 APRO: The Official Voice of the Rent to Own Industry
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More Rent-to-own News
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Rent-to-own Industry News Archives:
Rent-to-own News Archives from May 2008 BestWay honors year's best [May 12, 2008]
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.
Curtis “Cliff” Clifton of North Carolina took top prize ...
Petra Industries adds Chrysalis Acoustics to line-up [May 12, 2008]
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 and consumer audio.
“Our partnership with Velodyne is a ...
Registration for fall PrimeTime! begins May 15 [May 9, 2008]
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, “We are expecting a huge turnout from our vendors, who ...
High Touch users give "high marks" to conference [May 9, 2008]
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.
With four tracks and 44 training sessions available over the ...
NEW PODCAST: Mike Tissot, High Touch guest presenter [May 9, 2008]
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 asked to participate as a co-presenter during the 2008 High ...
NEW PODCAST: John Rogers, High Touch sales group director [May 9, 2008]
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 out to clients this week at the High Touch Users ...
NEW PODCAST: High Touch User Gary Ferriman [May 8, 2008]
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 do better.
Click here for Gary Ferriman podcast
In this ...
"Modernization", upgrades key to High Touch success [May 8, 2008]
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 the Hyatt Regency Hotel to hear opening comments from High ...
NEW PODCAST: High Touch Users Conference takes Wichita [May 8, 2008]
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
PHOTOS: Click here for photo gallery of the event
With ...
Rent-A-Center renovates nurses' lounges at Harlem Hospital [May 7, 2008]
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 on all three shifts as part on the company's ongoing ...
Moneris Solutions to offer Discover Network card acceptance as part of new pact [May 7, 2008]
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 provide processing services for Discover Network acceptance enabling merchants to ...
House bill continues momentum [May 7, 2008]
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 and follow up with their Congressional offices to generate even ...
Rebate checks could spur $5 billion in electronics spending [May 6, 2008]
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 whole continues to rage, a recent study by the Consumer ...
Midwest RTO Expo registration now available through APRO Web site [May 6, 2008]
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, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Some highlights of the event this year ...
Alliance HealthCard Reports Fiscal 2008 Second Quarter Results [May 6, 2008]
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 $2.4 million
-- Net Income was $729,000 or $0....
Rent One Celebrates remodeled store opening [May 6, 2008]
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 largest in the 44-store Rent One chain and was remodeled ...
Aarons puts brakes on new store openings [May 6, 2008]
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 saying we'd open 250 stores last year," Loudermilk said ...
Price controls and property taxes top CAL-APRO's May 20 agenda [May 5, 2008]
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 prices of used goods as well.
The price caps built ...
Silver lining? Economy limps forward, GDP up a dull .6 percent [May 5, 2008]
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 market and consumer credit crunch.
The Q1 2008 GDP -- ...
New credit card rules could be boon to rent-to-own industry [May 2, 2008]
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 a May 2 Washington Post article, the new regulations -- ...
Premier dealer conference May 19-21 [May 2, 2008]
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 of the industry from buying groups to software to identity ...
Local rent-to-own named "Business of the Year" [May 2, 2008]
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. Martinville Chamber of Commerce named Quality Furniture & Appliance their ...
Rent-to-own state associations need their hero [May 1, 2008]
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 initiatives as well as improve rent-to-own's image with charitable efforts. ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from April 2008 Texas dealers weigh in on new bedding rules [April 30, 2008]
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 consumers.
L to R: Rent-A-Center Senior Counsel Bruce Dean, TARA ...
Rent-A-Center's community initiative defrays $12,500 in gas costs for voluteers [April 30, 2008]
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 from the American Cancer Society Capital Region, The Community Hospice, ...
Your business IS news: Promoting rent-to-own in the local media [April 29, 2008]
"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 the staff of his Boonville store. However, the newspaper had ...
Bowling for autism expects up to 200 [April 29, 2008]
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 to get bigger and better every year. Cleek said between ...
Nationwide Marketing Group honored for energy conservation [April 29, 2008]
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 Energy (DOE) at a ceremony held in Washington, DC on ...
Rent-A-Center Q1 profits more than double [April 29, 2008]
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 54 cents per share, in the quarter ended March 31, ...
Minnesota Rep. Bachmann, others to join RTO bill [April 28, 2008]
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. 1767 -- The Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act -- and ...
Nevada mattress regulations could have significant impact on local RTO dealers [April 28, 2008]
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 Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite and Boulder City, were ...
