance at the six company-owned locations, this rent-to-own newcomer is ready for franchise opportunities after only 18 months ... Gutiérrez to chair House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Rep. Louis V. Gutiérrez. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA), Thursday announced the committee's six subcommittee chairs including one replacement that could shake up the Rent-To-Own industry's attempts at passing progressive federal legislation. Of chief concern among Frank's appointments is the naming of Louis V. Gutié... Negative RTO bills loom over state legislatures New York Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow has introduced RTO price control legislation. In the first three weeks of 2009, five bills have already been introduced that would have a negative impact on the rent-to-own business. Three New York bills would negatively impact the industry. Two of the New York ... TomTom cuts jobs to adjust to market TomTom -- a leading provider of portable GPS technology -- yesterday announced it will cut 115 jobs, reducing its global workforce by seven percent, excluding Tele Atlas, as a result of the current economy, according to Twice. The job cuts are part of a “cost cutting program aimed ... Rent-A-Center makes $2,000 donation to new Maryland home The world's largest rent-to-own company -- Rent-A-Center -- today will contribute $2,000 worth of grants to a local library and school in Cockeysville, Maryland in conjunction with the opening of a new 6,000 square foot store that will offer customers a new choice available when it comes ... RNR names record 22 stores to million dollar club, franchisee, manager of the year Chris Raffo and Ken Mashburn (center) accept the RNR 2008 Franchisee of the Year Award for Tony Raffo, RIMS USA. RNR CEO Larry Sutton, far left, RNR VP of Franchising Vince Ficarotta, far right. Photo courtesy RedLetterStudios.com RNR Custom Wheels and Tires Wednesday night celebrated the best of ... RNR Convention takes Tampa Vendor mingle at RNR Convention in Tampa. Photo courtesy of RedLetterStudios.com Over 100 RNR Custom Wheels and Tires franchisees, store managers and vendors headed to the "Sunshine State" Jan. 19 - 22 for the company's 5th annual Franchise Meeting at the Tampa Florida Hilton. Though the chilly ... 6.5 million homes still unprepared for the digital transition More than 6.5 million U.S. households – or 5.7 percent of all homes -- are not ready for the upcoming transition to all-digital broadcasting and would be unable to receive any television programming at all if the transition occurred today, The Nielsen Company reported today. This ... Rent-A-Center opens two new locations, contributes $4,000 to local communities Customers in Morris, Illinois, and Fremont, Michigan, have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the grand opening of its two newest stores today in Morris at 217 E US Route 6 and in Fremont at ... Premier dealers recognized for industry leadership APRO Board Member John Darden. The Premier Companies recognized a group of Premier dealers, including two APRO board members, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty representing the RTO industry through their state associations and national involvement at Premier's annual meeting in New Orleans on January ... Updated: ColorTyme names Childers 2008 franchisee of the year Mark Childers accepts his award for ColorTyme Franchisee of the year 2008. ColorTyme on Tuesday, handed out its two most prestigious awards at its 30 year anniversary convention in Frisco, Texas, honoring top performing franchisees who best exemplify ColorTyme values and those of the rent-to-own industry. ColorTyme's franchisee of ... Rent-a-Center and Aaron's featured stock on CNN.Money A January 20th Fortune Investor Daily article featured Aaron's and Rent-a-Center as "Two retail stocks for a recession." The recent article featuring rent-to-own as a valued consumer option in tough economic times is another in a recent series of television and news articles. "As the recession ... Indie RTO phenom, Premier, convenes in New Orleans Premier CEO Trooper Earle. The independent franchise company, Premier, continues to turn the heads of RTO industry leaders and analysts with its growth and penetration. Premier's growth and penetration is the highlighted theme of the company's January 19-21 annual meeting held in New Orleans. The annual meeting this year ... ColorTyme Kicks off Birthday Bash with awards, state of the art trade show ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom addresses franchisees Monday. ColorTyme -- the granddaddy of rent-to-own franchising -- officially launched its 30-year anniversary party Monday in the grand ballroom of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco, Texas with recognition of the company's highest achievers and a trade show boasting the latest in ... New Get It Now opens in Wisconsin, $3,000 in community grants awarded Customers in West Bend and surrounding communities have a new choice available when it comes to buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Get It Now! will celebrate the opening of its newest store today at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting with the West Bend Area Chamber ... Circuit City to axe up to 30,000 in liquidation After a failed bid to secure financing from creditors and lenders, bankrupt electronics chain Circuit City announced Friday it will liquidate, joining the list of retailers like Tweeter and Linens 'n Things that are closing up shop due to tough economic times, according to MarketWatch. The move will affect ... RNR celebrates gains, eyes new opportunities at annual franchise meeting RNR Customer Wheels and Tires franchisees from across the country will huddle up for the 5th annual company meeting next week at the Hilton Airport Westshore Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The meeting, scheduled for Jan. 19 - 22, will be as much about celebrating the company's successful past year ... RentAll helps revitalize former Wal Mart property RentAll yesterday, became the first business to open at a redeveloped Wal Mart site in Carroll, Iowa. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based regional home furnishings, electronics and rental chain is the first occupant of the redeveloping former Wal-Mart property in Carroll's central business district, according to the Carroll Times ... Economy leads non-traditional RTO franchisees to ColorTyme Jim Deering, director of franchise development for ColorTyme, says calls to his department are usually from rent-to-own (RTO) industry insiders who’ve been in the business for years and are now eager to open a ColorTyme store of their own. But since the dramatic economic downturn, Deering says, rent-to-own ... Premier Convention heads for "Big Easy" The Premier Companies, one of the fastest growing RTO franchises in the United States, will hold its annual convention Jan.19 - 22 at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans. Premier Companies -- which includes the divisions of Premier Rental Purchase, Home Furnishings, Rent N' Ride, Wheel ... Indiana Premier dealer chips in for unemployed Beginning this Sunday, Premier Rental-Purchase Dealer Duane Fugante is opening his store and booting up six computers to allow residents to file for unemployment benefits, according to local news station WSBT 22. Watching the growing lines outside the Elkhart WorkOne office and talking to his customers who struggle to ... New FICO scoring formula takes effect Fair Isaac and Co. is introducing FICO 08, an improved scoring model designed to help lenders make a more accurate assessment of risk when accessing applicants. Even though rental dealers do not, as a rule, run credit checks on their rental customers before renting to them, there are some ... Annual Midwest Expo dates set The Ohio Rental Dealers Association's (ORDA) sixth annual midwest training Expo will take place Sept. 8 - 9 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. Vendors who want to reserve one of the limited training rooms should contact ORDA President Mike Tissot at 937/402-1622. Last September ... CEA opposes delays to DTV transition date After already publicly opposing changes to the scheduled DTV transition date in comments last week and at CES over the weekend, Consumer Electronics Association President/CEO Gary Shapiro Monday sent a formal letter to the chief of President-Elect Barrack Obama's transition reiterating his position the delay would cause "skepticism, ... New Price Control bill hits New York Senate New York State Senator Eric Adams. A new rent-to-own bill that would establish price controls in the state of New York is heading for the state's Judiciary Committee, though a time and date for that hearing had not yet been set Monday morning The bill, S557, introduced Jan. 7 ... Technology aims to lead economic recovery at CES More than 2,700 global companies, including 300 new exhibitors, unveiled an estimated 20,000 new technology products across 1.7 million net square feet of exhibit space this week at the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, electrifying the technology industry and helping lead the way to economic ... Rent One's Calhoun wins Dale Carnegie award Rent One Duquoin, Illinois Store Manager Rich Calhoun recently won the Dale Carnegie Institute "Breakthrough" Award. Rent One Store Manager Rich Calhoun, was recently presented the coveted Dale Carnegie “Breakthrough” Award at his weekly training class last week. Calhoun's recognition marks the second time a Rent One ... NEW PODCAST: Public relations expert Xavier Dominicis of Rent-A-Center Xavier Dominicis, Rent-A-Center vice president of public affairs. Listen to podcast. Xavier Dominicis, 44, is the new vice president of public affairs for the world's largest rent-to-own company, Rent-A-Center. With more than 27 years experience in public relations, most recently as head of public affairs in field operations for ... Obama calls for DTV transition delay, CEA disagrees President-elect Barack Obama Thursday, sided with the Consumers Union -- publisher of Consumer Reports -- in calling for a delay on the Feb. 17 transition to digital broadcasting, claiming the country, particularly the poor and elderly, are not prepared for the cutoff of analog TV signals so soon after ... Rent-A-Center Q4 conference call set Rent-A-Center will broadcast its Fourth Quarter earnings conference call Tuesday, February 3 at 10:45 a.m. ET over the Internet. The call will be held to discuss the earnings release to be issued after the close of the market on Feb. 2. Audio of the call will be broadcast ... Consumers Union asks Congress to delay digital TV switch Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, is urging Congress to delay the Feb. 17 transition from analog to digital TV broadcasts. In letters to members of Congress, President Bush, and President-elect Obama, Consumers Union pointed to the fact that the government program that subsidizes crucial TV ... "Smash and grab" wave hits St. Louis RTO store St. Louis police are searching for two men who crashed an SUV through a rent-to-own store, then stole televisions at around 5 a.m. this morning. Smash and grab robberies are on the rise in the area and have been keeping local police very busy, according to local news ... ColorTyme celebrates 30 years of RTO franchising at annual convention The longest running rent-to-own franchise, ColorTyme, will host its national convention Jan. 19-21 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco, Texas, where the iconic company will celebrate three decades of growth, innovation and entrepreneurship. More than 288 franchise owners, partners and managers representing 52 of ColorTyme's franchise groups will ... Digital converter coupon program broke, new applicants join waiting list The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that starting Sunday, January 4, consumers requesting coupons from the agency’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program will be placed on a waiting list and coupons will be mailed on a first-come-first-served basis, as funds from expired ... 111th Congress goes to work: Where does RTO fit in? A new session of the U.S. Congress with strengthened Democratic majorities convenes today with the overriding goal of quickly passing an economic stimulus package aimed at jump starting the worst economy since the Great Depression. As the White House and Congress continue to grapple with the symptoms of ... UK's BrightHouse focuses on customers in credit starved economy BrightHouse CEO Leo McKee and BrightHouse Business Developer Hamish Paton at a meeting this summer with APRO officials in Austin, Texas. The United Kingdom's largest rent-to-own company, BrightHouse, is planning to open 21 new stores this year as part of its overall campaign to reach new customers impacted by ... LG broadband friendly TV's directly stream Netflix movies LG Electronics today extended its groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, as the two companies announced the first broadband-enabled HDTVs with Netflix streaming software embedded directly in the TV, requiring no external device. LG’s new LCD and plasma “Broadband HDTVs” will display the growing library of movies, TV episodes ... SEI/Aaron's names Barnes, Phillips new directors Newly promoted directors David Phillips and Robert Barnes of SEI/Aaron's. SEI/Aaron’s, Aaron’s largest franchisee with 68 stores, today announced the promotion of Robert Barnes and David Phillips. Robert Barnes, currently the director of western operations, accepted the new responsibility of director of eastern operations. Barnes will increase ... TCF Inventory Finance assumes Textron financing programs TCF Inventory Finance (TCFIF), a subsidiary of TCF Financial Corporation announced this week an agreement with Textron Financial Corporation to continue existing programs of originating certain floorplan financing receivables for retailers of consumer electronics and appliances, according to a TCF statement. Textron, which provided inventory financing for rent-to-own dealers, ... Premier's "big boys" combine holiday fun, goodwill Premier dealers Mitch Rhodes and Mike Gordon at their in-store holiday food drive. Known as the “big boys” of RTO, with 32 years of experience and 750 pounds between them, Mike Gordon and Mitch Rhodes are quickly gaining a reputation in their community for their generosity and public ... ColorTyme and RimTyme welcome troops with new "VetFran" Program ColorTyme blazed new RTO franchising territory recently with its announcement of a new incentive program that grants American military veterans a substantial discount on their initial fees when they open a new ColorTyme or RimTyme franchise store. "Many military men and women are entrepreneurs at heart and would ... Consumer confidence tanks in December Consumer confidence hit a record low in December, according to the monthly Conference Board and reported by MarketWatch Tuesday, as worries increased about current labor-market and business conditions. The December consumer confidence index fell to 38 from a downwardly revised 44.7 in November. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had ... ColorTyme expands financing options for franchisees ColorTyme today announced today it will add SBA loans to its growing portfolio of finance options for franchisees. “No other rent-to-own (RTO) franchisor has such a broad spectrum of capital and inventory financing programs in its arsenal,” said Jim Deering, director of franchise development for ColorTyme and ... Retail: 73,000 stores could close in first half of 2009 Store closings, bankruptcies and takeovers starting next month will continue to mar the U.S. retail industry as holiday sales are panning out to be the worst in 40 years, according to industry reports. Rent-to-own dealers by contrast appear to be holding steady and in some cases even thriving ... Donation furnishes six hospital rooms in Dayton, Ohio Today Rent-A-Center will present furnishings for six private patient rooms at the Miami Valley Hospital Oncology Center in Dayton, Ohio, the company's tenth gift in its statewide "Random Acts of Caring" initiative. The company's donation includes matching rocker/recliners, large chair/twin sleeper sets and TV/DVD combos. Miami Valley Hospital’... Easy 2 Own destroyed in fire A severe fire believed caused by a faulty surge protector, gutted the showroom of South Carolina-based Easy 2 Own Dec. 23, melting plasma TV's and laptops in a disaster that claimed close to $100,000 worth of damage. No one was injured in the blaze. Easy 2 Own Furnishings ... Loudermilk on Bloomberg: RTO flexibility wins new customers in recession Aaron Rents CEO Robin Loudermilk Jr. on Bloomberg TV. Watch interview. Aaron Rents CEO Robin Loudermilk Jr. appeared yesterday on Bloomberg TV to field questions about his company's impressive performance in an economy that is forcing traditional retail to its knees. Aaron's posted a 16 percent growth in revenue ... Unstable markets force Textron to exit finance units Textron, a provider of inventory financing for the rent-to-own industry, plunged 20 percent in stock exchange trading this week following an announcement the company will exit most of its finance businesses and avoid a breakup, according to Bloomberg.com. The Providence, Rhode Island-based company announced it has approved a ... Rent-A-Center honored in special ceremony Representatives of Miami Valley Hospital and Rent-A-Center will participate in a special ceremony next Tuesday celebrating the rent-to-own company's recent furnishing of six private patient rooms. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Rent-A-Center is donating recliner and chair/sleeper sets ... Stern, Ph.D., joins Rent-A-Center Board of Directors New Rent-A-Center board member Paula Stern. Rent-A-Center today announced that Paula Stern, Ph.D. has been named to its Board of Directors. The Honorable Paula Stern is Chairwoman of The Stern Group an international advisory firm with 20 years of experience in areas of business and government strategy established ... ColorTyme provides "free heat" for Providence customer From L: ColorTyme Providence GM Al Coella, winning customer Salome Rojas, and assistant manager Louie Padilla. As fuel prices skyrocketed and the economy plummeted last fall, ColorTyme franchisee Ray Bird overheard his customers fretting about the coming winter heating bills. “When I heard one customer say, 'Do we ... Premier vendor breakout session open to all vendors Trooper Earle, Premier Companies CEO, today announced the Vendor Breakout Session, a highlight of the Premier Annual Dealer Convention is open to all vendors. An informal table-top style event designed to forge and reinforce strategic vendor-dealer assocations, the Vendor Breakout Session encourages vendors to bring show specials. “This ... Rent One, Globetrotters team up for local families Globetrotter “Moo Moo” Evans with a local fan at Rent One's recent meet and greet event in Herrin, Illinois. Rent One and the Harlem Globetrotters are teaming up to offer two families a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the world famous basketball team court side. The ... RNR moves up in dealership rankings Florida based RNR Custom Wheels & Tires (a.k.a. Rent-N-Roll) is one of the top 25 dealerships in America, as ranked by Tire Business, a leading tire industry publication. In the October 2008 issue, “Top Retail Dealership of 2008", RNR Custom Wheels moved from 21 to 16 ... Fire claims home of Rent One employee, company rallies to help A fire gutted the home of Rent One Employee Johnny Little this Saturday. Rent One is coordinating an inner-company relief drive for the Little family. When a devastating fire claimed the home of a Rent One delivery technician and his family this weekend, the company stepped in to ease ... SEI/Aarons surprises customers in New York Tonawanda store managers Ryan Fleming and Jack Mack with customers Joshua Standard and Melissa Hines. SEI/Aaron's, the nation's largest Aaron's franchise, recently made the holidays a little brighter for families in the New York area. Brenda and Paul Ero lost their home to a fire on Thanksgiving Day. When ... Aaron's ups earnings expectations on strong Q4 showing Aaron Rents today announced that business trends continue to be quite positive and that it was raising its 2009 earnings guidance. "Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership results continue to be strong with growing same store revenues and customer counts," said Robert C. Loudermilk Jr., president and CEO ... Premier convention room rates dropped Dealers, vendors and guests planning to attend Premier Companies' annual convention next month at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans are urged to book their rooms today to take advantage of a rate reduction from $199 per night to $159 per night. All registrants previously booked in ... National TV helps brighten holidays for injured troops From left: Martha Smith, Dan Kopsas, Bob Fisher (employees of National TV Rental), Tracy McCord (Mid Missouri Credit Union), Michelle Jackson, Aaron Windsor (employees of National TV), and Kathy and Mark Windsor (owner’s of National TV Sales and Rental). The employees of National TV Sales and Rental in ... RTO wraps week of positive news coverage At least four more news stories patterned off the "rent to own thrives in a bad economy" theme continued to scrawl across the Internet yesterday, raising the total number of such RTO stories published this week to 14. The spiked interest in the industry by the media appears ... Rent-A-Center donates $20,000 in home furnishings to assisted living organization In its most recent Random Act of Caring, Rent-A-Center co-workers from metropolitan New York helped make residents of two special needs homes in the Bronx feel like the holidays had arrived early. In early December, the Association for Helping Retarded Children (AHRC) was contacted by Rent-A-Center and asked to ... Pennsylvania Dealers host Special Olympics fundraiser The Pennsylvania Rental Dealers Association (PARD), public companies and independent operators, are gearing up to promote and support local Special Olympics athletes at the upcoming Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. Some 133 store fronts will participate when the fundraiser kicks off next month, by allowing customers the option of ... New credit card regs could increase RTO appeal Federal regulators today approved sweeping regulations for the credit card industry intended to shield consumers from interest rate increases on existing account balances. However, experts note the new regulations could further reduce credit availability, especially for consumers with lower credit scores and those who fit the rent-to-own demographic. The ... RTO bill fits Congress' goals: regulation, economic stimulus As the White House and Congress continue to grapple with the symptoms of recession, the rent-to-own industry is proposing legislation that would meet legislators two highest priorities: economic stimulus and financial regulation. President-elect Barack Obama is calling on the new Congress to act quickly to pass an estimated one ... Rent-A-Center Chairman Emeritus Barton added to Hall of Fame The late W. Frank Barton, chairman emeritus of Rent-A-Center, was recently inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. The late W. Frank Barton of Wichita, Kansas, chairman emeritus of rent-to-own giant Rent-A-Center, is one of two entrepreneurs recently announced as inductees into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame ... Countryside holiday challenge raises over $7,000 for charity A Countryside Santa Stack: (from bottom) Lisa Taylor (Asst. Mgr), Amy Pontius (Mgr), Stacey Hines (Customer Sales Rep) all from the Circleville Countryside store. A traditional Countryside Rentals holiday competition raised $7,000 last week for four local charities. Mike Tissot, president of Countryside Rentals, is known for challenging ... RTO news coverage continues The news theme "how RTO businesses are doing well in the current economy" continues to take hold of television news stations across the country today. As a consequence, the rent-to-own industry and transaction again generated attention from the media Wendesday after receiving positive coverage from four television news ... RAC opens 32nd West Virginia store, donates $2,000 to community Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its 32nd West Virginia store in Hurricane, where it will donate $2,000 to local community groups at the news store's ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. December 17. “From bedroom sets to washers and dryers, we’re going to help ... Aaron's corporate acquires 35 store franchisee Aaron Rents today announced it has acquired in a cash transaction all the stores of Rosey Rentals, Aaron's second largest franchisee in business since 2003. Rosey Rentals, owned by Brian Kahn, operated 35 Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership franchised stores in six southeastern states with total annual revenues of ... RTO in the news: Are you ready for your close up? News correspondents and journalists from across the country are tripping over themselves to report on the rent-to-own industry as a recession-proof anomaly, thriving in a sea of economic uncertainty that is crushing traditional retail. A spate of stories from television news stations in Arkansas, Tennessee, Minnesota and Florida today ... RTOHQ: The Magazine salutes "The Dedicated" The October-November issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine is dedicated to “The Dedicated.” There are countless professionals in our industry who have committed themselves to making a big difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. They exhibit the profound sense of self and giving ... Forker opens third Premier, aims for two per year pace Premier dealer Jim Forker recently opened his third rental purchase store in Niles, Michegan. After 26 years in the industry working for such luminary RTO companies as Curtis Mathis and Rent-A-Center, Premier dealer Jim Forker is making up time. He recently opened his third Premier Rental Purchase in Niles, ... Marcone's Souers Appointed to Ronald McDonald House Charities Board Jim Souers, president of Marcone Supply is the newly appointed board member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Jim Souers, president of Marcone Supply was recently appointed to the board of directors of the St. Louis Chapter of the Ronald McDonald House . Souers was chosen out ... Rent-A-Center Contributes $6,000 to communities, opens three stores Rent-A-Center recently coupled new store openings in South Carolina, West Virginia and Texas with substantial donations to local community organizations. The nation's largest rent-to-own company will make donations of $2,000 to community organizations in the towns where the new stores are located in Charlestown, West Virginia, Myrtle Beach, ... NEW PODCAST: Mark Key, secretary/treasurer New England Rental Dealers Association Mark Key of SEI Aaron's and newly elected secretary/treasurer of the New England Rental Dealers Association. Listen to Podcast. Mark Key, manager with SEI Aaron's, is the new secretary/treasurer for the newly created New England Rental Dealers Association December 11. Key is a native Texan who's spent all his ... NEW PODCAST: Mark Anderson, president New England Rental Dealers Association Mark Anderson, new president of the New England Rental Dealers Association. Listen to podcast. Mark Anderson owner of FastTrack Rent To Own in New Britain, Connecticut, is the new president of a new rental dealers association in the northeast representing Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Anderson began his rent ... New England RTO dealers step up for industry New England Rental Dealers Association President Mark Anderson and secretary/treasurer Mark Key. Around a dozen rent-to-own dealers from three states braved drizzling Connecticut rain Thursday, to create a tri-state dealers association that will focus on communication and protecting and furthering industry interests at both the state and federal level. ... Massachusetts Supreme Court to test state RTO law A Springfield, Massachusetts federal district court Wednesday ruled on a motion by Rent-A-Center to dismiss a $5 million class action lawsuit that claims the state's decades old consumer lease act does not regulate rent-to-own transactions. Rather than dismiss the case, the court held it was an issue for the ... Report: Audio vital to lives of consumers A majority of consumers view music and other audio content as a vital component of their daily lives, according to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The study, The Evolution of Audio: Is Anyone Listening?, found that 67 percent of consumers believe audio is an important ... CNN: Aaron Rents bucks sales slump Aaron Rents made CNNMoney.com's recent list of companies that are still profiting despite the current recession. Today's online article mentions the rent-to-own home furnishings and appliance company alongside four specialty stores that have foiled bleak holiday shopping forecasts. The company, which reports same-store sales on a quarterly basis, ... APRO, NRC assist reorganization in key New England states Rental dealers across three New England states will meet on Thursday to form a regional rental dealers association aimed at unifying the industry in states where powerful legislators hold sway over rent-to-own in the U.S. Congress. Dealers from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will meet from 10 a.... New Premier dealers combine thirty years of RTO wisdom New Premier Dealers Ron Manzoori and Scott Craig. Scott Craig and Ron Manzoori recently held the grand opening of their Premier Rental-Purchase store in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Their combined 30 years of RTO experience includes a string of successes that, according to Manzoori, will serve them well as they spring ... A Rent-to-own journey: Evans takes ColorTyme to Augusta New ColorTyme franchisee, Bud Evans. Bud Evans has worn many hats through the years: Realtor, general manager of a major car dealership, successful entrepreneur. But in the current economy, nothing made more sense than returning to his rent-to-own roots. That's why beginning in early 2009, he plans to open ... Former Aarons, RentWay manager joins Premier family Gerald and Kim Jacobs will join the family of Premier franchisees with the planned opening of their Premier Rental Purchase in Lynchburg, Virginia on February 1, 2009. Gerald Jacobs has nine years of experience in the rent-to-own business most recently as a general manager at Aaron’s and store ... Hawaii dealer shares Thanksgiving with community Waipahu ColorTyme employees join treat locals to a community Thanksgiving feast. Thanksgiving is a true community event for one Waipahu Hawaii ColorTyme dealer. Even though his store was closed, most of Mark Shaw’s employees showed up at 10 a.m. sharp on Thanksgiving morning to continue the tradition ... Rent-A-Center helps local tornado victim Rent-A-Center store managers from Wilson, Rocky Mount and Tarboro present Guillen (center) with roses, a card and a $100 gift certificate from Wal-Mart. The company also supplied her with a homes worth of furniture and appliances. When a tornado destroyed the North Carolina home of Shelly Guillen, grandmother of ... RTO theft trends: Is your store secure? Economic trends always have an effect on both retail and rent-to-own sales and profits, but with the holidays around the corner, massive layoffs and employer cut backs, theft, both internal and external, is on the rise, according to a leading industry surveillance company. “With all the financial strain ... Desert states unite for new dealers association Rental dealers across three states are invited to attend an organizational meeting in February that will bring together the states of Arizona, Nevada and Utah for the purpose of furthering legislative and educational opportunities for members. Ernie Lewallen, former president of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association and owner of ... Registration open for TARA Legislative Conference Registration is now open for the TARA 2009 Legislative Conference, Jan. 26-27, 2009, at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, down the street from the Texas State Capitol. Registration for this conference is free to all TARA members who register before Jan. 15. To register, simply reply click here to ... RTO friend Chambliss wins runoff Re-elected RTO Co-Sponsor Sen. Saxby Chabliss. Georgia Republican Saxby Chambliss, the self-proclaimed "firewall" to the Democrats prized 60-seat filibuster proof voting majority in the U.S. Senate, claimed a second term Tuesday, after handily defeating challenger Jim Martin in a high stakes runoff that could have heavily tipped ... Delaware, New Jersey to reorganize Come next month, Delaware and New Jersey rental dealers will have a new voice in their business, community and political affairs. Joe Romano, Rent-A-Center regional director, will join APRO to lead the charge to reorganize the states' rental dealers associations under one banner -- the Delaware-New Jersey Rental Dealers ... Internet Study: How fast is your state? In an Internet dependent world, slow connection speeds have real-time business implications. A recent study by PCMag.com found that Nevada, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are home to the fastest surf speeds—the full state ranking is below. PCMag.com’s “Best ISPs in America” list hits PCMag.com ... Rent One helps brighten holiday for troops overseas Rent One Vice President Murray Beck (top left), President Trent Agin (top right), Mark Williams (bottom left) and David Keen (bottom right) with members of the JCOIF Committee. Members of the Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom Committee (JCOIF) stopped by the Rent One Corporate office this weekend to thank ... Kinnear opens second Premier store in Dayton APRO Board member Scott Kinnear opens second Premier store in Dayton. New APRO board member Scott Kinnear recently held a grand opening for his second Premier Rental-Purchase store in Dayton, Ohio. Kinnear, a seasoned RTO "fixer upper" said the success of his first location combined with the demand ... New tri-state RDA takes flight Dec. 11 Rental dealers across the northeast will meet this month to form a multi-state rental dealers association aimed at initiating and unifying the efforts of three states that are currently inactive. Dealers from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will meet from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the ... LG Electronics Blu-Ray player to receive high-def streaming LG Electronics confirmed today that the popular LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will offer the Netflix High-Definition (HD) Instant Streaming capability. This upgrade will be free-of-charge to consumers via an automatic firmware update in early December. The LG BD300, the world’s first Blu-ray Disc Player to offer ... Premier Invites Vendors to 2009 New Orleans Convention The Premier Companies will hold its annual convention at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans from January 18 –22. With its growing number of franchisees and preferred vendor affiliations, Premier is anticipating this to be its biggest event to date and is inviting those who are ... Rent-to-own goes green in Hawaii, state finds its hero Rent-to-own bicycle entrepreneur Anthony Austin (center) with Alicia L. Feliciano (left) and Toni Gates (right). In his own way, Hawaii rent-to-own dealer Anthony Austin is out to save the planet. He's not tying himself to trees or charging the coast guard in an inflatable boat. He's an environmentalist, but ... CEA-CNET: Consumer confidence up in November Consumer confidence in the overall economy increased slightly in November following a record low October level, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The CEA-CNET Indexes also showed consumers are slightly more likely to spend on consumer electronics (CE) and technology products. The ... Ohio dealers clash for bragging rights Countryside Rentals owner Mike Tissot and Showplace Rent-To-Own owner Gary Ferriman at the September Midwest Expo. Any other day of the year, Ohio Rent-To-Own barons Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals and Gary Ferriman of Showplace Rent-To-Own are cooperative colleagues. Their relationship is one forged through years of personal and ... Rent-A-Center ads speak to credit crunch Rent-A-Center CEO Mark Speese in new ad campaign explaining the value of rent-to-own in an economy where credit is becoming harder to come by. Rent-A-Center today launched a multi-media campaign in which chief executive officer Mark Speese reaches out to legions of consumers burdened by the current cash and ... ColorTyme names Kohut VP of Operations Albert Kohut, ColorTyme's new vice president of operations. ColorTyme, America’s oldest rent-to-own franchising company, today named RTO industry veteran Albert A. Kohut vice president of operations. Kohut replaces Tim Hogan, who moved from the ColorTyme operations VP position in September to become the Vice President of Operations for ... Gates opens first U.S. easyhome Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC today announced the opening of the company's first easyhome store in the U.S. in Olathe, Kansas. A Grand Opening event has been planned for November 22, 2008 at the store in the West Market Shopping Center at 113 S. Parker ... CAL-APRO jumpstarts community outreach plans with $1,000 donation CAL-APRO President Paul Davis. The newly assembled board of the California Association of Progressive Rental Agencies recently approved a $1,000 donation to the Arlington Temporary Assistance Program, a United Way funded program. The donation, along with having a full board of directors, is a first for the association, ... Marcone Supply raises over $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Marcone Supply raised over $10,000 in just under three days for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Marcone Supply raised over $10,000 in just under three days for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMH) during the company's recent servicer's association convention in Las Vegas. The donation will help RMH provide ... Trustmark makes push to insure rent-to-own dealers Trustmark Affinity Markets, a division of Trustmark Life Insurance Company, today began an aggressive lead generation telephone campaign to educate dealers about its policies, provide quotes and enroll more APRO member rent-to-own companies in the health insurance program. The health insurance program, which is a benefit for APRO members ... Rent-A-Center outfits Ohio family services center Representatives of Rent-A-Center and Trillium Family Solutions in Canton, Ohio, gathered this week, to celebrate Rent-A-Center’s donation of 20 computer monitors, a refrigerator, two microwaves and three TV/DVD combos to the family services organization. Rent-A-Center’s ninth gift in its statewide community initiative – entitled Random Acts of ... Long time Mississippi dealer expands with Premier Wheel Workz New Premiere Wheel Workz Franchisee Pam Hulsey. An RTO dealer for almost three decades, Pam Hulsey recently expanded her market by opening a new Premier Wheel Workz store in Horn Lake, Mississippi on November 7. She has converted half of her large E-Z Rental showroom to create a free-standing ... New House leadership team includes RTO supporters House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) announced the new leadership team elected by House Republicans Wednesday, according to the Republican Leader Press Office. Boehner was recently re-elected to his party's top post in the House during House Republican Conference organizational meetings for the 111th Congress and will now face ... Rent-A-Center treats 150 families to Thanksgiving dinner The community welcomes Rent-A-Center’s random act of caring – helping 150 families in Olean, N.Y. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday and to continue the Company’s Random Act of Caring community initiative, Rent-A-Center, based in Plano, Texas, teamed-up with Olean Mayor David Carucci today to ... RimTyme opens Plano store with salute to Iraq Veteran Former U.S. Marine and Iraq War Veteran Adam Earls (center) with RimTyme Plano Store Manager Cain Maxwell (left) and RimTyme VP of Operations Tim Hogan (right). It takes vision, intelligence and a healthy dose of moxie to succeed in the highly competitive wheel and tire game. This Saturday, ... Democrats reach 58 in Senate, early voting begins in Chambliss race Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history, narrowly lost his re-election bid Tuesday, according to the AP. His defeat by Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich moves Senate Democrats one step closer to a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority in Congress. A recount is possible, but should Begich hold on ... Norm Smith funeral arrangements set Funeral arrangements for Norm Smith, 81, former head of rental market sales for Zenith, were released today. Smith, a leader in the industry and APRO's first vendor of the year, died Tuesday morning at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 ... Cleek's makes Aaron's conversion Cleek's Lease or Own President "Tiger" John Cleek. "Tiger" John Cleek today announced an agreement with Aaron Rents to convert his Cleek's Lease or Own stores to Aaron's Sales and Lease stores beginning December 1. The Nov. 17 deal will impact as many as six stores in ... Visionary rent-to-own vendor Norm Smith dies APRO's first vendor of the year, Norm Smith, died Tuesday in Illinois. APRO's first vendor of the year, Norm Smith, 81, former head of rental market sales for Zenith, died Tuesday morning at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, Illinois, due to complications arising from his recent open-heart surgery. To say ... Rent-A-Center's 12th Random Act helps military families in need Rent-A-Center representatives donate 120 Hannaford Supermarket gift cards to military families in need at Fort Drum. In the spirit of Thanksgiving through the Random Act of Caring initiative, Rent-A-Center has donated 120 Hannaford Supermarket $50 gift cards to military families in need to make their next trip to purchase ... DSI partners with Chief Manufacturing and Sanus Systems DSI Systems, the largest national distributor of LCD, Plasma and DLP TVs, satellite equipment and accessories, announces new lines now available with Chief Manufacturing & Sanus Systems. Dave Robison, CEO of DSI Systems, stated, “We are thrilled to add Chief and Sanus to our product line-up at DSI. ... Welch, Prater named easygates co-presidents Bud Gates at the March 2008 Nationwide Buying Show. Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC today announced the promotion of Ladd Welch and Chris Prater to Co-Presidents of easygates. Welch and Prater will share the office of the president with Welch as President of Operations and Prater ... Whirlpool, Habitat for Humanity, begin five day building blitz in Dallas Home for the holidays takes on a whole new meaning this year for nine families in Dallas. Starting today, Whirlpool brand, Habitat for Humanity International, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, and volunteers from across the country will build nine new homes by Friday as part of the third annual ... RTO ally Danny Davis rallies for Obama seat Illinois Rep. Danny Davis announced today he wants consideration as President-Elect Barack Obama's successor in the Senate. Rent-to-own bill co-sponsor Rep. Danny Davis [IL-7] today formally announced his interest in filling President-Elect Barack Obama's unfinished Senate term after Obama officially vacated the position Sunday. Over 100 people rallied to ... Alliance HealthCard acquires Access Plans USA Alliance HealthCard -- parent company of Benefit Marketing Solutions -- today announced the signing of an agreement for acquisition of Access Plans USA. Based in Norman, Oklahoma, Alliance HealthCard is a leading provider of consumer membership plans offering access to consumer discounts on a variety of products and services ... October sales take record plunge, RTO gains Consumers, taking a beating from the global credit crisis, declining home values, rising unemployment and suffering record low confidence cut back sharply on their spending in October, pushing retail sales down by a record amount, according to the AP. The Commerce Department reported Friday that retail sales fell by ... Georgia Dealers begin membership drive, pledge Chambliss support GRDA Board Members at their first meeting Wednesday. The Georgia Rental Dealers Association Board of Directors made membership and education a top priority yesterday at the board's first meeting since local dealers re-organized the association last month. Nine board members attended the meeting which was sponsored by the the ... For Paul Davis, politics is a family affair The Davis Family: (L to R) May, Tyler, Paul and Triston at the 2008 APRO Legislative Conference. Every other year for the past seven or so, Paul Davis of Nation's Rent To Own has gladly employed a secret weapon in his effort to secure federal rent-to-own legislation. That weapon ... Luxury homebuilder expands RTO program A move by the nation's largest luxury builder, Toll Brothers, to expand its rent-to-own program indicates the transaction is broadening its demographic ground as the economy continues to flounder and credit strapped consumers seek alternative avenues toward ownership not only of merchandise, but of real estate as well. Toll ... NEW PODCAST: David Kraemer president, CEO Bestway Rental APRO Board Member David Kraemer. Listen to podcast. APRO Board Member David Kraemer is president and CEO of Bestway Rental -- a 74 store rental company based in Dallas, Texas. Elected to the board in 2007, Kraemer currently serves on APRO's government affairs committee. He spoke with RTO Today ... Two notices now required to meet Pennsylvania Theft Statute Effective October 8, 2008, the bar for meeting Pennsylvania's Theft of Rental Property Statute went up. The new amendment to the Pennsylvania Theft of Rental Property Statute (Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 18, Ch. 39, sec. 3932(b)(2)) provides that written demand to return the property must be sent to ... Easyhome Q3: Same store growth down, execution issues noted Easyhome today released its third quarter results ended September 30, 2008, noting the acquisition of Insta-Rent and the implementation of a new, system-wide information technology system as factors contributing to "depressed" results for the rent-to-own company's second and third quarters. Third Quarter Results Revenue for the three-month period ... National TV Sales and Rental salutes American heroes National TV Sales and Rental salutes local heroes at the company's Lebanon, Missouri store. A crowd of close to 750 recently gathered in Lebanon, Missouri to honor heroes at home and abroad at National TV Sales and Rental's "Salute to American Heroes" event. The idea for the event, ... Circuit City files for bankruptcy Circuit City today announced it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but the chain will continue to operate the business with the help of a $1.1 billion debtor-in-possession revolving credit facility from its current lenders. The company’s Canadian operations will also seek bankruptcy protection under the ... Aaron's Corporate Furnishings sale to CORT complete Aaron Rents today announced it has completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Aaron's Corporate Furnishings division to CORT Business Services Corporation. The sale of the assets, which was previously announced on September 12, 2008, was closed for cash proceeds of approximately $76.4 million ... Panasonic and Sanyo push forward with merger A move by Panasonic's Board of Directors last Friday to make Sanyo Electronics a subsidiary will create the world's second largest electronics firm. Boards of both companies agreed to start discussions for a "capital and business alliance" between Panasonic and SANYO that will capitalize on both companies strengths, ... Circuit City, Tweeter turmoil signals shift in consumer demand Faced with a high unemployment rate, lack of credit options and volatile financial markets, consumer confidence plunged to its lowest level on record in October and weak retail sales numbers are taking a heavy toll on the heretofore resilient consumer electronics market. Earlier this week, Circuit City announced it ... NEW PODCAST: Dave Edwards, president SEI Aaron's APRO State Associations Coordinating Committee Chairman Dave Edwards. Listen to podcast. APRO Board member Dave Edwards is president and COO of SEI Aaron's, the largest Aaron's franchise in the country. Edwards, who is also the president of the New York State Rental Dealers Association, recently took the helm as ... La-Z-Boy to cut 850 jobs as furniture sales plummet According to Furniture Today, La-Z-Boy will lay off about 10 percent of its work force and close up to 20 of its Furniture Galleries stores as part of a series of cost savings moves in response to slumping furniture sales and tightened credit markets. In addition to immediately reducing ... Congressional power shift hits small business Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd announced Thursday he will stay on as head of that panel and not seek chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations committee -- a position left vacant with Sen. Joseph Biden's election to the White House. The Senate ... Democrats now at 57, Chambliss in runoff Former RTO co-sponsor Republican Gordon Smith conceded defeat earlier today. Democrats Thursday continued to build on their historic election day showing, claiming victory in a tight Oregon race that will put the party one closer to securing a "filibuster-proof" majority in the Senate. Oregon Sen. and former rent-to-own ... Democrat's 60-seat majority goal fading New York Sen. Charles Schumer. Democrats goal of a 60-seat "filibuster proof" Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate now hinges on four "too close to call" races that will likely be decided by either recount or runoff. Democrats gained a decisive majority in the Senate Tuesday, ... Aaron's raises quarterly dividend rate Aaron Rents Board of Directors today raised the company's quarterly dividend rate by $.017 per share as a reward to loyal shareholders. The Board of Directors of Aaron Rents today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.017 per share on Common Stock and $.017 per share ... Landrieu re-elected, five co-sponsors out Re-elected RTO bill sponsor Sen. Mary Landrieu. Rent-to-own sponsor Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) will return to Capitol Hill next session after handily winning her third term Tuesday, defeating Republican challenger John Kennedy. Polls this summer, showed Landrieu trailing Kennedy however, more recent polls showed she had closed the gap ... APRO backs computer donation program, vows to fight cybercrime APRO Board members at their fall meeting in Austin, Texas. The APRO Board of Directors unanimously approved an initiative to help put computers in the hands of students and bridge the digital divide in under resourced schools across the country. Board members approved the "Computers For Kidz" program ... Struggling Circuit City closing 155 stores New credit and payment terms imposed by vendors are becoming “unmanageable” for Circuit City, making it difficult for the CE dealer to buy holiday inventory and the company announced it will close 155 underperforming stores and exit 12 markets in an effort to save cash, according to Twice ... DeMoss resigns from APRO board, Dumler elected Rent-A-Center's Ron DeMoss resigns from the APRO Board this morning. His replacement, Dwight Dumler sits to his left as John Raines looks on. Ron DeMoss, executive vice president for Rent-A-Center, formally resigned from the APRO Board of Directors this morning at the board's fall meeting in Austin, Texas. DeMoss ... Lewis heads up Premier Wheel Workz training program Mike Lewis, will head up new Premier training program. Dale Ingram, President of Premier Wheel Workz announced this week Premier will offer expanded operational training and a dealer checkout program to Premier Wheel Workz dealers. The program will be headed up by Mike Lewis, vice president of Operations for ... Windsors welcome Missouri Rep. Skelton National TV Sales and Rental owners and staff welcome Congressman Ike Skelton to their Versailles, Missouri store Friday. U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) dropped by National TV Sales and Rentals' Versailles, Missouri store on Friday to get a first hand view of rent-to-own from company owners Mark and ... APRO Board meets November 3-5 APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek. Around 18 members of the 19 member APRO Board of Directors made their way to Austin, Texas today for the fall 2008 board meeting and to review the status and goals of all 11 committees that fall under the board's jurisdiction. Board members ... ColorTyme sponsors teen video game tournament ColorTyme store manager Derek Higgins (far left) and Boys & Girls Club Unit Director David Uribe (far right) with club members after ColorTyme's recent donation of flat-screen TV's to a video game tournament. When the Boys & Girls Club of Charlottesville/Albemarle, Virginia, needed some big-screen TV's for their week-long ... Showplace opens new store in Findlay Findlay store staff l to r: Mike Rodriuez (delivery), Kim Hall (sales), Joe Adams (district manager), Ron Routson (GM), Holly Gerdeman (accounting). Not pictured: Jerome Kenner (delivery). Showplace Rent-To-Own welcomed a new addition to its growing family of Ohio stores with the "soft" opening of store number 14 ... Louisiana dealers rally for Landrieu LRDA Members at the association's annual meeting this April. Louisiana Rental Dealers Association President Jeff White admits it's not easy campaigning for a Democrat in a primarily Republican leaning state. But the Democrat in question happens to be Sen. Mary Landrieu, sponsor of the Senate version of the Consumer ... APRO election endorsement list available Register for APRO's 2009 Legislative Conference. