 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 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 Rent-to-own Organization Websites AVB-BrandSource Arkansas Rental Dealers Association California Rental Dealers Association Florida Rental Dealers Association Illinois Rental Dealers Association Missouri Rental Dealers Association New York Rental Dealers Association Ohio Rental-Purchase Dealers Association RentDirect Nationwide Rental-Purchase Dealers Association of Indiana Tennessee Rental Dealers Association Texas Association of Rental Agencies ... 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 both on this website and as a PDF by clicking on ... 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 $6.8-billion rent-to-own industry—or RTO—is relatively new to the American economy. The unique rent-to-own transaction sprang up in the 1960s in response to a growing consumer need for acquiring the use of household products without incurring debt or jeopardizing the family’s credit. ... What is APRO? Statistical Survey deadline extended to July 25! 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 July 25! The value of your business is linked to the statistical economic story we have charted ... 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 17-member elected board of directors. Sixteen directors serve staggered two-year terms with eight directors elected each year. The 17th board member is from the vendor community and is elected by the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee. All directors are elected at the annual convention. For ... 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 recipients are named at the annual APRO Awards Banquet held during the association's Convention and Buying Show. ... APRO's Scholarship Foundation Association of Progressive Rental Organization members are dedicated to the future of the rent-to-own industry and have demonstrated their commitment by establishing a permanent fund to award college scholarships each year. The APRO Scholarship Foundation is currently in its development phase, raising the funds necessary to establish a permanent ... 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 Rent-to-own Industry 1980-1989 July 1980 In Dallas, the first meeting of rental dealers is held November 1980 Incorporation of the Association of Progressive Rental Dealers Association; Ed Winn III appointed executive director of APRO March 1981 First issue of The APROach is published July 1981 First annual APRO Convention ... 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 APRO saves you money! APRO general counsel Ed Winn III, APRO's general counsel, provides limited free legal advice to members. Wage-and-hour consultation Harry Weisbrod Associates Inc. provides limited free wage and hour consultation to members. Credit/debit card program Moneris Solutions is dedicated to providing cost effective payment solutions tailored ... 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 2008 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show Make your rent-to-own connection! August 11-14, St. Louis Renaissance Grand Hotel and America's Center New Schedule APRO has revamped its Convention and Buying Show schedule for 2008 in order to make the meeting more convenient for rental dealers and exhibitors. This year's exhibit hall will feature extended hours in ... Rental Advertising Excellence Contest “Advertising is the No. 1 source of rent-to-own’s public perception.” Trenholm Marketing Research’s report on the public perception of rent-to-own View 2007 winners in PDF format here. The 2008 RAE Contest deadline has passed. We received hundreds of entries and the judging is on! The ... RTO Customer & Employee of the Year Rules & Judging Criteria Contest Rules & Judging Criteria: The entry deadline for 2008 contest is July 11, 2008. Winners and finalists will be announced in August 2008. Click here to enter contest online. Click here to download a PDF contest entry form. Rent-to-Own Customer of the Year Eligibility requirements: Must be a ... RTO Customer of the Year and Employee of the Year Awards 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—just like the previous recipients listed below have done. If one of your customers and/or employees represent rent-to-own with such honor and character then ... APRO Rent-to-Own Events Overview APRO’s Annual Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying 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 Buying Show includes two days of educational seminars offered by top speakers and RTO industry experts from ... Upcoming Rent-to-Own Meetings and Events Printer Friendly Version... Interested in having your industry-related event publicized here? E-mail APRO with the complete information on the event, including a contact name, telephone number and e-mail address for each event and we'll be happy to add it to the calendar of events. Use this link for more ... State RTO Associations State Rental Dealer Association Presidents Alabama-Mississippi Rental Dealers Association Lee Duvall, president Baber’s Inc. 2500 Amonett St. Pascagoula, MS 39567-2422 228/312-0350, ext. 806 Fax 228/312-0387 leeduvall@babers.com Alaska Rental Dealers Association Inactive Arizona Rental Dealers Association Inactive Arkansas Rental Dealers Association Alan Frazier, president Rent-A-Center 912 W. 4th Fordyce, AR 71742-2216 870/882-9211 alnfrazier@aol.... State Rent-to-Own Statutes and Economic Impact 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 PAC and Team APRO Support Rent-to-Own APRO’s goal is to secure federal legislation that properly defines rent-to-own. Contributions to APRO’s Political Action Committee and Team APRO allow APRO to continue working as the voice of the rent-to-own industry for the passage of such legislation. APRO would like to recognize the following contributors to ... 