MemberNet TV 2.0 offers new high definition content for tv walls [April 28, 2008]
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 displayed, a TV wall can become a powerful selling tool. ...
Florida legislative conference a success [April 25, 2008]
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 22 event was the ninth annual Florida Rental Dealers Association ...
Kentucky dealers meet with attorney general, other state officials [April 24, 2008]
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 with Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway and his Director of ...
LRDA closes out annual conference with elections, educational seminars, visit from Landrieu staffer [April 23, 2008]
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 in the Mississippi Delta.
All current LRDA board members, president ...
NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: TARA President Dan Matthews [April 23, 2008]
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 active and involved and to consider the benefits of hiring ...
NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: Jeffrey Everson, regional representative to Sen. Mary Landrieu [April 23, 2008]
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 donated computers for resource strapped schools in seven Louisiana parishes ...
NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW: LRDA member James Stephens of ColorTyme [April 23, 2008]
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 rent-to-own dealer and the importance of getting involved in his ...
Aaron Rents Q1 Revenues Up 13 percent, earnings exceed estimates [April 23, 2008]
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 $29.2 million last year. Diluted earnings per share were ...
LRDA annual conference tees off new era of activity [April 23, 2008]
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 the expected 60 attendees tried their hand at a round ...
New York bed bug bill will have little impact on RTO industry [April 22, 2008]
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, establishes a reporting and mitigation framework for bed bug infested ...
Petra Industries welcomes Bazooka Mobile Audio to its product line [April 21, 2008]
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, 12 Volt Merchandising Manager. “Because Petra’s mission is ...
High Touch Users Conference biggest ever [April 21, 2008]
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 Loan Building in downtown Wichita.
All just in time for ...
Rent-A-Center makes $4,200 Red Cross merchandise donation [April 20, 2008]
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 Compaq desktop computers with 17” LDC monitors and two Sony ...
Florida legislative conference rescheduled [April 18, 2008]
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 the original two-day conference that was cancelled in March.
Though ...
Petra partners with Griffin technology to offer customers more [April 17, 2008]
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’s products to our customers,” says Tate Morgan, Executive ...
Wyatt wins first APRO Scholarship [April 17, 2008]
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 and now from the rent-to-own industry she represents everyday.
APRO ...
Rent-n-Roll catapults in Franchise 500 ranking [April 16, 2008]
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 franchisee conference in Orlando, Florida. (Click here to watch the ...
Tax Refund Xpress offers discounted rate to Nationwide RentDirect members [April 15, 2008]
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 forms from previous tax years. In addition, every year a ...
Tennessee dealers welcome new members June 9-10 [April 15, 2008]
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," Goad says. "I've got to convince these smaller dealers ...
Should you be "staging?" Take the APRO staging survey! [April 14, 2008]
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 and sell it quickly, according to Barb Schwarz founder and ...
TRIB Group Survey: members give high marks to first TRIB-AVB show [April 14, 2008]
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 years ago, but the two groups only recently decided to ...
Could your store be next? FCC levies $6 million in DTV fines [April 14, 2008]
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 against Sears; $992,000 against Wal Mart Stores; $712,000 ...
RENT-A-CENTER opens new Nevada store, contributes $2,000 to community [April 14, 2008]
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 high-quality merchandise.
As part of the grand opening ceremony and ...
UHR Rents, Bryce Jewelry inspire dual marriage proposals [April 11, 2008]
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 that are part of the same chain?
Newly engaged couple: ...
Rent One sponsored baseball team wins national logo contest [April 11, 2008]
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 Miners at number 3, and then left it to the ...
Cuellar and Kirk support RTO bill [April 11, 2008]
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 fourth term Illinois Republican Mark S. Kirk became the 85th ...
ORDA elects new board, projects bigger better Expo [April 10, 2008]
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 Countryside Rentals, vice president Josef Burgan of First Place Rentals, ...
Nationwide's MemberNet TV Gets a Facelift [April 9, 2008]
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 will include reduced pricing and brand new content choices. The ...
Republicans Smith and Lewis join federal bill [April 9, 2008]
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 legislators April 9 as co-sponsors of House Resolution 1767 -- ...
Rent-A-Center first quarter 2008 conference call broadcast April 29 [April 8, 2008]
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 of the call will be broadcast live and will be ...
Aaron's Dream Machine driver in national spotlight [April 7, 2008]
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 here to watch the interview.
The 23-year-old driver of the ...
Who needs flood insurance? Bolin flooding raises insurance questions [April 7, 2008]
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 pay station at the local Days Inn Motel after six ...