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for re-election November 4 and those who are current co-sponsors of industry supported federal legislation should be of particular interest to rent-to-own dealers. 92 of the current 100 House sponsors of ... RTO phone expertise boosts Ohio Congressman Cristel Exline, manager of Countryside Rentals Jackson,Ohio store making campaign calls with Countryside owner Mike Tissot. When Countryside Rentals Owner Mike Tissot learned Ohio Congressman Zachary Space needed some help in his phone bank, making outbound calls to urge support for Space's re-election bid, Tissot was more than ... Premier's executive team retreat a success The Premier Company’s annual Executive Team Retreat in Corolla, North Carolina last week proved to be the most successful yet. Premier Company Presidents joined with other members of the Executive Team to tackle a full agenda that included establishing a comprehensive strategy for supporting the success of the ... IRDA talks legislation, elects new board New IRDA Board Members. Around 50 rent-to-own dealers and vendors from across the state of Illinois turned out at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield Wednesday, to help the Illinois Rental Purchase Dealers Association build on its status as APRO's 2008 "Most Improved State Association". Around a dozen ... Rent-A-Center donates more than $14,000 in furniture and equipment to NYC Fire Department Rent-A-Center Representatives with New York City Firefighters in Staten Island firehouse. In recognition of National Fire Prevention Month, Rent-A-Center teamed-up with the New York City Fire Department (FNDY) Tuesday to help promote the message of fire safety during Fire Prevention month through a charitable donation to the FDNY Foundation. ... Aaron's Q3 revenues up 16 percent; same store revenues up 5.7 percent The nation's second largest rent-to-own company, Aaron Rents, today announced revenues and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, including a 16 percent growth in revenue this quarter over the same quarter last year. As previously announced, the Company has entered into an agreement to ... Consumer confidence plummets in October; how will RTO fare? A private research group said Tuesday that consumer confidence in the U.S. economy plunged in October to its lowest level on record, as stock markets dropped sharply, credit remained constrained and employees were laid off, according to the AP. The Conference Board said the consumer confidence index fell ... Whirlpool earnings down seven percent, job cuts, plant closures in store The global credit crisis, declining home values, rising unemployment and very low consumer confidence over the third quarter did little for the already sagging major appliance market, and industry giant Whirlpool will now take drastic steps to accommodate a seven percent earnings decline that will save the company an ... LG cleared of patent infringement claims A long running dispute between major appliance manufacturers LG Electronics and Whirlpool over alleged patent infringements was resolved by a federal court in LG's favor, according to news sources . The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a U.S. District Court decision in a case ... RAC Q3 earnings report -- same store sales up 3.4 percent Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Third Quarter 2008 Results Total revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 were $708.8 million, a decrease of $0.9 million from the total revenues of $709.7 million ... Better and better -- IRDA ramps up for annual meeting IRDA President Steve Braning accepts APRO's "Most Improved State Association" award from "Tiger John Cleek. APRO's 2008 most improved state association -- the Illinois Rental Purchase Dealers Association -- will host close to 50 rent-to-own dealers, employees and vendors this Wednesday at its annual membership meeting at ... In Economic Meltdown, analysts bank on RAC and Aarons APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May is used to fielding calls from financial analysts curious about the viability of the rent-to-own industry. However, the combined dynamics of the subprime mortgage crisis, credit crunch and Wall Street's roller coaster ride over the last month have driven such calls from "... DSI expands by five states Electronics distributor DSI Systems announced today it added five states to its territory for distributing Sharp products, moving into Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, according to Dealerscope. The move brings the company's Sharp product distributorship into 31 of the 50 U.S. states. “We are thrilled to ... NEW PODCAST: Mike Hickey and Aaron's storm the Hill Listen to podcast. Mike Hickey is the vice president of management development for Aaron Rents. He's a 15-year employee in charge of e-learning, field training and managers-in-training programs. On Thursday Aaron Rents announced it is dedicating a day from its annual managers meeting to send some 2,000 managers, ... Meeting of the Minds draws more RTO companies Rental dealers from around the country wrapped up the second and final day of TRIB Group's annual "Meeting of the Minds" at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, with continued discussions of rent-to-own hot topics, product reviews and operations and procedures. TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields. ... Aaron's, APRO to bring 2,000 to Capitol Hill Bill Keese, Beth Gibbs, "Tiger" John Cleek, Mike Hickey and John Cleek Jr. at Aaron's Corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday. Aaron Rents announced today it is getting behind APRO's grassroots legislative initiative in a big way. The world's second largest rent-to-own company is dedicating a day from ... Rent-A-Center opens new Arizona location Customers in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and the surrounding area have a new choice available when it comes to renting or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Rent-A-Center is celebrating the opening of its newest store at 1641 N McCulloch Blvd. featuring approximately 4,200 square feet of ... RTO minds meet at annual TRIB event Meeting of the Minds Vendor Mingle. The best and brightest in the rent-to-own industry trekked to Atlanta, Georgia Wednesday to reflect and share insights on everything from successful product lines to employee and business management techniques at the annual TRIB Group "Meeting of the Minds". Over 100 registered ... NEW PODCASTS: Georgia Dealers jump start association GRDA treasurer Beth Gibbs, vice president Dan Kniesly and president Andrea Bozeman. Over 25 rental dealers representing some 200 storefronts in Georgia banned together to ensure the future of the state's rent-to-own industry by re-organizing their long dormant state association Wednesday at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta. Andrea ... Schumer seeks filibuster-proof majority: What does it mean for RTO? At a National Press Club briefing Tuesday, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told reporters that the prospect of his party getting 60 seats was better than it was two weeks ago and keeps getting better, according to the latest Congressional Quarterly Newsletter. ... Georgia dealers re-organize October 22 Georgia rent-to-own dealers will join forces this week in Atlanta to re-organize their dormant state association and take a greater stake in the state's RTO future. The Georgia Rental Dealers Association Reorganization Meeting will take place October 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Renaissance ... Study predicts 3.5 percent growth in Q4 CE sales In a tough economy consumers will spend less overall, but allocate more to consumer electronics, a new study forecasts. Consumer electronics products continue to top the holiday wish lists of adults and teens, resulting in 3.5 percent projected growth in fourth quarter industry shipments over last year, according ... Almo launches new Web sites Major appliance and consumer electronics distributor Almo, today unveiled two new websites brimming with updated features meant to offer a more dynamic user-centric web experience. Both sites, the corporate site located at www.almo.com and the dealer-only B2B site located at www.access.almo.com, were debuted with ... Majap shipments down 15 percent Continuing a two year decline, factory shipments of major appliances fell nearly 15 percent in September. The tally, compiled by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and reported by Twice Magazine, represents the industry’s worst monthly performance in more than a year and would have been even ... Will RTO outfox the Grinch this Christmas? A trio of recent economic indicators predict a tough holiday season for retailers, especially for consumer electronics dealers, according to a Twice Magazine report. First up, the United States Commerce Department’s retail sales estimates for September, which set off Wednesday's steep stock market sell-off. Total retail sales, unadjusted ... APRO leadership key to D.C. success Play Video. APRO’s 2009 Dave Egan Legislative Conference is scheduled for April 21-23 in Washington, D.C., at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. After 15 years of representing the rent-to-own industry through the annual legislative conference, 2009 looks to be pivotal, with one of the most anticipated elections in ... Kansas dealers host record turnout Nearly 40 rent-to-own dealers representing around 10 companies turned out for the Kansas Association of Rental Dealers (KARD) annual meeting October 14 and 15 at the Prairie Band Casino in Mayetta, Kansas. That's quite a turnaround from KARD's first re-organized meeting four years ago that drew scarcely a dozen ... Rent One Trumann store re-opens Rent One Trumann store staff with local Chamber of Commerce officials. Preparing to cut the Ribbon are Store Manager Angela Hunter and Assistant Store Manager Lahoma Beal. Rent One's Trumann, Arkansas store recently cut ribbon on its newly remodeled/rebranded location in a ceremony sponsored by the Trumann Chamber of ... NEW PODCAST: William McCrae, Buzz's Lease Purchase Listen to podcast. William McCrae is vice president for the Texas Association of Rental Agencies and president of Buzz's Lease Purchase and Sales -- a seven store rental chain with locations in Texas and Louisiana. He's worked in the rent-to-own industry since he joined a friend's budding company in ... RTO Pro adds e-mail functionality RTO Pro software now features integrated e-mail functionality to provide dealers with a key communications tool to send individual emails, invoices, collections notices and promotional material to customers with the click of a mouse. RTO Pro Software’s 800-plus users now can with the newest release of RTO Pro. ... NEW PODCAST: Dwight Dumler, RAC senior vice president of government affairs Click to listen to podcast. Dwight Dumler is Rent-A-Center's senior vice president of government affairs. With over 11 years of experience in the industry, Dumler has worked stints for both Rentway and Rent-A-Center before settling in for keeps with Rent-A-Center in 2002. Although he works for the largest rent-to-own ... Speakers light up TARA membership meeting L to R: TARA VP William McCrae, President Dan Matthews and Treasurer Dan Sharff cut the ribbon on the TARA Buying Show. The Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 25th Anniversary Convention and Buying Show kicked into high gear Monday in Irving with a cavalcade of guest speakers who addressed ... Regulatory focus puts RTO in Congressional spotlight, APRO leadership a must in D.C. The $700 billion federal bailout package was merely the opening salvo in what Congressional Democrats see as an opportunity to clean up the country's ailing financial structure, according to the latest Congressional Quarterly Newsletter. The focus on regulatory overhaul bills that will likely encompass consumer credit issues, will also ... It's no illusion: TARA is 25 TARA President Dan Matthews with 25th anniversary cake. Close to 100 rent-to-own professionals filled the Monterey Ballroom at the Sheraton Grand in Irving Sunday, for dinner, cake and magic in celebration of TARA's 25th anniversary Convention and Buying Show. The evening topped off two days of networking events including ... NEW PODCAST: TARA past president Kelly Sayre Listen to Kelly Sayre podcast. Kelly Sayre is the president of Alliance Rental Centers, an 8 store Aaron's franchise headquartered in Denton, Texas. Sayre, whose been a member of TARA since 1992, served a two year term as the association's president and another two year's as chairman of its ... TARA Convention off to the races L to R: Dan and Susan Matthews, Bob and Kathy Bloom, Dwight and Caron Dumler at Lone Star Park. Rent-to-own professionals from across the southwest convened in Irving last night to help kick off opening events and make history at the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 25th annual Convention ... RAC donates $4,500 to baseball program for children with disabilities Rent-A-Center Officials dedicate $4,500 to the Miracle League of Muskingum Valley for a unique baseball facility. Rent-A-Center’s eighth gift in its statewide community initiative – entitled Random Acts of Caring – will help the Miracle League of Muskingum Valley complete a unique project in Zanesville, Ohio. The ... NYSRDA presents $26,000 to Special Olympics NYSRDA President Dave Edwards, NY Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (4th from left), NYSRDA Treasurer Greg Heck, RAC Regional Director Cathy Skula and Susan MacBryde of SONY join Special Olympic athletes at check presentation. The New York State Rental Dealers Association members beat their own best estimate Thursday, turning over a ... A Call to Arms: State association presidents gear up for elections The presidents of 18 state associations held a conference call today to compare notes on the best strategies with which to rally their members to action this election cycle. This year's "Call to Arms" will prove crucial for the industry as it regroups and prepares to rally a ... LG Simplifies home theatre installation with online tools LG Electronics USA today announced a new service on its Web site -- www.LGusa.com -- to help consumers easily install various home theater components. Called Wirewize, the service is designed to simplify the process of connecting multiple consumer electronics, including flat panel HDTVs, DVD players and other ... Industry "Titans" diverge in latest RTOHQ: The Magazine The second edition of APRO's revamped publication -- RTOHQ: The Magazine -- hits post offices and office desks this week with an engaging look at similarities and differences between the two publicly traded RTO "Titans": Rent-A-Center and Aaron Rents. The new edition also features in-depth profiles of ... Aaron's Q3 conference call set Aaron Rents will hold a conference call to duscuss third quarter 2008 results at 10:30 a.m. EST October 29. Aaron's President Charlie Loudermilk, CEO Robin Loudermilk, Chief Operating Officer Ken Butler and Executive Vice President Gil Danielson will be on hand for opening remarks and to field questions. ... For Premier Wheel Workz, Ideal Software is "ideal" Ideal Software Systems today announced Premier Wheel Workz, a leader in tire and wheel applications, has selected the Ideal system to manage their rental operations. Ideal has also served as the exclusive software provider for Premier Rental Purchase’s 60 plus locations since 2004. “I think they are ... TARA's 25th welcomes Texas State Rep. District 65 State Representative Burt Solomons will speak at TARA membership meeting. The Texas Association of Rental Agencies welcomes Texas State Representative Burt Solomons as a guest speaker at it's historic 25th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show which kicks off this Saturday in Irving. Solomons, chairman of the ... RSSS users get scoop on modernization RSSS Conference attendees aboard the USS Lexington. Rent-to-own dealers from around the country got the lowdown Tuesday, on new software enhancements, developments and upgrades headed their way at the RSSS "Silver Summit" Users Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas. RSSS -- now 25 years old -- serves around 1,... Pennsylvania dealers host Attorney General during state meeting The Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers (PARD) held their annual state association meeting in Harrisburg October 7 that featured honored guest and speaker, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett. Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett with PARD President Sandi Frye. The state association meeting sponsored by TRIB began with an introduction ... RSSS silver conference tees off in Corpus RSSS kicked off its 25th anniversary users conference Monday in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a game of four man scramble at Newport Dunes -- a new Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course on the Texas Gulf Coast. The team of Jan Miller, Joe Hopkins, Mike Frawley and Mark Rettig won ... Rent One honors Vets in second medallion ceremony Rent One of Salem, Illinois, this weekend awarded over 80 special medallions to veterans at the Rent One/National Guard tent located in the town square as part of the city's 37th annual Little Egypt Festival. L to R: Salem Rent One Manager Patricia Gibson, three local veterans and SFC ... Moody Brothers open Premier store in Mississippi Brothers Chad and Jeffery Moody recently opened a Premier Rental-Purchase store in Columbus, Mississippi, and after their first two months, say they are way ahead of expectations. Eager to follow a family tradition as entrepreneurs, the Moodys are putting their RTO expertise to use and are excited about their ... Industry stats are best defense in down economy -- deadline October 31 The fiscal health and viability of the rent-to-own industry is best reflected in the statistical data accrued from its members and presented to the public. Especially in sour economic times, the more robust that financial data, the more clearly the rent-to-own story is told and the more bankable the ... Kansas dealers brush up on legal, legislative issues Collections and employment issues top the Kansas Association of Rental Dealers (KARD) annual meeting October 14 and 15 at the Prairie Band Casino in Mayetta, Kansas. Around 50 dealers representing 10 rent-to-own companies are expected at the event which begins with a cocktail reception October 14 and continues with ... New York Dealers welcome Assemblywoman, present Special Olympics check The New York State Rental Dealers Association has a full slate booked for their bi-annual meeting next week, including a visit from New York Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito and the formal presentation of fundraising proceeds to Special Olympics. New York Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito. Destito, who represents New York's 116th Assembly ... Unhappy holidays for CE? The consumer electronics industry is looking at its bleakest holiday season in memory thanks to the struggling economy, according to analysts and economists quoted by Reuters. The experts attribute the anticipated slowdown to a lack of cash in the pockets of consumers as well as other indicators including the ... RSSS celebrates 25th at users conference Users of Rental and Sales Software Systems -- better known as RSSS -- head to the Texas gulf coast next week for the company's semi-annual user's conference where RSSS will unveil a host of innovations to its rent-to-own software that now runs in over 1,000 stores. RSSS General ... Petra Industries annual golf charity raises $60,000 National CE distributor Petra Industries drew 117 participants to its 10th annual Charity Golf Tournament last week, generating over $60,000 for Mercy Ministries of America and Whiz Kids. This year’s festivities began on September 24 with a cocktail reception and a “Show your helping hand” Texas ... Pennsylvania dealers host attorney general Dealers from across Pennsylvania will join forces for a day of networking and education at the Pennsylvania Rental Dealer's Association annual meeting October 7 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. PARD President Sandi Frye expects over 30 attendees representing 11 rent-to-own companies, 10 of which are independent ... RTO Bill reaches 100 mark, elections key to sustaining momentum Eight-term Republican Congressman Ed Royce today bridged a threshold of support for H.R. 1767, the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. Rep. Ed Royce Royce, who serves southern California's 40th Congressional District, Tuesday became the bill's 99th co-sponsor. Including lead sponsor Rep. William Lacy Clay, total U.S. House ... Economic meltdown demands flexibility of RTO As the U.S. Congress scrambles to approve a proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout to absorb enough bad housing debt to shore up the markets and allow banks to resume lending again, it's unlikely little if any of that "dislodged" credit will flow into the hands of ... RTO Roundtable data now available Close to 200 rent-to-own dealers packed the Ferrara Theatre at the America's Center in downtown St. Louis August 12 for a rich and rapid-fire interactive session known as the All-Industry Roundtable where they shared information on a variety of topics from best hiring practices to legislative issues to community ... Freitag's welcome new addition Bob and Renee Freitag, of T.G.I. Freitags, welcomed daughter Emilie Dawn Freitag recently. Emilie Dawn was born September 23 at 9:23 a.m. measuring 19 inches weighing 8 pounds 3 ounces. The family resides in Dodge Center, Minnesota.... Brown delivers APRO PAC check to Kansas Congressman Jim Brown and wife Debbie, of Whichita, Kansas-based ABC Rent-To-Own recently deliver a $1,000 APRO PAC check to fifth term Congressman Dennis Moore, a co-sponsor of rent-to-own legislation and member of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. More, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of ... Easyhome headed for central Texas Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announced the signing of a new easyhome franchise to develop several markets in Central Texas. The franchise, easycompany, LLC will by headed up by CEO Trent McKenzie, who will develop at least 10 stores over the next 4 years. "Easyhome ... TRIB "Meeting of the Minds" hotel deadline September 29 Over 100 rent-to-own dealers from across the country are due in Atlanta October 22 and 23 to hone their management, operations and communications skills among colleagues at the annual TRIB Group "Meeting of the Minds". The event is scheduled for the Renaissance Concourse Hotel where a room rate ... Daughter's spirit lives on at Showplace RTO Long-time Showplace Rent-To-Own customer Jenna Gibson, 48, loves Halloween. It's her favorite holiday -- a passion she shared with her daughter, Kasi. Jenna Gibson, with grandson Conrad Richards and resident ghoul, at Showplace Rent-To-Own's "Halloween in September" in Bellefontaine, Ohio. After four-year-old Kasi was killed in a car ... Showplace customer wins new car Showplace Rent-To-Own topped off an extended customer appreciation celebration last night by delivering a new car to one lucky grand prize winner. This year the traditional one day celebration was extended a full week with Amanda Pauley of Huber Heights winning the grand prize 2008 Hyundai Accent. Keith Ferriman, ... APRO's Disaster Relief Fund eases hurricane impact While the final cost of damages wrought by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike on the Gulf Coast is still being calculated, the direct impact on businesses and their employees was immediate. An unknown number of rent-to-own dealers sustained damage as a result of the September storms, which forced the evacuation ... RNR Virginia trains up to roll out Two new RNR Custom Wheels and Tires stores are headed for Virginia and managers and sales staff are gearing up. RNR of Virginia -- an affiliated RTO Inc. company and RNR franchisee -- plans to open its first store in Norfolk, Virginia, in October and the second this spring ... Baby May joins APRO staff APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May and wife Kelli, introduced their newest family member, Alaina Jill May, to APRO staff with a surprise visit Monday. Richard, Alaina and Kelli May outside APRO offices in Austin. Born August 15, 2008 -- a day after the 2008 APRO Convention -- and ... RNR sponsors car rally for missing children RNR teams up with Fireball Run to sponsor the 2008 Fireball Run Transcontinental Rally -- the anchor event of a nationwide recovery and awareness campaign to help in the search for abducted children. The campaign aims to educate the public and raise awareness about the over 2000 children reported ... Sam's teams with sports stars to help children in need Sam's Furniture and Appliance of Fort Worth is teaming up once again with Brandon Bass of the Dallas Mavericks and Adam "Pac-man" Jones of the Dallas Cowboys to raise money for under privileged children in impoverished communities. In partnership with Bass and Jones, Sam's will sponsor a team ... Aaron's employees restrain armed robber Employees in an Atlanta rent-to-own store overpowered an armed robber earlier this week and restrained him until police arrived, according to a Thursday story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The suspect, Shawn Sjavaive Henderson, 21, of Jonesboro, and at least one employee were injured during the struggle at Aaron’s ... LG president, products on center stage at 60th primetime Emmy awards When Hollywood's brightest television stars shine at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards, LG Electronics will be on center stage - literally. LG Electronics is the Official HDTV of the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, airing live from the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 21 on ABC. ... TARA booth discount expires tomorrow Tomorrow is the last day to purchase booths at a discount for the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' historic 25th anniversary Convention and Buying Show in Irving October 11-13 and spaces are going fast. Nearly three quarters of the 50 available booths have already been claimed and after September ... Florida dealers move forward with "skips" database Owners and managers from around a dozen Florida Rental Companies agreed Tuesday to move forward on a data system that would allow them to share whether prospective customers had accounts with other rent-to-own dealers where merchandise had been charged off or stolen. Florida dealers discuss options for developing a ... Korst urges industry unity at FRDA conference Industry updates and management training topped off the Florida Rental Dealers Association annual meeting in Tampa Tuesday where over 120 dealers turned out for the afternoon events that concluded the conference. FRDA Dealers wave goodbye to another successful conference. Prior to the meeting, some 29 vendors set up tabletops ... MRDA management training next week The Missouri Rental Dealers Association is offering rent-to-own managers a unique training opportunity next week as part of the association's "Traveling Roadshow" -- a training event that will take place in three cities across Missouri. Veteran RTO speaker Frank Matthews will present a seminar entitled "The Trip ... RTO bill adds four, breaks all-time co-sponsorship record with 98 Four more co-sponsors have submitted their names to the U.S. House of Representatives clerk for official co-sponsorship of H.R. 1767 - the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- according to Rep. William Lacy Clay's office Tuesday. Reps. Nick Lampson (D-TX), John Linder (R-GA), Randy Forbes (R-VA) and ... ColorTyme's Tim Hogan tapped to head RimTyme operations ColorTyme Vice President of Operation Tim Hogan will now head the company's custom-wheel-and-tire brand, ColorTyme officials announced today. Hogan is now vice president of operations for RimTyme where he will manage and develop both corporate and franchised custom- wheel-and-tire stores for the company. He will however remain a member ... "Slats" Golf Memorial opens FRDA annual meeting Around 66 rent-to-own professionals turned out Monday, for the sixth annual Norman "Slats" Slatton Golf Memorial -- the kickoff event for the Florida Rental Dealers Association's annual meeting at the Crown Plaza at Sabal Park in Tampa, Florida. Some 115 dealers representing 18 companies are expected at the ... Aaron's sells corporate furnishings division Aaron Rents today announced it will sell its corporate furnishings division to CORT Business Services Corporation, an estimated $72 million deal that will allow Aaron's to better focus on its fast growing sales and lease ownership division. Aaron's Corporate Furnishings, the company's residential rent-to-rent business, recorded revenues of $99 ... NEW EXPO VIDEO: Chris Bolin, Bolin Rental Purchase It's hard not to call Chris Bolin the hardest working rent-to-own dealer in the business. Bolin, who owns two Bolin Rental Purchase stores in Kentucky and Tennessee, serves as both president and vice president of those two state's rental dealer association's respectively. Watch the video. The Association of Progressive ... Dwyer to open ColorTyme in Connecticut Steven Dwyer has owned companies his entire career, but he’s a novice at rent-to-own. New ColorTyme franchisee Steve Dwyer. But that's about to change with the grand-opening on his first ColorTyme store September 18 in Waterbury, Connecticut -- the first of three he plans to open within the ... Expo Wrap Up Over 300 Rent-To-Own professionals trekked to Columbus, Ohio this week to make the fifth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo the highest attended regional show in the country. Expo show floor. Some 233 rent-to-own owners, managers and employees representing 29 different companies made the trip from nine states including Kentucky, ... CEA hires new vice president The Consumer Electronics Association on Wednesday announced the hiring of a new vice president, as well as the promotions of two other executives, according to Dealerscope Magazine. The industry association has named James Hedlund its new vice president of regulatory affairs. Hedlund comes to CEA from Yahoo, where he ... NEW EXPO VIDEO: Josh Johnson, Out The Door Rent-To-Own Josh Johnson of Out the Door Rent-to-Own, is a one store dealer who brought all three of his managers to the 2008 Midwest Training Expo September 9 and 10 in Columbus, Ohio. Watch the video. Johnson -- a second year Expo attendee -- said he made the nine hour ... NEW EXPO VIDEO: ORDA Vice President Josef Burgan Josef Burgan is the vice president of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association. Burgan also co-owns First Place Rentals with partner Robert McKinney. He serves as chief operating officer of the Youngstown, Ohio based company. An ORDA board member for the last four years, Burgan was elected vice president at ... Whirlpool, LG reach partial agreement Today, Whirlpool Corporation and LG Electronics agreed to a partial resolution of the patent infringement action that Whirlpool brought against LG in the U.S. International Trade Commission in January 2008, according to Business Wire. The resolution relates to two of Whirlpool's patents directed to ice maker fill tubes ... NEW VIDEO: APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek Newly elected APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek was one of 233 rent-to-own dealers to attend the Midwest RTO Expo in Columbus, Ohio this week. In this exclusive APRO video, "Tiger" -- who, along with son John Jr. owns nine Cleek's Lease or Own stores in Missouri -- ... NEW VIDEO: ORDA President Mike Tissot In this exclusive APRO interview, Ohio Rental Dealers Association President and Countryside Rentals owner Mike Tissot discusses some of the history and factors that contributed to the record breaking attendance at the 2008 Midwest RTO Training Expo this week in Ohio. Click to play video. Excellent training and an ... NEW VIDEO: Regional Relevance: Expo readies dealers for Q4 Rent-to-own dealers from across nine states took full advantage Wednesday of a host of product specific training sessions offered at the fifth annual Midwest Training Expo -- the largest event of its kind in the country. Ohio State Representative Joe Uecker with ORDA President Mike Tissot at the Midwest ... APRO's Virtual Tradeshow is live The APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show is long gone. But keeping in touch with the 86 vendors who attended the show is now easier than ever with APRO's Virtual Tradeshow link. Dealers will find specific details on all vendors who attended the show including product descriptions and contact ... Midwest Expo welcomes record breaking crowd If Tuesday's pre-show elbow-to-elbow reception was any indication, the fifth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo will be one for the record books. Colorama COO Bill Esenbock, Joe Allen and Austin Tanner -- three of 35 Colorama managers at the Expo. Rent-to-own dealers from companies large and small packed the ... EEO-1 Reports due September 30. The Employer Information Report EEO-1, otherwise known as the EEO-1 Report, is required to be filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Joint Reporting Committee by September 30, 2008. The requirement applies to companies either doing business with the federal government with 50 or more employees or ... CEA lauds Wilmington, NC as digital pioneer As a successful harbinger of the nation’s upcoming transition to digital television, all full-power television broadcasting in Wilmington, North Carolina today switches to digital. Residents in Wilmington who watch over-the-air broadcasts on an analog TV have been informed of the need to purchase a digital TV or converter ... Midwest Expo tops 300 registrants, nine states to join The fifth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo September 9 and 10 is shaping up to be the largest regional tradeshow in the country with over 300 total attendees registered as of today. Of the 310 total registrants, 225 are rent-to-own owners, managers or employees representing 29 different companies across ... T.G.I. Freitags holds first company picnic Over 30 employees family and friends turned out yesterday for the first annual T.G.I. Freitags company picnic in Hayfield, Minnesota. The three-store company also named its first ever manager and employee of the year -- awards voted on by employees and staff. Freitags manager of the year ... Korst to headline FRDA Meeting Chris Korst, executive vice president of operations for Rent-A-Center, will address over 150 rent-to-own dealers and vendors as the keynote speaker at the Florida Rental Dealers Annual meeting next week in Tampa, Florida. Chris Korst, executive vice president of operations for Rent-A-Center is the keynote speaker for FRDA's annual ... Whirlpool again named to sustainability index Whirlpool Corporation announced today it was named to the 2008/2009 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the fourth year in a row. The international stock portfolio evaluates corporate performance using economic, environmental, and social criteria. "We are proud to be recognized by one of the world's most comprehensive ... Rent-A-Center inks $34 million network deal with Verizon Rent-A-Center replaced around 700 different networking service contracts with a three-year agreement with Verizon Business to service its 3,000 rent-to-own stores in North America, according to a report today in Computerworld. The agreement, reached between the nation's largest rent-to-own company and Verizon earlier this year is valued at ... Central Rent to Own donates $33,000 in-kind to 2009 Special Olympics Central Rent to Own employees present Special Olympics athletes and organizers with a $33,000 check representing the company's recent donation to the Special Olympics World Games. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho will be the largest event of its kind ever held in the ... Iowa dealers re-elect Luksetich Lyn Leach presents Brian Luksetich with APRO's Legislative Achievement Award today in Iowa. Some 18 rent-to-own dealers turned out for The Association of Iowa Rental Dealers' 21st annual business meeting today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston, Iowa where they re-elected the association's current president and vice president. ... RTO Vet DiLeo to open new ColorTyme Shawn DiLeo began his rent-to-own career at 18, driving the delivery truck for a small RTO store. It wasn’t long before he was manager of the store, and soon after that he began working his way up in the industry. New ColorTyme Franchisee Shawn DiLeo. Today, DiLeo is ... Northwest Rental Dealers meet September 11 On the heels of its first ever membership meeting, the year-old Northwest Rental Dealers Association is due for it's first business meeting September 11 in Spokane, Washington. Around a dozen RTO dealers from the state of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana are expected and will discuss hiring an oversight ... NEW VIDEO: Kelly and Kinnear on APRO On August 13, APRO members elected two new faces to the association's board of directors. Watch Video. Members filled eight seats on the board at the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show in St. Louis last month, re-electing six incumbents and electing two new members, Bill Kelly and Scott ... Nationwide partners with top Internet Ad Firm Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) recently announced a collaboration with ReachLocal, a leading national Internet advertising firm for local businesses. "ReachLocal understands what it takes to be successful online," said Executive Vice President Les Kirk of Nationwide Marketing Group. “Our members will now have access to search ... Iowa dealers get back to basics Brian Luksetich, president of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers, knows trainings and trade shows are fundamental to the work of many state associations. While he recognizes the value in these offerings, Luksetich wants to keep AIRD's upcoming "Synergy in Iowa" meeting September 4 focused on one primary ... Home furnishings group introduces RTO option As a way to reach "credit challenged" customers in an uncertain economy, The National Home Furnishings Association is introducing a new financing program that would allow members to test the rent-to-own waters, according to a report in Furniture Today. The Lease/Purchase Alternative Finance Program is offered by 4Sales ... RTO swings into action for Clay scholarship benefit The rent-own-industry is once again pitching in to help deserving students find the financial support they need to attend college with its sponsorship of the 13th annual William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Golf Tournament September 8. In total, the industry -- including national representation by the Association of ... State Rep. Uecker to open Midwest Training Expo The fifth becomes the first next week at the Midwest RTO Training Expo. That's when the Ohio Rental Dealers Association's fifth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo will cement its legacy as the first "true" regional tradeshow September 9-10 with the help of a state representative and close to ... Former Aaron's RM opens ColorTyme John Fornero is no stranger to the rent-to-own industry, having been an Aaron’s Regional Manager for ten years. John and his new ColorTyme store, opening on September 11 in Tampa, is one of 10 new franchisees joining the ColorTyme brand this year. John Fornero, new ColorTyme franchisee. "... Briley presented flag by Congressman Congressman Randy Neugebauer of Texas' 19th district, presented Abilene City Councilman and Aaron's franchisee Robert Briley with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Monday. Rep. Neugebauer, left, with Zach, Robert and Lou Briley. Neugebauer, a co-sponsor of rent-to-own bill H.R. 1767, wanted to recognize Briley ... NEW PODCAST: Bob Lawrence, CEO AVB - Brand Source Bob Lawrence is the CEO of AVB-Brand Source, the nation's largest buying group. Bob Lawrence, AVB-Brand Source CEO. Listen here. In an economic climate that seems awash in grim forecasts, Lawrence exudes an optimism that rests on his belief that "big" is out. His assessment, "the aggregation ... NEW PODCAST: Appliance analyst John White forecasts strong majap demand John White is the vice president of the appliance division at AVB-Brand Source. Though appliance sales for the industry as a whole are down nearly eight percent, White, a 20-year appliance industry veteran, notes Brand Source appliance sales are up 1.5 percent year-to-date. John White, Brand Source VP ... NEW PODCAST: CE analyst Jim Ristow Jim Ristow is the vice president of consumer electronics with AVB-Brand Source and has been with the buying group for 10 years. Jim Ristow, AVB-Brand Source VP of Consumer Electronics. Listen to podcast. In this exclusive podcast, Ristow gives a 50,000 foot view of the consumer electronics industry ... Study: Consumer confidence in technology rising The CEA-CNET Indexes increased for the month of August, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET. The Indexes are comprised of the CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) and the CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), the first-ever measure of consumer expectations ... Lawrence optimistic on economy, plight of independents AVB-Brand Source officially opened the doors on its Convention and Buying Fair this morning at the Paris Las Vegas Casino and Resort with an address by the buying group's CEO and keynote speaker. Bob Lawrence greets buy fair attendees Tuesday morning. Over 3,000 attendees are here for the ... Central File Sweeps Direct Mail in RAE Awards Central File Marketing of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, swept the direct mail category in the recent rent-to-own industry's longest running advertising awards contest, the Rental Advertising Excellence Awards, taking home gold, silver, and bronze. Central File owner Dan Chaudoir attributes the success to the company's over 15 years experience in ... Measuring Up expands with new office Erie-based customer satisfaction survey company, Measuring Up, announced the opening of an expansion office, also in Erie. The expansion will accommodate recent and expected growth according to company president Tony Craig. Tony and Tammy Craig of Measuring Up. “This additional office provides Measuring Up the workspace environment we ... AVB-Brand Source Convention lights up Vegas The nation's largest member-owned buying group, AVB-Brand Source, opens its fall convention this week at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas August 24-28, promising a flurry of fourth quarter buying activity coupled with inspiring speakers and a host of educational seminars aimed at giving indie dealers a one up ... Don Cecil of Don's E-Z Pay dies Longtime rent-to-own dealer and APRO member Don Cecil, of Don's E-Z Pay, died on August 23 surrounded by family and friends, according to his daughter, Rhonda Weatherford. "I feel I have been very blessed to have such a great Dad and teacher," Weatherford wrote in her e-mail ... Toshiba names Vance Baldwin Electronics Distributor of the Year Vance Baldwin Electronics was recently awarded the distributor of the year award by Toshiba America Consumer Products at the 2008 National Professional Service Convention. “Each year we recognize one of our authorized parts distributors for their outstanding performance and dedication to the service industry," said Robert Fisher, ... KLQ golfers fend off rain, raise money for scholarships Over 150 golfers from across the country braved soggy Washington weather today for the 4th annual Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial Golf Tournament in Lacey, Washington -- the key fundraiser for a highly successful state scholarship program. Some of the over 150 golfers at the 4th annual Dan ... NEW PODCAST: Angela Quinn, KLQ Education Foundation president Listen to Angela Quinn podcast. Angela Quinn is president of KLQ Education Foundation. In this exclusive APRO Podcast, Quinn shares some of the history of the foundation and the annual Dan Quinn/James Weber Memorial Golf Outing and Auction that support it. To date, the KLQ Education Foundation has awarded ... Koens open new Premier in Colorado Matt and Cindy Koen have recently opened a Premier Rental-Purchase franchise in Pueblo, Colorado with Cindy’s parents Donna and Jim Singleton. Matt Koen, Donna Singleton, employees Oliver Singleton and John Hart In just the first few months since opening, the Koen's report BOR is already at 400 for ... IRDA helps give ex-offenders second chance in Chicago IRDA representatives with Rep. Danny K. Davis at recent job training computer donation in Chicago. The Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association (IRDA) this week turned van-loads of used computers into keys of opportunity for students at an innovative job training program in Chicago. Rent One CEO Larry Carrico joined Congressman ... Rent-A-Center gifts New York nursing students with $12,000 in textbook credits Rent-A-Center coworkers from around New York and the company’s home office ensured each of the 120 local students with a declared nursing major at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh received a $100 textbook credit for the upcoming fall semester -- a $12,000 total value. The company will ... RNR Custom Wheels and Tires wins nine APRO RAE Awards RNR Custom Wheels and Tires walked away with nine awards this year from APRO’s 2008 RAE (Rental Advertising Excellence) Awards including four golds, three silvers and two bronze. This year's RAE awards was a record breaker for RNR, as last year the company racked up four with two ... Easyhome picks up Canadian RTO competitor Canadian rent-to-own company Easyhome announced August 14, it has agreed to acquire Insta-Rent, which operates 44 RTO kiosks in The Brick stores and six freestanding stores in Canada, according to Furniture Today. The agreement will amount to 50 cents per Insta-Rent share. Easyhome said it expects the deal will ... Board votes "Tiger" in as new APRO President The APRO Board of Directors formally elected officers August 14, including the new president of the national rent-to-own trade association, "Tiger" John Cleek. New APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek. Cleek replaces outgoing two-term APRO President Larry Carrico. The election took place during the board's first full meeting ... APRO clears record $19.2 million in purchase orders Buoyed by competitive show specials and the highest attendance in two years, rent-to-own dealers shelled out over $19 million in purchase orders over the two day APRO Buying Show which concluded today in St. Louis. Opening day of the record setting APRO 2008 Buying Show. The total, which exceeds ... Loudermilk wins APRO lifetime achievement award Industry trailblazer and philanthropist Charles Loudermilk, founder of Atlanta-based Aaron Rents, took home the rent-to-own industry's highest prize Wednesday night at the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations 2008 Convention Awards Banquet in St. Louis, Missouri. APRO's 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Charles Loudermilk. Around 450 rent-to-own professionals were on ... Bolin is APRO's Rental Dealer of the Year, Matthews is Vendor of the Year Darrell Tissot and Larry Carrico present Mike Tissot with 2008 President's Award of Excellence. In a star studded awards banquet Wednesday night, APRO honored the best in the business with seven awards during the association's annual convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals based in Bainbridge, ... NEW VIDEO: First APRO Scholarship winner Show-Me Rent-To-Own saleswoman Penny Wyatt is used to going the extra mile. She's a single mother raising a 14-year-old son, a full time award-winning employee and a full-time student on the Dean's list. Her commitment to both her career and education has earned notice from her employer, colleagues, customers ... Clay re-affirms vow to fight for RTO Legislative threats are never too far off in the the rent-to-own industry. Rep. Clay at the APRO General Session Wednesday. Whether from consumer