Rent-to-own News - 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 of Officers were presented and elected:

President  - David Keen
VP – Casey Pristou (Aaron's)
Secretary – David Stephens (National Rent to Own)
Treasurer – Larry Carrico (Rent One)
Board – Kevin Milliron (Aaron's)
Board – Steve Branning (National Rent to Own)
Board – Tysen Johnson (Rent-A-Center)
Board – Chris Tatro (ColorTyme)
Board – Scott Young (Homeline)
Board – Steve Schneider (Autco Distributing)
Executive Director – Ken Steiner

Outgoing president Kevin Milliron, welcomed members and opened IRDA's Annual Business Meeting.

Milliron surprised outgoing Board Member, Henry Baird with an appreciation plaque for the 27 years of service to the IRDA. In addition, it was noted that Baird was one of the founding members of IRDA. David Keen presented out-going President Milliron with a plaque, in appreciation of his service as the 2009 – 2011 IRDA president.

Milliron introduced APRO’s General Legal Counsel Ed Winn, who spoke on legal challenges facing the RTO industry, along with the many state and federal challenges the industry faces.
 
Following Lunch, treasurer Carrico introduced IRDA’s new general counsel, John Kelly, who gave the group a general Illinois legislative update, along with what the industry should look for in the upcoming veto session. Kelly also stressed the importance of continuing to meet with respective legislators.
 
Keen then introduced the keynote speaker, Illinois’ Chamber of Commerce CEO and President  Doug Whitley.

Whitley shared his thoughts and visions on how Illinois could aggressively promote business growth within the State of Illinois and the chamber’s renewed status as the unifying voice for business in the state.

Whitley also challenged the IRDA to continue to meet with local, state and federal legislators and complimented the IRDA for hosting a successful legislative day in Springfield. In addition, Whitley challenged each member to become involved within their respective local chambers, stating the state chamber is only as strong as its local chambers.
 
In closing, Keen again thanked IRDA Executive Director Ken Steiner for his leadership and his hard work in organizing the Annual Meeting. He also introduced newly elected APRO Board Member Gopal Reddy.

"We want to continue to recruit members from the north and Chicago area," Keen said, "and stay on top of Illinois redistricting and continue to build relationships with legislators. I want to  again thank past presidents Kevin Milliron and Steve Branning for their leadership. We need to be aggressive, seek new membership and continue to be one of APRO’s premier State Associations."