New York rental dealers get energized May 15 [April 4, 2008]
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 home of federal anti-rent-to-own bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Chuck ...
Quality Rentals helps flood victims recover. [April 4, 2008]
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, local news station KOMO 4 and Oprah Winfrey in filling ...
Rent-A-Center veteran opens Premier store in San Antonio [April 4, 2008]
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 own business.
Soto began working in San Antonio for Thorn ...
Petra Industries appoints veteran communications executive Mallory [April 3, 2008]
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 Sales and Customer Service Teams.
“Jackie joins us with ...
Debit card payments up 21 percent in Federal Reserve Study [April 3, 2008]
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 merchants, are often re-loadable and are part of a list ...
Arkansas state meeting to feature HR tips, merger talks [April 2, 2008]
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 chances.
ARDA's annual meeting April 30 at the Crown Plaza ...
Washington APRO member helps "Fill the Warehouse" for flood victims [April 1, 2008]
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 Rentals in Washington, was coordinating relief for his affected Centralia ...
Blanchard wins Moneris RTO ipod giveaway [April 1, 2008]
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 website dedicated to the RTO industry and advancing the industry's ...
Industry veteran Ron Smith opens own Premier Home Furnishings in East Moline, Illinois [April 1, 2008]
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 different because Smith is punching beyond the rental-purchase model and ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from March 2008 New recruitment campaign uses video to carry APRO message [March 31, 2008]
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 own commercials, stopped by APRO's Austin studio Monday to shoot ...
LRDA meeting to focus on membership, political activism, identity theft [March 31, 2008]
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 meeting April 22-23 at the Paragon Casino and Resort in ...
TRIB Group buys $23.7 million at tradeshow; smokes previous record by 30 percent [March 27, 2008]
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 "Hotshow" in Dallas.
Around 100 participating TRIB members purchased ...
APRO Website makes it easy to share RTO content [March 27, 2008]
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 paste videos into personal websites or blogs. More than a ...
ORDA maintains proactive presence with AG's office [March 26, 2008]
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 dealers Gary Ferriman, owner of Showplace Rent-to-Own, and Ernie Lewallen, ...
Customer Expectations: Third installment in book review series [March 26, 2008]
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", by Kirk Kazanjian.
George Schorsten and Blue Ribbon Rentals owner, ...
APRO's first ever scholarship award contest narrows to five [March 25, 2008]
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 selection committee and must be an employee or customer of ...
RSVP today for April 9 ORDA meeting [March 25, 2008]
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 foremost order of business at the upcoming ORDA meeting at ...
Ohio congressman visits local rent-to-own [March 24, 2008]
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 outside Cincinnati late Monday morning.
Left to right: UHR VP ...
Stock analyst says stimulus package will benefit RTO [March 24, 2008]
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 an an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus & Co. told investors ...
NEW VENDOR VIDEO: American Sentry Guard offers custom surveillance, management solutions [March 24, 2008]
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 national distributor of a complete line of video surveillance products ...
NEW VENDOR VIDEO: AMCOR offers cutting edge in portable air conditioning [March 24, 2008]
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 today includes intelligently engineered, easy to use air conditioning systems.
...
NEW VENDOR VIDEO: Step 2 molded plastic items a natural RTO fit [March 24, 2008]
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 large durable plastic items, Step 2 beds have become the ...
Rent One stores flooded in midwest deluge [March 21, 2008]
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 water swamped the stores as a result of the deluge ...
Rent-A-Center brings gift of technology to Warren, Ohio schools [March 21, 2008]
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 donating $4,500 worth of new equipment to the schools ...
TRIB Board re-elects Lewallen, Leach is vice president [March 20, 2008]
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, will retain his position after winning re-election by the board. ...
Spangle honored with top TRIB award, members purchase $15 million at tradeshow [March 20, 2008]
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 made significant contributions to TRIB and the rental industry -- ...
NEW VIDEO: AVB's Lawrence, TRIB's Lewallen and new TRIB member Brownie Calvin weigh in on first AVB-TRIB tradeshow in Dallas [March 19, 2008]
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, eclipsing last year's attendance total by 40 percent. At least ...
EXCLUSIVE PODCAST: Ellison Crider discusses trends in rent-to-own software industry [March 19, 2008]
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.
Crider notes how rent-to-own customers have become more Internet savy ...
Keese addresses TRIB membership [March 19, 2008]
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 will participate in during the TRIB-AVB Brand Source convention which ...