groups, the IRS or Senator Charles Schumer, threats to rent-to-own are kept at bay only through the work of a vigilant trade association, an active membership ... Illinois is most improved state association The Illinois Rental Dealers Association was honored today at APRO's 2008 Convention General Session with the "Most Improved State Sssociation" award presented by "Tiger" John Cleek, chairman of APRO's state association coordination committee. Cleek recognized Illinois as an innovative state association, one of the first to set ... NEW VIDEO: Kim Royal named APRO Customer of the Year Kimberly Royal -- APRO's 2008 Customer of the year -- is a case manager at the Judge Dennis J. Boll Group and Shelter Home -- an "incarceration-to-home life" transition facility for local adolescents in the region -- where she has worked for the past 24 years. Play the ... NEW VIDEO: Bill Tennison named employee of the year Bill Tennison began as a delivery driver for Heartland Furniture and Appliance in 1998. He rapidly advanced within the family oriented company where he now manages the Doniphan, Missouri store. His ability to relate to his customers as people and rather than accounts has earned him a devoted customer ... New faces elected to APRO Board APRO members today filled eight available seats on the APRO Board of Directors, re-electing six and electing two new members to the board. New APRO board member Bill Kelly. Members voted by secret ballot during the general session of the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show underway at the ... NEW VIDEO: Welcome to APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III, Executive Director Bill Keese and President Larry Carrico, share their impressions thus far of the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show at the America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Over 750 rent-to-own dealers and vendors will be on hand for the general session ... RAE Award winners on display Some 66 winners in the longest running rent-to-own industry advertising award competition are now on display in the main hall of the America's Center at the APRO Convention and Buying Show. The winners represent the best advertising in the rent-to-own business. The 2008 Rental Advertising Excellence Award winners for ... All Industry Roundtable kicks off APRO Education Day 2008 Close to 200 rent-to-own dealers packed the Ferrara Theatre at the America's Center in downtown St. Louis Tuesday morning for a rich and rapid-fire interactive session known as the All-Industry Roundtable where they shared information on a variety of topics from best hiring practices to legislative issues to community ... New vendor advisory committee members elected Two new members joined the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee after winning election by APRO Associate Members Tuesday at the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show in St. Louis, Missouri. New committee members Bryan Collins of Bryce Jewelry and Bill French of O'Rourke Sales Company were elected to the committee. ... Butler named Chief Operating Officer of Aaron Rents The Aaron Rents board of directors Monday elected William K. Butler Jr. Chief Operating Officer of the company. Butler, 55, formerly was president of the company's sales and lease ownership division. Butler's election was announced by R. Charles Loudermilk Sr., chairman of the board of directors. "We are ... APRO Convention swings into St. Louis Over 70 golfers from across the rent-to-own spectrum -- dealers, vendors, employees and family members -- opened the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show with a game of four-man scramble at the lush Quail Creek Golf Course south of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. RTO federal bill sponsor Congressman William ... Hancook to head ColorTyme communications, PR ColorTyme today opened a new chapter in its public relations strategy with the hiring of PR veteran Mary Ann (M.A.) Hancook to head up its corporate communications and public relations initiatives for the ColorTyme and RimTyme brands. Hancook brings to the table more than 20 years of ... Florida rent-to-own scheme foiled Escambia County Sheriff’s Department officials this week cracked a major rent-to-own ripoff scam involving close to $25,000 worth of rented merchandise that was then hauled to pawn shops, according to the Pensacola News Journal. The items, mostly large screen televisions, were rented at several local rent-to-own stores ... "Fair Tax" Linder agrees to co-sponsor The seeds of APRO's Legislative Conference continue to bear fruit with another U.S. Congressman agreeing to co-sponsor the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. Republican Rep. John Elmer Linder, who represents Georgia's 7th Congressional District, will sign on to H.R. 1767 when the House returns to session in ... Ideal to unveil new RTO software at APRO show Ideal Software Systems announced today it will introduce a brand new Windows-based product at the APRO meeting in St. Louis next week. Ideal Software programmers started from scratch to design a completely new Windows-based system, using an SQL database. The system includes new features developed using customer requirements and ... Buddy's Home Furnishings kicks off expansion plans with nine new stores Buddy's Home Furnishings this week announced the opening of nine new stores across four states, an expansion that will bring total store count for the historic rent-to-own company to 70. “This is a very exciting time for all of us at Buddy’s Home Furnishings," said Buddy's ... High Touch wins health and wellness award The Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita recently announced High Touch Technology Solutions as a co-winner of the organization's fourth annual Working Well award, presented to Wichita companies that exemplify the best in health and wellness programs. This year’s winners are NORDAM and High Touch which were selected ... APRO membership spikes ahead of convention The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Thursday, reported more rent-to-own dealers were hearing its message of unity, education and advocacy noting its current membership total ranks as one of the highest in the association's 28-year history. As of August 2008, APRO has 371 dealer members representing over 5,900 ... APRO VENDOR FOCUS: Dynavox AcoustaBar makes surround sound easy and affordable Dynavox is one of 20 new vendors at the 2008 APRO Convention and Buying Show, and the audio products manufacturer is intent on staying on the "bleeding edge" of audio technology with its new AcoustaBar. The AcoustaBar is a 42 inch wide "all-in-one" home-theater system designed for ... APRO VENDOR FOCUS: A-America offers fashion forward looks at attractive prices High quality furniture at low prices, that's the philosophy that drives the 34-year old A-America company. A-America is a first year APRO vendor at the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show at the America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri August 11-14. The family owned company, is known for its ... APRO VENDOR FOCUS: Catnapper recliners combine form and function Jackson Furniture major accounts vice president Don Hunter hopes his Catnapper line of reclining furniture catches on with rent-to-own dealers as much for its durability as for it's comfort. Catnapper is one of 20 new vendors attending the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show at the America's Center in ... New Premier Wheel Workz opens in Murfreesboro, Tn. Eric Marlin and Mitch Robinson have combined their 40 years of rent-to-own experience and opened a Premier Wheel Workz wheel and tire rentals dealership in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The learning curve has been steep, but Marlin says they both feel Premier’s automotive training and franchising support has enabled them ... Rent-A-Center backs Clyburn golf outing The nation's largest rent-to-own company is backing a high profile golf tournament this weekend that provides thousands in need-based college scholarships for South Carolina students each year. Rent-A-Center will contribute nearly a dozen product prizes from XBOX 360's to digital camcorders to James Clyburn's annual Rudolph Canzater Memorial Golf ... TARA hires new management firm Today, the Texas Association of Rental Agencies announced the hiring of an association management firm to run the daily business operations of the largest state rental/purchase association in the nation. Association Management Professionals (AMP), an Austin based company, assumed full management of TARA August 1. TARA’s headquarters will ... Be a sport and win a prize at the APRO ESPY's In honor of St. Louis’ rich sports history, APRO’s 2008 Awards Banquet August 13 has a sports theme patterned after the prestigious ESPYs. Legendary St. Louis radio personality Guy Phillips will emcee the event and host a sports-trivia game show for banquet attendees. Six MVPs of the game ... IRDA commits computers to innovative training program Members of the Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association are chipping in to help bridge the digital divide in Chicago. IRDA member companies Aaron's, National Rent-To-Own and Rent One will donate more than 30 used computers next month to the Danny K. Davis Training Program -- a "hands on" program ... LG teams with Netflix on first movie streaming Blu-ray player Building on a groundbreaking technology partnership announced earlier this year, LG Electronics and Netflix today announced plans for the first Blu-ray disc player that will have the added benefit of being able to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV. ... Ashley's RTO mix-and-mingle a hit at Las Vegas Market Over 30 rental dealers from around the country convened Tuesday in the Ashley Furniture Showroom to kick off opening day of the Summer Las Vegas Market , July 28 - August 1. Some of the over 30 rental dealers at threcent the Ashley Furniture RTO reception in Las Vegas. Rent-to-own ... New York rental dealers rally for Special Olympics A fundraising initiative spearheaded by the New York State Rental Dealers Association (NYSRDA) takes root in two weeks with a program organizers hope will generate $27,000 for Special Olympics of New York. New York State Rental Dealers at their annual meeting this May. The "Sponsor and Athlete" ... Rent-A-Center jump starts Latino computer lab in Ohio Rent-A-Center’s sixth gift in its statewide community initiative in Ohio will brighten the lives of clients and staff at Adelante, The Latino Resource Center in Toledo. Through the program -- entitled Random Acts of Caring – Rent-A-Center is donating four desktop Compaq computers, one Toshiba laptop computer and ... LG aims for 52 percent boost in washing machine sales LG Electronics, the world's third-biggest washing machine maker in terms of revenue, said Tuesday it looks to increase washing machine sales by 52 percent this year to $3.5 billion, according to Reuters. The company reports sales of front-loader washing machines and those packaged with dryers have been strong, ... Rent-A-Center Q2 total revenues down $5.2 million Today Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own company, posted its earnings report for the second quarter of 2008 indicating total revenue is down compared to last year, a decrease attributed to fewer stores. Second Quarter 2008 Results Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 were $719.0 million, ... APRO's Virtual Trade Show, floor maps now available The APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show is just two weeks away. Rent-to-own dealers from around the country will travel to the Renaissance Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, August 11-14 to take advantage of unbeatable show specials, educational opportunities and networking events. But for those unable to attend ... KitchenAid introduces its quietest dishwasher ever Homeowners who believe nothing should interfere with good times and good conversation in the kitchen take note. KitchenAid -- a Whirlpool brand -- is now offering its quietest dishwasher ever, the new EQ Wash System and Whisper Quiet Ultima Sound Insulation System. This latest KitchenAid brand undercounter dishwasher is ... LG Electronics, cable operators reach agreement on interactive video services LG Electronics, Inc. today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the top six U.S. cable operators, supporting the use of the Tru2way technology platform for delivering two-way interactive digital cable services without a set-top box. “This pro-consumer pact means that LG Tru2way HDTVs planned ... Rent-A-Center promotes five Rent-A-Center Chairman and CEO Mark Speese announced the promotion of five officers Thursday in a move officials say will help better support operations and future growth at the nation's largest rent-to-own company. “We are fortunate to have an extremely capable management team in place,” Speese said.“... Royal named RTO Customer of the Year Kimberly Royal, APRO's 2008 Customer of the Year, with longtime friend Greg Martin, regional manager with Countryside Rentals. Kimberly Royal of Ironton, Ohio, isn't one who talks about herself easily. She's much more comfortable shining the spotlight on those around her than acknowledging her own contribution to bettering the ... KLQ Education Foundation gears up for golfing fundraiser Around 156 golfers will head to the scenic Hawks Prairie Golf Course in Lacey, Washington August 21 for the 4th annual Dan Quinn and James Webber Memorial Golf Tournament -- the key fundraiser for a highly successful state scholarship program. Todd Castary, store manager for the Bremerton Quality Rentals, ... Credit crunch boosts Aaron Rents Q2 revenues up 15 percent, same store revenues up 4.1 percent Aaron Rents the nation's second largest rent-to-own company, today announced revenues and earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2008. For the second quarter of 2008, revenues rose 15% to $411.2 million compared to $359.0 million for the second quarter of 2007. Net earnings were $23.... Whirlpool steam washer wins IDEA Award Whirlpool Corporation announced the Whirlpool brand Duet Steam Washer has won its fourth design accolade -- "The IDEA Silver Award" -- conferred by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), and sponsored by BusinessWeek magazine. In past months, the Whirlpool brand Duet Steam Washer won three other awards: ... Radio "hall-of-famer" to host 2008 APRO Awards Banquet “Make the connection” is not just a catchphrase with Guy Phillips, it’s his philosophy. That makes Phillips the perfect choice for master of ceremonies at the 2008 APRO Awards Banquet, The ESPYs, in St. Louis August 13. Whether through his razor-sharp morning radio-show wit as chairman of ... Limited rooms still available for APRO Convention You can still get a room at St. Louis Renaissance Grand for APRO 2008 Convention & Buying Show, but only if you act now. APRO has added a few more rooms for our attendees, and the hotel will honor the APRO room rate of $159 until tomorrow, Wednesday, July ... Consumer electronics shipments to reach $173 billion in 2008, $183 billion in 2009 Driven by demand for digital televisions, gaming systems and smartphones, the consumer electronics industry appears vibrant and healthy despite a lagging overall U.S. economy, if shipping revenues are any indication. New statistics indicate the CE industry will see overall shipment revenues top $173 billion in the United States ... Petra partners with Atrend Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor announced a new distribution relationship with Atrend. Petra notes Atrend's broad competitively priced selection and top quality materials and construction as reasons for the partnership. Atrend subwoofer enclosure. “At Petra, we are committed to staying on top of the latest in ... KitchenAid introduces first 72-inch counter-depth French Door refrigerator Adding another industry first to its distinctive collection of French-door refrigerators, KitchenAid -- a Whirlpool brand -- has introduced a new 72-inch counter-depth model that offers extra space on the inside and a sleek, built-in look on the outside. This latest configuration joins a line that already includes freestanding, ... Quinns become grandparents Angela and Kevin Quinn with new grandson, Keagan Roland Conder. Kevin and Angela Quinn, of Quality Rentals, became proud grandparents early Monday with the birth of Keagan Roland Conder at just after 2 a.m. The bouncing baby boy, son of Dustin and Courtney Conder (Kevin and Angela's daughter) ... LG earnings up 84 percent in Q2 LG Electronics boosted quarterly earnings by 84 percent led by strong sales of mobile phones and flat screen TV's as well as gains from its investment in LG Displays Co., but the South Korean firm faces a tougher second half amid a global economic downturn, according to Reuters. LG ... Employees, family, friends kick up heels at annual Full-O-Pep picnic by Murlin Evans Full-O-Pep/American Rental threw out all the stops Saturday for the company's 18th annual company "hog roast" picnic near scenic Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana. Samantha Willey, 8, shows the mechanical bull who's boss at the Full-O-Pep company picnic. Hundreds of employees from across ... NEW PODCASTS: Full-O-Pep trade show wraps, company picnic begins by Murlin Evans Store and regional mangers made their final rounds to vendor booths today at the annual Full-O-Pep/American Rental Trade Show Training Expo at the Seasons Hotel in Nashville, Indiana. Play podcast with Full-O-Pep General Manager David David, pictured here with Robert Saunders of United Furniture. Over 60 ... Full-O-Pep Show a win-win for store managers, vendors, customers by Murlin Evans Managers company-wide trekked to pastoral Nashville, Indiana Friday for day one of the 18th annual Full-O-Pep/American Rental Trade Show and Training Expo. Bill French of O'Rourke Sales Company, Don Julson of LG Electronics and Bob Saunders of United Furniture at the Full-O-Pep annual Trade Show. Over ... Imagery employees celebrate, don mascot costumes at Rent One Park Imagery employees celebrate, don mascot costumes, at Rent One Park Imagery Marketing Group recently traveled over 140 miles on a two and a half hour bus ride to see the Southern Illinois Miners battle the Traverse City Beach Bums at Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois. Some 26 Imagery ... CEA mourns loss of Mr. Color Television, Bill Boss The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today mourns the loss of William E. Boss Jr., 86, Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame inductee and twice Chairman of the Consumer Electronics Group that later became CEA. Boss died Wednesday in Indianapolis. “Bill Boss is widely remembered for his public role in ... Milby, Caprio Take Reins at Ashley Furniture HomeStores Big changes are taking place at KHF Holdings and Home Express, with new leadership from Bill Milby as chief executive officer and Chris Caprio as president. Both of these new players have extensive experience in the rent-to-own furniture industry - experience they expect to parlay into a fresh perspective ... APRO board elections heat up APRO board elections heat up In just under four weeks, APRO members will decide who will fill half the seats on the APRO Board of Directors. This year, 10 candidates are vying for eight available positions on the board, each representing a two-year term. Board members serve staggered two-year ... Rent-to-Own cast in staging industry Around 150 home stagers from around the country convened in Bellevue, Washington this week for the sixth annual Accredited Staging Professionals Conference to network and meet home furnishing vendors and manufacturers who will supply the tools of their trade. Bill Keese, APRO Executive Director, Cindy Ferguson, APRO Marketing Director ... Don Wilson to head Whirlpool RTO Channel Whirlpool Corporation recently announce the appointment of Don Wilson to National Account Executive with responsibility for the Rent To Own Channel. Wilson replaces Brian Duke, who left Whirlpool last month. Duke recently joined the RTO Division of O’Rourke Sales Company where he works under Bill French. Wilson brings ... DeMoss backs new federal effort, not new trade group by Murlin Evans Rent-A-Center General Counsel Ron DeMoss was as surprised as anyone to learn of his support for an alleged new rent-to-own trade association Tuesday. "I had no intention of suggesting any support for a competing trade association." -- Ron DeMoss. DeMoss was quoted in a ... Lewin steps down from Illinois Rental Dealers Board Illinois Rental Dealers Association Boardmember Ben Lewin announced Monday he will step down from the board effective August 1. Lewin, a branch manager with DSI, said he was leaving his post after one year to take advantage of another career opportunity within the company. No immediate successor has been ... Customer Expectations: Ninth installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the ninth in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... Rent One salutes local military in medallion ceremony WW II Veteran Ebert Urfer is overcome with emotion as he is interviewed by local radio host Gail Yeager at Rent One's military honor ceremony. Rent One honored military personnel, both past and present Saturday in an emotionally charged medal presentation ceremony at the company's store in Olney, Illinois. ... It's official: Joining TRIB Group is priceless In an unprecedented move Monday, the nation's only non-profit, member-owned rent-to-own buying group, TRIB Group, announced it's throwing open the doors of membership by deferring its upfront initiation fee -- a $1,900 value. The "no risk guarantee" -- effective now through August 31, 2009 -- is one ... Rent-A-Center treats 50 New York boys and girls to baseball game Rent-A-Center co-workers from around New York and the company’s home office hosted 50 children from the Southwest Community Center in Syracuse for a picnic, Sky Chiefs baseball game and fireworks show at Alliance Bank Stadium on Saturday. The children also had the opportunity to meet some Sky Chiefs ... Grandaughter of RTO dealer named top cowgirl by Murlin Evans Hannah Haugen in the barrel racing competition at the WJHFR national competition. Courtesy NHSRA / David Jennings Photography. Hannah Haugen, 14-year-old grandaughter of ABC Lease, Purchase and Sales owner Jim Brown, last week earned top honors at the 4th Annual National Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo ... Analysts wise to RTO edge in down economy, rate Aaron's a buy By Murlin Evans According to an article in TradingMarkets.com, Aaron Rents stock was upgraded Friday to "overweight" from "equal-weight" at Stephens Inc., an investment banking firm that notes the company is moving beyond problems that hurt it in the prior year. "Overweight" is typically a ... Statistical Survey deadline extended to October 31! Turn your statistics into Gold! Financial analysts and investment bankers depend on APRO's annual statistical survey to gauge the value of the entire industry...and that survey depends on you! Extended deadline October 31! The value of your business is linked to the statistical economic story we have charted ... Congressmen Costello and Pickering join RTO bill The U.S. House version of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act gained two new co-sponsors Friday, with valuable support added from the states of Illinois and Mississippi. Rep. Jerry Costello. Congressmen Jerry Costello and Charles Pickering Jr. joined a growing list of bipartisan co-sponsors of H.R. 1767 ... Drew Summa opens latest Premier store in Florida Drew Summa, 20-year rent-to-own veteran, recently opened his Premier Rental-Purchase store in Oakland Park, Florida. Despite opening in the worst part of the year, Summa has been pleased that business is good and that his first month and a half has gone beyond his expectations. Drew Summa, new Premier ... TomTom gets green light for "live" traffic receivers TomTom recently received Federal Communications Commission authorization to sell advanced “live” HDTraffic navigation devices in the United States that both collect and transmit real-time traffic information, according to a report from consumer electronics publication Twice.com. TomTom currently only offers “live” HDTraffic devices only in Europe. The ... KLQ Education Foundation names 2008 scholarship winners by Murlin Evans Seven Washington college students will get a serious financial boost this year after winning four-year scholarships from the KLQ Education Foundation. Angie Quinn, left, KLQ Foundation president with new scholarship winner Erika Studman. Board members of the non-profit foundation named the winners this week after sorting ... Study: Global Consumer electronics industry will grow to $700 billion by 2009 Worldwide revenue for consumer electronics (CE) will grow nearly ten percent this year, hitting the $700 billion mark by 2009, according to new data from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the GfK Group. According to the report, CEA/GfK Worldwide Consumer Electronics Sales & Forecast, consumers around the world ... Aaron's, Rent-A-Center schedule live Q2 conference calls Aaron Rents Conference call information: Wednesday July 23, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) Scheduled speakers include Charlie Loudermilk, chairman/CEO Robin Loudermilk, President & COO, Ken Butler, president of the Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division and Gilbert Danielson, EVP & CFO. Aaron Rents includes more than ... APRO Convention Spotlight: General session mixes political with practical APRO Convention Spotlight: General Session mixes political with practical Registration deadline July 11! A united industry: On June 4, the rent-to-own industry became keenly aware of the legislative threats that continue to loom on the horizon. VIDEO: Watch Rep. William Lacy Clay urge support for H.R. 1767. That ... Customer Expectations: Eighth installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the eighth in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... Home Express marks one year anniversary with major expansion by Murlin Evans Home Express Sales and Lease owner Bill Milby isn't letting dour economic forecasts color his thinking. By the end of August, Milby plans to open four new Home Express stores -- an expansion that will double his "stand alone" store count to eight and accommodate ... Petra Industries adds Famous Trails to inventory Petra Industries, a leading consumer electronics and appliance distributor, announced today the addition of Famous Trails outdoor products to its inventory of more than 17,000 products. Famous Trails metal detector. “We’re pleased to expand our outdoor products inventory with the addition of Famous Trails products,” ... Whirlpool Corporation names Szczupak head of Global Product Organization Whirlpool Corporation today announced David Szczupak will lead the company's newly named Global Product Organization effective immediately. Mr. Szczupak succeeds Mike Thieneman, who recently retired from the company. In his role as executive vice president, Global Product Organization, Szczupak will provide overall leadership to Whirlpool Corporation's global product businesses ... RTO First: American Rentals becomes authorized service center for Durabook laptops. GammaTech Computer Corporation recently certified American Rentals as an authorized service center for Durabook Ruggedized Laptops, allowing the company to repair damaged computers in house. Kelly Ireland, computer buyer and assistant IT tech with Bloomington, Indiana-based American Rentals, completed the two-day training at GammaTech Computers Fremont, CA Corporate Headquarters, ... Economic malaise, aggressive marketing convert retail customers to rent-to-own by Murlin Evans While tightened consumer lending, job cuts, ascending fuel costs, and other recession indicators are casting a dark cloud over the U.S. economy as a whole, in certain areas they are leading more traditional retail customers into rent-to-own stores. The trend is affording rent-to-own operators the ... New Age expands distribution of Sharp products New Age Electronics announced today it will distribute an expanded inventory of Sharp Electronics audio visual merchandise. Under the terms of the agreement, New Age will now distribute Sharp LCD televisions, Blu-ray disc players and audio/video components in the California and Florida markets. New Age was already responsible for ... 200 Kansas atheletes to compete in High Touch Special Olympics softball tourney More than 200 athletes from around Kansas will compete Saturday, July 12 in the third annual Kansas Special Olympics South Central Invitational Softball Tournament. High Touch, a 24-year old Wichita, Kansas technology solutions company will mark its third year as organizer and host of the event slated for West ... Industry "character" Ken Glasgow of ColorTyme remembered Long-time ColorTyme Field Representative Ken Glasgow, 56, of Fort Worth, Texas, died June 11, 2008 at John Peter Smith Hospital. APRO is proud to present this colorful commentary on Glasgow, by his friend and former ColorTyme collegue, Larry Wilson. Wilson, currently a staff development director with Tarrant County, first ... Industry stats due July 11 The fiscal health and viability of the rent-to-own industry is only as stable as the statistical data it is able to amass and present to the public. Click to take the survey. And there is no more authoritative document on the financial health and well-being of the rent-to-own industry ... Rent One's Fuwell honored with top Carnegie award Public speaking was never a favorite pastime of Rent One Store Manager Sheila Fuwell. But by the end of a 12-week Dale Carnegie Management Training Course, Fuwell's weekly presentations became a class favorite, earning the respect of her classmates who voted to award her the Dale Carnegie "Highest ... 2008 Employee and Customer of the Year nomination deadline July 11 The nomination deadline for APRO's eighth annual employee and customer of the year awards is only 10 days away. Help honor the industry's finest by submitting your nominations for the individuals you feel exemplify the best of the industry. Nomination deadlines for both competitions is July 11, 2008. Click ... Mike Neighbours joins SED International SED International, a leading consumer electronics distributor, today announced the hiring of industry veteran Mike Neighbours as Sales Manager for its rent-to-own division. Mike Neighbors. Neighbours was previously National Account Manager and Regional Sales Manager for Philips Consumer Electronics, where he was employed for 22 years. Prior experience includes ... Customer Expectations: Seventh installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the seventh in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... RAE Awards submission deadline today Today is the deadline for submitting your best ad campaign to the industry's most prestigious advertising awards competition -- the 2008 Rental Advertising Excellence Awards. (RAE). Watch the video! The RAE submission deadline is June 30, so click here to learn more and download an entry form. APRO is ... Petra Industries welcomes Dual Electronics to its product line Today, Petra Industries announced its partnership with leading electronics manufacturer, Dual Electronics. “The mobile audio/video industry is constantly developing newer and better technologies,” says Tate Morgan, Executive Vice President. “By continuing to develop relationships with new manufacturers as well as maintaining present relationships, we’re continually ... Vadnais and Carusone open Premier Rental-Purchase in Central Square, New York Seasoned RTO veterans Rick Vadnais and Dean Carusone opened a Premier Rental-Purchase store in Central Square, New York earlier this spring. It’s the second for Vadnais who, after two and a half years of big success with his Premier Rental-Purchase store in Syracuse, brought on Carusone as his ... British RTO company looks to U.S. for software, industry insight No matter how good you are, there's always room for improvement. APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III and Executive Director Bill Keese with UK visitors Hamish Paton and Leo McKee of BrightHouse. That's the philosophy that guided leaders of the United Kingdom's largest rent-to-own company, BrightHouse, to meet with ... Duke joins O'Rourke Sales Company RTO division Effective July 14, former Whirlpool Account Representative Brian Duke will join the RTO Division of O’Rourke Sales Company. Brian Duke. Duke brings over 21 years of results-oriented, professional experience from his previous position at Whirlpool. He has spent the past 5 years serving the RTO industry through excellent ... Customer Expectations: Sixth installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the sixth in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... Out with the old and in with RTOHQ: The Magazine APRO's flagship magazine Progressive Rentals ends an impressive 24-year run next month with the dawn of a new era, new magazine and new direction. RTOHQ: The Magazine will debut in early July, carrying on a tradition of printed RTO communications begun with the APROach newsletter published in 1981. As ... Rent-A-Center donates merchandise to Ohio high school Rent-A-Center’s fifth gift in its statewide community initiative – entitled Random Acts of Caring – will brighten the lives of students and faculty at Cleveland Catholic Central High School. Local Rent-A-Center coworkers join Cleveland Central Catholic High School students and staff on campus for a brief donation event. ... American Rentals Trade Expo, company picnic set for July Some 33 vendors representing the best in electronics, furniture, appliances and computers will headline the 18th annual American Rentals Training and Trade Expo at the Seasons Lodge and Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana July 18-19. American Rentals owner David P. David will host his company's 18th annual Trade Expo ... High Touch's Chambers in local news Former APRO President and current CEO of High Touch Technology, Wayne Chambers, spoke out today in a recent business series in the Wichita Eagle titled "Five Questions". In the piece, Chambers describes his early work with Chuck Sims, a protege of industry pioneer Ernest Talley, and his numerous ... BestWay Rent-to-Own profiled in local paper Bestway Rentals and rent-to-own flexibility were the recent focus of a news article in the Tidewater News of Franklin, Virginia. Taking a cue from the current economic climate where consumer credit is becoming more scarce, the article describes BestWay as "a place where people of any financial circumstance ... Kanjorski co-sponsors RTO bill, raises total support to 91 Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski. Pennsylvania Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski officially joined the Congressional Record today, in support of federal legislation that would define and regulate the rent-to-own transaction, protecting both consumers and the industry across all 50 states. Rep. Kanjorski (D-11th) is the sixth Pennsylvania Congressman to sign on ... APRO Convention Spotlight: Things to do in St. Lou! All work and no play? Ha! Not at APRO’s 2008 Convention and Buying Show, August 11–14 in St. Louis, Missouri! Come early - stay late...whatever you do, bring the whole family to experience what St. Louis has to offer! Six Flags Plan to come in a ... New York bill dead on the floor New York rental dealers breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday after learning a rent-to-own price control bill failed to come up for a vote in the New York Assembly, effectively eliminating the threat of its passage this session. The Assembly will reconvene in July to take up routine matters, ... Customer Expectations: Fifth installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the fifth in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... 2009 CES registration now open The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced registration for industry professionals is now open for the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show -- the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology. Now in its 42nd year, the 2009 International CES will run January 8-11, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attendees and ... Congressmen Forbes, Kanjorski to co-sponsor RTO bill Grassroots legislative efforts in Virginia have earned another co-sponsorship commitment for H.R. 1767 -- the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- with Congressman Randy Forbes (R-4th) agreeing to join the bill, according to a legislative aide. In a recent e-mail forwarded by Chad Mitchell, owner of Kelly's Sales ... Aaron's throws lifeline to flood victims in Cedar Rapids It didn't go down as planned, but it's unlikely you'll hear any complaints from staff or customers at the Aaron's in Cedar Rapids. That's where managers, cued by mother nature, turned a "customer appreciation" day into a "flood victim relief effort", gladly dishing out burgers, hot dogs ... Moneris podcast with ColorTyme's Tom Lacey Recently, electronic transaction processor Moneris Solutions spoke with Tom Lacey, who owns three ColorTyme rent-to-own stores in the San Diego, California area. Podcast interview with Tom Lacey of ColorTyme. Lacey has been a Moneris customer since April 2007 and says he has saved a significant amount of money over ... Petra Industries and Nikon team up Today, Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor of consumer electronics, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies, announced its distribution relationship with Nikon™ Sport Optics. “By introducing Nikon Sport Optics, we’re further expanding our already impressive outdoor products inventory,” says Tate Morgan, ... Gail Bower opens Colorado Premier store Gail Bower opened her Premier Rental-Purchase store in Arvada, Colorado. this month after 27 years in the rent-to-own industry. As a manager for a small RTO company with several stores in Colorado, Bowre chose to become a Premier franchisee after watching her colleague, Mike Gordon, achieve success with his ... Customer Expectations: Fourth installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the fourth in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... ArchBrook Laguna merges with I. Lehrhoff & Company ArchBrook Laguna, a key consumer electronics distributor announced today it will merge with I. Lehrhoff & Company, a privately-held small appliance and houseware distributor. Under the agreement, I. Lehrhoff & Company will continue operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ArchBrook Laguna, under the leadership of the I. Lehrhoff executive ... Rent One "Day at the Diamond" a grand slam With an entire minor league baseball park at their disposal, over 100 vendors from 30 companies were honored at Rent One's annual vendor appreciation event today at Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois. Rent One Owner Larry Carrico presents a $10,000 check to Ronald McDonald House of St. ... RTO veteran Lindsey Semon dies The rent-to-own industry lost one of its most valiant supporters and beloved colleagues Wednesday night with the death of Lindsey Semon, 54, who most recently served as special projects manager at FlexiCompras. RTO Industry leader Lindsey Semon. Semon died in his sleep at his Dallas home after a prolonged ... RIMTYME OPENS FIRST TEXAS STORE With 12 successful custom wheel and tire franchise locations already under its belt, ColorTyme recently opened its first RimTyme store in the Lone Star state, at 2901 South General Bruce Drive at South 57th Avenue, in Temple. Featuring 2,000 square-feet of showroom space along with an updated service ... Heartland Trade Show clocks $1.2 million purchase record Guest Speaker Mike Frank. The Heartland of America Trade Show cemented its claim as one of the most influential regional trade shows in the country Wednesday with organizers reporting dealers turned in $1.2 million worth of purchase orders across the two day buying frenzy that drew dealers from ... Award ceremony wraps Heartland Buying Show MRDA President John Cleek Jr., Kentucky RDA President Chris Bolin, APRO Executive Director Bill Keese, APRO President Larry Carrico, Illinois RDA President Steve Braning and Kansas RDA President Jess Fisher. Rental professionals from seven states across the midwest packed the main ballroom of the Lodge of Four Seasons in ... NEW PODCAST: Herb Carlson and rent-to-own cookware Refrigerators, washing machines and big screen plasmas are some of the first items that come to mind when discussing rent-to-own inventory. Lawnmowers, wheels and tires, jewelry, computers and an assortment of high tech gismos have rapidly gained ground in the industry over the years, proving that no item is ... Work and play co-mingle at Heartland of America Show Rent to own professionals took full advantage of the recreational opportunities available at the fourth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show in Lake Ozark, Missouri, showing up en masse for golf and fishing tournaments Tuesday. Some 24 fishermen and women in 13 boats sped onto the Lake of ... NEW PODCAST: Heartland of America: dealer company attendance up 20 percent Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from over five states across the midwest trekked to the banks of The Lake of the Ozarks Monday for opening night of the fourth annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Around 145 dealers representing 24 companies will peruse ... NEW PODCAST: HD Canvass Art; an RTO natural Kevin Van Kirk is the owner of three-year old company HD Canvas Art -- a company that specializes in high definition digital art on canvas. Click for podcast with Kevin Van Kirk, owner HD Canvass Art. The highly durable, indoor/outdoor art is "gallery edge wrapped" eliminating the need ... Robert Loudermilk Jr. promoted to president, CEO of Aaron's The Board of Directors of Aaron Rents, the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, today announced that Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr. has been elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Aaron ... Petra Industries expands product line with Lenmar Batteries Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor of consumer electronics, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies announced today the addition of Lenmar’s line of batteries to its extensive inventory of more than 17,000 products. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Lenmar ... Retailer Butler joins Premier Home Furnishings Premier Home Furnishings President Jim Schebler today announced Marc Butler, owner of Sofas 4 Less in Orlando, Florida, has become the first retailer to join the Premier Home Furnishings family, made up of dealers who are combining retail with lease-to-own options. Butler, a 16-year veteran of the retail industry, ... RAE Awards submission deadline June 30 The rent-to-own industry's most prestigious advertising competition is back. Watch the video! But if you want your ad or community relations program included in this year's Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) awards competition, you don't have time to waste. The RAE submission deadline is June 30, so click here ... Rent-A-Center makes Friday the 13th a lucky day for Brooklyn baseball fans In its latest Random Act of Caring, Rent-A-Center coworkers from around New York and the company’s home office handed out $11,000 in Cyclones baseball tickets to 1,000 individuals around Brooklyn today to ensure they had a lucky Friday the 13th. (L-R) A lucky Brooklynite gets a ... Barron's on Aaron's: Rent-to-own company praised in online investment rag A June 12 article in Barron's online trading magazine features Aaron Rents at the top of its investment news "Weekday Trader" section. The article titled, "In Tough Times Aaron Rates a Buy", focuses on the rent-to-own company's business model which focuses on customer options and heralds the ... Indiana RTO stores reel from floods; APRO disaster relief available Two rent-to-own dealers in Indiana are slowly getting back to business after floodwaters from two breached dams flooded their stores last weekend. Computers in David's flooded Columbus store. More photos. David P. David, owner of American Rentals, and Bob Whittle, an Aaron's franchisee, spent the last week replacing drywall, ... New York bill headed for floor vote A New York bill that would establish price controls and compromise rent-to-own dealers ability to conduct business in the state is scheduled for a floor vote by the New York Assembly possibly as early as Monday. The bill AB 66 -- sponsored by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D) -- passed ... Gates announces 16-store easyhome franchise agreement Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates announced the signing of two franchises totaling 16 stores. It is anticipated that two to three of these stores will be opened by the end of 2008. Easygates CEO Bud Gates. Gates, former chairman and CEO of Rent-A-Center and THORN Americas, established ... NEW PODCAST: TRDA closes conference with education, networking Tennessee rental dealers from across the state rounded out a day's worth of motivational and educational presentations Tuesday to close the annual 2008 meeting of the Tennessee Rental Dealers Association in Nashville. PODCAST: Click here for podcast with TRDA Vice President Chris Bolin. Dr. Larry Helms, a nationally recognized ... NEW PODCAST: Stacy Davis of Option Rentals Stacy Davis is the vice president of store operations for Option Rentals, a 27-year-old rent-to-own company with three stores in the Nashville area. Davis was one of several Tennessee dealers who trekked to the Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville for the annual meeting of the Tennessee Rental Dealers ... New York price control bill edges closer to approval A New York bill that would set price controls on the rent-to-own transaction moved out of it's second committee Tuesday and one step closer to a floor vote in the in the New York Assembly. NYSRDA President Dave Edwards at the association's annual meeting last month in Verona, New ... NEW PODCAST: Tennessee dealers unite in Opryland Tennessee Rental Dealers Association President Larry Goad Monday night, welcomed dealers and vendors to TRDA's annual meeting at the sprawling Opryland Resort and Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Click for Larry Goad podcast. Around 25 of the expected 50 attendees -- dealers and vendors -- helped kick off the two ... NEW VIDEO -- APRO Convention 2008 Make your rent-to-own connection at the industry event of the year -- the APRO 2008 Convention and Buying Show August 11-14. Click to watch the video. Visit APRO's Online Convention Information Page where you will find detailed information covering everything you need to know to make the most of ... Petra Industries to carry TEAC America products Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor of consumer electronics, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies, proudly announced the expansion of its product inventory to now include a selection of TEAC America products. “TEAC offers customers excellent quality without the high-end prices of other ... Whirlpool named to 'World's Most Ethical Companies' and 'Most Respected U.S. Companies' lists Whirlpool Corporation was recently named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute and one of the Top 25 Most Respected U.S. Companies by the Reputation Institute. "We are proud to be recognized by Ethisphere Institute as one of the world's most ethical companies ... New Jersey rent-to-own bill gains momentum A New Jersey bill that would effectively define the rent-to-own transaction as a lease, not a credit sale, establish a number of consumer protections and set price controls was approved by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee June 5. The bill will now move to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. A ... Duke leaves Whirlpool: TRIB Group vendor of the year heads for warmer climes Brian Duke, a Whirlpool national account representative to the rent-to-own industry, recently announced he is leaving the company effective June 27. Duke, who has spent the last five years working with the rent-to-own industry, says he and his wife are heading for warmer weather and moving to the Tampa, ... Tom Bunt of Lee Furniture dies Rent-to-own vendor Tom Bunt, 58, a sales representative with Lee Furniture, died recently of what is believed to be a rare immune system disorder, according to long-time friend Joe Finger. Finger has known and worked with Bunt for 18 years at Dixieland Furniture, Beshel Industries and most recently Lee ... 