Independents will pick up "big box" slack [March 19, 2008]
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 general session of the TRIB-AVB Brand Source convention and trade ...
Former APRO President Strunk elected to TRIB Board [March 18, 2008]
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 president Ernie Lewallen and Lyn Leach to three year terms ...
TRIB Group's Dallas "Hot Show" hits $3.6 million sales record [March 18, 2008]
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 of product at the annual event Monday night, far exceeding ...
"Hot Show" launches historic TRIB-AVB tradeshow [March 18, 2008]
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.
The hour and a half event -- which allows TRIB ...
Rent One's Angela Hunter profiled in local newspaper [March 14, 2008]
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 her success in growing sales and customer bases for the ...
TRIB VENDOR FOCUS: PlanITROI offers refurbished computers at half the price of new [March 14, 2008]
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 Technology Return on Investment -- is a "Core re-manufacturer" ...
TRIB VENDOR FOCUS: AmeriVap - powerful cleaning system, bed bug's worst nightmare [March 14, 2008]
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 increases and household use of chemical pesticides decreases, the fact ...
TRIB VENDOR FOCUS: Catnapper offers "steel technology wrapped in comfort" [March 14, 2008]
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 has already offered up a 3-piece leather reclining group for ...
Iowa's Latham becomes 82nd co-sponsor [March 14, 2008]
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 was first elected in 1995.
Rep. Latham is Iowa’s ...
Big changes in store for ORDA at April 9 meeting [March 13, 2008]
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 Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio, and the elections will conclude ...
Gates names Prater and Welch to top posts at easygates [March 13, 2008]
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 established in 2007 by Gates to create a platform to ...
Customer Expectations: Second installment in book review series [March 13, 2008]
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", by Kirk Kazanjian.
George Schorsten and Blue Ribbon Rentals owner, ...
Rent-A-Center gives away 10,000 bus passes in New York in "Random Acts of Caring" program [March 13, 2008]
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 – RochesterWorks, The ARC of Monroe County and the Transportation Foundation ...
NEW VIDEO: Congressional break makes ideal time for grassroots RTO activism [March 12, 2008]
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 members.
Since Representatives and Senators will likely be campaigning in ...
"Silver at the Summit" buying show to offer best of retail and rent-to-own [March 11, 2008]
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 says, fulfills a larger goal of both groups to meet ...
TRIB Group offers exclusive savings programs through Expert Warehouse [March 11, 2008]
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 new Truckload Program, which will result in large savings to ...
Nationwide Marketing Group named 2008 Energy Star promotion award winner, earns EPA nod for promoting energy conservation [March 11, 2008]
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 significant consumer education efforts and promotion of energy-efficient products and ...
TRIB Group to celebrate 25 years of RTO buying power [March 10, 2008]
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 and most respected rent-to-own buying group in business. That's why ...
RentN Go Opens in Rio Rancho [March 10, 2008]
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 leadership of franchisee Manny Holstrom.
The company continues to pursue ...
ColorTyme Awards Maine Resident Janna Beane $10,000 in Nationwide ColorTyme BigTyme $10,000 Giveaway [March 10, 2008]
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 operator of the ColorTyme store where the winning raffle ticket ...
New Video: Rent-to-own industry donates 28 computers to St. Louis schools [March 8, 2008]
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 schools, Rep. Clay accepted a total of 28 computers at ...
New supporters boost RTO bill co-sponsorship to 81 [March 7, 2008]
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 Davis (R-Tennessee) and Michael Arcuri (D-New York) have also signed ...
High gas prices can lead to high crimes [March 6, 2008]
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 in most rental companies, delivery people were given credit cards ...
Speed Queen celebrates 100th anniversary in 2008 [March 6, 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 of the brand’s home laundry line. “You don’...
Congressman English to join RTO bill [March 6, 2008]
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 from one of English's legislative assistants.
"I just wanted ...
Vendor Video: Coaster's unique distribution system fits the needs of RTO furniture dealers [March 6, 2008]
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 a premier importer and distributor of "Ready To Assemble" ...
Vendor Video: Scratch-B-Gone resurfaces scratched up appliances [March 6, 2008]
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 Feinman, in 1994 when he began the career that would ...
Vendor Video: Curry Real Estate Services offers unique tools for choosing rent-to-own location [March 6, 2008]
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 using demographic data to maximize store profitability.
Curry Real Estate ...
Baber's new Rent-n-Roll brings store count to 56 [March 6, 2008]
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 first Rent-n-Roll in Mobile, Alabama in the fall of 2005 ...