2008 Employee and Customer of the Year nomination deadline approaching The nomination deadline for APRO's eighth annual employee and customer of the year awards is only 10 days away. Help honor the industry's finest by submitting your nominations for the individuals you feel exemplify the best of the industry. Nomination deadlines for both competitions is July 11, 2008. Click ... New York dealers prepare to challenge price fixing bill A New York bill that would limit the flexibility dealers have in setting RTO cash prices, moved out of its first committee Tuesday and is now headed to another hearing. The bill -- New York A66 -- left the New York Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee on a unanimous ... APRO answers Schumer's RTO bashing in six news stories APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May fielded a flood of calls from news reporters Wednesday after Sen. Charles E. Schumer released his own study of the rent-to-industry, and a press release calling for a Federal Trade Commission investigation of what he calls a "renegade industry". Schumer's latest barrage ... Whirlpool's Mike Thieneman to retire Whirlpool Corporation today announced the retirement of executive vice president and chief technology officer Mike Thieneman, effective June 30. The company plans to name a successor at a later date. During his more than 31 years with the company, Thieneman has held leadership roles in many areas of the ... APRO, industry respond to Schumer's new anti-RTO campaign A press release issued today by U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer suggests he is preparing to push forward with federal rent-to-own legislation that would cripple the industry, and APRO is prepared to meet the campaign head on. In a vilifying statement, Schumer likens rent-to-own dealers to "highway ... American Rentals helps build, furnish homes in Bloomington American Rentals -- a 53 store chain headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana -- will join Habitat for Humanity Friday, in building and furnishing a number of affordable homes in the area. The Habitat "Builders Blitz" -- dubbed for its use of professional builders -- aims at constructing five homes ... Briley adds store in Lubbock Local businessman and recently elected Abilene city councilman Robert Briley expanded his Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership store operations in West Texas after adding a new rental store location in Lubbock. Briley, who won a seat on the Abilene City Council last month and serves as treasurer on the ... Craig continues RTO career as vendor Tony Craig, long-time rent-to-own industry veteran and former member of the RentWay corporate staff, has successfully transitioned from dealer to vendor with the formation two companies. Measuring Up, whose primary function is to measure customer satisfaction, has already served rent-to-own clients with stores in 13 states. Craig’s wife, ... Furniture "godfather" Curtis Beavers dies Rent-to-own industry professionals were saddened to learn long-time rent-to-own vendor and industry pioneer Curtis Beavers, 68 -- a sales representative with Serta -- died of a massive heart attack May 30 on vacation with his family in Destin, Florida. Industry leader Curtis Beavers. Beavers -- a former baseball pitcher ... LG Electronics introduces new optical drives LG Electronics today launched its new line of optical disc drives, which feature one of the fastest Blu-ray reading and writing speed of 6x. The latest models – BE06, GBC-H20L and GBW-H20L – are available now through national retail stores as well as other leading online electronics retailers. Unique ... APRO vendors voice support for co-location decision All attending members of a vendors advisory committee conference call Monday, vowed support for APRO's decision to co-locate its August 2009 convention and buying show with AVB-Brandsource. The teleconference was called by Vendors Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Ellison Crider of RSSS, in order to better inform vendors of the intent ... New Age Electronics Now Distributing OmniMount Products New Age Electronics announced today that it is now distributing a full selection of OmniMount home theater products, including hundreds of innovative in-home entertainment mounting solutions. As a result of the recent New Age merger with SYNNEX Corporation, the company is now positioned to distribute OmniMount products to retailers ... Whirlpool Kicks Off Nationwide Search for Volunteers in Dallas Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool are looking for a few good men and women for the third annual WhirlpoolBuilding Blocks program home-building blitz in Dallas. June 2-11, 2008, consumers can apply at www.whirlpool.com/buildingblocks to join the 2008 build team and help eliminate substandard housing in the United ... Petra Industries introduces Elite Screens to product inventory Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor of consumer electronics, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies, announced today their partnership with Elite Screens Inc. “Partnering with Elite Screens will bring even better service to our customers,” says Tate Morgan, Executive Vice President. “... Speed Queen: A perfect fit Over the last 100 years, the commercial quality of Speed Queen washers and dryers has appealed to consumers. Today, durability continues to be a selling point, but Speed Queen machines are also a hit with buyers because, well, they fit. “Appliance dealers increasingly are seeing problems with new ... Co-location 2009: FAQ's On May 29, the APRO Board of Directors voted to co-locate the APRO Convention and Buying Show with the 2009 AVB/Brandsource convention in Las Vegas. In an ongoing effort to address questions relating to the co-location agreement, APRO has compiled a series of frequently asked questions relating to the ... Queens Boys and Girls Club receives new merchandise donation The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens unveiled thousands of dollars of new merchandise for the organization’s RAC, or Rent-A-Center, Room — a special space for teenagers. The merchandise was donated by Plano, TX-based Rent-A-Center, the largest rent-to-own company in the United States. Rent-A-Center is a national ... RTO "Flyer specialist" retires after 20-years Call it retirement if you want. But chances are, even after Bonnie "The Flyer Specialist" Nitzsche turns over the reins of her 20 year-old graphic design company, Let's Print, Ink., to her sons Monday, she's still going to have plenty to say about it. "I'm not retiring,... APRO scholarship winner gets straight A's, $1,000 APRO's first ever scholarship award winner, Penny Wyatt of Desloge, Missouri, turned in straight A's this semester, qualifying her for a second $1,000 scholarship check. "Anytime you want to further your education and have a company like APRO willing to help you meet your goals, there are ... Rochester Boys and Girls Club gets Rent-A-Center makeover The Boys and Girls Club of Rochester unveiled thousands of dollars of new merchandise for the organization’s RAC, or Rent-A-Center, Room — a special space for teenagers. The merchandise was donated by Plano, TX-based Rent-A-Center, the largest rent-to-own company in the United States. Rent-A-Center is a national partner ... APRO Board votes to co-locate The APRO Board of Directors ended months of negotiation and discussion Friday by voting to co-locate the APRO Convention and Buying Show with the 2009 AVB/Brandsource convention in Las Vegas in 2009. Board members noted their decision to co-locate the show on a one-time trial basis was driven in ... New Petra catalogue includes 6,000 new products Petra Industries announced today more than 100,000 copies of their spring 2008 catalog finished mailing to independent retailers and e-tailers nationwide last week. Petra’s 1,232-page catalog is the largest for the company to-date. Along with the increased size, Petra’s team completely redesigned the spring catalog ... Former APRO board member retires from rent-to-own Family and friends tonight will celebrate the career of long-time rent-to-own dealer and industry advocate Lindsey Semon, who is retiring after over 20 years in the industry due to health reasons. RTO Leader Lindsey Semon Semon currently serves as operations and special projects manager at FlexiCompras -- a 20-store ... Rebate checks: "Spend and save" replaced by "gas and groceries" A new study on economic stimulus check spending reflects the toll inflation and rising fuel costs are having on consumers who now say they plan to spend more of their rebate on essentials and less on furniture and electronics. Consumers still plan to spend about forty percent of their ... LG undecided on GE appliance bid As of Wednesday, LG Electronics remains undecided on a potential bid for General Electric's appliance unit, according to the Associated Press. "We're reviewing the possible impact of the sale of GE's appliances unit on our company, but we haven't decided anything yet," LG said in a regulatory ... Midwest Expo to become "true" regional show The Ohio Rental Dealers Association Board of Directors recently voted to make the fifth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo a “true” multi-state show by sharing revenue with participating state associations. Promoted as a first of its kind regional concept, ORDA will host and organize the show and then ... Dynamic Systems acquires EDP System Services Dynamic Systems, Inc. announced today it has agreed to acquire EDP System Services, a developer of turnkey and custom software solutions for bar code applications. The acquisition combines the barcode systems expertise of DSI with EDP’s software solutions. The combined company will bring over 50 years experience to ... Rent One's Carrico delivers inspiration, computers to area students Rent One President Larry Carrico sweetened his recent inspirational message to students at Mt. Vernon Christian School in Illinois, by committing eight computers to the school and graduates over the next four years. Rent One President Larry Carrico speaks to students at the Mt. Vernon Christian School, where he ... Is your ad good enough? RAE awards contest now accepting entries The rent-to-own industry's longest held advertising competition is back. APRO is once again honoring the best radio, television, print, direct market and Internet advertising campaigns created for rent-to-own businesses and companies over the past year. APRO is now accepting entries for its annual Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) through ... ArchBrook Laguna opens 200,000 square foot warehouse in Reno Consumer electronics supplier ArchBrook Laguna today, opened the company's newly-expanded warehouse facilities at 6650 Echo Drive in Reno, Nevada. The new ArchBrook Laguna warehouse totals 200,000 square feet with a cross dock, a pick, pack and ship, and a large LTL truckload operation. The technologically advanced facility provides ... Rent-A-Center outfits Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo The Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo today unveiled thousands of dollars of new merchandise for the organization’s RAC Room — a dedicated space for teenagers at the William C. Baird Club House located at 2061 Bailey Avenue in the city of Buffalo. Rent-A-Center coworkers join youth from ... RTO Funding offers RentDirect members longer financing terms RentDirect Nationwide and RTO Funding -- a national financing company -- announced an agreement that will provide RentDirect members with 12-24 month financing terms. “We have negotiated terms for our members that have been previously unavailable to the RTO industry,” said James MacAlpine Executive Director of RentDirect ... New Age Electronics now providing computers to rent-to-own dealers New Age Electronics announced Tuesday it is now distributing Acer desktop and notebook computers to rent-to-own retailers nationwide, including the popular Acer brand Gateway and eMachines models. As a result of New Age’s recent merger with SYNNEX Corporation, the company is now positioned to supply rental-purchase businesses with ... Fifth Pennsylvania Congressman joins RTO bill The hard work of Pennsylvania grassroots rent-to-own activists earned the support of another U.S. Congressman Wednesday, bringing total co-sponsorship of a pending federal definition bill to 90. Pennsylvania Rep. Charles Dent. Pennsylvania Congressman Charles Dent (R-15th) officially joined the Congressional Record May 21 as a co-sponsor of H.... ARDA elects new board members, seeks executive director The Arkansas Rental Dealers Association annual meeting went off without a hitch, but the association is still absent an executive director -- a void board members hope to fill in coming weeks. Around 35 attending dealers representing 10 companies attended the recent meeting at the Crown Plaza Hotel in ... APRO's 2008 online statistical survey is here Nothing tells the rent-to-own story as clearly as your business data. And there is no more authoritative document on the financial health and well-being of the rent-to-own industry than APRO's annual statistical survey. The final report -- a comprehensive financial analysis of participating APRO members -- is the economic ... Premier launches its mid-year business conference in Memphis The Premier Companies mid-year business conference kicked off Monday night at the downtown Marriot Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee at a welcome reception sponsored by RentDirect Nationwide. Premier dealers from around the country attended and all five of the Premier companies were represented, including Premier Rental Purchase, Home Furnishings, Premier ... Texas withdraws new bedding rules The Texas Department of State Health Services recently withdrew a slate of rules proposed for used bedding dealers that would have required individual rent-to-own stores to keep extensive transaction records for the lifespan of each mattress in stock and produce that paperwork within a 48 hour time frame. L ... Nationwide's "Masters Mentor Summit" hits a home run in Atlanta Nationwide Marketing Group members recently attended the Masters Mentor Summit, a three-day train-the-trainer seminar held at the Nationwide Prime Media! television production and learning facility near Atlanta. “We started a few years ago with small groups of 10 to 20 trainers and HR professionals but our registration for ... Bill Keese ties knot in Houston APRO Executive Director Bill Keese Saturday bid farewell to 20-plus years of bachelorhood when he exchanged wedding vows with Debby Haarup in an intimate ceremony at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Newlyweds Bill and Debby Keese. Long-time friends, Keese and Haarup -- who've known each other since junior ... CEA offers digital transition tips to seniors, "Rabbit ears" contest Over-the-air analog TV viewers now have a new, free, all-in-one resource at their fingertips to help prepare for February 17, 2009, when all full-power TV stations in the U.S. will broadcast exclusively in digital. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced the publication of “Florence Henderson’s Digital ... Vance Baldwin acquisition boosts record revenue Encompass Group Affiliates, Inc. (formerly Advanced Communications Technologies, Inc.), an integrated reverse logistics holding company serving the consumer products industry, today announced financial results for the third fiscal quarter and the nine months ended March 31, 2008. For the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2008, ... New York Dealers commit to grassroots politics, Special Olympics More than 50 rent-to-own dealers and vendors convened Thursday in Verona, New York for the twice annual New York State Rental Dealers Association Meeting -- the organization's third meeting since re-organizing last year -- asserting a new proactive attitude toward politics, public image and community involvement. NYSRDA President Dave ... NEW PODCAST: Bob Bloom, ColorTyme president and CEO Bob Bloom, president and CEO of ColorTyme was one of 50 attendees at the recent New York State Rental Dealers Association meeting in Verona, New York. Click here for podcast. Having made a career of expanding such companies as Rent-A-Center and saving struggling companies like EZCORP, Bloom took the ... NEW PODCAST: Charles Smithgall of SEI Aarons Charles Smithgall is the president and CEO of SEI Aaron's, the third largest rent-to-own company in the industry -- excluding Rent-A-Center owned ColoryTyme -- with 63 stores and annual revenue of over $80 million. Click here for podcast. He is also one of the most colorful personalities in the ... Alleged rental scam a heads up to RTO dealers APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III. Two rental store employees in Columbus, Indiana have been indicted on charges of defrauding the federal government in conjunction with an alleged scheme to rent merchandise to soldiers on temporary leave at a base and then have the soldiers apply for reimbursement from ... Colorado Congressman introduced to "New Image" of rent-to-own Chuck Green of New Image Rent-To-Own in Colorado hosted Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-5th) at his Fountain, Colorado store May 14, seizing the opportunity to educate the congressman about the modern rent-to-own store and transaction. Congressman Lamborn arrived at Green's store with four staff members including his business manager, district ... Rent-A-Center donates merchandise to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Rent-A-Center’s fourth gift in its statewide community initiative – Random Acts of Caring – will brighten the lives of patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The company is donating 12 Sony laptops to ensure patients in the expanded Blood and Marrow Transplantation unit and their families ... Lewallen opens Las Vegas RNR Ernie Lewallen, owner of UHR Rents and Western Wheel Ventures, opened his third wheel and tire venture earlier this month when he opened his new RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires in Las Vegas. Owner Ernie Lewallen and Southwest Operations Manager Kelly Pierce outside the new RNR Las Vegas ... APRO Board member Briley wins city council seat APRO Executive committee member Robert Briley will now add city governance to his growing list of roles after winning a place on the Abilene, Texas City Council Saturday. New Abilene City Council member Robert Briley Briley, who serves as APRO board treasurer and runs 10 Aaron's franchises across west ... Rent One helps revamp Big Brothers Big Sisters Web site Thanks to Rent One and Imagery Marketing Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois has a new website to feature their services and provides information on becoming a “Big” or “Little” in the program. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that seeks to make ... BestWay honors year's best Virginia's BestWay Rent-To-Own recently held its annual business meeting and awards celebration honoring top performers in key categories for its year-ending March 31. The event, which drew around 40 participants, was held at Paradock’s East Coast Grill in Chesapeake, Virginia. BestWay RTO Manager of the Year, Curtis Clifton. ... Petra Industries adds Chrysalis Acoustics to line-up Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor of consumer electronics, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies, today announced the addition of Chrysalis Acoustics, a Velodyne company, to its extensive inventory. Velodyne Acoustics, Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of powered subwoofers for home theater ... Registration for fall PrimeTime! begins May 15 On May 15, online registration will begin for the next big buying show, PrimeTime! by Nationwide Marketing Group at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 17-20. “PrimeTime! in Vegas is a must see this year,” said Ed Kelly President of Nationwide Marketing Group, “... High Touch users give "high marks" to conference Rent-to-own dealers from around the globe are giving rave reviews to the 2008 High Touch Users Conference which concludes today in Wichita, Kansas. The conference was the company's biggest ever, drawing some 70 attendees -- dealers and employees -- from over 33 companies. Roberto Van Dams of UHR Rents. ... NEW PODCAST: Mike Tissot, High Touch guest presenter Mike Tissot, owner of Countryside Rentals, has been a High Touch user for over a decade. He's a hands on owner, and over the years has developed an in-depth understanding of various aspects of High Touch's software package. Tissot was one of around a half dozen High Touch Users ... NEW PODCAST: John Rogers, High Touch sales group director John Rogers is the sales group director for High Touch Technology Solutions and has been with the company for 13 years. Click here for podcast with John Rogers, High Touch sales group director. In this exclusive APRO podcast, Rogers describes the genesis behind new enhancements the company is rolling ... NEW PODCAST: High Touch User Gary Ferriman Gary Ferriman, owner of Showplace Rent-To-Own, is a long time user of High Touch software. He was a participant in a number of High Touch "vision castings" in which the company tapped its client base to develop new tools and features to help rent-to-own dealers do what they ... "Modernization", upgrades key to High Touch success Key software enhancements, streamlined communication tools and an overall move to modernize systems are just a few improvements High Touch officials shared with clients Thursday morning during the general session of the company's users conference in Wichita, Kansas. Over 70 rent-to-own and other industry professionals packed conference rooms at ... NEW PODCAST: High Touch Users Conference takes Wichita High Touch Senior Management High Touch Technology Solutions launched its biggest ever users conference Wednesday, hosting a cocktail reception for over 100 rent-to-own professionals at the company's new digs -- four floors of a 10 story office building in downtown Wichita, Kansas. PODCAST: Click here for Wayne Chambers Interview ... Rent-A-Center renovates nurses' lounges at Harlem Hospital Rent-A-Center coworkers from around New York and the company’s home office unveiled new furnishing makeovers of three nurses’ lounges at the Harlem Hospital Center and provided courtesy meals today in honor of Nurses’ Appreciation Week. Additionally, the company also funded the Hospital’s “Nurses Day Appreciation” meals ... Moneris Solutions to offer Discover Network card acceptance as part of new pact Moneris Solutions, one of North America's largest payment processors, today announced an agreement with Discover Financial Services in which Moneris will offer Discover Network card acceptance as part of an integrated service to small- and mid-sized merchants. Under this agreement, Moneris and their BIN-sponsored Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) will ... House bill continues momentum On May 7, three additional members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined a growing list of co-sponsors in support of H.R. 1767 – the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act – bringing total co-sponsorship of the legislation to 89. APRO members are encouraged to continue to communicate ... Rebate checks could spur $5 billion in electronics spending This month the federal government began releasing approximately $112 billion to U.S. households as part of a larger economic stimulus package meant to bolster a flagging economy by increasing consumer spending. While speculation on what if any significant impact the package will have on the economy as a ... Midwest RTO Expo registration now available through APRO Web site Rent-to-own Dealers planning to attend the fifth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo September 9-10 in Columbus, Ohio can now register online through the APRO e-communities link. Organizers expect around 200 attendees at the event, which last year attracted rent-to-own professionals from seven states including Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, ... Alliance HealthCard Reports Fiscal 2008 Second Quarter Results Alliance HealthCard, a leading provider of health discount and lifestyle benefits, today reported record revenue, gross profit and net income, for the second quarter, which ended March 31, 2008 Fiscal 2008 Second Quarter Highlights: -- Revenue increased 28% to $5.3 million -- Gross profit up 76% to $2.... Rent One Celebrates remodeled store opening Over 100 community and state leaders, guests and friends joined Rent One owners Larry and Sharon Carrico Friday May 2 to celebrate the grand opening of their recently remodeled Mt. Vernon store location. Ribbon Cutting for remodeled Rent One, Mt. Vernon location. The 21,000 square foot store is ... Aarons puts brakes on new store openings According to an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Charlie Loudermilk, board chairman and chief executive officer of Aaron Rents' explained at the company's annual meeting today, why the rent-to-own chain's stock hit a one-year low of $13.27 during day trading in January. "We made a mistake in ... Price controls and property taxes top CAL-APRO's May 20 agenda Paul Davis has seen first hand the damage price controls can wield on an industry. As president of the California Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (CAL-APRO), Davis hopes to aim the spotlight on California's restrictive price fixing statute that limits not only the prices of new goods but the ... Silver lining? Economy limps forward, GDP up a dull .6 percent If the gross domestic product is any indication, the U.S. economy may be down, but it's not yet out. According to the Associated Press, the Commerce Department recently reported the country's gross domestic product grew by .6 percent in the first quarter of 2008 amid a stymied housing ... New credit card rules could be boon to rent-to-own industry A proposal to crack down on the fees and interest rates credit card companies charge high risk accounts could radically prune the amount of credit those companies are willing to issue, according to financial analysts, forcing customers to secure goods and services through other means, including rent-to-own. According to ... Premier dealer conference May 19-21 Premier franchisees will roll up their sleeves and get down to business at the upcoming dealer conference May 19-21 at the Downtown Marriott in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to featuring meetings of Premier's marketing and purchasing boards, the meeting will also feature presentations from industry experts representing various facets ... Local rent-to-own named "Business of the Year" Quality Furniture & Appliance was recently named "Business of the Year" by the St. Martinville, Louisiana Chamber of Commerce. Quality Furniture and Appliance staff Jules Etienne, Kevin Dugas, Deanne Delahoussaye and owner Byron Blanchard. Photo by Sally Angelle. At their Annual Banquet held April 22, 2008, the St. ... Rent-to-own state associations need their hero APRO's State Association Coordination Committee has spent the past ten years facilitating the grassroots organization of rent-to-own dealers throughout the country under the leadership of "Tiger" John Cleek from Cleek's Rent-to-own in Columbia, MO. Rent-to-own state associations have helped protect the rent-to-own industry in state and federal legislative ... Texas dealers weigh in on new bedding rules A contingent of Texas rent-to-own dealers and industry representatives appeared before state health department officials April 30, to offer comment on a proposal to expand record keeping requirements for mattresses and other bedding items. Industry leaders say the new rules would create unnecessary paperwork demands and do little for ... Rent-A-Center's community initiative defrays $12,500 in gas costs for voluteers Rent-A-Center coworkers from around New York and the company’s home office visited with four community organizations in Albany, Schenectady and Troy handing out $12,500 in gas gift cards to those group’s volunteers to say “thank you” during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. More than 400 volunteers ... Your business IS news: Promoting rent-to-own in the local media "Tiger" John Cleek got more than he bargained for when he tried to promote his company's store of the month in the local newspaper. Cleek, who owns nine Cleek's Lease or Own stores in Missouri, had intended to buy a display ad in the Boonville Daily News, congratulating ... Bowling for autism expects up to 200 When John Cleek Jr. founded Bowling for Autism five years ago, he probably never thought his goal would reach $25,000 for the event. But the success of the program, which has already raised $60,000 in total for the Judevine Center for Autism in Columbia, Missouri just seems ... Nationwide Marketing Group honored for energy conservation Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) was honored the second year in a row with the Energy Star Award for excellence in promotion and outreach recognizing efforts in working toward protecting the environment and saving energy. The award was presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of ... Rent-A-Center Q1 profits more than double Rent-A-Center said this week its first quarter profits more than doubled from last year when net earnings were reduced by a litigation-related charge. Increased sales at existing stores also helped boost overall revenue, according to the company's quarterly earnings report. The Plano-based rent-to-own company earned $36.4 million, or ... Minnesota Rep. Bachmann, others to join RTO bill The rent-to-own industry will soon add additional co-sponsors to its pending federal bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to congressional staff members. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-6th) Freshman Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann, who represents Minnesota's 6th Congressional District, has agreed to sign on to H.R. ... Nevada mattress regulations could have significant impact on local RTO dealers New sanitation requirements in Clark, County, Nevada will require all mattresses, bedding and upholstered furniture to undergo a high heat sterilization process before being re-rented, according to regulations approved by the Southern Nevada Health District. The regulations, which were approved last October and will affect the cities of Las ... MemberNet TV 2.0 offers new high definition content for tv walls Nationwide RentDirect this week, officially rolled out its first upgrade to MemberNet TV. This latest version, MemberNet TV 2.0, offers RentDirect members more control over the content displayed on their TV walls and boasts a larger selection of HD programming. According to Nationwide RentDirect, with the right content ... Florida legislative conference a success FRDA members meet with Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, 3rd from left. A half dozen Florida Rental Dealers put a personal face on rent-to-own this week when they travelled to Tallahassee to meet with a number of state legislators and officials including Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. The April ... Kentucky dealers meet with attorney general, other state officials A trio of Kentucky Rental Dealers this week trekked to Frankfort, Kentucky to meet with the attorney general and other top state officials on a "mission of goodwill" to create and maintain a positive image of rent-to-own in the state. According to KYRDA President Chris Bolin, dealers met ... LRDA closes out annual conference with elections, educational seminars, visit from Landrieu staffer The Louisiana Rental Dealers Association wrapped up the final day of its two-day annual conference Wednesday with a jam packed agenda filled with board elections, educational presentations and an update from Sen. Mary Landrieu's office on a developing partnership to put computers in the hands of resource strapped communities ... NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: TARA President Dan Matthews Dan Matthews is the president of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies (TARA) and owner of Dallas-based Rent Plus. Click here for Podcast. Matthews recently addressed attendees at the Louisiana Rental Dealers Association (LRDA) meeting in Marksville April 22-23. He urged members of the newly reorganized LRDA to stay ... NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: Jeffrey Everson, regional representative to Sen. Mary Landrieu Jeffrey Everson, regional representative for Sen. Landrieu, gave attendees at the recent Louisiana Renal Dealers Association annual Click here for podcast. conference an update on the "Computers for Kidz" initiative -- a community partnership program led by APRO, LRDA and Landrieu's office -- that will provide RTO industry ... NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: LRDA member James Stephens of ColorTyme Click Here for Podcast James Stephens is a new LRDA member and first time attendee at the association's annual meeting in Marksville, Louisiana April 22-23. Stephens is a new ColorTyme franchisee with a store in Shreveport. In this exclusive APRO podcast, Stephens reflects on the plight of the independent ... Aaron Rents Q1 Revenues Up 13 percent, earnings exceed estimates Aaron Rents, Inc. this week announced revenues and earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2008. For the first quarter of 2008, revenues increased 13% to $437.3 million compared to $387.9 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net earnings were $24.8 million versus ... LRDA annual conference tees off new era of activity Rent-to-own dealers and vendors from Louisiana and beyond trekked to the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville to take part in the newly invigorated Louisiana Rental Dealers Association (LRDA) meeting April 22-23. LRDA members kick off their annual meeting with a round of "four man scramble". Around 13 of ... New York bed bug bill will have little impact on RTO industry A bill recently introduced in the New York sate legislature dealing with bed bug infestation will have little to no impact on the rent-to-own industry, according to APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III. The bill, A 10612, which proposes to amend two sections of New York's public health code, ... Petra Industries welcomes Bazooka Mobile Audio to its product line Petra Industries has joined forces with Southern Audio Services Inc. (SAS) to expand its product base. SAS, manufacturer of the Bazooka Mobile Audio Line, has agreed to the disbursement of various products through Petra Industries. “Bazooka is a leader and innovator of everything bass,” says Paul Mattes, ... High Touch Users Conference biggest ever April 2008 has been a busy month for High Touch Technology Solutions. The Wichita, Kansas based company celebrated it's 24th anniversary April 1 but there was little time to celebrate. Last Friday, the company officially relocated to its new corporate digs -- four floors in the Old Savings and ... Rent-A-Center makes $4,200 Red Cross merchandise donation Rent-A-Center’s third gift in its statewide Random Acts of Caring community initiative will help enable the Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross to accomplish more during its emergency field responses as well as enhance capabilities back at its main office. The brand new merchandise includes: four ... Florida legislative conference rescheduled A group of seven Florida rental dealers will make their way to Tallahassee April 22 to continue a tradition of promoting the rent-to-own industry at the state level. The event will stand as the ninth annual Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) Legislative Conference -- a rescheduled downsized version of ... Petra partners with Griffin technology to offer customers more Petra Industries, a leading national wholesale distributor of consumer electronic, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies, announced today the addition of Griffin Technology’s products to its extensive inventory of more than 15,000 products. “It’s very important for us to bring Griffin’... Wyatt wins first APRO Scholarship Show-Me Rent-To-Own saleswoman Penny Wyatt is used to going the extra mile. She's a single mother raising a 14-year-old son, a full time award-winning employee and a full-time student on the Dean's list. Her commitment to both her career and education has earned notice from her employer, colleagues, customers ... Rent-n-Roll catapults in Franchise 500 ranking In a prestigious listing of "who's who" in franchising, RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tires (formerly Rent-n-Roll) recently gained ground in Entrepreneur magazine's 2008 Top Franchise 500. This year the company, which began franchising in 2003, ranked number 252 versus 426 in 2007. RNR Staff at the recent ... Tax Refund Xpress offers discounted rate to Nationwide RentDirect members Tax Refund Xpress (TRX) is now offering specialized tax service to RentDirect members for far less than other income tax solution companies. Nationwide RentDirect members pay one flat discounted rate for all of their individual and business tax needs. Benefits include unlimited e- filing, tax updates and access to ... Tennessee dealers welcome new members June 9-10 Tennessee Rental Dealers Association (TRDA) President Larry Goad makes no bones about it. If you're an independent rent-to-own dealer in the state of Tennessee and not a member of the TRDA, you've got a lot to lose. "The goal for us is to get the word out," ... Should you be "staging?" Take the APRO staging survey! Slumping home sales may have depressed other areas of the economy, but for the rent-to-own industry, a bloated housing market could translate into a dynamic new revenue stream. Home staging is a growing industry built on the concept of preparing a home for sale in order get top dollar ... TRIB Group Survey: members give high marks to first TRIB-AVB show If the results of a recent survey are any indication, TRIB Group's decision to co-locate its trade show with mega retail outfit Associated Volume Buyers (AVB) was a winning move. As the nation's most respected and well-established rent-to-own buying group, TRIB struck a strategic alliance with AVB-Brand Source two ... Could your store be next? FCC levies $6 million in DTV fines The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently proposed fines against 11 retailers for violating rules designed to prevent consumers from unknowingly buying TVs that cannot receive digital signals when broadcasters make the switch on February 17, 2009. According to the FCC enforcement orders, the fines included about $1.1 million ... RENT-A-CENTER opens new Nevada store, contributes $2,000 to community Today, Rent-A-Center hosted a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at its new Pahrump, Nevada store, offering area customers a new choice for leasing or buying brand-name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. The new store is located at 661 S. Hwy. 160 and features approximately 4,000 square feet of ... UHR Rents, Bryce Jewelry inspire dual marriage proposals Chalk it up to spring, the stars or just plain coincidence. The tides of passion have probably led to more than a few jewelry counter marriage proposal over the years. But how about two marriage proposals on the same day, occurring about the same time, in two separate stores ... Rent One sponsored baseball team wins national logo contest Even before the minor league baseball season has started, the Southern Illinois Miners have already had a major victory. The Sports Biz blog on CNBC.com, authored by Darren Rovell, played host to the second annual minor league baseball logo contest this spring. Rovell seeded the logos, with the ... Cuellar and Kirk support RTO bill Cuellar and Kirk support RTO bill, co-sponsorship now at 86 Rep. Mark S. Kirk of Illinois Two more U.S. Congressman officially joined a growing list of colleagues Friday in support of H.R. 1767 -- the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. Second term Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar and ... ORDA elects new board, projects bigger better Expo Around 40 rental dealers from across Ohio elected a new 13-member board of directors Wednesday after a day of training, planning and motivational presentations at the annual Ohio Rental Dealers Association Spring Business meeting in Columbus, Ohio. All current executive officers were re-elected, including ORDA President Mike Tissot of ... Nationwide's MemberNet TV Gets a Facelift Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) strives to be on the cutting edge of the newest and most innovative commercial technology. Now NMG is preparing to make their HD MemberNet TV content even better. MemberNet TV -- NMG's high quality HD content for TV walls -- is getting a face-lift that ... Republicans Smith and Lewis join federal bill Texas Rep. Lamar Smith Two more U.S. Congressman today put their names behind legislation that will provide federal definition for the rent-to-own industry and add further protections for its customers as well. Republicans Lamar Smith of Texas and Ron Lewis of Kentucky officially joined a growing contingent of ... Rent-A-Center first quarter 2008 conference call broadcast April 29 Rent-A-Center, Inc. (NASDAQ:RCII), will broadcast its quarterly earnings conference call on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 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, April 28, 2008. Audio ... Aaron's Dream Machine driver in national spotlight Number 00 Aaron's Dream Machine driver Michael McDowell made the rounds on New York talk shows Monday recounting his harrowing 170 mph wreck last Friday in Ft. Worth during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Michael McDowell and wife Jami on the set of the Today Show. Click ... Who needs flood insurance? Bolin flooding raises insurance questions After four hectic days battling floodwaters and salvaging inventory, Chris Bolin's Madisonville, Kentucky rent-to-own store is finally back in business. Well, at least he's accepting payments there. Bolin Rental Purchase parking lot. The flooding had forced Bolin to close the swamped store, relocate inventory and set up a temporary ... New York rental dealers get energized May 15 Staying energized and involved in the community are two ways New York State Rental Dealers Association (NYSRDA) President Dave Edwards plans to help transform the image of rent-to-own. New York state has seen the introduction of several detrimental rent-to-own bills over the past year in addition to being the ... Quality Rentals helps flood victims recover. First the December floods destroyed homes and displaced hundreds in Lewis County, Washington. Then last month, a fire destroyed a warehouse filled with donated goods. Unloading the Quality Rentals truck with cameraman in tow. But on April 3, rent-to-own dealer Kevin Quinn of Quality Rentals joined other area businesses, ... Rent-A-Center veteran opens Premier store in San Antonio New Premier franchisees Roy and Sharyll Soto. Roy Soto opened his Premier Rental Purchase store in San Antonio earlier this year. A seasoned, award-winning 18-year veteran with Rent-A-Center and former top sales manager with Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Soto is using his experience and success as a springboard for his ... Petra Industries appoints veteran communications executive Mallory New Petra Vice President of Sales Jackie Mallory. Leading consumer electronics distributor, Petra Industries, today announced the appointment of Jackie Mallory as Vice President of Sales. In her new position, Mallory is responsible for leading Petra’s strategic sales and training initiatives with specific attention on Petra’s Inside ... Debit card payments up 21 percent in Federal Reserve Study Between 2003 and 2006, American's overall use of electronic payment methods jumped 12 percent according to a new study by the federal reserve system. The study, released late last month, also shows exponential growth in the pre-paid card sector which includes open-loop cards that are not limited to specific ... Arkansas state meeting to feature HR tips, merger talks It was only three years ago an anti-rent-to-own bill introduced in the Arkansas Senate rallied Arkansas rental dealers and unified them in a way that is still apparent today. Though the Arkansas State Legislature is not in session this year, the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association (ARDA) is taking no ... Washington APRO member helps "Fill the Warehouse" for flood victims When a 100-year flood ravaged western Washington last December, flooding around 600 homes in the town of Centralia, local rent-to-own dealer Kevin Quinn stepped into action. Kevin Quinn Within days of the flooding, which submerged approximately 8 miles of Interstate 5 and displaced hundreds, Quinn, who owns 20 Quality ... Blanchard wins Moneris RTO ipod giveaway Byron Blanchard of Quality Furniture & Appliance was named the winner in Moneris Solutions RTO Information Portal "Win an iPod" contest. Blanchard is the proud new recipient of a 16GB Apple iPod touch -- a $400 value. The contest was launched February 11 in recognition of Moneris' new ... Industry veteran Ron Smith opens own Premier Home Furnishings in East Moline, Illinois After 20 years in the RTO industry, Ron Smith recently opened his Premier Home Furnishings franchise in East Moline, Illinois. Though he's opened many, this store is different. This time, it's his own. Ron Smith in his new Premier Home Furnishings franchise in East Moline, Illinois. It’s also ... New recruitment campaign uses video to carry APRO message APRO member Larry Goad's idea to streamline the association's membership recruiting campaign by creating a DVD landed him the role of video host in the production. Producer Richard May, director Bert Long and Larry Goad on the set. Goad, of Zion's Television Showrooms, who scripts and stars in his ... LRDA meeting to focus on membership, political activism, identity theft The Louisiana Rental Dealers Association annual membership meeting will tee off on April 22 with a golf tournament and cocktail reception leading to a full plate of association related business the next day. LRDA Vice President Dave Boggan says 30-40 state dealers are expected at the association's annual business ... TRIB Group buys $23.7 million at tradeshow; smokes previous record by 30 percent TRIB Group officials this week were ecstatic to learn actual purchase orders from last week's “Silver at the Summit” tradeshow exceeded initial estimates and in fact broke all previous single-show buying records for the group and possibly the rent-to-own industry as a whole. Buying frenzy at TRIB's recent ... APRO Website makes it easy to share RTO content Click here to share video content New APRO Web site tools now allow users to easily e-mail site pages, news, videos and podcasts to others with the click of a button. In addition, videos now come complete with an "embed" feature which makes it possible to cut and ... ORDA maintains proactive presence with AG's office Gary Ferriman of Showplace Rent-to-Own A trio of Ohio rent-to-own veterans took their industry's message to the state attorney general's office Tuesday in a proactive move meant to open dialogue and show the industry's due diligence in addressing consumer issues. Ohio Rental Dealers Association President Mike Tissot and fellow ... Customer Expectations: Third installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the third in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... APRO's first ever scholarship award contest narrows to five Five finalists have moved one step closer to claiming APRO's first ever annual college scholarship award. The candidates, who submitted essays for the contest, are vying for a $2,000 college scholarship made available through the non-profit APRO Scholarship Foundation. Finalists were chosen earlier this month by a preliminary ... RSVP today for April 9 ORDA meeting All those planning to attend the upcoming Ohio Rental Dealers Association annual business meeting April 9 are urged to RSVP. ORDA President Mike Tissot is asking attendees to email or call 740/634-2666 by April 1 in order to allow planning for enough free complimentary lunches for the event. The ... Ohio congressman visits local rent-to-own For 10 years, UHR Rents Owner Ernie Lewallen has travelled to Congressman Steve Chabot's Capitol Hill office to educate him on the merits of the rent-to-own transaction. Today, Chabot got first hand experience. Rep. Chabot, who represents Ohio's 1st Congressional District, met Lewallen at his "Seven Hills" store ... Stock analyst says stimulus package will benefit RTO A stock analyst's recent prediction that a two-year $168 billion economic stimulus package headed to American consumers will boost Rent-A-Center's cash flow and stock price is likely good news for the rent-to-own industry as a whole. According the Associated Press, shares of Rent-A-Center stock rose late last week after ... NEW VENDOR VIDEO: American Sentry Guard offers custom surveillance, management solutions American Sentry Guard is a premier manufacturer and leading distributor of remote video management systems, that offers surveillance and training tools to increase productivity and decrease attrition. Click here to watch the video. A leading manufacturer of professional and enterprise-class digital video management systems, American Sentry Guard is a ... NEW VENDOR VIDEO: AMCOR offers cutting edge in portable air conditioning For over 50 years, Amcor has specialized in all facets of environmental control: air conditioning, air purification and dehumidification. Click here to watch the video. With an eye towards high quality living environments and meeting demands for both style and substance, Amcor began with several air purification models and ... NEW VENDOR VIDEO: Step 2 molded plastic items a natural RTO fit As the world's largest rotational molded plastic toy manufacturer, Step 2 offers easy to clean children's accessories, toys and furniture. Click here to watch the video. Based in Ohio, the company was founded in 1992 and currently has three manufacturing sites in Ohio and Georgia. Known primarily for its ... Rent One stores flooded in midwest deluge The torrential rainfall and widespread flash flooding that have battered the central United States this week have claimed at least three rent-to-own stores as well. Rent One trucks in Harrisburg, Illinois. Two Rent One stores, one in Marble Hill, Missouri, and one in Harrisburg, Illinois were shut down when ... Rent-A-Center brings gift of technology to Warren, Ohio schools Rent-A-Center’s second gift in its statewide community initiative – entitled Random Acts of Caring – is benefitting the students and staff of Summit Academy Schools in Warren, a learning center designed to build hope, success and well-being through advocacy and education for children with special needs. RAC is ... TRIB Board re-elects Lewallen, Leach is vice president TRIB Board re-elects Lewallen, Leach is vice president In its final order of business Thursday morning, the TRIB Group Board of Directors wrapped up the group's 25th anniversary tradeshow and convention in Dallas by electing officers. Re-elected TRIB President Ernie Lewallen Current board president Ernie Lewallen, of UHR Rents, ... Spangle honored with top TRIB award, members purchase $15 million at tradeshow Long-time TRIB board member John Spangle of Friendswood was honored Tuesday with the Norman W. "Slats" Slatton Sr. President's Award -- TRIB Group's most prestigious honor. TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen presents John Spangle TRIB's highest honor Tuesday. The honor -- awarded to a TRIB member who has ... NEW VIDEO: AVB's Lawrence, TRIB's Lewallen and new TRIB member Brownie Calvin weigh in on first AVB-TRIB tradeshow in Dallas AVB CEO Bob Lawrence In this exclusive APRO video, AVB Brand Source CEO Bob Lawrence shares his thoughts and motivations behind AVB's decision to partner with TRIB Group -- the nations oldest and most respected rent-to-own buying group. Lawrence says the co-located TRIB-AVB tradeshow has broken all attendance records, ... EXCLUSIVE PODCAST: Ellison Crider discusses trends in rent-to-own software industry Ellison Crider of RSSS.Click to listen to exclusive podcast. Live from the buying floor at the historic TRIB-AVB trade show in Dallas, RSSS General Manager Ellison Crider shares his observations on trends within the rent-to-own software industry and predictions on what it means for customers and dealers alike. ... Keese addresses TRIB membership APRO Executive Director Bill Keese addresses TRIB members. APRO Executive Director Bill Keese addressed close to 200 TRIB Group members at their annual membership meeting March 18 at the "Silver at the Summit" Tradeshow in Dallas. The membership meeting was the first of three such meetings TRIB members ... Independents will pick up "big box" slack TRIB AVB tradeshow attendees in Dallas Tuesday. Despite a gloomy economic picture marred by a housing slump, high oil prices and cutbacks on consumer lending, AVB Brand Source CEO Bob Lawrence said the time was one of opportunity for the independent business owner. Lawrence made his remarks during the ... Former APRO President Strunk elected to TRIB Board Shannon Strunk Former APRO President Shannon Strunk joined the TRIB Board of Directors Tuesday after winning election during TRIB's annual membership meeting in Dallas. TRIB members at that meeting -- which was held at the group's "Silver at the Summit" tradeshow and convention -- also re-elected current board ... TRIB Group's Dallas "Hot Show" hits $3.6 million sales record Speculation became reality Tuesday morning, as TRIB Group officials confirmed this year's "Hot Show" sales were the greatest ever, almost doubling last year's record total. TRIB Executive Director Dennis Shields at Monday's "Hot Show". TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields reports dealers moved $3.6 million worth ... "Hot Show" launches historic TRIB-AVB tradeshow TRIB Group members representing close to 100 companies piled into the Coronado Room at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas to take part in an annual buying frenzy known as the TRIB "Hot Show". Some of the 100 TRIB dealers in Dallas for the group's 25th anniversary convention. ... Rent One's Angela Hunter profiled in local newspaper Rent One's "Rookie of the Year" Angela Hunter was the feature of a recent business profile in the Jonesboro Sun newspaper in northeast Arkansas. In the article, published March 13, Rent One higher ups credit Hunter's "can do attitude" and dedication to customer service as key to ... TRIB VENDOR FOCUS: PlanITROI offers refurbished computers at half the price of new When a computer reaches the end of its life with a large corporation, it could get a new one through PlanITROI, a new TRIB vendor at the upcoming "Silver at the Summit" tradeshow in Dallas March 17-19. The company -- whose name stands for "Plan Your Information ... TRIB VENDOR FOCUS: AmeriVap - powerful cleaning system, bed bug's worst nightmare When AmeriVap's Gerald Carmichael got a call from bed bug expert Dr. Michael F. Potter from the University of Kentucky five years ago, he knew his product was on target. After hearing about Potter's research on the resurgence of the pesky insects, which have thrived as an world travel ... TRIB VENDOR FOCUS: Catnapper offers "steel technology wrapped in comfort" Jackson Furniture major accounts vice president Don Hunter hopes his Catnapper line of reclining furniture catches on with rent-to-own dealers as much for its durability as for it's comfort. As a first year TRIB vendor at the upcoming "Silver at the Summit" tradeshow in Dallas March 17-19, Hunter ... Iowa's Latham becomes 82nd co-sponsor Iowa's Latham becomes 82nd co-sponsor Iowa Rep. Tom Latham Iowa Republican Tom Latham Friday, officially became the 82nd co-sponsor to join H.R. 1767 -- the House version of the industry supported Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. Latham, who represents Iowa's 4th Congressional District, is a seven-term Congressman who ... Big changes in store for ORDA at April 9 meeting A "regime change" is in store for the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA), which will elect a new board of directors at the association's upcoming annual spring business meeting. All seven board seats are due to be filled at the April 9 meeting at the Concourse Hotel and ... Gates names Prater and Welch to top posts at easygates Bud Gates, Chairman and CEO of easygates, LLC announced Chris Prater will take the helm as vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Ladd Welch sill serve as vice president of operations. Previously, both Prater and Welch worked with Gates at Rent-A-Center and THORN Americas, Inc. Easygates, was ... Customer Expectations: Second installment in book review series Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the second in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... Rent-A-Center gives away 10,000 bus passes in New York in "Random Acts of Caring" program Rent-A-Center coworkers from around the state and the company’s home office went into multiple Rochester neighborhoods today handing out 10-packs of one-ride RGRTA Freedom Passes free-of-charge to 700 randomly selected individuals. Additionally, the company is providing a total of 3,000 one-ride passes to three local organizations – ... NEW VIDEO: Congressional break makes ideal time for grassroots RTO activism CLICK to watch Rep. Clay's appeal to fellow legislators. Congress may be on Easter vacation, but successful rent-to-own activists will stay busy over the next two weeks. APRO encourages rent-to-own industry activists to use the upcoming congressional recess March 15 - 30 to schedule meetings with U.S. Congress ... "Silver at the Summit" buying show to offer best of retail and rent-to-own According to Associated Volume Buyers (AVB) CEO Bob Lawrence, the decision to co-locate trade shows next week with the oldest and most well-established rent-to-own buying group in the nation was one driven by convenience as much as necessity. Pooling resources with TRIB Group and providing more member options, Lawrence ... TRIB Group offers exclusive savings programs through Expert Warehouse Today, Mitsubishi and Expert Warehouse announced a new Mitsubishi Program exclusively available to TRIB Group members through Expert Warehouse -- the warehousing arm of Brand Source. The new program replaces the direct program for TRIB Group that was previously in place through Mitsubishi and includes additional incentives like the ... Nationwide Marketing Group named 2008 Energy Star promotion award winner, earns EPA nod for promoting energy conservation The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will honor Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a special awards ceremony April 1 in Washington, D.C. NMG was awarded the 2008 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award winner for its sponsorship of ... TRIB Group to celebrate 25 years of RTO buying power TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields When an expected 500 rent-to-own professionals -- vendors and dealers -- make their way to the annual TRIB Group buying show in Dallas next week, they will be making history. In more ways than one. Established in 1983, TRIB Group is the oldest ... RentN Go Opens in Rio Rancho From left: Diego Gonzales, Juan Rivera and RNG Franchisee Manny Hosltrom outside their new Rent’N Go custom wheels store in Rio Rancho, NM. Rent’N Go custom wheels today announced the opening of its newest retail store in Rio Rancho, a suburb of Albuquerque, New Mexico, under the ... ColorTyme Awards Maine Resident Janna Beane $10,000 in Nationwide ColorTyme BigTyme $10,000 Giveaway ColorTyme recently announced that Janna Beane of South Paris, ME is the $10,000 prize winner. Over 100 ColorTyme stores nationwide participated in the ColorTyme BigTyme $10,000 Giveaway which brought in nearly 6,000 entries throughout the months of November and December 2007. Dave Colizzi is the franchise ... New Video: Rent-to-own industry donates 28 computers to St. Louis schools Congressman William Lacy Clay Friday, joined national, state and local rent-to own industry representatives in launching the "Computers for Kidz" program -- an initiative to help bridge the digital divide in urban areas. (Watch the video) Click here to watch the video On behalf of four area charter ... New supporters boost RTO bill co-sponsorship to 81 Rent-to-own dealers and industry vendors who attended APRO's 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference in February continued to see their efforts rewarded Friday. Tennessee Rep. David Davis In addition to APRO’s report Thursday (see related story) of Rep. Phil English (R-Pennsylvania) signing on to H.R. 1767, Reps. David ... High gas prices can lead to high crimes By Ed Winn III APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III, With gas prices on the rise, clever and, sadly, dishonest employees here and there are trying to take advantage of the situation. A dealer called the other day to report on just such a situation. As is the case ... Speed Queen celebrates 100th anniversary in 2008 The large home appliance market is famous for seeing brands come and go. That’s why Speed Queen is so proud to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. “This milestone is something each of us at Speed Queen is proud of,” said Chuck Melton national sales manager ... Congressman English to join RTO bill U.S. Rep. Phil English and Lt. Commander Michael Baker APRO headquarters Thursday received a forwarded e-mail confirming U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-Pa., has decided to co-sponsor H.R. 1767. The e-mail, forwarded by George Schorsten -- chief operating officer for Ohio based Blue Ribbon Rentals -- came ... Vendor Video: Coaster's unique distribution system fits the needs of RTO furniture dealers Coaster Company of America is one of the leading National Furniture Distributors in the United States with seven branches nationwide and growing and over 20 years experience in the business. Click to watch video. Coaster Company of America is a California incorporated company which began operations in 1979 as ... Vendor Video: Scratch-B-Gone resurfaces scratched up appliances Scratch-B-Gone is a soft-metal restoration kit developed by inventor Barry S. Feinman. The product is designed to remove scratches while blending and oxidizing the newly restored metal to match the surrounding areas. Click to Watch Video Scratch-B-Gone is a product of Restore It Yourself, Inc., which was conceived by ... Vendor Video: Curry Real Estate Services offers unique tools for choosing rent-to-own location Click to watch video. Curry Real Estate Services (CRES) helps take the guess work out of leasing real estate for small business owners. At no cost to their clients -- CRES is paid by the landlord and listing broker -- Curry Real Estate Services provides location and relocation services ... Baber's new Rent-n-Roll brings store count to 56 Cynthia Baber-Strunk and Shannon Strunk of Baber’s Inc., announced the opening of their fifth Rent-n-Roll in Jackson, Tennessee on March 1st. Paul Wood, Shannon Strunk and Shane Baber. The Jackson, Tennessee location brings the total number of stores that Baber’s operates to 56. Baber’s opened its ... H.R. 1767 gains three new supporters; co-sponsorship hits 78 Rep. Bill Shuster The Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act continues to gain momentum in Washington, D.C. with three new co-sponsors adding their names to the bill Wednesday. Reps. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Fla. and Baron P. Hill, D-Ind. officially signed-on as co-sponsors of H.R. 1767 and represent ... Elevating brands one dealer at a time, an interview with Nationwide Marketing Group President Ed Kelly Elevating brands one dealer at a time, an interview with Nationwide Marketing Group President Ed Kelly To Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) President Ed Kelly, customer service is one of the independent retailer's greatest weapons against chain store competition. Belonging to the nation's largest buying group for independent dealers doesn't ... Gates surveys past, anticipates future rent-to-own industry trends Former Rent-A-Center CEO Bud Gates spent over an hour with rent-to-own dealers and vendors Monday morning, recalling strides made during the last 20 years that have contributed to the health of the rent-to-own industry today. Easyhome, ltd. Master Franchisor Bud Gates But Gates warned, big changes are on the ... Rep. Bill Shuster commits to co-sponsorship Rep. Shuster visits with Sandi Frye Rent-to-own industry research proves that direct experience with rent-to-own improves the industry's image significantly. Rep. Bill Shuster's recent visit to Premiere Rental-Purchase in Altoona, PA on behalf of APRO member Sandi Frye is no exception. Frye recently received confirmation from Shuster's office stating ... PrimeTime! goes live in Dallas Keynote speaker Nido Qubein Close to one thousand vendors and dealers from the rent-to-own and retail industries packed the main ballroom of the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas Sunday for the kickoff of RentDirect Nationwide's spring convention and buying show. The first show of 2008, dubbed PrimeTime!, has already ... Stepakoff joins Albany in sales role According to a February 28 article in Furniture Today, Joel Stepakoff has joined upholstery manufacturer Albany Inds. as regional key accounts manager in a newly created position that will handle key accounts in Florida and the Northeast A 40-year industry veteran, Stepakoff most recently was national accounts representative for ... Seven more congressmen lend support to rent-to-own bill Seven members of the U.S. House of Representatives officially joined a growing legion of support for the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement act, bringing the co-sponsor tally for H.R. 1767 to 75. Three of the congressmen, Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, Todd Russell Platts, R-Pa. and Mike Rogers, R-Ala., made ... Tight lending, economic stimulus could benefit rent-to-own Slumping housing and credit markets helped grind the U.S. economy to a near halt in the final quarter of 2007, according to U.S. Commerce Department data released Thursday, causing consumers and businesses to spend and invest more cautiously. With flexible terms, return and reinstatement options and no ... New expense and depreciation tax rules for small business By Ed Winn III Ed Winn III, APRO legal counsel A part of the Economic Stimulus Package for the American People Act of 2008 concerns small business taxation for the year 2008, specifically new rules regarding the expensing of new equipment and new bonus depreciation rules. As first blush ... Rent One annual manager meeting focuses on teamwork L to R: Elvis Riley, Larry Carrico, Eric Simmons,Tim Daugherity and Mark Williams. Rent One’s annual store managers’ meeting kicked off in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on February 26. Themed "Rentastic!” the event consisted of three days of seminars, awards, and camaraderie. “This week was all ... Florida association cancels annual legislative conference FRDA President Chris Kale A lack of pressing issues led the Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) to cancel its annual legislative conference. FRDA President Chris Kale Wednesday confirmed cancellation of the event which was slated for March 12 and 13 in Tallahassee. In lieu of a conference, Kale said ... Aaron Rents declares cash dividend Aaron Rents Board of Directors today, the nation's leader in sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, declared a quarterly cash dividend. The dividend declared is $.016 per share on Common Stock and $.016 ... Rent-A-Center's "Random Acts of Caring" program cuts heating bills for 400 Continuing with a statewide community initiative program it began yesterday in Ohio, Rent-A-Center today brought the program to New York. The program entitled "Random Acts of Caring" immediately benefited 400 families in the city of Elmira, NY where Rent-A-Center coworkers from around the state and from the company’... APRO helps soldier stay connected to rent-to-own career For a soldier deployed overseas, staying connected to friends and family back home can be challenge enough. Staying connected to a career can be next to impossible. But that's just what Sgt. Cody Pruden, 25, of the Michigan Army National Guard has endeavored to do. Sgt. Cody Pruden Though ... Rent-A-Center lauches "Random Acts of Caring" Rent-A-Center, Tuesday, launches a new community initiative today entitled "Random Acts of Caring", with a merchandise donation to London, Onio based, "A Friend’s House" -- a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence and increasing public awareness of the issue. The brand new merchandise ... 'Tipping stove' lawsuit could cost Sears $500 million Sears Holding Corp. will offer free installation of "anti-tip" safety brackets on millions of stoves sold during a seven-year period as part of a class action lawsuit over the appliance's tendency to topple, according to the Associated Press. Attorneys for the plaintiffs estimate the recently approved settlement, which ... RentDirect Nationwide gears up for biannual convention Spring is in the air and at RentDirect Nationwide, springtime is PrimeTime! August 2007 PrimeTime! show, Las Vegas, Nev. RentDirect Nationwide will host its spring convention and vendor exhibition next week March 2 - 5 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Twice a year, thousands of independent dealers ... Nader announces fourth presidential bid, RTO views no surprise Lifelong consumer advocate Ralph Nader announced Sunday he would make his fourth formal bid for the White House and wasted little time lashing out at democrats for being soft on "economic crimes". Ralph Nader Nader called out the rent-to-own industry by name in a Monday CNN interview in ... New Premier Rental-Purchase store opens in Newberry, SC From behind the scenes to behind the counter, RTO industry veteran Bob Serina recently opened his own Premiere rent-to-own store in Newberry South Carolina after 27 years in the business. With an impressive track record of opening new stores for his employers, Serina is now putting into play as ... Clay's office confirms three new co-sponsors Rep. Leonard Boswell Rep. Todd Russell Platts Rep. Mike Rogers In an example of the mounting bipartisan support for the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, official sources revealed Friday three more House members have agreed to co-sponsor H.R. 1767. According to Frank L. Davis, Senior Policy Advisor to ... Congressman visits Pennsylvania rent-to-own store It's not everyday a U.S. congressman stops by to visit your store. That's why when Pennsylvania Rep. Bill Shuster dropped by Sandi Frye's Premier-Rental-Purchase in Altoona this week, she made sure she was prepared. Pa. Rep. Bill Shuster with Sandi Frye at her Altoona store. During Shuster's hour ... Icy weather postpones initial Computers for Kidz donation A winter storm warning predicting a mix of sleet and snow for the Missouri area forced rent-to-own officials to cancel a Friday morning press conference kicking off the Computers for Kidz program in St. Louis, Missouri. The Computers for Kidz program is an educational partnership forged between the rent-to-own ... Rent-A-Center promotes Crawford to vice president of field human resources Rent-A-Center has promoted Becky Crawford to vice president – field human resources. She will continue to report to Mel McCall, vice president – human resources for the corporation. Becky Crawford “Becky has strengthened every facet of the field human resources organization,” McCall said. “Her promotion reflects ... Vance Baldwin acquisition boosts revenue for Advanced Communications In financial results released February 19, Advanced Communications attributes large revenue gains to the acquisition of rent-to-own vendor Vance Baldwin Communications in August 2007. For the three and six month periods following the merger and ending December 31, 2007, Advanced Communications reported record revenue of $16.5 million and ... Iowa bill would set price caps, RTO industry prepares vigorous response By Murlin Evans A bill introduced in the Iowa House of Representatives February 19 that would amend the Iowa Rental Purchase Act and cap prices for rent-to-own dealers across the state will not go unchallenged. Iowa District 43 Rep. Mark Smith APRO Executive Director Bill Keese says H.F ... "Computers for Kidz" partnership to benefit St. Louis charter schools An educational partnership forged between the rent-to-own industry and St. Louis Congressman William Lacy Clay will help bring the digital world to American school children by delivering 20 computers to four area charter schools in the St. Louis area. The "Computers for Kidz" Program will make its initial ... Tennessee Congressman Duncan lends support to rent-to-own bill Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., who represents Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District, officially became the 68th co-sponsor to the House version of the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act February 19. Tennessee Rep. John Duncan Jr. with young constituent. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., is the third Tennessee congressman to co-sponsor the ... Podcast: APRO presents legislative conference follow up tips in timely podcast Congress may have the week off, but that doesn't mean the wheels of government aren't still churning. APRO Executive Director Bill Keese In fact it may be the perfect time for rent-to-own dealers to capitalize on the gains made at the recent 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference by meeting ... Aaron Rents reports revenues up 14 percent in fourth quarter ATLANTA -- Aaron Rents, the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, today announced revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. For the fourth quarter ... Congressman to pay "in-store" visit to RTO activists Their tactics may be unorthodox, but a decision to interrupt their Congressman's lunch to put a face on the rent-to-own industry paid off for Sandi and Mike Frye. 9th District Pennsylvania Congressman Bill Shuster. Congressman Bill Shuster will be visiting the couple's Altoona, Penn. store, Whited Enterprises, at 1:30 ... Easyhome to discuss fourth quarter rent-to-own results in conference call Easyhome -- Canada's largest merchandise leasing company -- will discuss its fourth quarter results in a management conference call with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers at 11 a.m. EST Friday, February 22, 2008. The results, which cover the last quarter of 2007 ending December 31, will be issued ... Tupelo Furniture Market kicks off February 20 By all indications, 2008 will be another tough year for the furniture industry. However, with a track record two decades long, the Tupelo Furniture Market is banking on its reputation for service and value to pack its spring market February 20-24 in Tupelo, Mississippi -- the upholstery capital of ... VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: First time attendees share insight, experience from legislative conference By Murlin Evans Around a quarter of the 120 rent-to-own dealers and vendors who attended the annual 2008 APRO Dave Egan Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. had never attended before. Roughly a third of those new attendees belonged to the Pennsylvania Rental Dealers Association. Brian Ferrari was one ... RTO Industry activism earns praise at annual legislative conference dinner Close to 100 APRO legislative conference attendees packed into buses and headed to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts February 12 for a networking reception and dinner to celebrate two days of hard lobbying on Capitol Hill. Senior Policy Analyst Frank Davis praised the rent-to-own industry's ... VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Rent-to-own industry rallies at APRO legislative conference Watch exclusive video highlights from the general session of the 2008 APRO/Dave Egan Legislative conference in Washington, D.C. APRO Exectuve Director Bill Keese reminds rent-to-own industry activists of the importance of putting a personal face on the industry at the 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference. Rent-to-own industry representatives ... Activists 'personalize' rent-to-own for nation's lawmakers Grassroots rent-to-own activists from across the country packed two Ballrooms at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. February 11 to focus and energize the message they will take to the U.S. Congress over the next two days. The annual 2008 APRO/Dave Egan Legislative Conference "Call ... The rent-to-own industry asks the U.S. Congress for federal regulation The rent-to-own industry's annual Dave Egan Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., February 11-13 begins with the obvious question of why the RTO industry is asking the U.S. Congress for regulatory and definition legislation. The following letter explains why. APRO members are encouraged to send the same letter ... APRO thanks legislative conference supporters APRO’s 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference is upon us. Over 120 of your fellow rental dealers and industry vendors have been taking time from their businesses to schedule congressional meetings, make hotel reservations and travel arrangements to meet in Washington, February 11-13. These activists will carry your message ... Rent-to-own customer expectations topic of first APRO member book review Editors Note: APRO is proud to present the first in a semi-regular series of articles by George M. Schorsten Jr., Operations Manager CEO of Blue Ribbon Rentals, reviewing the book, "Exceeding Customers Expectations, What Enterprise, America’s #1 Car Rental Company Can Teach you about Creating Lifetime Customers", ... NW Rental Dealers get political at first annual membership meeting By Murlin Evans Not many rental dealer associations can boast of doubling their representation area in less than a year. But most aren't like the Northwest Rental Dealers Association. Between 25 and 30 rent-to-own dealers, employees and vendors representing four states are expected to turn out for the first ... Missouri rental dealer's annual membership meeting largest ever By Murlin Evans 127 dealers, employees and vendors turned out for the annual Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) annual membership meeting February 6 in Columbia, Missouri, making this year's meeting the largest in the association's history. Store level professionalism, personal growth and legislative issues dominated the meeting which kicked ... APRO urges conference attendees to submit meeting schedules APRO’s 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference commences in less than a week and APRO wants to make sure your voice is heard. Over 120 rent-to-own dealers, vendors and political activists will converge on Washington, DC February 11-13 to ask their Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor the Consumer Rental ... Grand opening for St. Louis' 2nd RNR planned The Fairview Heights RNR will hold its grand opening February 8. FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL -- RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires will host a grand opening at its new Fairview Heights location February 8. This store, located next to Long John Silver’s by St. Clair Square, is the ... Rent-A-Center 2007 fourth quarter report: total revenues up, settlement reached PLANO, TX -- Rent-A-Center reported total revenues of $717.0 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2007, an increase of $60.9 million from reported total revenues of $656.1 million for the same period in the prior year. This 9.3% increase in revenues was primarily driven ... Rent-to-own industry urged to vote Paul Davis' RTO store will serve as Super Tuesday polling location. When Paul Davis opens one of his Nations Rent-To-Own stores January 5, he will be serving more than his customers. He’ll be serving the democratic process as well. That’s because Davis’ Moreno Valley store will serve ... Rent-A-Center launches "Worry-Free" ad campaign Rent-A-Center invites consumers to experience the “Worry-Free Life” in the company’s new advertising campaign featuring Dabney Coleman. The 30- and 15-second television and radio spots highlight Rent-A-Center’s exclusive Worry-Free Guarantee—a suite of benefits, which includes delivery, set-up and service at no extra charge; matching any ... Rent-n-Roll 2008 Show is the wheel deal Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires concluded its 2008 show on January 30 in Orlando, Florida, with franchisee meetings. One highlight of the three-day event was the awards banquet held January 29 at Bongo’s Restaurant. Awards were presented to RNR’s 2007 top franchise, store manager and high-earning stores, ... Rent-to-own Legislative Conference set during busy times APRO’s 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference coming up on February 11-13 in Washington, D.C. will begin during the busy season of the second session of this year’s Congress. U.S. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd has already announced his intentions to overhaul regulation of mortgage ... New ColorTyme store introduces next generation rent-to-own (LARGO, FL) - Largo's first ColorTyme store will celebrate its grand opening January 31 through February 2 with a live radio remote broadcast, free food and grand prize drawing. The new store, located at 11897 Seminole Blvd, which opened in early December, features an updated retail-inspired design that represents ... Bryce Jewelry acquires rights to M&B Jewelry Bryce Co. Jewelry, the nation’s leading supplier of performance-guaranteed diamond and gold jewelry programs to rental and specialty retail companies, today announced it has acquired the exclusive rights to manufacture M&B jewelry designs. Bryce Co. also ensures uninterrupted flow of merchandise. Bryan Collins, Bryce Co. President, says ... Missouri Rental Dealers Association to focus on leadership, membership Boosting membership and participation in the state’s annual trade show top MRDA President John Cleek Jr.’s list of goals he plans to share with fellow rent-to-own dealers at MRDA’s annual membership meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin with a vendors-only breakfast at 7:45 a.... Catch the RNR revolution on streaming video In an exclusive Internet video production, APRO goes behind the scenes of the RNR revolution with company founder Larry Sutton at the recent franchisee convention in Orlando, Florida, January 28–30. Shot during the opening day of the conference, Sutton pitches RNR’s re-branding efforts as integral to expanding ... RNR honors 2007 franchise, store manager of the year and high-earning stores at RTO awards banquet Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires presented its top franchise award January 29 to Rental Concepts, LLC, at a special awards banquet marking the apex of a three-day franchisee conference in Orlando, Florida. Rental Concepts owners David Harrison, Geron Vail and Don Parker own and operate five stores in Arkansas, ... RNR franchisees create national advertising to reach traditional rent-to-own customer and beyond Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires franchisees are wasting no time making the company’s new name, RNR, familiar to their customers and the world at large. By consensus vote on January 28, store owners, representing 65 RNR stores across the country, approved creation of a national advertising fund that ... A podcast interview with RTO innovator Larry Sutton RNR Owner Larry Sutton’s rent-to-own career and success spans decades. Listen to RTO Today’s podcast interview with Larry Sutton speaking candidly on innovating the rent-to-own custom wheel and tire business and RNR's success.... The benefits of Benefit Marketing Solutions Benefit Marketing Solutions’ Susan Mathews and David Kaye talk about the necessity of carrying insurance for RNR customers who carry higher priced custom tires and wheels. Listen to RTO Today’s podcast of why and how RNR and rent-to-own dealers an provide insurance and club programs to their customers ... Franchisee Geron Vail talks about his success with RNR RTO Today captures the stoic reflections of Geron Vail on the fastest growing rent-to-own product category and RNR leading the charge in an exclusive podcast interview. Vail is one of the many RNR franchisees attending RNR’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, January 27-30. To listen, click on Geron ... RNR Web site traffic approaches 30 million page views, new and improved site planned Just like the roaring engine on the RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires Web site, the company’s Internet traffic revved up in 2007, giving rise to a newly planned site designed to capitalize on new and repeated visits. According to Adam Sutton, creative director of Red Letter Studios—... RNR "connections" offers key marketing tools for rent-to-own franchisees RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires Marketing Director Jason Sexton Monday displayed new merchandising and advertising materials including flyers, tag inserts, postcards, posters, banners and television and radio spots available for franchisees through the RNR Web site “connections” link. The new merchandise is leading Rent-n-Roll founder Larry Sutton’... Is the wheel and tire business the window to the new rent-to-own customer? The RNR annual franchise show in Orlando, FL on January 28th started out with a statistical bang. According to statistics from the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) 65% of the custom wheel and tire customer base is outside the traditional rent-to-own customer income range earning more than $45,000. ... A conversation about RNR and rent-to-own wheels and tires Listen to RTO Today’s exclusive podcast interview with RNR’s Jason Sorrell talk about the company’s revolution and the latest rent-to-own product craze of wheels and tires. Sorrell joins 120 other RNR rent-to-own revolutionaries in Orlando, Florida, for RNR’s annual franchise meeting January 27-30.... RNR Custom Wheels and Performance Tires kicks off fourth annual convention in Orlando More than 120 attendees, franchise owners, managers and vendors are taking ownership of the “RNR Revolution” at a three-day franchisee conference this week at the Regal Sun Resort in Orlando, Florida. RNR now boasts 20 franchisees that own 65 stores nationwide and in Canada, a far cry from ... APRO and TRIB Group to host hospitality suite at Las Vegas Market If you plan on descending on the World Market Center in Las Vegas next week for the Las Vegas Market, the first major home furnishings trade show of 2008, then make sure you stop by the rent-to-own hospitality suite 5–6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 29, at the World ... Economic stimulus package will boost rent-to-own business An economic stimulus package meant to bolster a sagging U.S. economy will likely boost rent-to-own transactions as well. On January 25, President George W. Bush urged Congress’ swift passage ofthe package, which will go to the House floor next week. Bush says that efforts to delay or derail ... Rent-to-own dealers gear up for annual legislative conference The rent-to-own industry represented, by its national trade association APRO, holds its annual Dave Egan Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., beginning February 11. More than 120 rent-to-own dealers and vendors are attending this year’s legislative conference to ask for support for the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act currently ... APRO scholarship donor challenges rent-to-own community An anonymous donor is challenging APRO members to show their commitment to a brighter future for members of the rent-to-own community. The donor—an APRO member who has requested anonymity—recently made a $5,000 contribution to the APRO Scholarship Foundation. The gift will provide $2,000 for the ... Scholarship application deadline nearing for rent-to-own industry APRO will award a $2,000 college scholarship this February and interested applicants have less than week to submit an application. Candidates must submit an entry form by January 31, 2008. The APRO Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors will then review all applications and select a recipient, who will ... BDI Laguna changes name to ArchBrook Laguna BDI Laguna, a distributor of consumer electronics and computer products, has changed its name to ArchBrook Laguna, according to a report in Twice, an online consumer electronics publication. The change was made in an effort to more accurately reflect the names of the two formerly independent businesses that currently ... D&H Distributing celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2008 D&H Distributing, a major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor that services the rent-to-own industry, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The organization that was founded as a tire retreading business in 1918 by David Schwab has grown to participate in the emergence of both ... ColorTyme wraps up another great convention The 2008 ColorTyme National Convention kicked off on Sunday, January 13, at Strikz Family Center, with bowling and other fun activities. The two-day convention, held at the new Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco, Texas, marked the first time the company has combined its Winter Operations Meeting and National Convention ... Ashley Furniture to host rent-to-own gathering at Las Vegas Market Ashley Furniture is generously hosting a hospitality suite on January 29 for rent-to-dealers attending the Las Vegas Market. The Las Vegas Market runs from January 28 through February 1 at the World Market Center. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, ... Bed bug expert publishes book Richard Cooper, who spoke at length during the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada, has just published a book on bed bugs, which is already in its second printing. "The book is the first and only comprehensive text on bed bugs since the resurgence of ... Kentucky rent-to-own dealers officially reestablish state association On January 16, 25 rent-to-own dealers with stores in Kentucky met for an outstanding reorganization meeting, according to Kentucky Rental Dealers Association President Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase. “The attendance and participation was way beyond my expectations,” says Bolin. “I was hoping that we would ... Cort Business Services buys Britain's Roomservice Group A leader in the rent-to-rent furniture business, Cort Business Services purchased Roomservice Group, a British rent-to-rent company, to expand Cort's business in England. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, Cort is part of the Berkshire Hathaway's Westco Financial Corp. subsidiary. Roomservice is based in Surrey, England, and rents decorator goods and ... Rent-A-Center promotes Korst, DeMoss and Eichelberger Rent-A-Center announced three executive promotions today, January 14, 2007. Christopher Korst becomes executive vice president–operations. Ronald DeMoss becomes senior vice president and general counsel. Dan Eichelberger becomes vice president–business development. “It’s great to be able to reward exceptional performance and further strengthen your management team ... New ColorTyme franchisee ready to roll with RimTyme David Deignan is new to the ColorTyme system, but 25 years of experience, including executive level positions with Magic Rent-to-Own and Aaron Rents has given him the know-how and expertise to run successful RTO franchises. Deignan recently completed the conversion of his Macon, Georgia-based Magic Rent-to-Own store to a ... Rent-to-own dealers encouraged to participate in TV Converter Box Coupon Program Rent-to-own dealers who still have analog TV sets in their inventory or out on rent may want to consider registering with the National Telecommunications and Information Agency as certified retailers of the new converter boxes. Rent-to-own dealers who register with the NTIA will then be able to take advantage ... Rent-to-own dealers in Kentucky to revitalize state rent-to-own association Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase is expecting more than 25 attendees from 11 rent-to-own companies to attend the Kentucky state rental dealer reorganization meeting on January 16, 2008, in Louisville. "I think with the great response we've had from the dealers that we'll be successful in being ... Rent-to-own dealers in Kentucky to revitalize state rent-to-own association Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase is expecting more than 25 attendees from 11 rent-to-own companies to attend the Kentucky state rental dealer reorganization meeting on January 16, 2008, in Louisville. "I think with the great response we've had from the dealers that we'll be successful in being ... RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tires to hold fourth annual franchise meeting in Orlando More than 100 RNR Custom Wheels & Performance Tires franchisees are planning to attend the company’s fourth annual franchisee meeting January 27-28 at The Regal Sun Resort in Orlando, Florida. And, my, times have changed. According to RNR Vice President of Franchising Vince Ficarrotta, it was just four ... Rent-to-own industry friend and mentor Moon dies at 62 Craig Moon, 62, a sales representative who had worked for Sears, Whirlpool and Bosch-Siemens, died on January 7. "Craig's name was synonymous with RTO," says APRO President Larry Carrico. "He will be missed by all rental dealers." Moon was diagnosed with esophageal cancer just a ... Rent'N Go rent-to-own custom wheel and tire store opens in Nashville Rent'N Go custom wheels and tires announces the opening of its newest store in Nashville, Tennessee, under the leadership of franchisees Jay Howe and Greg Spring. The company continues to pursue its expansion strategy through franchising in selected U.S. markets. "We are pleased to have Jay, Greg ... Rent-to-own dealers take note: Thirty-seven state legislatures to convene in January By Richard May Forty-five state legislatures will convene in 2008 with consumer protection legislation being one of the most popular legislative bills introduced. Thirty-seven of these convening legislatures begin in January 2008. Already more than 300 consumer protection bills have been prefiled throughout America, even though most state legislative ... Representative Clay introduces H.R. 1767 Democratic Representative William Lacy Clay of Missouri introduced H.R. 1767 on March 29, a bill to regulate the rent-to-own industry. This is the companion bill to S. 1012, introduced by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. Original co-sponsors are Representatives Walter Jones (R-North Carolina), Gregory Meeks (D-New York), Mike ... Aaron's rent-to-own franchise replaces Santa Claus in Connecticut By Richard May Aaron’s franchisee Charles Smithgall embraced the holiday spirit by donating a house full of home furnishings to the company’s most deserving customer among its 61 SEI/Aaron’s franchise stores. Aracelis Liciaga and her family of five were the lucky recipients after Aaron’s poured ... CNBC features Rent-A-Center and Aaron's as stocks to pick By Richard May CNBC announces “Five Fresh Investment Ideas to Make You Money in 2008” where rent-to-own public companies Rent-A-Center and Aaron’s were two featured among the five recommendations. The article’s premise is that while the sub-prime mortgage crisis is hurting the markets, it is also ... RSSS announces Hersh promotion RSSS is pleased to announce the promotion of Carri Hersh to application support specialist. For the past six years, she has been the client support coordinator, managing client support calls from the company's Corpus Christi offices. Jan Miller, RSSS director of client services, says, “Carri has done an ... Newman opens Premier store in Delaware Ten-year RTO veteran and current U.S. Army Reservist Steve Newman opened a Premier Rental-Purchase store in Milford, Delaware, in November. Although Newman will not be able to able to manage the store personally until he completes his military assignment in the Reserves, he is fulfilling his longstanding dream ... Rent-to-own's Lingerfelt opens Florida Premier franchise After a lengthy career working as a rent-to-own employee, Dennis Lingerfelt and his wife, Donna, opened their own Premier store in Jacksonville, Florida, earlier this year. Lingerfelt’s RTO experience began 15 years ago, following a career in the Air Force and later in retail management with Montgomery Ward. ... National TV Rentals employees gift bosses with thoughtful gesture On December 15, 58 National TV Sales & Rental employees braved snow and ice to attend owners Mark and Kathy Windsor's annual holiday dinner and awards banquet only to surprise the Windsors with a thoughtful gift in honor of a employee who passed away earlier this year. Following dinner, ... Texas' 2008 tax plan may cause small rent-to-own dealers financial hardship The Texas Legislature broadened its scope of what type of businesses would be subject to its new "margin tax" (formerly known as the franchise tax) in 2008, which may cause smaller rent-to-own dealers financial hardship, says Aaron's owner Robert Briley of Abilene, Texas. In early 2007, the Texas ... Expanded FMLA bill expected to be signed into law by Christmas White House officials have said that President Bush will most likely sign into law the expanded version of the Family Medical Leave Act, which was approved by Congress on December 14, before Christmas. The expanded FMLA (called the National Defense Authorization Act) will require employers to provide 12 weeks ... Industry veteran vendor Shannon ends 23 years of service with RCA After 23 years of service with Thomson’s RCA Audio/Video division, Timothy B. Shannon will step down as national manager special markets on December 31, 2007. Thomson has sold its RCA audio/video activities to AudioVox Corporation. “Currently, our RCA Audio/Video business sells a wide range of AV products, ... Congress passes one-year stay on AMT; tax returns most likely postponed Rent-to-own customers may have to wait for their tax refund next year due to the last-minute passage of an Alternative Minimum Tax "patch" as previously reported in RTO Today. Congress passed the AMT legislation in 352-64 vote on December 19 and President Bush is expected to sign it. ... U.S. Economic Census forms mailed to rent-to-own stores The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations received a memo from the U.S. Bureau of the Census announcing that 58,000 rental and leasing businesses are among the 4 million American businesses that will receive 2007 Economic Census forms the week of December 17. According to U.S. Census ... Rent-to-own dealers in Kentucky to revitalize state rent-to-own association Chris Bolin of Bolin Rental Purchase is calling all Kentucky rent-to-own dealers to attend a state rental dealer reorganization meeting on January 16, 2008, in Louisville. GE Consumer & Industrial and TRIB are generously sponsoring this reorganization gathering. The meeting will be held at the luxurious 21C Museum Hotel ... Representative Holden signs on as H.R. 1767 co-sponsor Representative Tim Holden of Pennsylvania signed on as the 62nd co-sponsor to the industry's House bill, H.R. 1767, the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act, on December 6. A "blue dog conservative Democrat," Holden serves Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district and has served his constituents for eight terms. ... Small business owners to be surveyed on "no match" illegal immigration rules A federal judge has given the Department of Homeland Security until March 24 to survey small business owners on how the Department of Homeland Security's "no match" illegal immigration rules affect them. The "no match" rules are the DHS's requirement of business owners to verify workers' immigration ... Alternative minimum tax update for rent-to-own dealers By Bill Keese Time is running out for Congress to reach a compromise on the alternative minimum tax issue. Without a change in the tax laws, it is estimated that an additional 24 million Americans will be affected by the tax originally designed for multi-millionaires who were escaping paying ... American Tire Rentals to become part of RimTyme American Tire Rentals, based in Temple, Texas, and run by Scott Savell, will become part of RimTyme, the custom wheel division of rent-to-own chain ColorTyme Inc., according to Modern Tire Dealer. Savell, a veteran of the tire and wheel rental business, who recently joined RimTyme, is in charge of ... APRO to award its first education scholarship on behalf of the rent-to-own industry Anonymous rent-to-own business owners and APRO members are challenging their APRO rent-to-own colleagues to match a $5,000 donation to the APRO Scholarship Foundation. Two thousand dollars of their $5,000 donation will be awarded to a qualifying student and the remainder of the anonymous donation will go toward ... Aaron Rents promotes Trainor to vice president, information technology Aaron Rents announced that John T. Trainor has been promoted to vice president, information technology of Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership Division. He previously was IT director of application development. Trainor has more than 16 years experience in information technology, beginning at Georgia Power Company in 1991. He served ... Delay in passing AMT legislation could impact 2008 refunds for rent-to-own customers According to an article on Foxnews.com, the Internal Revenue Service is considering delaying the start of the tax filing season from January 14, 2008 until mid-February if Congress delays passing legislation to solve the alternative minimum tax issue. Inaction on the part of Congress could delay tax refunds ... ColorTyme hires franchise-industry executive James Deering as its new director of franchise development ColorTyme announced that the company has hired James Deering to lead its franchise development efforts. Deering, who most recently served as president of PCJ Franchising Company in Wilmington, North Carolina, brings 15 years of retail and service industry franchise experience to ColorTyme. This position will be his first RTO ... Rent-A-Center to close approximately 280 rent-to-own stores On December 3, Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own operator, announced plans to close approximately 280 stores across the United States. "We continually analyze every aspect of our business in an effort to improve operating and financial performance," says Mark E. Speese, chairman and CEO of Rent-A-Center. "... TRIB Group appoints Bestway's Kraemer to board of directors TRIB Group is pleased to announce the addition of David Kraemer of Bestway Inc. to its board of directors. Bestway is based in Dallas, Texas. Kraemer will fill the position created with the recent resignation of Bob Bloom of ColorTyme. Kraemer will serve the remainder of Bloom's term. Both ... Annual rent-to-own survey shows steady growth in revenue, store fronts and customer count The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations’ 2007 statistical survey on the rent-to-own industry showed an increase in revenue, customers and store count over the previous year. The industry topped $6.8 billion in revenue for 2006. APRO attributes this growth to the evolution of products and store design, competition ... New York rent-to-own bill scheduled for another hearing By Richard May New York Assembly Bill 66 by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer has been scheduled for a December 13 hearing in the New York Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee at the state capitol in Albany, New York. According to the office of the author of the bill, the hearing ... Worsening economic factors may boost rent-to-own businesses The combination of tightening credit, a lack of consumer confidence, rising energy prices and a drop in orders for big-ticket manufactured goods are all indicators that tend to boost business at rent-to-own stores. The serious credit crunch that began last August continues as banks and other lenders tighten credit ... Rent One supports local Cub Scouts in record popcorn purchase Rent One recently purchased a whopping 320 tins of popcorn from a local Cub Scout pack in Southeast Missouri to help the pack raise money to purchase a Pinewood Derby track. The sale of the tins was made by Scout Anthony Agin, who just happens to be the son ... Rent'N Go establishes franchise business philosophy RNG, franchisor of Rent’N Go custom wheels and tires locations, has established its business relationship philosophy as the foundation for its continuous dealings with stakeholders of its growing chain of franchises. “Each must be a win-win business relationship. If it can not be win-win, we want no ... Aaron Rents to expand rent-to-own chain throughout Canada Aaron Rents will be opening an additional 35-40 stores in British Columbia, Canada, and an additional 200 stores throughout Canada in the next five years, according to a November 19 report from the Vancouver Sun. The company currently has 11 outlets in Canada, with the first two British Columbia ... High Touch goes uptown with new downtown headquarters High Touch, a Wichita, Kansas-based provider of technology solutions, finalized a lease today to move its 100-plus person staff in its Wichita corporate headquarters to a 10-story building located at 110 S. Main in downtown Wichita. High Touch CEO Wayne Chambers says preparations will begin immediately as renovations begin ... Rent-to-own and tire rental industry icon Savell to oversee RimTyme expansion ColorTyme announced today that Scott Savell, a forerunner in the wheel-and-tire rental industry, has accepted an offer to be a part of the company’s expansion of RimTyme, ColorTyme’s custom wheel rental division. Beginning December 1, Savell, who is based in Brownwood, will be a major contributor to ... Rent-n-Roll opens three stores in three states in 30 days RNR Custom Wheels and Tires announces the opening of three brand new stores in three different states over the past 30 days. Full-O-Pep Wheels, run by longtime APRO board member David P. David, opened a third RNR location in Indianapolis, Indiana, in early October. The official grand opening took ... Mark your calendars for APRO's 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference You can make a difference in protecting the future of the rent-to-own industry by telling your story to members of Congress. Register today for APRO’s 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference, February 11-13. The deadline to reserve a room at the APRO room rate of $219 at the L’... Oklahama rent-to-own dealers face few challenges Members of the Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association held their annual meeting November 13 in Tulsa to elect new officers and share information. ORDA President Randy Braucher of Stanley's Get It Today reports that rental dealers in the state face few obstacles in doing business, which was verified by ORDA ... APRO board reconfirms its commitment to the annual RTO Convention and Buying Show in St. Louis in August 2008 By Ed Winn III The APRO board of directors held its annual fall meeting at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown St. Louis, site of the 2008 annual Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show next August. The first item on the board’s agenda was to discuss the newly announced alliance ... Rent-to-own's Briley hosts visit with Congressman Neugebauer U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas), a member of the House Financial Services Committee and the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, visited the new Aaron's franchise location in Abilene, Texas, owned by Robert O. Briley on November 10. Neugebauer is a co-sponsor to the industry supported federal legislation, ... Rent-to-own veteran Muir opens Premier store in New Hampshire Rent-to-own veteran Jay Muir opened his first Premier Rental-Purchase store in Manchester, New Hampshire, in September. Encouraged to strike out on his own by a colleague who was opening his own store and armed with a business plan that was impressive to the bank, Muir acted on his dream ... Rent One's Agin promoted to president of company's 44-store rent-to-own chain In November 5, Rent One’s Trent Agin assumed the role of company president for the 44-store chain of rent-to-own stores. Formerly one of three company vice presidents, Agin will now head up all of the company's operations, including monitoring daily financial activity, all business-related issues, customer gain and ... Bestway bests competition by offering short-term rentals Bestway Rent To Own President David Kraemer recently received a letter from a customer thanking him and store manager Celena Borders for rescuing his son's wedding by offering a short-term TV rental. Apparently, the father of the groom needed to upgrade the wedding rehearsal facility's TV overnight and visited ... Rent-to-own legal paper accepted into prominent law journal By Richard May The rent-to-own industry received a fresh legal and economic look at the transaction in a 55-page law paper authored by University of Texas law student Jim Hawkins. The paper, "Renting the Good Life," has recently been accepted into the prestigious William & Mary Law ... Senator Hagel sponsors rent-to-own federal legislation By Richard May Senator Chuck Hagel has long been a supporter of balanced federal regulations for the rent-to-own industry. Former APRO President and Nebraskan Lyn Leach has developed a long standing relationship with the retiring senator and Hagel's continued support through the years is a testament to the power ... Rent-to-own's Frye and PARD offer financial incentive to Pennsylvania dealers to attend 2008 Legislative Conference Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers President Sandi Frye is such a strong proponent of the legislative process that PARD is offering to pay for half of the hotel stay for rent-to-own dealers in their state who register for the 2008 APRO Legislative Conference in February. It is PARD's goal ... KLQ Rent-n-Roll exhibits at Seattle International Auto Show Kevin Quinn of KLQ Enterprises in Tacoma, Washington, has taken his Rent-n-Roll franchise on the road—specifically to the Seattle International Auto Show. KLQ-RNR has a booth promoting his wheel and tire products at this annual event that draws people from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. ... Rent'N Go supports "Beat the Heat" Rent'N Go has partnered with a nationwide "Cops & Kids" program called "Beat the Heat." “This is one of the finest youth development programs I have seen. We are happy to support 'Beat the Heat' in any way we can,” says RNG President Bob ... New York rent-to-own dealer collects 280 pounds of food for charity Queensbury, New York, rent-to-own dealer and ColorTyme franchisee Tom Glogowski of Your Choice Rentals coordinated a local food drive in October that collected 280 pounds of food for a local mission. Having just opened his first rent-to-own store July 5 (with the help of Tom and Lisa Neyhart of ... Will your trip to Washington make a difference? By Richard May How do you measure the impact of your communication with a federal congressperson—whether he represents a minimum of half a million constituents or millions? You may think your voice gets lost or is never heard, but you would be surprised. Take a look at the ... Oklahoma rent-to-own dealers gear up for November 13 meeting Members of the Oklahoma Rental Dealers Association will be holding their annual meeting on November 13 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. ORDA President Randy Braucher of Stanley's Get It Today! in Claremore encourages all state rent-to-own dealers to attend. On the agenda is a legislative update by Steve Kelly, an update ... Rent-A-Center reports third quarter results; settles lawsuits Rent-A-Center reported a 20.9 percent increase in revenues and a 1.8 percent same-store sales decrease for the third quarter ending September 30. Total revenues for the quarter were $709.7 million—an increase of $122.5 million from the same period a year ago. According to Rent-A-Center, ... 