H.R. 1767 gains three new supporters; co-sponsorship hits 78 [March 5, 2008]
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 the bipartisan support for the legislation on Capitol Hill.
Congressman ...
Elevating brands one dealer at a time, an interview with Nationwide Marketing Group President Ed Kelly [March 5, 2008]
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 hurt either.
NMG President Ed Kelly with Paula Kirk on ...
Gates surveys past, anticipates future rent-to-own industry trends [March 3, 2008]
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 way.
"The industry is healthy and it's growing," ...
Rep. Bill Shuster commits to co-sponsorship [March 3, 2008]
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 their commitment to co-sponsor H.R. 1767. Shuster will be ...
PrimeTime! goes live in Dallas [March 3, 2008]
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 shattered all previous attendance records for the twice-a-year conference with ...
Rent-to-own News Archives from February 2008 Stepakoff joins Albany in sales role [February 29, 2008]
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 Berkline/BenchCraft. At Albany, he is responsible for Florida and the ...
Seven more congressmen lend support to rent-to-own bill [February 29, 2008]
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 good on commitments to co-sponsor the legislation as covered in ...
Tight lending, economic stimulus could benefit rent-to-own [February 29, 2008]
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 credit checks, rent-to-own dealers hope credit strapped consumers will come ...
New expense and depreciation tax rules for small business [February 28, 2008]
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 the new law would appear to help RTO dealers pay ...
Rent One annual manager meeting focuses on teamwork [February 28, 2008]
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 about us growing as leaders,” Rent One CEO Larry ...
Florida association cancels annual legislative conference [February 28, 2008]
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 a handful of dealers will likely make the trip to ...
Aaron Rents declares cash dividend [February 27, 2008]
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 per share on Class A Common Stock, payable April 3, ...
Rent-A-Center's "Random Acts of Caring" program cuts heating bills for 400 [February 27, 2008]
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’s home office went door-to-door in neighborhoods providing scores of ...
APRO helps soldier stay connected to rent-to-own career [February 26, 2008]
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 currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq, Pruden also manages a Rent-A-Center ...
Rent-A-Center lauches "Random Acts of Caring" [February 26, 2008]
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 includes:
• Matching electric Whirlpool washer and dryer
• Bedroom ...
'Tipping stove' lawsuit could cost Sears $500 million [February 26, 2008]
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 also allows the option for Class Members to choose a ...
RentDirect Nationwide gears up for biannual convention [February 26, 2008]
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 and vendors within the Nationwide family gather together for unrivaled ...
Nader announces fourth presidential bid, RTO views no surprise [February 26, 2008]
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 which he went after Illinois Sen. Barrack Obama for failing ...
New Premier Rental-Purchase store opens in Newberry, SC [February 25, 2008]
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 an entrepreneur the motto he has lived by for almost ...
Clay's office confirms three new co-sponsors [February 22, 2008]
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 Rep. William Lacy Clay -- the bill's lead sponsor -- ...
Congressman visits Pennsylvania rent-to-own store [February 22, 2008]
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 long tour February 20, Frye made sure she gave him ...
Icy weather postpones initial Computers for Kidz donation [February 21, 2008]
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 industry and St. Louis Congressman William Lacy Clay to help ...
Rent-A-Center promotes Crawford to vice president of field human resources [February 21, 2008]
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 her hard work to date as well as the many ...
Vance Baldwin acquisition boosts revenue for Advanced Communications [February 21, 2008]
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 $25.6 million, respectively, compared to $2 million and $4....
Iowa bill would set price caps, RTO industry prepares vigorous response [February 20, 2008]
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 2308 -- introduced by Democratic Rep. Mark Smith -- would ...
"Computers for Kidz" partnership to benefit St. Louis charter schools [February 20, 2008]
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 donation Friday, February 22 to the Imagine Ethel Hedgeman Lyle ...
Tennessee Congressman Duncan lends support to rent-to-own bill [February 20, 2008]
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 bill and was directly lobbied by Tennessee rent-to-own activists at ...
Podcast: APRO presents legislative conference follow up tips in timely podcast [February 19, 2008]
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 with their congressmen in their home offices.
Hear APRO Executive ...
Aaron Rents reports revenues up 14 percent in fourth quarter [February 19, 2008]
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 of 2007, revenues increased 14% to $388.6 million compared ...
Congressman to pay "in-store" visit to RTO activists [February 19, 2008]
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 p.m. tomorrow, February 20.
While attending the recent APRO ...
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