2007 Rent-to-Own Employee of the Year featured in Richmond paper Bestway’s Jonathan Brown, recipient of APRO’s 2007 Employee of the Year award, was featured in an October 30 article published by Richmond [Virginia] Times-Dispatch. Gail Kelley, a staff writer for the newspaper, interviewed Brown, Bestway’s Tappahannock Manager Danny Jordan (where Brown works as a customer service ... Premier franchisee Darden replaces Romine on APRO board Premier Rental-Purchase franchisee John Darden has replaced outgoing APRO board member Gary Romine of Show-Me Rent-To-Own. Romine resigned from the board on October 26 due to his growing commitments managing political campaigns in his home state of Missouri. Darden--who ran for a board seat during the election held during ... Aaron's sales rise; earnings slide Aaron Rents reported a 13.1 percent increase in third-quarter sales, but said that the company's net income slipped 8.4 percent due to delays in opening several new stores and higher operating costs. The company, which had 927 company-owned and 442 franchised Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership stores ... Rent-to-own federal bills net two new co-sponsors By Richard May Two Southern Republicans are the latest to support federal regulations and lease definitions for the rent-to-own industry. R is a senior Republican who sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee and Senator Jeff Sessions is a second-term Senator from Alabama. Cynthia and Shannon Strunk from Baber's and ... Register today for APRO's 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference APRO's 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conference is just around the corner! Scheduled for February 11-13, 2008, in Washington, D.C., this is a once-a-year opportunity to lobby our elected officials in force. A record 200 attendees descended upon Capitol Hill this year, which has resulted in numerous co-sponsors to ... TRIB Group's Lewallen and APRO's Carrico comment on joint buying fair As reported earlier today, TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields and AVB Brand Source CEO Bob Lawrence announced that the two groups will be holding a joint buying fair and convention in March 2008 in Dallas, Texas. TRIB Group President Ernie Lewallen weighed in with his thoughts: "I ... TRIB Group and AVB agree to merge buying shows in March 2008 Dennis Shields, executive director of TRIB Group and Bob Lawrence, CEO of AVB Brand Source announced this morning they would be having a joint buying fair and convention with a March show in Dallas, Texas. The goal of the single buying fair will be to create efficiencies for all ... Oregon rent-to-own dealer Recla spooks for charity The staff at Central Rent To Own, based in Ontario, Oregon, are raising money for a local free health care clinic by scaring as many people they can this Halloween season. Owner Joe Recla, who serves on the board of the Ontario Four Rivers Health Care free clinic, and ... Missouri rent-to-own employers face second minimum wage increase On January 1, 2008, the minimum wage for Missouri employers is set to increase to $6.65 an hour from $6.50. This is the second time the wage has increased in as many years. Many employers are still adjusting to the increase of January 2007, where the minimum ... Grassroots efforts result in three new co-sponsors As a direct result of APRO's grassroots efforts, H.R. 1767, the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act, realized a gain of three new co-sponsors. The co-sponsors are Representatives Zack Space (D-Ohio), Yvette Clarke (D-New York) and Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina). Representative Zack Space, a freshman Democrat from Ohio, was pleasantly ... Best Buy pulls all analog TVs from shelves On October 1, Best Buy was the first consumer-electronics retailer to instruct its stores to stop selling analog televisions and pulled all of its remaining stock from the shelves. The company was quoted as saying it made the decision "as the end of the analog broadcast era draws ... APRO's rent-to-own grassroots efforts generate 60th co-sponsor By Richard May Representative Zack Space, a freshman Democrat from Ohio, was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism of today's rent-to-own industry after a personal visit to Mike Tissot's Rent-2-Own store. Tissot invited Space during the August recess to show firsthand the professional service, products and operations of the rent-to-own ... New York Rep. Clarke co-sponsors industry-supported legislation U.S Representative Yvette Clarke from Brooklyn, New York, signed on to H.R. 1767 by Rep. William Lacy Clay. The bill now has 59 co-sponsors featuring 24 Democrats and 35 Republicans. The bill is pending in the Consumer Credit Subcommittee of the House Financial Institutions Committee.... Democrat McIntyre co-sponsors rent-to-own legislation By Richard May The federal legislation to define the rent-to-own transaction and set forth consumer protection regulations received some majority support from fifth-term Democrat Mike McIntyre, the U.S. Congressman who represents the southern tip of North Carolina. McIntyre has supported the legislation in sessions prior. APRO member Larry ... Rent'N Go hires Terhune as franchise vice president RNG Inc., franchisor of Rent'N Go custom wheels and tires locations, announced the appointment of Patrick Terhune as the company's vice president, franchise development. Terhune joins RNG to manage the franchise development, marketing and administrative functions for Rent'N Go. "Pat's addition to our staff broadens the depth and ... Countryside Rentals opens 22nd rent-to-own store Twenty-two years ago, Darrell Tissot opened the first Rent-2-Own store in Hillsboro, Ohio. Countryside Rentals is now run by his son Mike, who joined the company in 1997. Despite having stores in most of the county seats in southern Ohio, up until last week Rent-2-Own had never had a ... Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers hold lively meeting in Harrisburg More than 20 rent-to-own dealers from the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers had a lively meeting on October 9 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The meeting was called by PARD President Sandi Frye. APRO Executive Director Bill Keese was on hand to share the history behind the development of the industry’... New York rent-to-own dealers become proactive in telling their story Members of the New York Rental Dealers Association held their second meeting of the year on October 9, at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Attendance at the second meeting was much higher than the newly reorganized state association’s first meeting, which was held in June. ... Two new ColorTyme rent-to-own franchisees tap Shreveport and Gainesville markets Mike and Lisa Gavidia opened their first ColorTyme franchise in Gainesville, Florida, on September 15, and James Stephens opened his Shreveport, Louisiana, franchise on October 1. While both markets couldn't be more different--Gainesville is a college town and Shreveport is primarily rural--both new franchisees are excited about their future. ... Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers set to meet October 9 Members of the Pennsylvania Association of Rental Dealers, led by PARD President Sandi Whited Frye, will meet October 9 at the Hilton Harrisburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature APRO Executive Director Bill Keese as well as ... New York rent-to-own dealers to meet October 9 Members of the New York Rental Dealers Association will be gathering at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, for a general membership meeting on October 9. Lead by NYRDA President Dave Edwards, the meeting will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and promises a ... Lyn re-enters rent-to-own with a Premier franchise Industry veteran Rodger Lyn has returned to rent-to-own after a 10-year hiatus with a new Premier store in Miami. Lyn opened his store in October. A former rent-to-own consultant, Lyn also served as project coordinator at Premier Rent-To-Own when the company was a Boca Raton-based licensor. During his time ... Aaron Rents acquires Prime Time Rentals On October 2, Aaron Rents announced that it had acquired the 33-store Prime Time Rentals chain. Prime Time Rentals has stores located in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia. Approximately one-half of the stores will be operated as Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership stores. The lease agreements of ... Rent-to-own industry bestows highest awards to deserving individuals and the year's top state association The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations bestowed the industry’s highest honors upon five rental dealers, one vendor and the year’s top state rental dealers association during APRO’s 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show on September 27 in Reno, Nevada. The 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented ... 2007 Rent-to-Own Buying Show breaks all purchasing records Buyers attending the APRO 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show placed orders with exhibitors in excess of $18 million, September 24-27, in Reno, Nevada. For the past four years, the Buying Show orders have increasingly broke the previous year’s records, with this year’s orders totaling exactly $18,... More podcast interviews with rent-to-own vendors at 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show APRO interviews with representatives from AMCOR, Coaster Co., Martin Furniture and Yamaha vendors, all of whom are exhibiting at the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show: Jim Keenan of AMCOR highlights a cool new product for rent-to-own: portable air conditioners. Larry Furiana of Coaster Co. talks about his company's ... APRO board of directors elects 2007-08 slate of officers At the 2007 APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada, the APRO board elected the 2007-08 slate of officers. The new APRO officers are: President: Larry Carrico, SKC Enterprises, dba Rent One, Mt. Vernon, Illinois First Vice President: John Raines, Natural State Leasing Corp., dba Aaron's Sales ... APRO interviews ColorTyme CEO Bloom, Ace Rent-to-Own's Leach and APRO President Carrico APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May talked to ColorTyme CEO Bob Bloom and Lyn Leach of Ace Rent-to-Own about their company's success with franchising and reinstatement rights, respectively, at the 2007 APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada. Plus, an interview with APRO’s newly re-elected President, ... APRO honors state associations and legislative achievement State rent-to-own associations, their leadership and legislative grassroots efforts were recognized during the , September 26, in Reno, Nevada. APRO President Larry Carrico introduced APRO's State Association Coordinating Committee Chairman "Tiger" John Cleek, who presented the following state rental dealers association awards during the reception: 2007 Legislative Achievement Award: ... Rent-to-own dealers discuss the industry's hottest issues at APRO's All-Industry Roundtable More than 200 rental dealers representing both small, medium and large companies attended the new All-Industry Roundtable during the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show in Reno on September 26. Discussions centered on the most top-of-mind issues facing the rent-to-own businesses today in an open forum format. Lead by ... Preliminary results unveiled from the 2007 Rent-to-Own Statistical Survey Former APRO Board member and Treasurer Terry Beville of Buddy’s Home Furnishing in Tampa, Florida, unveiled preliminary results from the 2007 Rent-to-Own Statistical Survey to a ballroom-sized crowd gathered for the All-Industry Roundtable on September 26 during the APRO Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada. Some of ... 2007 Vendor Advisory Committee election results announced By Neil Ferguson At the APRO Exhibitor Breakfast and Business meeting held September 26 during APRO’s 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show, exhibitors elected members to six positions on the Vendor Advisory Committee for the 2007-09 term. Bob Saunders of United Furniture and Gary Jones of Ashley Furniture ... APRO's Rock-n-Reno Bowling Party scores high points for fun By Neil Ferguson APRO’s Rock-n-Reno 1950s Bowling Party, held on September 25 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno during the 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show was right up the alley for those seeking a great time. Rent-to-own dealers, vendors and guests were impressed with the size ... Podcast interviews with APRO exhibitors and members APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May sat down with APRO member Trooper Earle of Premier and APRO exhibitors Rick Linton of Imagery Marketing Solutions, Rochelle Mingus of Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Jim Van Tighem of Moneris Solutions and Bud Gates of easyhome Ltd. Earle talked about Premier's rapid growth ... 2007 Rent-to-Own Employee of the Year award goes to Brown of Bestway Rent to Own The 2007 Rent-to-Own Employee of the Year award was presented to Jonathan Brown of Bestway Rent to Own in Tappahonnock, Virginia, during the APRO general session at the 2007 APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show, September 25, in Reno, Nevada. Brown, 23, accepted the award graciously from APRO Public ... APRO announces results of 2007 board election The APRO membership has voted for eight new members to serve a two-year term on the APRO board of directors. The following rental dealers will fill vacant seats left by outgoing members or were re-elected for another term: Larry Carrico, SKC Enterprises Inc., dba Rent One, Mt. Vernon, Illinois ... APRO General Session focuses on the industry's past, present and future The 2007 General Session at the APRO Convention and Buying Show highlighted the past, the present and the future. APRO Executive Director Bill Keese opened the morning meeting September 25 to a crowded room of industry professionals. After thanking the show’s generous sponsors--whose support exceeded all previous years--Keese ... APRO 2007 Golf Tournament winners announced By Richard May Winners at APRO’s 2007 Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament held at the Lakes Course at Red Hawk in Reno are: First-place team: John Cox, Jason Mock, Ron Reaves and Eric Saxon Second-place team: Jody Coleman, David Dorwart, Darren Tinney and Larry Tinney Third-place team: Dave ... State legislative forum draws more than 100 attendees More than 100 rent-to-own dealers attended the State Legislative Forum in Reno, Nevada, during APRO's 2007 Rent-To-Own Convention and Buying Show on September 24. The meeting was led by State Association Chairman "Tiger" John Cleek and a panel of state association presidents were on hand to discuss their ... 2007 APRO golf tournament gets off to a frosty start For the first time in APRO history, the tee-time for the annual golf tournament was delayed for more than an hour due to frost. Held at the Red Hawk Lake Course on September 24, more than 80 golfers drank coffee and loosened up on the driving range waiting for ... APRO opens rent-to-own show with a welcome reception APRO opened its 26th annual convention and buying show at The Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada, on Monday, September 24, with a welcome reception for all dealers, spouses and vendors. At this first gathering, rental dealers renewed old acquaintances and planned out the week's activities with friends and fellow ... Rent-n-Roll announces plans to rebrand, expand concept Rent-n-Roll President Larry Sutton unveiled the company's plans to re-brand Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires to RNR Custom Wheels and Tires. “For some time, we have realized that to gain a stronger foothold in the $35 billion automotive aftermarket, we must find a way to position ourselves as ... Aaron Rents revises 2007 rent-to-own store opening forecast "Our goal for 2007 was to add 250 new stores--a combination of company-operated and franchised stores," says Aaron's Chairman and CEO R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. "At the end of September 2007, we anticipate over 115 of these stores will be completed. However, it is evident now, ... APRO's Rent-to-Own Convention kicks off with a reception honoring Congressman William Lacy Clay Kicking off the 2007 APRO Rent-To-Own Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada, September 23 at The Silver Legacy Hotel, was a reception honoring Congressman William Lacy Clay. Clay (D-Missouri) is the author of The Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act, H.R. 1767, which currently has 57 co-sponsors in the ... Congressmen Moran and Hayes co-sponsor H.R. 1767 Currently, there are 58 U.S. House members who have publicly endorsed H.R. 1767--including Congressman Clay (D-Missouri) as the lead sponsor and 57 co-sponsors. With the addition of Congressman Moran, Kansas becomes the first state in the Union to have both United States senators and every U.S. ... Illinois rent-to-own dealers gather for annual meeting By Richard May The Illinois state rent-to-own association held its annual gathering in Springfield, Illinois, September 19, to discuss rent-to-own state, federal legislative and tax issues. The meeting featured longtime and respected Illinois lobbyist Herman Bodewes who reported to the group about the various tax issues and legislative climate ... Rent'N Go launches rent-to-own wheels and tires franchising After years of perfecting the Rent’N Go custom wheels and tires retail concept, RNG President Bob Catino announced the official launching of the company’s franchising program. “While I always felt our expansion would be through franchising, it has happened a bit faster than I thought it ... Iowa rent-to-own dealers celebrate 20th anniversary Members of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers held their annual meeting and celebrated AIRD's 20th anniversary on September 18, 2007. The Des Moines meeting was led by AIRD President Brian Luksetich, with APRO Executive Director Bill Keese and lobbyist James Carney invited to speak to the 23 rental ... New York rent-to-own dealers make dreams come true In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, sits a five-story brick building that fulfills parents’ dreams of providing an exceptional education for 405 underserved children. The Trey Whitfield School, run by former Dallas Cowboys player A.B. Whitfield and founder Janie C. Whitney, was the gracious recipient of four ... Midwest rent-to-own show fulfills promise to provide invaluable training The fourth annual RTO Midwest Training Expo, sponsored by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association, fulfilled ORDA President Mike Tissot’s promise of providing invaluable training for attendees September 11 and 12 at the Concourse Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. Tissot reports that 32 vendors and 120 attendees ... Senator Cantwell signs on to rent-to-own federal bill Second-term Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell is the most recent co-sponsor of S. 1012, the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act. She joined 18 other senators and sponsor Senator Mary Landrieu on September 11, 2007. Cantwell is a previous co-sponsor to the consumer and business legislation and represents the eighth U.... Aaron's successful rent-to-own franchising strategy highlighted by Franchising.com Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership's franchise strategy was highlighted in a September 6 press release issued from Franchising.com entitled, "Mass Appeal--Retail Giant Aaron's Awards 130+ Units in Six Months--250 Over Last Year." According to the release, "While many franchise companies are fighting to secure solid ... RentDirect Nationwide extends PrimeTime! show specials for APRO Convention RentDirect Nationwide has selected some of the most popular offers from its recent PrimeTime! buying show and extended them for APRO’s upcoming convention in Reno, scheduled to be held September 24-27. These limited time offers will be available exclusively to attending RentDirect Nationwide members. RentDirect will also offer ... Nationwide Club's Kaye joins Benefit Marketing Solutions David Kaye has accepted a position with Benefit Marketing Solutions, assisting Executive Vice President Susan Matthews in the management of the company's rental-purchase accounts. For the past 17 years, Kaye worked for Nationwide Club Administrators, most recently as vice president of operations. Kaye is a certified life, health, and ... Florida rent-to-own dealers continue tradition of strength and innovation By Ed Winn III The Florida Rental Dealers Association continues its tradition of strength and innovation as it hosted its 2007 "Fun in the Sun" vendor mingle and annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, September 10 and 11. FRDA represents the state with the second largest number of RTO stores ... Proposed rent-to-own legislation H.R. 1767 gains three new co-sponsors By Bill Keese H.R. 1767, by Congressman William Lacy Clay (D-MO), now has 55 co-sponsors. “Responsible federal RTO legislation now has 56 members (including Clay) of Congress officially supporting the notion that our transaction is a lease and not a sale,” says APRO Executive Director Bill ... PrimeTime! show attendance exceeded expectations Although early reports showed some 3,500 individuals set to attend; the buying and marketing group disclosed that additional on-site registrations pushed the final attendance figure to 3,700. Nationwide, parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, cited that an increase in membership, the addition of new vendors, and over 50 ... Rent to own left out of final Defense Department lending rules Final rules were issued August 31 by the Department of Defense implementing a new law capping interest rates for military personnel, leaving rent-to-own stores completely in the clear. Previous rulings had included rent to own, but after efforts to educate the department on how the rent-to-own transaction works, the ... Quality Rentals' annual rent-to-own golf tournament raises thousands for scholarships For the past three years, the extended Quinn family of KLQ Enterprises, dba Quality Rentals, has organized and hosted an incredibly successful golf tournament and auction to raise money for college scholarships. The 2007 Dan Quinn/James Weber Memorial Golf Outing and auction, held August 23 in Lacy, Washington, drew ... Florida rent-to-own dealers to gather for annual meeting and golf tournament Florida Rental Dealers Association President Chris Kale will extend a warm welcome to all those attending the fifth annual Norman 'Slats' Slatton Golf Memorial and annual meeting September 10 and 11 in Tampa, Florida. The golf tournament will be held at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club in ... Bestway Rent-To-Own to welcome store operators at fourth annual meeting The 74-store Bestway Rent-To-Own chain, based in Dallas, Texas, will be holding its fourth annual meeting for store managers, district managers and buyers at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, September 10-13. Vendors will also be on hand, as well as President/CEO David Kraemer and several additional corporate executives. "This ... Rent-to-own's Salazar-Harper touts networking to building business The El Paso Times featured the advice of rent-to-own operator Mamie Salazar-Harper in an article published September 4, 2007. President and owner of Fiesta Rent-To-Own, Salazar-Harper credits at least half of her sales as a result of relationships she's grown and nurtured through networking. In fact, Salazar-Harper says that ... ColorTyme rent-to-own executive Sumner transitions to franchisee ColorTyme's Director of Franchise Development Pat Sumner announced he will leave his current position to open his own ColorTyme store in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area this fall. "Once rent-to-own is in you, it stays in you. I've enjoyed a gratifying career with ColorTyme corporate and being able to work ... Midwest rent-to-own dealers gear up for sell-out 2007 Midwest Show Ohio Rental Dealers Association President Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals reports that the trade show spots are all sold out for the fourth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo. Tissot and his crew are gearing up for a memorable event, scheduled for September 11-12, at the Concourse Hotel & Conference ... Saipan's Dial Rent-To-Own donates two TV sets to charity Dial Rent-To-Own, an APRO member with stores in Guam, the Virgin Islands and Saipan, donated two TV sets to Karidat Social Service. House Speaker Oscar M. Babauta and Representative Jesus SN. Lizama assisted Dial Rent-to-Own store manager Alex Villazon for the official turnover of the RCA Guideplus TruFlat 36-inch ... Rent-n-Roll's Sutton and his rise to success chronicled Larry Sutton of Rent-n-Roll and his rise to success in the wheel and tire business is featured in the September 2007 issue of The Mix of Tampa Bay entertainment magazine. Dubbed the "King of Custom Wheels and Tires" by writer Frank McDonald, Sutton's career was chronicled in the ... Buddy's rent-to-own employees treated to four-day cruise On June 22, a Royal Carribbean cruise ship set sail for a four-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. On board were 200 Buddy’s Home Furnishings employees, guests and 20 vendors who were treated to the trip. The annual third-quarter cruise is a way to reward the employees for a ... Maine rent-to-own partners open Premier store in Westbrook Longtime APRO member Jim Ratner and partner John Reichenbach opened a Premier Rental-Purchase store in Westbrook, Maine. After both losing their original business partners, Ratner and Reichenbach found each other through the Premier network and opened their first Premier Rental-Purchase store in Westbrook, Maine, in July 2007. A 24-year ... New York rent to-own dealers donate computers to charity At a reception for Congressman Edolphus Towns (D-New York) during APRO's 2007 Legislative Conference last April in Washington, D.C., APRO President Larry Carrico and APRO Executive Director Bill Keese were presented with the opportunity to contribute to one of Towns' favorite charities—a computer learning center in Brooklyn ... Congressman Jeb Hensarling joins rent-to-own dealers for breakfast By Richard May Rent-A-Center’s Chris Korst hosted a fundraising breakfast for Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) at the Original Pancake House in Dallas on August 23. Twenty small rent-to-own business owners, mid-size companies and Rent-A-Center executives were invited to meet and provide a show of support for the two-termed ... Badcock's tests HomeNow “next door” RTO concept Badcock Home Furniture opened its fourth rent-to-own Home Now store in Largo, Florida, on August 3. What makes this fourth location new and different is its location—right next to a Badcock store in the same shopping center. The two-store concept is an effort to accommodate shoppers who do ... Vance Baldwin Electronics acquired by Advanced Communications Rent-to-own parts distributor Vance Baldwin has been acquired by Advanced Communications Technologies, a New York company specializing in the consumer electronic aftermarket service and supply chain. Vance Baldwin, a privately held company, has been an industry leader and distributor of original equipment manufacturer parts for more than 50 years. ... Easyhome opens 200th rent-to-own store In August 18, Canada's leading rent-to-own company easyhome Ltd. opened its 200th store in Trenton, Ontario. The town's mayor, John R. Williams, easyhome's Senior Vice President of Operations Randy Robertson and other easyhome team members were on hand to cut the 200th Grand Opening ribbon and officially open the ... MacAlpine talks about rent-to-own and the RentDirect show By Richard May RentDirect Nationwide's James MacAlpine talks about RentDirect's ability to take your rent-to-own company into the future with modernized store designs, advertising, marketing and buying power through Nationwide in this exclusive RTO Today podcast interview.... Is the riding lawnmower the next hot product for rent-to-own? By Richard May Poulon representative Corley Heiserman talks about the enormous success their company has had with Aaron's and other rent-to-own companies with outdoor power equipment in this exclusive APRO podcast interview, live from the RentDirect Nationwide Primetime! and M2M Summit in Las Vegas.... Rent-to-own and retail connect at RentDirect By Richard May Listen to the latest APRO podcast interview with APRO President and Rent One's Larry Carrico on how the RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! Convention and Buying Show is integrating rent-to-own stores with retail through higher-end merchandising and advertising.... Bryce Jewelry has the program for rent-to-own profits By Richard May APRO's RTO Today interviews Bryce Jewelry's Bryan Collins on the latest programs the company offers to help rent-to-own stores profit from jewelry rentals through APRO's latest podcast. Bryce Jewelry is exhibiting at RentDirect Nationwide's 2007 PrimeTime! Convention in Las Vegas.... Texas rent-to-own dealers change name/dates for annual show The Texas Association of Rental Agencies has announced that its annual convention has been renamed the Southwest Convention and Buying Show Sponsored by TARA. The TARA convention, which typically was held in the spring, will now be held in October 2008 when most smaller dealers normally do their buying. ... Rent-to-own franchisee Briley talks about the power of the RentDirect show By Richard May Listen to APRO board member and RentDirect show attendee Robert Briley on the power and advantages of being part of a buying group and participating in their shows. Click here to listen to the APRO podcast interview.... The rent-to-own transaction transcends its success to other markets By Richard May The RentDirect Nationwide buying show at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas continues to push the rent-to-own transaction throughout the American market featuring newer products for rent-to-own dealers to showcase with its unique, no-obligation transaction. The Nationwide buying show that opens on August 20 in Las ... Former congressman and rent-to-own legislative co-sponsor John Kasich opens the RentDirect show By Richard May The RentDirect Member2Member show merged with Nationwide’s annual buying show August 19 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas as the buying show kicked off with a keynote address from former Representative John Kasich. Kasich delivered a fiery speech to a group of thousands of ... RentDirect's Member2Member Summit presents real estate tips to rent-to-own dealers By Bill Keese Mike Novembrino and Tom Archer of Curry Real Estate Services gave a packed house of rent-to-own dealers valuable insight on how to find the best sites for a new store or a relocation, what to look for in reviewing a proposed lease and how to aggressively ... RentDirect show offers members valuable rent-to-own business tips By Richard May During RentDirect’s Member2Member breakout session on August 18 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, four leading experts offered valuable rent-to-own business tips. The following legal tip is from the Association of Progressive Rental Organization General Counsel Ed Winn: Every company needs to contact its ... RentDirect conference takes rent-to-own to new customers RentDirect Executive Director James MacAlpine opened the 2007 Member2Member conference at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas on August 18 by having Nationwide Marketing Group’s professional team introduce state-of-the-art advertising, marketing and training services to its membership. Professionally produced, customized high-definition television commercials are available at minimal cost ... First Rent'N Go franchise for rent-to-own custom wheels and tires opens After years of hard work, Rent'N Go President Bob Catino is proud to announce the opening of the first Rent’N Go custom wheels & tires franchise operation in Albuquerque under the leadership of franchisee Randy Bennett. Florida-based Rent’N Go continues to pursue its expansion strategy through franchising ... Ohio's Tissot hosts freshman congressman at his rent-to-own store Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals, invited freshman Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio) to visit one of his stores to continue their discussion on the rent-to-own industry's federal legislation. Space took Tissot’s invite to heart and spent some valuable time at Tissot’s Logan, Ohio, store on August 13 to ... SEI/Aaron's and NYSRDA donate to Special Olympics Officials from SEI/Aaron's and the New York State Rental Dealers recently made a $500 donation to the Genesee Chapter of the Special Olympics of New York. The donation was made through ACORP (Aaron's Community Outreach Program. "SEI/Aaron's and the New York State Rental Dealers Association are proud to ... PrimeTime! convention reports 42 percent attendee growth Less than two weeks out from the summer PrimeTime! convention and Nationwide Marketing Group—parent company of RentDirect Nationwide—is already reporting record-breaking registration numbers. The show is scheduled for August 18-22 in Las Vegas. Nationwide's pre-convention report shows a 42 percent growth in individual attendance over their 2005 ... Rent-A-Center contributes to Rudolph Canzater Memorial Golf Classic Rent-A-Center generously donated 10 digital cameras and 10 portable DVD players as raffle prizes for South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn’s annual Rudolph Canzater Memorial Golf Classic, held August 4 and 5 in Santee, South Carolina. Former APRO President and rent-to-own dealer Gary McDougal and his wife, Mary, attended ... Bed bug bites triggering lawsuits across America Rent-to-own dealers need to be aware of a growing insect infestation and the potential for subsequent lawsuits caused by bed bugs. According to a recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “bed bug lawsuits have infested courts across the country in recent years—many involving hotels or rental properties ... APRO Treasurer Beville resigns; Buddy's Slatton fills empty seat on APRO board After serving on the APRO board of directors for the past four years—three of which as APRO treasurer—Terry Beville of Buddy's Home Furnishings has resigned. The APRO board voted to fill Beville's empty seat (as required by the association's bylaws) with Jamie Slatton, also of Buddy's. "... Iowa rent-to-own dealers to hold 20th anniversary meeting The 20th anniversary and annual meeting of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers will be held September 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston, Iowa. AIRD President Brian Luksetich of Super Rent Corp. in Des Moines has invited APRO Executive Director Bill Keese to speak on federal legislation ... Why academic studies are good for the RTO industry: An interview with Jim Hawkins, author of "Renting the Good Life" In August 1, 2007, University of Texas School of Law graduate Jim Hawkins released a draft of a law and economics research paper on the rent-to-own industry entitled, “Renting the Good Life." The purpose of the paper is to examine whether the industry is being unjustly attacked ... Gustafson and Sprayberry open Premier Rental-Purchase store in Dixon, Illinois Both top-performing veterans of the industry with tenure in small and large organizations, Candie Gustafson and John Sprayberry have tout customer service as well as experience as factors in their past and expected success. According to Gustafson, some of whose customers are the third generation to come to her ... Two new co-sponsors sign on to rent-to-own bill H.R. 1767 Two new co-sponsors signed on to the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act. Representatives John Shimkus (R-Illinois) and Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi) signed on to H.R. 1767 on August 3, bringing the total number of co-sponsors to 52. Shimkus serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and Taylor serves on the ... Talleys and Cole Group part ways with ColorTyme In July 31, Talley Rents, owned by Mike and Mark Talley, and the Cole Group, owned by Jim Cole Jr. and Willie Cole, and ColorTyme Inc. agreed to end their current business relationship. The agreement involves approximately 65 stores. The companies have reached an amicable settlement on the early ... Congressman Bachus becomes the 49th co-sponsor of H.R. 1767 By Bill Keese Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-Alabama), the highest ranking Republican member of the influential House Financial Services Committee, has become the 49th co-sponsor of H.R. 1767, The Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act. Bachus is in his eighth term in Congress and has a thorough understanding of the rent-to-own ... Rent-A-Center reports $140.6 million increase in second quarter results Rent-A-Center reported total revenues for the quarter ending June 30, 2007, to be $742.2 million—a $140.6 million increase from the reported total revenues of $583.6 million for the same period in the prior year. This 24.1 percent increase in revenues was primarily driven by ... easyhome Ltd. announces quarterly revenue growth of 20.7 percent Easyhome Ltd. announced quarterly revenue growth of 20.7 percent for the second quarter ending June 30, 2007, and operating earning up 56.9 percent. Revenue increased $6 million to $35 million from $29 million for the same quarter last year. Same store revenue growth grew 8.6 percent, ... Critical industry data to be collected for annual rent-to-own industry survey APRO’s 2007 Rent-To-Own Statistical Survey questionnaire, which compiles data on the rent-to-own industry, is now online. “The information gathered from this blind survey is particularly critical this year because of our legislative battles in Washington,” says APRO Executive Director Bill Keese. “I strongly urge all ... Kansas rent-to-own dealers donate funds to Greensburg tornado fund In May 4, 2007, an EF5 category tornado ripped through the town of Greensburg, Kansas, destroying nearly 95 percent of the city. Declared a disaster area after the storm, which caused at least $153 million in damage, the United Way of the Plains responded by creating the Green for ... Boost your business through education at 2007 APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show APRO's multi-faceted educational sessions offer something for everyone at this year's APRO Convention and Buying Show, September 24-27, in Reno, Nevada. Whether you're a store employee, manager, owner or corporate executive, you will take away relevant information and strategies to help you do your job better. Check out the ... APRO Vendor Advisory Committee to elect new officers at 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show At the APRO Exhibitor Breakfast/Business Meeting, scheduled to be held September 26 at 9 a.m. during the APRO Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada, APRO associate members will hold an election to fill six positions on the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee. Five current committee members, along with ... Klaussner Furniture squashes talk of pending sale Klaussner is not being sold and is not for sale," says CEO J.B. Davis. Just as it was announcing a new retail licensing concept, Klaussner Home Furnishings is squashing talk through the industry that the company has been sold. The privately held company remains just that, says ... Three new co-sponsors to rent-to-own bill H.R. 1767 announced APRO is proud to announce the addition of three new co-sponsors to the rent-to-own industry's House bill, H.R. 1767. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Ralph Hall (R-Texas) now bring the number of H.R. 1767 co-sponsors to 48. Rep. Bishop is an eight-term Democrat who ... Missouri rent-to-own dealer Romine doubles as bank chairman Missouri rent-to-own operator Gary Romine is now chairman of the board of the MRV Banks. After working on the new community banking chain for the past two years, Romine is proud to announce the opening of the first location in St. Genevieve, Missouri, on July 17. "So many ... Gould opens Premier Wheels Rentals in Greensboro, North Carolina RTO veteran Tom Gould, who has worked for small and large rent-to-own firms over the past 17 years, announced the August 1 grand opening of his Premier Wheel Rentals store in Greensboro, North Carolina. "I feel that it is the right time for wheel rentals and that the ... Meeting space available during 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show Meeting rooms are available for companies wishing to hold meetings during the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show, September 24-27, in Reno, Nevada. The number of available rooms are limited, so please contact APRO Education Director Shelley Martinek to make your reservations ... dPi Teleconnect acquires Vertex Communications In dPi Teleconnect's ongoing consolidation strategy, the company will acquire the services of some 600 Vertex agents who support more than 25,000 customers. Vertex Communications was a competitor in the prepaid services industry. Vertex agents operate mainly in smaller, independent locations, in contrast to dPi's core group of ... ColorTyme's Neyharts commit to helping newcomers open stores Tom Glogowski realized his dream of becoming a business owner on July 21 when he celebrated the grand opening of his first ColorTyme Rent-to-Own franchise with business owner Tom Neyhart, with whom Glogowski readily credits for helping him reach his goal. The ColorTyme Rent-to-Own in Queensbury, New York, is ... SED International partners with GreenSky Mastercard In looking for ways to provide its customers with additional credit options to help them grow their business, SED International Chairman and CEO Jeanie Diamond says that the company decided to partner with GreenSky Financial to offer two new unique credit card products: the GreenSky Net 60 card and ... Aaron Rents reports second quarter revenue and earnings Compared to the second quarter of 2006, Aaron Rents' revenue grew 12 percent during the same quarter this year. Actual revenue grew to $359 million compared to $321.7 million during the second quarter a year ago. For the first six months of 2007, revenues were up 12 percent ... ColorTyme raises $30,000 for Kids Across America charity during annual convention ColorTyme’s 2007 National Convention, themed ‘Don’t Walk…Run,’ was held June 27-30 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of the highlights of the annual meeting was the $30,000 raised by franchisees and ColorTyme’s generous donation matching program for Kids ... APRO solicits membership for board nominations Every year, eight positions on the 16-member APRO board of directors become open during the annual APRO Convention and Buying Show, scheduled for September 24-27 in Reno, Nevada. Each board member serves a staggered, two-year term. APRO Nominating Committee Chairman Ernie Lewallen recently sent out a letter to all ... New York State Rental Dealers Association launches new Web site A little more than a month after nearly 40 rent-to-own professionals from across the state of New York met in Verona on June 5 to reorganize, elect a new board and officers, and plot out an aggressive agenda to establish a state association worthy of the Empire State, the ... Retail to impact rent-to-own at RentDirect Nationwide M2M and PrimeTime! Buying Show RentDirect members will find out what products are really driving retail consumer demand at this year's M2M Summit and PrimeTime! Buying Show," says James MacAlpine, executive director of RentDirect Nationwide. The show is scheduled to be held August 18-22 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. "Our ... American Rental kicks off first day of trade show The first day of the managers touring the exhibit hall at the Seasons Hotel and Conference Center in Nashville, Indiana. This year, the number of exhibitors grew to 35 vendors and the managers are meeting in groups with each exhibitor to view the latest products and services. American Rental ... Texas Representative Sessions joins growing list of H.R. 1767 co-sponsors By Richard May Representive Pete Sessions from Dallas, Texas, signed on as the most recent co-sponsor to H.R. 1767, the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act of 2007. APRO members throughout the country continue to communicate with their federal elected officials asking for their support to define the rent-to-own transaction ... California congressman Nunes is latest co-sponsor of federal rent-to-own legislation By Richard May On July 11, Rep. Devin Nunes from Visalia, California, added his official support to define the rent-to-own transaction as a lease and provide consumer protections as outlined in H.R. 1767. Nunes is the third Californian to sign on to the bill, which is sponsored by ... American Rental show to host record number of exhibitors The American Rental Trade Exposition and Golf Scramble, which starts Friday, July 13, and runs through Saturday, July 14, is hosting a record turnout of exhibitors at this year's event. "We had to use every corner of the convention center to accommodate the increase of vendors," says ... RentDirect Nationwide expects record turnout for its M2M and PrimeTime Buying Show With less than six weeks to go before RentDirect Nationwide's M2M and PrimeTime Buying Show kicks off August 18-22, Executive Director James MacAlpine is already excited about the numbers. “We currently have more than 200 rental dealers registered, representing more than 80 companies—the largest number of attendees ... O'Rourke Sales Co. partners with Dell Rent-to-own dealers can now access the countless Dell configurations of both desktop and notebook products as well as Dell monitors and printers through rent-to-own supplier O’Rourke Sales Co. O’Rourke and Dell announced their partnership on July 9. “We are proud to join forces with Dell and ... Presidential candidate Brownback co-signs S. 1012 By Richard May Senate Bill 1012 by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu generated further support with the co-sponsorship of U.S. Senator Sam Brownback from Kansas on July 9. Brownback represents the eighteenth U.S. Senator to support rent-to-own consumer protection and lease definition legislation. A Republican presidential candidate, ... Indiana adopts amendments to state rental-purchase act By Ed Winn III In May, the Indiana Legislature amended its rental-purchase statute for the eighth time since the statute’s original enactment in 1987. One of the reasons that the statute has been amended so many times is the close working relationship between the Indiana Rental-Purchase Dealers Association ... Media coverage plays significant role in rent-to-own public policy By Richard May APRO monitors media coverage throughout the year through Google and Yahoo search engines in order to analyze the media’s direct impact on the rent-to-own industry and publishes the results in an annual “Rent-To-Own in the Media” report. In the past year, both good news ... Rent-to-own cited as meeting needs of underserved customers Scholars and business leaders presented research data at a recent marketing conference in Washington, D.C., regarding the new identification of a “permanent lower middle class.” The report identified this particular group as “asset-limited, income-constrained” families—consumers who want access to all goods and services the ... Former RentWay execs launch new company Longtime rent-to-own veterans Tony and Tammy Craig have launched a new consulting company called Measuring Up. The company primarily will focus on customer satisfaction and offers a survey service to benchmark and track customer satisfaction with a unique evaluation process. The initial concept for the company was suggested to ... Rent One holds annual vendor appreciation and charity golf tournament Rent One, based in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, held its annual Vendor Appreciation Golf Tournament on June 21 and raised $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House, $500 for South Town Youth Program Center and $450 for Heroes at Home. “I want to thank all our vendors, employees and ... Rent-to-own's High Touch sponsors second annual Special Olympics softball tournament Employees of Wichita, Kansas-based High Touch Inc. are sponsoring a statewide Kansas Special Olympics softball tournament on Saturday, July 14. This is the second year for High Touch to sponsor the event. "Each year our company selects several different entities to support and two years ago we chose ... Rent-to-own federal legislation gains more support By Richard May Five-term Arkansas Democrat Marion Berry from Jonesboro, Arkansas, is one of three U.S. congressmen to sign the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act of 2007, along with Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-North Carolina) and Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia). The legislation is sponsored by Rep. William Lacy Clay from Missouri ... Rent-n-Roll donates $15,000 to local House of Hope foundation After hearing about the creation of the Tampa, Florida, chapter of The House of Hope, Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires President Larry Sutton was moved by the stories of how the charity transformed the lives of young people. “I was absolutely touched by the young people whose lives ... Take advantage of the Show Specials offered during the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show! More than 100 exhibitors in over 200 booths in the exhibit hall will offer show specials that you will find only at the APRO 2007 Buying Show, September 25-27 in Reno, Nevada. Vendors are working hard to offer unbeatable specials for you to stock up for your fourth quarter ... Check out the line up of special events for the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show Come prepared to golf, bowl, cook, dance and board the S.S. APRO at the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show, scheduled for September 24-27 in Reno, Nevada. The annual Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament will be held at The Resort at Red Hawk, one of the best golf ... 2007 APRO Convention seminars promise to offer something for everyone New for 2007, APRO will be offering the first “All-Industry Roundtable,” a new format that will include both small and large store dealers to join together for a lively, information-gathering session. The roundtables are incredibly popular and typically provide attendees with many money-saving and operational ideas that ... Catlett to present "New Frontiers That Change Everything" keynote address at APRO's 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show The 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show general session on Tuesday, September 25, will kick off with an overview of the state of the rent-to-own industry in this watershed year. Congressional actions currently threatening the rent-to-own industry and your ability to help secure the industry’s future will be ... Registration now open for APRO's 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show The Silver Legacy Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, is offering first-class accommodations for attendees of APRO’s 2007 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show. The show dates are September 24-27. APRO members who book their room in the APRO room block at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno will ... Gordon and Michaels open their first Premier Rental-Purchase store With 32 years of experience and 750 pounds between them, Mike Gordon and Mitch Michaels—known as the "big boys" of rent-to-own—opened their first Premier Rental-Purchase store in Lakewood, Colorado. Both Gordon and Michaels worked in management for another RTO company and decided to launch their own ... BDI-Laguna hires consumer electronics veteran Navarrete A 29-year veteran of the consumer electronics and computer industries, Raymond Navarrete was hired by BDI-Laguna as vice president, purchasing. BDI-Laguna is a total solutions provider supplying consumer electronics, GPS and computer products to rent-to-own stores and retailers. Navarrete’s background includes working for The Wiz, Fry’s Electronics, ... Investor to open 10 Premier Wheel Rental stores in Florida Florida investor and real estate developer Keith Slater signed a contract with Premier Wheel Rentals to open 10 free-standing stores in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area over the next 10 years. Slater plans opening his first 3,800-square-foot store in July. Slater signed with Premier because he says the combination ... MRDA celebrates 20 years of service and accomplishments By Bill Keese Past presidents of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association, Gary Romine, “Tiger” John Cleek Sr., Dan Cole and Chuck Kuluva, were presented with beautiful presidential plaques in recognition of their service to rental dealers in Missouri over the past 20 years. “We have a rich ... Missouri Rental Dealers Association leaders talk about the past and the future In honor of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association’s 20th anniversary being celebrated during the group’s Heartland of America Trade Show, APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May talked to past and current MRDA leaders about the incredible success this state association has witnessed, how the industry has changed ... Heartland of America trade show kicks off with record attendance By Bill Keese Rental dealers from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas and Tennessee convened at the Lodge of Four Seasons on Lake Ozark, Missouri, to buy products, attend seminars and enjoy golfing and fishing at the Heartland of America Trade Show and Seminars. “We are very pleased that we ... Tennessee rental dealers meeting a success Tennessee Rental Dealers Association President Larry Goad and the TRDA board raised the formerly dormant association from the ashes several years ago and can now boast of running one of the most well-organized and active state groups in the country. The annual meeting of this revitalized association was held ... Rent-to-own federal bill gains more support By Richard May The U.S. House of Representatives’ federal bill H.R. 1767—the consumer rental-purchase agreement act sponsored by William Lacy Clay (D-Missouri)—recently added five more co-sponsors. Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI), Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Nancy Boyda (D-Kansas) and Kenny Marchant (R-Texas) are the ... 2007 Midwest RTO Training Expo trade show is a sellout! Ohio Rental Dealers Association President Mike Tissot of Countryside Rentals reports that the trade show spots are all sold out for the fourth annual Midwest RTO Training Expo. The event will be held September 11-12 at the Concourse Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. "Remember, this is ... Buddy's Home Furnishings brands its rent-to-own company safely in the community By Richard May In June 9 in Tampa, Florida-based Buddy’s Home Furnishings sponsored the Hillsborough County Safety Day, featuring safety and medical demonstrations and education for more than 130 children. The event featured a mock drunk driving accident, a bike rodeo stressing safety rules for children and fingerprinting ... easyhome kicks off first U.S. rent-to-own store in New York Canadian-based rent-to-own company easyhome will be celebrating in grand style the opening of its first store in the United States on Saturday, June 16, in South Glens Falls, New York. Easyhome’s executive team, along with Chairman of the Board Don Johnson, President and CEO David Ingram and Vice ... Longtime RTO provider RES Accessories announces creation of RTO-Solutions The new strategic alliance between RES Accessories and Lonesource will provide RTO dealers with a unique opportunity to streamline the management of new and existing stores. RTO Solutions is a management tool that will allow rental dealers a Web-based platform to purchase virtually any piece of office equipment or ... Schumer introduces rent-to-own bill to override 47 state laws By Bill Keese Despite the fact that deliberative legislative bodies have studied the rent-to-own transaction for years and unanimously concluded the transaction to be a lease, Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) has introduced S. 1530, The Rent-To-Own Reform Act of 2007, a bill that would overturn rental-purchase laws in ... Idaho dealers join Northwest Rental Dealers Association By Bill Keese During a business meeting on June 8 of the Idaho Rental Dealers Association, IRDA President Joe Reger of Joseph P. Enterprises, dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, announced that their counterparts in Oregon and Washington met the day before and voted to dissolve the Oregon ... Heartland of America Trade Show still accepting registrations Hosted by the Missouri Rental Dealers Association, the Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show promises to be a fun-filled event, complete with a fishing and a golf tournament. Scheduled for June 18-20 at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri, MRDA President John Cleek Jr. says ... Imagery Marketing hosts rent-to-own roundtable Imagery Marketing Consultants held its first RTO Roundtable on June 6 in St. Louis—a one-day event featuring a professional speaker, a marketing presentation by Imagery staff and a roundtable discussion of topics selected by attendees. The theme of the event was, “Build Your Business, We’ll Build ... Northwest Rental Dealers Association formed By Bill Keese Rental dealers from Washington and Oregon met June 7 in Portland, Oregon, and decided to pool their memberships and resources into the newly created Northwest Rental Dealers Association. As a result, the Oregon Rental Dealers Association and the Washington Rental Dealers Association were dissolved. “This ... Tennessee rental dealers hold annual conference June 14 and 15 Members of the Tennessee Rental Dealers Association will be gathering June 14-15 at the Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville for the organization's 2007 conference. The event will kick off with a tabletop vendor show and dinner banquet on June 14. Seminars presented by APRO General Counsel Ed Winn ... New York rental dealers reorganize, elect new board and officers By Bill Keese Following years of inactivity, nearly 40 rent-to-own professionals from across the state of New York met in Verona on June 5 to reorganize, elect a new board and officers, and plot out an aggressive agenda to establish a state association worthy of the Empire State. Dave ... New York reporter questions Schumer's desire to regulate rent-to-own Niagara Gazette writer Dick Lucinski questions whether Senator Charles Schumer's press conference on May 29 proposing federal regulation of the rent-to-own industry goes too far. "Rent-to-owns offer their goods without credit checks. For some consumers, it’s do it that way or do without. That’s a decision ... APRO now accepting 2007 Rent-to-Own Customer of the Year and Employee of the Year nominees Are you the industry’s 2007 RTO Employee of the Year or does one of your customers qualify as the industry’s 2007 RTO Customer of the Year? APRO is looking for customers or employees who go beyond the call of duty, who inspire, help or sacrifice for the ... New York, Washington/Oregon and Idaho rental dealer groups to hold reorganization meetings next week The current legislative climate toward the rent-to-own industry is incentivizing three state rental dealer associations to renew their efforts to get organized. Rental dealers in New York, Washington/Oregon and Idaho are holding meetings in their respective states on June 5, 7 and 8. Each of the meetings will be ... Schumer to introduce new rent-to-own regulations By Richard May Senator Charles Schumer (Democrat-New York) held a press conference in Buffalo, New York, on May 29, promising to introduce federal legislation that would redefine many aspects of the rent-to-own transaction. If passed, Schumer’s legislation will effectively overturn regulatory statutes controlling the rent-to-own transaction in 47 ... New York Assembly bill threatens current state statute By Richard May New York Assembly Bill 66, which would apply price controls to rent-to-own transactions and other provisions as well as override the state's current rental-purchase statute, passed out of the New York Assembly’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection on May 30. The bill is now ... Minor League baseball field christened Rent One Park The Southern Illinois Miners baseball field has been officially renamed Rent One Park. The Minor League baseball team made the announcement at a press conference at 2 p.m. on May 24. The 44-store Rent One chain, based in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, is owned and operated by Larry Carrico, ... Rent-to-own vendor Nitzsche on the mend Longtime industry supporter and vendor Bonnie Nitzsche of Let's Print Ink/America On Hold is doing well after having to undergo shoulder replacement surgery this week, reports her son Tommy Nitzsche. While she is scheduled for rehabilitation for the next three weeks, everyone expects her to make a full recovery. ... Premier executives focus on future growth By Richard May Premier Companies executives Trooper Earle, Jim Schebler and Scott Savell sat down with APRO’s Public Affairs Director Richard May to talk about their excitement for the future growth of the company during the annual meeting in Ohio. Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earle “The future ... Aaron's Ken Butler III places first in ARCA RE/MAX series Rookie driver Ken Butler III—son of Aaron’s CEO Ken Butler—claimed his first ARCA RE/MAX Series win on May 22 at the Toledo Speedway. Driving Aaron’s-sponsored cars, the 25-year-old Butler is part of the exclusive “young guns” program with Michael Waltrip Racing, where he previously ... National TV Sales & Rental's Windsor continues mission work in Mexico For one week every year for the past seven years, National TV Sales & Rental’s Anthony Windsor leaves his office and his country to join with friends from the Christian Campus House of Missouri State University to continue their work building churches and hospitals in Mexico. With funds ... Austin's Fox News airs segment on rent-to-own The Austin, Texas, Fox News affiliate aired an evening report on the rent-to-own industry on May 23. Consumer reporter Chris Coffey visited an Aaron’s store and a Rent-A-Center store for the report. One highlight of the story was when Coffey acknowledged that employees of both stores were very ... Spangle's Rent-n-Roll gives APRO staff a wheel education The APRO staff visited one of John Spangle’s newest Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires stores yesterday in Austin to get an up-close and personal view of how this fast-growing segment of rent-to-own operates. “I have been in RTO tire and wheel stores on several occasions, but no ... RTO Inc. honors outperformers at annual event RTO Inc.’s annual Manager of the Year event honored numerous individuals in the company for their outstanding performance during the past year. The event was held at Jullian’s at Waterside May 22 in Norfolk, Virginia. Danny Jordan was selected as the Manager of the Year for ... Premier show sports new vendors, new products By Richard May The Premier Companies’ annual business conference continues to grow as vendors and buyers become an expanding part of the show. This year’s roomful of table-top vendors at the Radisson Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 22 featured many familiar faces, but also sported many new ... APRO launches new franchising guide In a new section to RTOHQ, APRO talks to most of the big players in the rent-to-own franchising game to find out exactly what they are looking for in new business partners. If you are ready to break out of the box and start your own business without all ... Premier dealers play the field during annual meeting By Richard May The Premier family reunion immediately began when I walked off the flight with l. In our catch-up conversation, Savell casually referred to a recent fishing trip with Heisman-hyped University of Texas starting quarterback Colt McCoy and I am reminded that at every rent-to-own meeting and get-together, ... ColorTyme franchisees open first of five stores in North Carolina ColorTyme franchisees Steve Dami and Zach Routh of Catalyst Investment Group opened the first of five planned stores in the Triad area in North Carolina. Their initial franchise agreement with ColorTyme calls for three stores in High Point, Greensboro and Winston-Salem. The High Point store is set to open ... High Touch elects two new board members High Touch Inc. Chairman Lyle Jones announced two new additions to the High Touch board of directors. Stan Gegen and Shari Male will round out the new seven-member board that includes Chairman Jones, President/CEO Wayne Chambers, company co-founders and Vice Presidents Dave Glover and Mark Lenz and CFO Matt ... TRIB Group's election of Lewallen completes rent-to-own trifecta Ernie Lewallen of UHR Rents in Cincinnati, Ohio, was elected to serve as TRIB Group president for 2007-08. The election took place May 19 during the TRIB Annual Meeting and Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Lewallen succeeds three-term president John Spangle of Partners Rental Purchase in Friendswood, Texas. “TRIB ... TRIB Group's Spangle interviewed for exclusive APRO podcast TRIB Group’s outgoing President John Spangle was interviewed by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese during TRIB’s recent Meeting and Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Click here to listen to the interview and hear what Spangle says about the TRIB convention, his tenure as president of the organization and ... TRIB Group elects new officers TRIB Group members elected new officers on May 19 in Phoenix, Arizona, during the group’s 2007 Annual Membership Meeting and Convention. The new officers are President Ernie Lewallen of UHR Rents in Cincinnati, Ohio; Vice President Terry Beville of Buddy’s Home Furnishings in Tampa, Florida; Treasurer Kathy ... TRIB Group elects new board members Three new members were elected to TRIB Group’s board of directors on May 18 in Phoenix, Arizona, during the group’s 2007 Annual Membership Meeting and Convention. The new TRIB Group directors are: Marty Auble of Appliance & Furniture RentAll in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Chris Bolin of ... Rent-to-own payment histories to be figured in FICO scoring One of the nation’s most popular credit scoring companies, Fair Isaac Corp., will add rent-to-own payment histories as part of its credit scoring formula beginning in September. FICO has been developing credit scoring systems since the late 1950s and helps rank the credit standings of approximate of 165 ... Well-wishes to RTO industry veteran Nitzsche Bonnie Nitzsche of Let's Print Ink/America On Hold is scheduled for shoulder replacement surgery next week. Nitzsche is a longtime rent-to-own vendor, friend to the industry and recipient of the Association of Progressive Rental Organization’s 1994 Norm Smith Vendor of the Year award. A resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, ... TRIB Group rebates hit all-time record The members of TRIB Group received a whopping $3.3 million in rebates from vendors for products and services sold in 2006. “This breaks all records for rebates,” says TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields. The announcement was made during the general session of the 2007 TRIB ... TRIB Group's Golf Tournament winners Golfers participating in TRIB Group’s Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament on May 16 braved the Phoenix heat and played to beat the par at the Raven South Mountain Golf Course during TRIB’s 2007 Convention. Click here to view APRO’s photo gallery of highlights from the event. The ... TRIB Group turns up the heat in Phoenix The 2007 TRIB Group Membership Meeting and Convention, which runs May 16 through 18 in Phoenix, Arizona, kicked off May 16 with the annual Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament at the Raven South Mountain Golf Course and ended with a “Hot Show” auction and welcome reception featuring a Mexican ... RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! Convention open for registration Nationwide Marketing Group is now accepting registrations for its August 19-22 PrimeTime! convention. The event will be held at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is the nation’s largest buying and marketing group for independent appliance, consumer electronics and furniture dealers. Nationwide plans to integrate its ... Wal-Mart expands electronics selections in stores In an effort to broaden its market share on consumer electronics, retail giant Wal-Mart expanded its selection of electronics in its stores this week. In a related article in USA Today, retail analyst John Champion of Kurt Salmon Associates made the following comment about Wal-Mart's latest initiative: "This ... Consumer protections continue as priorities for Congress and the media By Richard May A Business Week cover story set to hit newsstands called “The Poverty Business” and an open letter to regulators from Congressmen Barney Frank and John Dingell ordering higher consumer protection standards continue to raise the visibility of the rent-to-own industry. The good news is that ... Rent-n-Roll adds stores in Memphis and Philadelphia Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires added two new stores in April to its fast-growing franchise operation. Gulfcoast L&P Inc., a company owned and operated by former APRO President Shannon Strunk and his wife Cynthia Baber-Strunk, opened the doors on their third Rent-n-Roll operation in Memphis, Tennessee on April ... RTO’s Darden noted for Virginia political involvement APRO member, longtime rent-to-own dealer and Premier Rental-Purchase store owner John Darden of Charlottesville, Virginia, is very busy these days managing three Albemarle County political campaigns. A self-defined “political junkie,” Darden was featured in The News Virginian on May 9 for his political involvement. According to the ... FCC to require notice on analog TVs As the transition to digital transmission signals nears, the FCC has adopted an order requiring that anyone who sells or rents analog televisions—including rent-to-own dealers—post a notice on those sets notifying consumers that these televisions will require a converter box after February 17, 2009. The deadline to ... TRIB Group hosts second annual "Hot Show" vendor auction The TRIB Group will be hosting its 2007 "Desert Fiesta" Membership Meeting & Convention May 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Downtown. More than 550 attendees will enjoy the three-day event, which includes the Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament, a welcome reception at Corona Ranch, a trade show and ... Five more co-sponsors sign on to federal rent-to-own legislation By Richard May The Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act—H.R. 1767 sponsored by Representative William Lacy Clay (D-Missouri)—gained four additional co-sponsors: Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Representative Howard Coble (R-North Carolina), Representative David Scott (D-Georgia) and Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas). The total number of H.R. 1767 ... TRDA '07 hotel reservation deadline is May 15 By Jeannie Hutchison The hotel reservation and registration deadline for the 2007 Tennessee Rental Dealers Association Conference in Nashville is next Tuesday, May 15. This two-day event is scheduled for June 14 and 15 at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Attendees will receive updates on legislative issues affecting Tennessee ... Rent-A-Center extends helping hand to the hungry Imagine having to make the choice between putting food on the table or paying the heating bill. According to America’s Second Harvest, a non-profit nationwide network of food banks, nearly 42 percent of its clients face making such difficult choices every day. To help join the fight against ... Mizati chooses California to debut wheel-and-tire RTO business Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, a distributor of high-quality luxury alloy wheels for passenger cars, SUVs, vans and light trucks, has chosen the Los Angeles area for its first wheel-and-tire rent-to-own store, which will open under the name Wheel Lots. Mizati will also be opening stores in the Inland Empire ... National TV Sales and Rental's Jackson to present check on the Jerry Lewis Telethon By Bill Keese Michelle Jackson of National TV Sales and Rentals was “jailed” recently and her jailers encouraged her to call all her family and friends to raise “bail money.” She did not break the law—she was jailed as part of a fundraising effort for ... Rent-to-own transaction the “wisest choice” in one view, cause for investigation in others By Richard May In a recent El Paso Times article, Coronado High School band director Kenneth Capshaw says he, “strongly recommends a rent-to-own program rather than buying, at least until the child is sure that he wants to play that instrument and keep it.” The article states ... easyhome announces record quarterly revenues and net income Easyhome Ltd., Canada’s leading merchandise leasing company, announced on May 2 record-breaking results for its first quarter of 2007. Quarter highlights included a 20 percent revenue increase to $34.3 million, up $5.8 million from $28.5 million for the same quarter last year. Same-store revenue growth ... Prime Time Group acquires Southern Wheel Workz Prime Time Group Inc. announced on May 2 that it has completed its first acquisition and now has controlling interest in Southern Wheel Workz Inc. “This represents the first in a number of acquisitions,” says Johnny Ray Arnold, chairman of Prime Time Group. Prime Time expects to ... Federal rent-to-own legislation gains additional support By Richard May The Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act—H.R. 1767 sponsored by Representative William Lacy Clay (D-Missouri)—continues to gain bipartisan support with five additional co-sponsors officially added on May 1. The latest members of the House of Representatives to co-sponsor the bill are Representative Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma), ... Artistic Resource Team to unveil new RTO concept at TRIB Group show Tom Murphy, president of Motivated Marketing Inc. and a 22-year rent-to-own industry veteran, will lead a marketing initiative for Artistic Resource Team (home of Walcutt Art and ME Gallery) that includes introducing the company’s new concept for design and accessories packages May 16-18 at the TRIB Group show. ... Rent-A-Center settles Perez case; reports first quarter revenues Rent-A-Center announced April 30 its 2007 first quarter results. The company reported total revenues for the quarter ending March 31 of $755.3 million, a $148.3 million increase from the reported total revenues of $607 million for the same period in the prior year. This 24.4 percent ... Motley Fool thinks Aaron Rents is bullish Motley Fool, the multimedia financial education company that offers investment and personal finance advice, thinks Aaron Rents may be a keeper. In an April 30 article, Timothy M. Otte takes a look at the company's first quarter sales results, the health of its franchise organization and calls rent-to-own a ... DBL Distributing Inc. launches Expand, Extend and Grow promotion with APRO member discount for rent-to-own industry DBL Distributing Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors of consumer electronics, accessories and related products in the United States, is launching, "Expand, Extend and Grow," a strategic marketing campaign designed to address hundreds of independent rent-to-own dealers nationwide. APRO members will be presented with a unique ... High Point revises pre-market dates By Dee Dee Yelverton The official dates for the High Point International Home Furnishings Pre-Market have been revised to August 20 and 21 in High Point, North Carolina. According to Brian D. Casey, certified exhibition manager and spokesperson for the group of leading manufacturers working together to reinvent the ... Washington, D.C., attorney general targets rent-to-own By Richard May In a mirrored fashion of the recent Buffalo News series on the “High Cost of Being Poor,” Washington, D.C., Attorney General Linda Singer announced April 24 that she will be working with the city council to introduce legislation aimed at industries who do ... Garcia and Fox set Premier Rental-Purchase store grand opening ceremony for May 5 in Michigan Manuel Garcia and Steven Fox will celebrate the opening of their new Premier Rental-Purchase store during a grand opening ceremony May 5 in Saginaw, Michigan. The pair officially opened the doors on their business April 24 and are excited about working with the Premier team. "They had some ... Rent-to-own legislation garners 40 co-sponsors, and counting By Richard May More than 200 rent-to-own dealers met in Washington, D.C. April 17 and 18 to ask members of Congress to support and co-sponsor H.R. 1767 and S. 1012, companion federal legislation that defines the rent-to-own transaction as a lease and provides meaningful consumer protections. With ... Cleek raises $22,000 for autism in Missouri By Dee Dee Yelverton "Tiger" John Cleek, Jr., president of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association and longtime APRO member, helped raise nearly $22,000 April 14 during the fourth annual Bowling for Autism Tournament in Columbia, Missouri. All proceeds will go to the local Judevine Autism Center. Nearly ... Aaron Rents Inc. reports first quarter earnings up 35 percent Aaron Rents Inc. has reported its first quarter earnings are up 35 percent. "We feel that our first quarter was a good start for 2007," says R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., chairman and chief executive officer of Aaron Rents. Officials reported that for the first quarter of 2007, ... RentDirect Nationwide partners with Rental Information Systems and Nationwide Club Administrators RentDirect Nationwide announced on April 24 its new partnerships with Rental Information Systems and Nationwide Club Administrators. Rental Information Systems provides point-of-sale and home office software for the rent-to-own industry and Nationwide Club Administrators is an administrator of proprietary consumer benefits and services, loyalty/reward and specialty insurance programs. “... Rent One named April Business of the Month in Salem, Illinois By Dee Dee Yelverton Rent One has been named Business of the Month by the Salem, Illinois, Chamber of Commerce for April. "It was great to be recognized," says store manager John Claar. "I had a lady come in today and bring me the paper and ... Vance Baldwin Electronics becomes authorized distributor for Altec Lansing in the rent-to-own industry Vance Baldwin Electronics, a distributor of consumer electronics parts and accessories around the world, is now an authorized distributor for Altec Lansing – specifically focused on the rent-to-own industry. According to the distribution agreement, Vance Baldwin will inventory all products as well as provide a seamless delivery mechanism for ... Suspects arrested for Michigan Rental Express thefts Police have issued warrants for the arrest of 10 men in connection with a multi-county theft investigation that included recovering property taken from a Rental Express in Indian River, Michigan, according to a story by Mike Fornes in the Cheboygan Daily Tribune. Fornes reports that the police believe the ... DSI Systems to distribute Fisher and Paykel appliances Consumer electronic equipment distributor DSI Systems Inc., which specializes in flat-panel TVs, will partner with the appliance maker Fisher and Paykel to distribute that company’s kitchen and laundry room appliances. According to a release, the agreement covers Fisher and Paykel’s washers, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers, as well ... MRDA to celebrate 20 years with special events at Heartland of America Regional Trade Show for RTO industry By Dee Dee Yelverton The Missouri Rental Dealers Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the upcoming Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show June 18-20 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. “Tiger” John Cleek, Jr., MRDA president, says the group has ... Rent-A-Center opens new home office in Plano, Texas Rent-A-Center celebrated the grand opening of the company's new home office in Plano, Texas, with city officials and members of the Plano Chamber of Commerce on March 30 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Pictured are: (front row) Vice-President of Development Kent Brown; Senior Vice-President of Operational Services Dave West; ... Easyhome Ltd. launches easydecor for staging and events Easyhome Ltd. has launched easydecor, a new division that specializes in providing short-term rentals of furniture, appliances, electronics and accessories for staging and other event needs. This division will work closely with professional staging consultants, property sellers and real estate agencies as well as producers, set designers and creative ... Rental dealers conclude largest APRO legislative conference to date APRO wrapped up its largest-ever legislative conference, sponsored by RentDirect Nationwide and Moneris Solutions, April 18 in Washington, D.C. More than 200 rental dealers, vendors and lobbyists convened for two days of intense lobbying at the 2007 Dave Egan Legislative Conference. The dealers and vendors were in D.... Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show set for June By Dee Dee Yelverton The Missouri Rental Dealers Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its upcoming annual Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show June 18-20 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. "Tiger" John Cleek, Jr., MRDA president, invites everyone involved ... Samsung Electronics to launch dual HD DVD and Blu-ray player Samsung Electronics will introduce a dual format High-Definition optical disc player capable of playing HD DVD and Blu-ray sometime later this year, making it the second company to announce the release of a dual player. LG Electronics announced in January its plans to release the first HD DVD/Blu-ray compatible ... Philips Electronics to acquire Digital Lifestyle Outfitters Royal Philips Electronics will acquire Digital Lifestyle Outfitters subject to receipt of regulatory approval. DLO designs, markets and distributes mobile consumer electronic accessories like the HomeDock, DLO's home entertainment system, as well as other accessories, including docking stations, FM transmitters, cables and cases for mobile audio-visual devices such as ... RentDirect Nationwide changes dates for Member2Member Summit 2007 Based on feedback from the group’s dealer members and vendor partners, RentDirect Nationwide has changed the dates for its 2007 Member2Member Summit. Originally scheduled for May 7-9, the show now will be integrated into the company's upcoming PrimeTime! tradeshow and convention, August 19 - 23. "By integrating ... Bryce Co. sees continued growth; welcomes RTO veteran Bud Holladay to team By Dee Dee Yelverton Rent-to-own industry veteran Bud Holladay has joined Bryce Co. as director of new business development. "Bud has a wealth of knowledge and will be a great asset to our business," says Bryan Collins, Bryce Co. president. "Bud knows a lot about the ... Easyhome Ltd. sets date for first quarter earnings conference call and Webcast Easyhome Ltd., Canada's largest merchandise leasing company, will hold its management conference call at 9 a.m. EST on May 3 with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers to discuss its first quarter results. After the conference call, a recording will be available through the easyhome Ltd. investor Web site. ... Rent One names rent-to-own store of the quarter; presents service rings Rent One has named its store number 49, managed by Angie Willfond, as its store of the quarter during the company's quarterly managers' meeting April 10 at Rend Lake Conference Center in Whittington, Illinois. Willfond accepted the plaque from Murray Beck, Rent One vice president of operations, who presented ... Florida company wins governor's award for security technology AuthenTec, a leader in fingerprint sensor security for the PC, wireless and access control markets, received the Florida Governor’s New Product Award in Tallahassee on April 10 for its AES1510, a slide fingerprint sensor that uses a patented technology to read fingerprints below the surface of the skin. ... Text of Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act of 2007 now available By Richard May More than 200 rent-to-own dealers will descend upon the halls of Congress April 17-18 during the APRO Dave Egan Legislative Conference to request co-sponsorship and passage of H.R. 1767 and S. 1012, federal bills that would regulate the rent-to-own industry and define the RTO transaction ... Texas House unanimously passes tax relief legislation By Richard May The Texas House of Representatives on April 10 unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 35, a bill to eliminate a "double tax" on rental property. If passed into law, the legislation would save Texas rent-to-own dealers thousands of dollars each year. The bill now goes to ... Frazier is new president of Arkansas Rental Dealers Association Alan Frazier of Rent-A-Center is the new president of the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association. Rent-to-own dealers met April 10-11 in Little Rock for the group's annual convention and trade show to elect new officers and review current state and federal legislative issues. Mark Lowery, ARDA lobbyist, gave an update ... TRIB Group expects record attendance for 2007 RTO Convention and Buying Show Online registration is open for Desert Fiesta — TRIB Group’s 2007 Annual Convention and Buying Show for the rent-to-own industry May 16-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Dennis Shields, TRIB executive director, expects record attendance. “Every year we are growing and we expect another great show this year,” ... Rent-A-Center to broadcast first quarter earning results live via the Internet Plano, Texas-based Rent-A-Center Inc. will broadcast its first quarter earning results live during a conference call at 10:45 a.m. (ET) on May 1 via the Investor Relations section of the company's Web site. There is no charge to access the event.... Registration for APRO's 2007 Legislative Conference shatters all records; hundreds set to converge in D.C. With the annual Dave Egan Legislative Conference less than two weeks away, excitement is building for the most widely attended legislative conference in APRO’s history. “I can’t tell you how excited I am about going to the APRO Dave Egan Legislative Conference this year in D. ... U.S. Senator Landrieu to speak at APRO Legislative Conference By Richard May U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) will address the 200 rent-to-own dealers and political strategists who will be attending the APRO Legislative Conference April 18 in Washington, D.C. Landrieu will discuss S. 1012, The Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act, that she and nine original cosponsors introduced ... Imagery Marketing adds high definition to its studio; previews newest commercial By Dee Dee Yelverton Imagery Marketing Consultants, a full service marketing agency in St. Louis, Missouri, has added new cameras, software, decks and a video server to its production department to make a full transition to high definition production capabilities for its clients. The company's first HD commercial will ... RTO industry veteran Holladay to present at upcoming Member2Member summit Rent-to-own industry veteran Bud Holladay will be a presenter at the RentDirect Nationwide 2007 Member2Member Summit at the Westin Airport Hotel, May 7 -9 in Atlanta, Georgia. With more than 30 years of store ownership and multi-unit operations experience in the rental industry, Holladay offers an insider’s perspective ... Rent-n-Roll named one of the top 50 franchises for 2007 Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires has been named one of the top 50 franchises for 2007 in the April edition of Entrepreneur magazine. "We are honored to be included as one of the Top 50 Franchises for 2007," says Larry Sutton, founder and president of Rent-n-Roll. "... ColorTyme rent-to-own franchisees expand into North Carolina and Washington Halifax, Virginia, entrepreneur Jeff Tepper credits his wife's initial decision not to marry him as the catalyst that landed him in the rent-to-own business. “It was 1987 and I had just left the military as a combat engineer and was waiting tables when I asked Jill to marry ... Representative Clay introduces H.R. 1767 Democratic Representative William Lacy Clay of Missouri introduced H.R. 1767 on March 29, a bill to regulate the rent-to-own industry. This is the companion bill to S. 1012, introduced by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. Original co-sponsors are Representatives Walter Jones (R-North Carolina), Gregory Meeks (D-New York), Mike ... Senator Landrieu introduces S. 1012, a bill to regulate the RTO industry United States Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) and nine other Senators have introduced S. 1012, a bill to regulate the rent-to-own industry and it will be referred to the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, the committee of jurisdiction, where it will receive the first consideration and vote. This legislation establishes ... APRO 2007 Dave Egan Legislative Conference to host record 170 attendees By Richard May For more than a decade, APRO leaders have traveled annually to Washington, D.C. to talk to congressional members and their staff about the importance of rent-to-own federal legislation. In the past three congressional sessions, rent-to-own federal legislation has seen significant activity—from the bill being ... National TV Sales and Rental sponsors Derrick Peterson in 2007 racing season; unveils new car at corporate offices Racecar driver Derrick Peterson unveils his new car at the National TV Sales & Rental managers meeting March 28 at the organization’s corporate office in Lebanon, Missouri. National TV and Complete Auto Rental & Sales, a subsidiary of National TV, are sponsoring Peterson in the upcoming season which ... Member2Member summit to offer rent-to-own dealers new ideas for increasing revenue James MacAlpine, executive director of RentDirect Nationwide, has extended an invitation to all rent-to-own dealers to attend the 2007 Member2Member Summit May 7-9 in Atlanta, Georgia. “We’ve got a secret to share at M2M,” he says. “A secret used by top producing companies in the ... MRDA celebrates 20th anniversary at upcoming annual Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show By Dee Dee Yelverton The Missouri Rental Dealers Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its upcoming annual Heartland of America Regional RTO Trade Show June 18-20 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The association members are dedicated to making this event an ... New TARA President Dan Matthews cites APRO and TARA as keys to success; challenges rent-to-own dealers to get involved New Texas Association of Rental Agencies President Dan Mathews, owner of Rent Plus, Mesquite, Texas, says he wants to reach out to those people who did not come to this year’s TARA convention and to all of the rent-to-own dealers in Texas. “I challenge our members to ... Ethan Allen chairman and CEO updates comments on business outlook Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. will be presenting at Sidoti & Company's Eleventh Annual New York Emerging Growth Institutional Investor Forum on March 28, 2007. In anticipation of being asked to comment on the company's current business outlook, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Farooq Kathwari says, "As has been ... Homeier-Schwien receives 2007 Kansas Small Business Award Gloria Homeier-Schwien, president and sole owner of G-5 Retail Inc. dba A Full House, has received the 2007 Kansas Small Business Award. From day one, Homeier-Schwien made sure A Full House was a member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, both for the camaraderie it provides and for ... Powell, former FCC chairman, named to Cisco’s board of directors Cisco has appointed Michael K. Powell, former Federal Communications Commission chairman, to its board of directors, effective March 22. "We are extremely pleased to welcome Michael Powell to Cisco's board of directors," John Chambers, chairman and chief executive officer of Cisco, says in a statement. "Michael's ... Photo highlights of a day at the races for Texas rent-to-own dealers By Dee Dee Yelverton Texas rent-to-own dealers were treated to a day at the races March 26, during the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 24th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show. Each registered attendee received a ticket for a free ride in a professional racecar and had the opportunity ... APRO photo highlights of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies Welcome Reception By Dee Dee Yelverton After a morning of golf, rent-to-own dealers enjoyed tasty food, accommodating weather and the good company of fellow RTO dealers at the 24th annual Texas Association of Rental Agencies Welcome Reception March 25 sponsored by Nationwide Southwest and RentDirect Nationwide. The reception was held by ... TARA begins 24th annual convention By Dee Dee Yelverton Rent-to-own dealers from across the state are meeting March 24-27 at the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Resort in Ft. Worth, Texas to begin the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 24th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show. On Saturday, guests were treated to golf lessons ... Berkline-BenchCraft announces recapitalization plan; expected to provide $40 million of new financing Berkline/BenchCraft., has reached an agreement with certain of its stakeholders to recapitalize the company. The recapitalization will provide for an exchange of approximately $40 million of outstanding debt for new equity securities, as well as provide for $40 million of new financing for the company. In addition, the company ... Former Rent-A-Center Regional Director Natale named new vice president of easyhome U.S. Holdings Inc. Easyhome Ltd. has named former Rent-A-Center Regional Director John Natale as its new vice president of easyhome U.S. Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of easyhome Ltd., effective immediately. Natale will be located in Albany, New York, where easyhome U.S. plans to open an office, which will accommodate a ... Buddy's and Florida Highway Patrol sponsor Kids Karnival As part of its commitment to law enforcement and children's safety, Tampa-based Buddy's Home Furnishings and the Florida Highway Patrol sponsored the fourth annual "Kids Karnival" March 17 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Children were taught the reason ... Boost your RTO store rentals with buzz marketing Patrick Galvin, marketing and communications expert and president and founder of Galvin Communications, will present an educational seminar at the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show about how rent-to-own stores can benefit from buzz marketing. While traditional advertising can be an effective means to reach rent-to-own customers, many people ... Kansas rental dealers conclude successful meeting Jess Fisher, of Hometown Rental Purchase continues to do yeoman’s work as president of the Kansas Rental Dealers Association. Under his leadership, the group had another successful meeting last week in Wichita. Getting attendees from most of the rental companies in the state, the group was treated to ... APRO welcomes SEBO; commercial quality vacuums for the home APRO welcomes new member SEBO, America, billed as the largest manufacturer of high quality commercial upright vacuum cleaners in the world. John Dubue', director of advertising and marketing, says his products are the right fit for rent-to-own because of the products' proven record of quality and the company's strict ... Louisiana rent-to-own dealers elect officers; White new president By Dee Dee Yelverton Louisiana rent-to-own dealers elected new officers March 22 at the Louisiana Rental Dealers Association reorganization meeting in Baton Rouge. They are as follows: Louisiana Rental Dealers Association Officers President: Jeff White, Rent One, LLC Vice-president: Dave Boggan, Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership Secretary/Treasurer: Jean-Guy Poulin, ... Premier dealers Bagoly and Jones launch third Premier store in two years in Pennsylvania Premier dealers Rich Bagoly and Dave Jones have launched their third Premier store in two years in Pennsylvania. Part of the team's success is due to basics, according to Jones. “We treat customers like we want to be treated," says Bagoly. "And you get rewarded by ... HP to Acquire Tabblo Inc. HP has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Tabblo Inc., a privately-held developer of web-based software located in Cambridge, Massachusettes. HP plans to leverage Tabblo's technologies to make printing from the web easier and more convenient than it is today. "HP's goal is to make printing content from ... Worldwide portable game market estimated to exceed $10 billion in 2007 According to a new report from DFC Intelligence, a market research firm focused on video games, PC games, online games and interactive entertainment, worldwide revenue from the portable game systems from Nintendo and Sony is expected to exceed $10 billion in 2007. The market is being led by the ... Texas rent-to-own dealers rev up for annual convention By Dee Dee Yelverton Texas rent-to-own dealers are revving up for the Texas Association of Rental Agencies' 24th annual Convention and Southwest Buying Show March 24-27 at the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Resort in Fort Worth, Texas. As part of the event, members will have the opportunity to ... Investment analysts continue to see Rent-A-Center as a strong company By Richard May Rent-a-Center is nobody’s fool—or maybe they are. Motley Fool, the multimedia financial education company that covers rent-to-own public companies and, specifically, Rent-A-Center, recently touted Rent-A-Center as a strong company and an “Inside Value” for investment buyers. “[Inside Value] has relied on companies ... APRO General Counsel to speak March 22 at Louisiana Rental Dealers Association reorganization meeting Louisiana rent-to-own dealers will meet March 21 and 22 at the Marriott Hotel, 5500 Hilton Ave., in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a reorganization meeting. APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III will present a legal update to Louisiana RTO dealers on March 22, detailing recent events in California and New ... Notebook computer shipments up more than 26 percent Notebook computer shipments are up and the continued popularity of notebook PCs, along with growth in emerging markets, will claim a larger share of the PC future, according to IDC, a leading provider of market intelligence. Worldwide personal computer shipments rose 7.3 percent from a year ago to ... Save the dates for the 2007 APRO Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada Save the dates—September 24-27—for APRO's 2007 Convention and Buying Show in Reno, Nevada. It's going to rock! The APRO Convention and Buying Show is the premier event in the rent-to-own industry, drawing more than 600 dealers and 100 exhibiting companies, offering the latest in electronics, furniture, appliances ... Powell to join University Loft Co. as vice president of sales, College, Military and Hospitality divisions APRO associate member University Loft Co., a leading provider in the college contract furniture market, has named Larry Powell as vice president of sales, College, Military and Hospitality Division. He will begin this position March 26. He will manage all operations of these markets and report directly to James ... Toshiba expands recycling program in trend to be eco-friendly From furniture manufacturers to computer and electronic vendors, more and more companies are trending green — not the color, but the environmentally aware kind of green. Demonstrating this trend, Toshiba recently enhanced its recycling initiatives by implementing a free computer take-back program. The company also has joined the Green ... University Loft names Schneider as new vice president of retail division By Dee Dee Yelverton APRO associate member University Loft Co., a leading provider in the college contract furniture market, has named Ed Schneider as the new vice president of its retail division. “Ed has a long career in retail and a proven record of success in all levels ... Florida rent-to-own dealers conclude successful legislative conference By Dee Dee Yelverton Florida rent-to-own dealers concluded a successful legislative meeting this week as they met with approximately 40 state senators, representatives or congressional aides March 12-14 during the eighth annual Florida Rental Dealers Association Legislative Conference. The event was well organized and well attended. FRDA President Chris ... Rent-to-own dealers elect DiLeo president of reorganized West Virginia Rental Dealers Association Rent-to-own dealers met March 15 in Vienna, West Virginia, to reorganize the West Virginia Rental Dealers Association. Shawn DiLeo of Shining Star Ventures Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership, was elected president of the newly reorganized state association. DiLeo organized this meeting and personally called every rental ... Jackson joins Rent-A-Center board of directors APRO member company Rent-A-Center, Inc. has named Jeffery M. Jackson to its board of directors. Jackson serves as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sabre Holdings, Inc. He also served as a board member of Travelocity.com until March 2002, when it became a Sabre Holdings ... Sticks and stones - part of a new organic trend in furniture and decorating By Dee Dee Yelverton According to Tracy Bulla's article "Pebble Pusher" in Home Accents Today, pebbles and stones — either the look of or the real thing, seem to be the latest twist in the natural trend of organic decorating. From a Tibetan rug that imitates the look ... Florida rent-to-own dealers begin legislative conference today By Dee Dee Yelverton Florida rent-to-own dealers will meet March 12 to begin the eight annual Florida Rental Dealers Association Legislative Conference in Tallahassee, Florida. The three day agenda includes an APRO and FRDA legislative briefing, meetings with state congressional members and a board meeting. FRDA President Chris Kale ... Easyhome Ltd. selects RSSS in new IT partnership By Dee Dee Yelverton April Taylor, director of Information Technology for easyhome Ltd., announced the company’s selection of RSSS as its new IT partner March 7, during the company’s convention in Niagara Falls, Canada. “We chose RSSS because, from a strategic partnership point of view, we ... Online registration now open for RentDirect Nationwide's Member2Member Summit By Dee Dee Yelverton RentDirect Nationwide will host their second-annual Member2Member (M2M) Summit, May 7-9, at the Westin Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. Online registration is now open and dealers are encouraged to visit today to learn more and register for the event. “Last year’s inaugural M2M ... Rent-to-own dealers gather in Atlanta for APRO legislative update at TRIB Meeting of the Minds By Ernie Lewallen More than 101 rental dealers representing 55 rental companies gathered in Atlanta at the Renaissance Hotel on Tuesday, March 6, to hear an update on the industry’s current federal legislative strategy. Led by APRO President Larry Carrico, a panel consisting of Rent-A-Center General Counsel Chris ... Easyhome Ltd. to open first U.S. stores in New York By Dee Dee Yelverton David Ingram, president and chief executive officer of easyhome Ltd. announced on March 6 that his company would be expanding into the U.S., and that former Rent-A-Center Chairman and CEO Bud Gates will be a key leader in this initiative. In an exclusive interview ... Easyhome Ltd. kicks off convention in style By Dee Dee Yelverton David Ingram, easyhome Ltd. president and chief executive officer, kicked off the company's fourth annual conference in Niagara Falls, Canada, March 7, with a review of the company's stellar performance, discussion of plans to enter the U.S. market and accolades for several of the ... Easyhome Ltd. announces fourth quarter results and plans to launch in the U.S. By Dee Dee Yelverton Easyhome Ltd,Canada's leading merchandise leasing company, announced on March 6 its results for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2006, and its plans to enter the U.S. market. Fourth quarter results highlights included: Revenue increased $4.2 million to $31.9 million from ... Florida rent-to-own dealers prepare for eighth annual legislative conference By Dee Dee Yelverton Members of the Florida Rental Dealers Association again expect excellent attendance by rent-to-own dealers in Florida for the association's eighth annual Legislative Conference March 12-14 in Tampa, Florida. The event begins with a dinner at the Silver Slipper restaurant on March 12, followed by a ... Alliance HealthCard completes merger with Benefit Marketing Solutions Alliance HealthCard Inc. has completed its merger with Benefit Marketing Solutions LLC, making it one of the largest marketers of discount medical services in the country. The combined companies will serve more than one and a half million consumers in all fifty states. Benefit Marketing Solutions, founded in 2002, ... Easyhome Ltd. to host fourth annual conference in Canada By Dee Dee Yelverton APRO member Easyhome Ltd., Canada's leading merchandise leasing company, will host its fourth Annual National Conference in Niagara Falls, at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort March 7-8 in Canada. Registration begins at 7 a.m. March 7, with the Main Assembly beginning at 10 a.m. ... Klaussner Furniture to close Mississippi plant More than 100 people could lose their jobs as Klaussner Furniture closes its Bruce, Mississippi, plant April 27. Company officials say the move is being made because of continued weakness in retail furniture sales. The company will shift its Bruce, Mississippi, production to its North Carolina plants. Klaussner officials ... Ethan Allen and Whirlpool among presenters at the 28th Annual Raymond James Investor Conference in Florida By Dee Dee Yelverton Ethan Allen President and Chief Executive Officer Farooq Kathwari and Whirlpool Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff M. Fettig will be among the many presenters at the 28th Annual Raymond James Investor Conference March 5-6 in Orlando, Florida. A webcast of Kathwari's presentation will ... E-Community discussion leads to Motivated Marketing solution By Dee Dee Yelverton Motivated Marketing is an appropriate title for Chief Executive Officer Thomas F. Murphy’s company. “I spent six years in the rent-to-own business, then I formed Motivated Marketing,” he says. “I subscribe to the APRO E-Communities and noticed that there was some ... Berkline Benchcraft Holdings names Smith as new chief financial officer Berkline Benchcraft Holding Inc., a privately held company that is a leading supplier of residential upholstered motion and stationary furniture in the U.S., has appointed Steven M. Smith as the company’s new chief financial officer. Smith replaces Mark A. Roberts who remains with the company in a ... APRO's 2007 Mid-Year Conference one of the best in years By Dee Dee Yelverton Built in 1888, Canada’s Castle in the Rockies — the breathtaking Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel — was the site for one of the most enjoyable APRO Mid-Year conferences in years according to APRO President Larry Carrico. "This was a fantastic place to have ... Aaron Rents Inc. directors declare dividend The board of directors of Aaron Rents Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.015 per share on common stock and $.015 per share on Class A common stock, payable April 3, 2007, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 9, ... Speed Queen adds larger door and improves water conservation on new models Since 1908, Speed Queen has focused on ways to make the laundry task easier. That trend continues this year with a new bigger door the company has added in the redesign of the brand’s popular, energy-efficient Horizon frontload washer. The company has upgraded the model this year with ... Legaré: Baltic Birch tool-free furniture that can be built in three minutes By Dee Dee Yelverton Legaré in Italian means to connect or put together,” says Howard Klion, Legaré tool-free furniture partner. Legaré's modular, reversible designs make media and office planning simple and infinite. In just three minutes, you can build an entire system with no tools, no screws ... Easyhome Ltd. to announce fourth quarter results via conference call Easyhome Ltd. will hold its management conference call with shareholders, analysts and portfolio managers to discuss the results for its fourth quarter ending December 31, 2006. The results will be issued by news release on March 6 before the market opens. To listen to the conference call, dial the ... Aaron Rents Inc. reports net earnings up for fourth quarter and for year Aaron Rents Inc., a leader in sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, has reported its revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 up 30 percent for the quarter ... Missouri rent-to-own annual meeting photos added to gallery By Dee Dee Yelverton Check APRO's rent-to-own photo gallery for the latest pictures from the Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual meeting February 14 in Columbia, Missouri. More than 100 rent-to-own dealers and employees braved snow, ice and nine degree weather to attend this successful meeting.... Whirlpool Corp. declares quarterly dividend The board of directors of Whirlpool Corp. today declared a quarterly dividend of 43 cents per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable March 15, 2007, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2007. Whirlpool is a leading manufacturer and marketer ... Texas rent-to-own dealers look for property tax relief legislation again For another legislative session, members of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies are supporting companion tax relief legislation with the recent introduction of S.B. 733 by Senator John Carona (Dallas, TX) and its companion H.B. 356 by Representative John Otto of Dayton, Texas. If passed, the bill ... Stutzman is new vice president of Franchise Development for Premier Rental-Purchase Inc. Premier Rental-Purchase Inc. and its affiliated companies, Premier Home Furnishings, Premier Wheel Rentals and U-Getcha Cash welcomes , a longtime consultant to the retail and franchise industries, to their management team. Stutzman has been named to the newly created post of vice president of Franchise Development. Stutzman will assist Premier’... Inventor of remote control, Zenith's Adler dies By Dee Dee Yelverton Best known as the "Father of the TV remote control," Dr. Robert Adler has died of heart failure in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 93. Dr. Adler joined Zenith Electronic's research division in 1941, after receiving his Ph.D. degree in physics ... Aaron's to become official sponsor of the 2007 Southern Division racing series Aaron's will join Sears Auto Center as a division sponsor in 2007. In addition to becoming the title sponsor of the Southern Division, Aaron's also will have an Aaron's Dream Machine in both divisions next season. Brett Butler will drive the No. 99 Dream Machine in the Southern Division, ... KitchenAid Home Appliances and Susan G. Komen partner to sponsor second annual Survivors Week trip to Tuscany By Dee Dee Yelverton Throughout February, breast cancer survivors can bid on what is sure to be a memorable trip to Tuscany for a week of cooking, exploring and celebrating life with fellow survivors. This second annual Survivors Week is part of the ongoing Cook for the Cure partnership ... Rent-A-Center welcomes Whitcomb as new vice president of public affairs By Dee Dee Yelverton Gus Whitcomb joins Rent-A-Center as the new vice president of public affairs. In this newly created position, Whitcomb will help coordinate external and internal media interactions and work with leadership and teammates on communicating the myriad of ways Rent-A-Center is involved in the lives and ... John Cleek Jr. elected president of Missouri Rental Dealers Association during snow, ice and nine-degree weather By Dee Dee Yelverton More than 100 rent-to-own dealers and employees braved snow, ice and nine-degree weather to attend the Missouri Rental Dealers Association annual general meeting February 14 in Columbia, Missouri, and elect their new president, John Cleek Jr. "I'm excited about taking on the challenge and ... Specialized rent-to-own programs and keynote address by football great Vince Papale highlight RentDirect Nationwide's PrimeTime! convention By Dee Dee Yelverton Nationwide kicked off its semiannual PrimeTime! convention February 11 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida, with a keynote address by Vince Papale. Papale regaled the nearly 3,000 independent dealers and vendors with his personal story of triumph over adversity by ... ColorTyme's 2007 winter operations meeting highlights technology, growth and community giving ColorTyme kicked off its 2007 Winter Operations Meeting, “Get in the Game,” on January 20 at the Dallas/Fort Worth Hyatt Regency Hotel. The event provided a motivational start to the new year for the 284 ColorTyme franchisees, franchisee support team members and suppliers in attendance. Franchisees came ... Buddy's continues tradition of successful community safety events By Dee Dee Yelverton Buddy’s Home Furnishings continues its tradition of successful community safety events in Tampa, providing food, fun and more than 400 free child safety identification kits to area families. Children and adults had a chance to have their photos taken with special guests, enjoy food ... Excitement brewing for the RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime convention By Dee Dee Yelverton RentDirect will kick off its winter PrimeTime! convention February 11-14 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event is hosted by RentDirect’s parent organization, Nationwide Marketing Group. More than 3,000 independent s and vendors are expected to attend — ... Texas Association of Rental Agencies concludes successful legislative meetings By Dee Dee Yelverton Texas Association of Rental Agencies concluded a series of successful meetings with state legislators February 4 and 5 at the state capitol in Austin, Texas. Robert Briley, TARA president and APRO board member, was pleased with the turnout and with the meetings. “We held ... Rent-n-Roll unveils image enhancements at franchisee meeting By Neil Ferguson Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires held its annual franchisee meeting February 4-7 in Tampa, Florida. During the event, the company rolled out its new logo, premiered a complete redesign of its Web site and instructed franchisees on a powerful new Intranet system being incorporated into the ... Rent-to-own restrictions will be removed from Texas House bill By Bill Keese Representatives for the Texas Association of Rental Agencies met February 6 with Texas State Representative Harold Dutton (D-Houston) to discuss provisions in House Bill 909, which calls for a 15 percent cap above retail price on rent-to-own merchandise. Dutton explained that his intent is not to ... And yet another New York RTO price control bill is introduced By Richard May New York Senate Bill 2319—designed to add price controls to the rent-to-own transaction and add an effective annual percentage rate to rent-to-own disclosures—was introduced on February 5 by Senator Thomas Duane. Duane is serving his fifth term as a Democrat in the New York ... Wayne Sutton wins the Rent-n-Roll Mike Kent Sr. Pioneer Award By Dee Dee Yelverton Wayne Sutton has been awarded the Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires 2007 Mike Kent Sr. Pioneer Award. The award, presented to Sutton on February 5, recognizes his outstanding results as a franchisee and his extraordinary ability to forge ahead despite adversity. "I appreciate the ... Brian Napp is the 2007 Rent-n-Roll Manager of the Year By Dee Dee Yelverton Brian Napp of Gulf Port, Mississippi, is the 2007 Rent-n-Roll Manager of the Year. Napp received the prestigious award February 5 during the Rent-n-Roll franchisee meeting award ceremony. "I'm proud to present this award to Brian," says Larry Sutton, founder of Rent-n-Roll. "... Rentals for 50 inch TVs booming for ColorTyme franchisees Rineberg and Rikoric By Dee Dee Yelverton Business is booming this week at Rick Rineberg and Roy Rikoric's ColorTyme store. “We’re delivering several short term rentals for 50 inch and larger TVs," Rineberg says. He also says they are doing some fun things this week for customers who are ... Another New York price control bill is introduced By Richard May New York Assembly Bill 3849 by Democratic Assembly Member, James Pretlow, was introduced on January 29th and represents the third bill that would have a negative effect on the rent-to-own industry in New York. Each of these bills were introduced in the past legislative sessions but ... Super Bowl is good news for rent-to-own By Richard May Thanks to growing interest in watching the Super Bowl February 4, large screen and flat screen television rentals have increased 49 percent and 400 percent respectively at Indiana-based American Rentals, according to District Manager Dennis Adams. "It's been great," says Adams. "Even our ... APRO to discuss federal legislation with rent-to-own dealers at upcoming mini conferences In the heals of a successful legislative summit conference January 26 in Dallas, Texas, APRO will be holding two mini conferences in the coming weeks. These mini legislative conferences precede APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference April 16-18 in Washington, D.C. “The issues in Washington facing our ... Indiana rent-to-own dealers take the first step to improving state law By Richard May Indiana Rental Dealers Association President Dennis Adams testified before the House Financial Institutions Committee on January 31 in favor of increasing the late fees state rent-to-own dealers are allowed to charge. Indiana dealers feel an increase in the late fees will encourage on-time payments. "The ... Top 10 small business products of the year receive award from Small Business Technology Magazine Small Business Technology Magazine, a print and digital publication in the U.S. focusing on the technology needs of small businesses, has selected the winners of its 2006 Product of the Year Awards. This annual salute to the best technology products and services for small business recognizes outstanding technology ... Whited elected president of Pennsylvania RDA By Dee Dee Yelverton Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers have elected officers, including Sandi Whited as president, and members of the board of directors during the group's reorganization meeting January 25 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "Our focus is to be well aware of the legal issues at hand and meet our ... Rent-n-Roll franchisees gear up for third annual meeting in Tampa, Florida By Dee Dee Yelverton More than 100 Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires franchisees, operators and vendor guests from around the United States will meet February 4-7 at the Harbor Island Weston Hotel in Tampa, Florida, for the Rent-n-Roll Annual Franchise meeting. Although this is the first time the group ... Legislative Summit Podcast Interview with APRO President Larry Carrico Listen to an interview with Larry Carrico, RentOne chief executive officer and APRO president, at the APRO Legislative Summit Conference January 26 in Dallas, Texas. Click the APROcast icon on RTOHQ.org and scroll down to hear this podcast.... Rent-A-Center teams with Junior Achievement to promote financial literacy Rent-A-Center Inc. has teamed with Junior Achievement Worldwide to help educate young people on the importance of becoming financially literate. The four-year, $800,000 partnership emphasizes the critical need for financial education before young people leave high school and college to make their way in life. The program will ... Podcast coverage Interview with Rent-A-Center CEO at APRO Legislative Summit Conference Listen to an exclusive interview with Mark Speese, chairman and chief executive officer of Rent-A-Center, at the APRO Legislative Summit Conference held January 26 in Dallas, Texas. Click the APROcast icon on RTOHQ.org and scroll down to hear this podcast. Look for additional APROcast audio interviews coming soon.... Rent-to-own dealers converge in Dallas for successful legislative summit By Dee Dee Yelverton Nearly 90 rent-to-own dealers and vendors from across the United States met in Dallas, Texas, January 26 for an in-depth discussion about issues facing the industry and the strategy the industry will take in promoting and protecting rent-to-own to the 110th Congress. Larry Carrico, APRO ... Forker and Chamberlain open Premier Rental Purchase store in Sturgis Michigan Rent-to-own veteran Jim Forker opens his second Premier Rental Purchase store in Sturgis, Michigan, with new partner and RTO veteran Matt Chamberlain. Forker's 24 years of rent-to-own experience paid off for him when he opened his first Premier store more than 15 months ago in Benton Harbor, Michigan. “... Whirlpool's freight goes green to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution Whirlpool has partnered with SmartWay Transport, a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry, in an effort to improve its freight operations and contribute to the SmartWay goal of reducing carbon dioxide in the environment. "Whirlpool is delighted to become a SmartWay partner ... Slowing consolidation sets the stage for a new rent-to-own evolution By Richard May A recent store count comparison over the past three years shows that consolidation among the independent rent-to-own operators has been reduced from eight percent in store count in 2004 to two percent in 2007. In fact, the Midwest and South Atlantic regions show an increase in ... RAE winner Rent-A-Center launches new advertising campaign featuring two Spanish-only commercials Twelve time winner of the prestigious 2006 APRO Rental Excellence Award, Rent-A-Center, along with Razor Marketing, Launch Agency and Company Jones, is set to launch a humorous new advertising campaign that will include two Spanish-only commercials. APRO's market research findings consistently show that television is the primary source for ... Premier dealers wrap a powerhouse convention in Miami Trooper Earle, president and chief executive officer of the Premier Companies Inc., is putting together a powerhouse franchise organization that consists of four different retail concepts: Premier Rental-Purchase, with traditional rent-to-own stores, Premier Home Furnishings, with big box higher end stores, Premier Wheel Rentals and U-Getcha Cash, a payday ... Make your hotel reservations by Thursday for APRO's Mid-Year Conference in Canada Don't miss this opportunity to visit breathtaking Banff Springs—one of the most beautiful winter locations in the world—February 25-28 in Canada, for the 2007 APRO Mid-Year Conference. The deadline to register for your hotel is January 25. Click here to register for your hotel online or call ... Waterville Maine RentWay employees thanked for generosity to grieving daughter By Dee Dee Yelverton A grieving daughter in Winslow, Maine, publicly thanks employees at a Waterville, Maine, RentWay store, recently purchased by Rent-A-Center, for their kindness during the most painful day of her life. Gail Labbe wrote a letter of gratitude to the local newspaper, the Morning Sentinel. Her ... New passport requirements go into effect Tuesday Attention travelers: beginning tomorrow, if you plan to fly out of the country, including to Mexico and Canada, you must have a passport. This change is the result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, which Congress subsequently passed into law in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act ... Music retailer magazine urges involvement in federal rent-to-own regulation effort In article entitled, “Proposed Rent-To-Own Legislation Could Affect MI Stores,” published in the June 2007 issue of Musical Merchandise Review, warns music rental dealers that the same legislation proposed by Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) targeting the rent-to-own industry would negatively impact music rental businesses as well. ... Rent-to-own industry veterans Rose and Loeb sign deal with Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires Rent-to-own industry veterans Richard Rose and Jeff Loeb, partners in R.T.O. Inc, have signed a market development agreement with Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires and plan to open their first store in the Norfolk, Virginia, area soon. The agreement covers all of the major markets in the ... Rent-to-own growth with the Hispanic market By Richard May APRO’s RTO Today interviews Jessica Mares, Yessica Martinez and Felipe Garcia regarding their South Texas rent-to-own store chain and the Hispanic market. Listen to the APRO podcast interview here. The interview was recorded during the 2007 RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! and Member2Member Summit being held in ... RTO dealers to meet for special APRO Legislative Summit Conference Almost 70 rent-to-own dealers have signed up to attend the special APRO Legislative Summit Conference, January 26, in Dallas, Texas. Rental dealers will be discussing upcoming federal legislative issues and deciding upon a united position for the RTO industry. Don't miss this opportunity to join your fellow dealers at ... Spammers try new tricks By Dee Dee Yelverton The latest trick for spammers seems to be imitating legitimate e-mail newsletters. According to a blog entry posted on the Web site of Symantec, a provider of anti-virus and anti-spam software and services, spammers are disguising themselves as legitimate e-mail newsletters. They are imitating the ... SanDisk's Sansa Connect MP3 player wins two Best of CES awards By Dee Dee Yelverton SanDisk's Sansa Connect MP3 player has won two "Best of CES" awards at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. CNET awarded SanDisk's Wi-Fi MP3 player first place in its "MP3 and portable video" category. LAPTOP magazine voted it top portable audio ... Pioneer's 50-inch plasma television receives Product of the Year award By Dee Dee Yelverton Pioneer Electronics' Elite Pro-FHD1 1080p plasma television was awarded Product of the Year by both Sound and Vision magazine and Ultimate AV at last week's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Pioneer Elite PureVision PRO-FHD1 is the world's first 50-inch 1080p plasma display. ... APRO's Ferguson presented with IAEE Merit Award APRO Director of Marketing Cindy Ferguson won The Merit Award of 2007 from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. IAEE is the largest association of exhibitions and events industry worldwide, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and ... Passport Required for APRO Mid Year Conference at Banff Springs in Calgary Visit beautiful Banff Springs February 25-28 in Calgary, Canada, for the APRO Mid-Year Conference. The popular Mid-Year Conference will be held in breathtaking Banff this year—one of the most beautiful winter locations in the world! Sleigh rides, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and sitting around the massive fireplace ... Iowa rental dealers elect officers, board members to state association By Dee Dee Yelverton Members of the Association of Iowa Rental Dealers elected new officers and members of their board of directors at the January 9 state association board meeting. The new officers and board members are: Officers: President: Brian Luksetich, First State Vice President: Mark Connelly, Aaron's Sales ... Pennsylvania RTO dealers prepare to reorganize state association By Dee Dee Yelverton Pennsylvania rent-to-own dealers will meet January 25 at the Hilton Harrisburg to reorganize the state association, discuss legislative issues, review bylaws and set goals for the year. APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III will educate dealers on the importance of an active state association in ... Sharp debuts 108-inch LCD TV Sharp Electronics Corp. debuted what it says is the world's largest liquid crystal display television at the Consumer Electronics Show this week. The 108-inch AQUOS is headlining the company’s TV offerings, which also includes its newest lines of large screen AQUOS HDTVs and additions to its DLP front ... Setback for Rent-A-Center in New Jersey By Dee Dee Yelverton The Supreme Court today refused to hear a challenge to New Jersey consumer protection and usury laws filed by Rent-A-Center, the nation's largest rent-to-own company, which operates 43 stores in New Jersey. Ed Winn III, APRO general counsel, says that the decision is a disappointing ... New York Assembly Chair introduces price control legislation By Richard May New York Assembly Bill 66, a bill proposing to amend the personal property law in relation to providing consumers with greater protection in rental-purchase agreements, was pre-filed and officially introduced January 3—New York's opening day of the legislative session. The bill is a reintroduction of ... LG Electronics to launch dual Blu-ray and HD DVD player LG Electronics will reportedly launch what company officials say is the world’s first DVD player capable of playing both Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD content at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week. Some say that this new development may end the growing controversy over the two ... A look at the most significant events for the rent-to-own industry By Richard May A look at some of the key events affecting the rent-to-own industry indicate that 2006 may be one of the most significant years for the RTO industry in decades. The following highlights recap some of those events and give another perspective on why 2007 will be ... Premier rent-to-own partners open store in Portage, Indiana Seasoned RTO veterans Ted Krygoske and Jason Wood opened their Premier Rental-Purchase store in Portage, Indiana in August. It was a first for Wood and the second store for Krygoske, who opened his first Premier store with Paul Bottomley in Knox, Indiana in 2005. Krygoske and Wood began their ... Benefit Marketing Solutions to merge with Alliance Health Card Systems Inc. Benefit Marketing Solutions of Norman, Oklahoma, a marketer of membership programs to the rent-to-own industry, will merge with Alliance Health Card Systems, Inc. during the first quarter of 2007. Alliance Health Card out of Atlanta, Georgia, is a licensed discount medical provider organization. The management team of BMS will ... Aaron's to open in North Carson City Nevada Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership, a division of Aaron Rents Inc., plans to open a store in North Carson City, Nevada, in mid-February, replacing Winans Furniture that closed in 2004. Aaron's specializes in leasing and selling residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories.... Buddy's Home Furnishings donates chair to help ease recovery for injured Tampa police officer By Dee Dee Yelverton Buddy’s Home Furnishings has donated a new recliner to an injured Tampa police officer who is recovering from injuries sustained December 9 in a near fatal crash. "We are always happy to help our officers and those in need in our community," ... Congressman Frank to discuss workers' wages at luncheon January 3 in Washington DC U.S. Representative Barney Frank, incoming chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, will discuss "Waging War On Wages" at a National Press Club luncheon Wednesday, January 3, in Washington, D.C. Frank's speech will explore his ideas to increase wages and combat what he sees as excessive ... APRO to hold national Rent to Own Legislative Summit conference in Dallas “It is critically important for rental dealers everywhere to come together to discuss the upcoming federal legislative issues facing this industry and to agree upon a united position for rent-to-own in America,” says Bill Keese, APRO’s executive director. The Legislative Summit Conference will be held at ... Aaron's and NFL player Warner surprise single father with furniture donation By Dee Dee Yelverton Aaron Rents, Inc. has teamed with Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda to donate a complete home's worth of merchandise to a deserving single father in Phoenix, Arizona, via the annual First Things First "Home for the Holidays" program. Aaron’s ... California Rent-n-Roll franchishee Pearsey to give away two 42-inch plasma TVs By Dee Dee Yelverton Rent-n-Roll Custom Wheels and Tires franchisee and former professional baseball player Les Pearsey will give away two 42-inch LG plasma television sets to two lucky Bakersfield Condor hockey fans Friday, December 22 at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California. "I love doing this because ... Alliance Rental converts to Aaron Rents Alliance Rental Centers, L.P., operator of ten stores throughout north Texas and owned by Kelly Sayre, will convert seven of its stores to franchised Aaron Rents stores. The stores will enter the Aaron's franchise system and operate as Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership stores. In addition, as part ... Whirlpool wins design awards Whirlpool Corp. has won four design awards— three from the Chicago Athenaeum of Architecture and Design and one from the Industrial Designers Society of America and BusinessWeek magazine. The Whirlpool design team won the three awards from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design for the Whirlpool Duet ... JVC releases HD home theater projector with contrast ratio of 15,000:1 By Dee Dee Yelverton JVC has released a new high definition home theater front projector that offers a native contrast ratio of 15,000:1 – the industry’s highest as of December 14. Expected to sell for about $6,300, the DLA-HD1 will be available in February and targets ... Ohio region Rent-A-Center employees help injured co-worker and good Samaritan Lewis By Dee Dee Yelverton Ohio region Rent-A-Center employees plan to help fellow co-worker and good Samaritan Dave Lewis, a 24-year-old Rent-A-Center employee, who was injured December 10 after he stopped to help a family involved in a car wreck. Lewis and his wife noticed an accident on state Route ... Stanley Furniture to layoff nearly half of employees at Robbinsville North Carolina facility By Dee Dee Yelverton Stanley Furniture will layoff nearly half — 200 out of 450 — employees at its Robbinsville, North Carolina, facility, including management and hourly workers, beginning in February. Jeffrey R. Scheffer, chairman, president and chief executive officer, cites changing business conditions as the reason. "The ... RTO supporter Senator Johnson in critical condition following brain surgery By Bill Keese Senator Tim Johnson (Democrat - South Dakota) suffered what was first called a stroke but subsequent reports indicate that it was bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation or AVM. He underwent surgery this morning and remains in critical condition. Johnson is an ... RTO veterans Lockwood and George to open Premier stores in New York By Dee Dee Yelverton Rent-to-own veterans David Lockwood and John George will open new Premier Rental-Purchase stores in Liverpool and Buffalo, New York, by the end of January. Trooper Earle, president and chief executive officer of Premier Rental-Purchase and longtime APRO member, is looking forward to the success of ... Wichita senior wins scholarship established by late Rent-A-Center chairman emeritus By Dee Dee Yelverton A Wichita, Kansas, senior has won a $44,000 scholarship established by late Rent-A-Center Chairman Emeritus W. Frank Barton. Trinity Academy senior David Friedberg has won the Clay Barton Scholarship to study at the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State, the largest ... New York Premier Rental-Purchase store receives Top New Business award in SBA ceremony By Dee Dee Yelverton Premier Rental-Purchase in New York has been recognized as the "Top New Business" by M&T Bank as part of a U.S. Small Business Administration awards ceremony held December 11 at the Syracuse store. Bernard J. Paprocki, U. S. SBA Syracuse district director ... Rent King donates 5500 pounds of food to Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa Rent King has donated 5,500 pounds of food to Tampa-based Metropolitan Ministries, an organization that has provided food, housing and life-skills to poor, hungry and homeless individuals and families for more than 20 years. “We love having a partnership with Metropolitan Ministries and are glad we can ... University Loft donates Ten Thousand Dollars to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation By Dee Dee Yelverton In an effort to help raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, Indiana-based University Loft Co. has donated $10,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a non-profit, donor supported organization that works to assure the means to help develop a cure and ... Whirlpool to sell its Hoover floor-care business to Techtronic Industries By Dee Dee Yelverton Whirlpool Corp. will sell its Hoover floor-care business to Techtronic Industries Co. for $107 million in cash. Whirlpool expects the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2007, following regulatory clearance. “The decision to divest the floor-care business allows us to focus on ... Aaron's and Dunn Foundation donate three more homes worth of furniture to deserving Tampa families By Dee Dee Yelverton Aaron Rents, Inc. has donated three more homes’ worth of merchandise to three deserving Tampa families via the Warrick Dunn Foundation’s Homes for the Holidays campaign. Thanks to the work of the foundation, the families will spend the holidays in their new homes that ... Upcoming recess is ideal time to meet with congressional representatives With the last days of Congress likely winding up this week, members of Congress will soon be home for the holidays. APRO leaders encourage all members to find opportunities to meet with your U.S. House and Senate members and/or their staff during the recess. While APRO encourages all ... Pennsylvania RDA to meet in January to reorganize and protect rights of RTO dealers Rent-to-own dealers in Pennsylvania will meet January 25 at the Hilton Harrisburg hotel in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to reorganize the state association and protect the right of the RTO industry to do business within the state. Ed Winn III, general counsel for the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, will speak ... RTO Extras Rent to own stores So you have decided to visit some rent to own stores in your area and see if it is the right option for you. What should you expect? First, you need to make the decision on how you want to shop for the item you are going to rent. ... Rent to own legal advice The rent to own business is more complicated in legal terms than most businesses. As an APRO member, APRO's general counsel Ed Winn can help you weave through your state's rent to own law and other legal issues when operating a rent to own store. Winn authored the fundamentals ... Rent to own groups You have probably heard the phrase “there is strength in numbers,” and you likely know what it means. But if you are in the rent to own business, is the meaning still so clear? After all, it might seem sometimes that you and your business are on ... Rent to own contract There are times where you need an appliance, furniture, or some electronics and you just can't afford to purchase it outright. You could put it on the credit card, but you had a run of bad luck and your credit is not so good right now. Thankfully there is ... Rent to own companies So you have decided that the rent to own model is right for you. But where to start shopping? You could get the phone book out and pick a name from the list, but that can be a crapshoot. And while there are many great local and regional rent ... Rent to own agreement When you get into a tight spot and have a need for a necessity item like a refrigerator or bed, you need to have that item today. And if you have had some problems with credit in the past, it might not be an option for you to go ... Aaron's rent to own - One man's dream come true Aaron's rent to own stores started out as a chair-rental service for estate sales. The original 1955 capital investment by founder R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. amounted to $500, for the purchase of 300 chairs which were rented for ten cents each per day. From these humble beginnings, Aaron's has ... Rent to own advocate Who we are APRO was founded in 1980 as a non-profit trade association. Our goal is to represent the rent to own industry and advocate for consumers and businesses alike. We regularly appear before Congress, IRS, state legislatures and courts, media, and the public at large in support of ... Rent to own business opportunities The rent to own industry has grown by leaps and bounds since it began in the 1960's. Since then, it has become a multi-billion dollar industry that has weathered even the toughest of economic times. It has many opportunities for customers as well as owners. Consider these rent to ... Rent to own business We have grown and grown through all types of economic conditions. The rent to own business is uniquely poised to be extremely flexible and resilient. Starting in the 1960's rent to own businesses began to meet the needs of its clients without forcing them into long contracts or lengthy ... Rent-to-own game systems Renting a game system is unique to rent to own services. Since the era of Donkey Kong and Pong, gamers around the world have benefited from high-tech advances within the industry. With so many systems on the market, it is no wonder that seasoned gaming buffs and novices alike ... Rent-to-own electronics Many consumers new to the rent to own industry are uncertain about what rent-to own entails. Here some industry tips to get you thinking before you walk into your local rent to own store. Let's separate fact from fiction, so that you can find the rent to own electronics, ... Rent-to-own computers What are the Advantages When You Rent to Own Computers? When you rent to own computers, it is interest free. You will not have to worry about being held back by credit checks. If you are unsatisfied or just ready for something new, it is easy to return a ... Rent-to-own appliances The Right Choice for All Your Needs Rent to own is a rapidly expanding business focused on serving the needs of its customers. People from all walks of life take advantage of rent to own because of its many benefits. You can get most anything you desire on a ... |
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2012 APRO Convention and Trade Show July 24-26, Memphis, TN
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RTOHQ: The Magazine
RTOHQ: The Magazine is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' award-winning rent-to-own industry magazine, and it's available here. | |||
 CLICK HERE FOR OUR DIGITAL RTOHQ: THE MAGAZINE
RTOHQ: The Magazine’s upgraded digital format APRO's new, mobile-ready magazine is now available in addition to our print edition. The digital format provides the same informative content as our printed magazine, but also offers tools to make the reading experience more enriching. Access the table of contents page with one click or tap. Get additional information from advertisers by clicking on the links in their ads. The interface is easy to navigate and requires no special app—read our magazine on your computer, digital table or smartphone. Click here to access the digital version of RTOHQ: The Magazine March-April 2012.
A New Rent-to-Own Experience by Neil Ferguson Here’s the lowdown on APRO’s 2012 Convention and Trade Show, July 24-26 in Memphis. The RTO industry’s big event will offer many valuable experiences, including insights on how to turn your stores into “experiences”–the good kind for consumers
Who Is Your Competition? by Bill Keese In order to expand your customer base, you can learn a lot by observing your competitors. But first, you need to figure out just who they are. If you think your only competition is the rent-to-own store down the street, you’re not considering the bigger picture. APRO’s executive director offers a big-picture perspective.
A Review of Online Customer Complaints by Ed Winn III While rent-to-own companies have not cornered the market on negative reviews posted on consumer complaint websites, it’s no surprise that there are cyberspace beefs against RTO. APRO’s general counsel reviews some of them in search of a pattern and he considers appropriate response to online complaints.
Rent-to-Own Families, Part VIII by Kristen Card Our series of family-run rent-to-own businesses continues with profiles of the Homeiers in Kansas and two Texas-based sets of kindred colleagues, the Spangles and the Weisblatts.
Future issues of APRO's magazine will be available in this same new format. Click here to access past issues that are not yet archived in the new interface.
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Association of Progressive Rental Organizations 1504 Robin Hood Trail Austin, Texas 78703 800/204-2776, ext. 103 Fax 512/794-0097 |