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 Rent-to-own legislation is currently under consideration in both houses of Congress, thanks in no small measure to APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference held February 11-13 in Washington, D.C. At the conference, more than100 rent-to-own dealers, vendors and lobbyists held over 350 meetings with members of the 110th ... Independent Studies of Rent-to-Own Survey of Rent-to-Own Customers published by the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics Between December 1998 and February 1999, more than 12,000 randomly selected U.S. households were surveyed, identifying more than 500 rent-to-own customers who were interviewed about their experience with rent-to-own stores. The survey is ... 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: 2007-2008 | 110th Congress: H.R. 1767 by Representative William Lacy Clay (D-MO) with 84 co-sponsors; S. 1012 by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) with 21 co-sponsors. 2005-2006 | 109th Congress: ... Rent-to-own vs. Other Public Companies 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 fact lower than many corporations in the U.S. This chart represents a sampling of public companies ... Seeking the Support of Congress Why federal rent-to-own legislation? Passage of a federal rent-to-own bill will benefit consumers, businesses and the American economy The rent-to-own federal bill defines the rent-to-own transaction as a lease The rent-to-own transaction provides millions of consumers a debt-free, flexible way to acquire products. There’s no other transaction like ... Rent-to-own Legislation: Our Message to Congress Dear members of Congress and Congressional staff members, We in the rent-to-own industry serve 3 million satisfied consumers each year. Rent-to-own is now a $6.8-billion-a year-industry. Our customers are hard-working Americans who choose rent-to-own for their household needs because of its flexibility as a no-debt, no-obligation transaction. Rent-to-own ... Welcome Legislators An Introduction to Rent-to-Own: We know your time is valuable and we appreciate that you took the time to visit 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, ... APRO's Legislative Conference APRO’s 2008 Dave Egan Legislative Conferencewas held February 11–13 in Washington, D.C., at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. Rental dealers and other industry supporters from around the country met on Capitol Hill toaddress issues facing the rent-to-own industry.Duringthree days of strategizing, networking and over 350 meetingswithelected ... 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 26 years, consumers, ... State Rent-to-Own Statutes and Economic Impact 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's Rent-to-Own Seminars The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations offers educational seminars designed for owners and employees at a number of industry events. 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 Buying Show For two ... 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 ... Take a FREE Rent-to-Own Online Training Course! Congratulations! You have taken the first step toward your Rental Training Online education. For a limited time, APRO is offering a free Rental Training Online course, “Introduction to Rent-to-Own.” The course is a $19.90 value—but can be yours free. To receive this free course, just ... Rental Training Online Registration Before entering APRO’s Rental Training Online Virtual University, you may want to print this page to use as a guideline for registering for online courses. Use this link to download a printable PDF of the registration procedures. Important: Each student must have his/her unique e-mail address before beginning ... Rental Training Online Courses APRO’s Rental Training Online Virtual University was designed to provide basic, specialized training for store-level RTO employees. The program is very flexible and allows students to learn at their own pace, when and where it is convenient for them and their companies. The cost per course is $29.... RTO Advertising & Media 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 (Formerly Progressive Rentals), a listing of who’s who of RTO vendors is featured. These listings highlight rent-to-own industry product and service suppliers who support the industry in a variety of ways. February–March 2008: Who’s Who in Miscellaneous RTO Services ... Advertise with APRO: Expand Your Market RTOHQ: TheMagazine (Formerly Progressive Rentals magazine) The premier magazine serving the ever-changing rent-to-own industry RTOHQ: The Magazine (formerly APRO's award-winning Progressive Rentals) is 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 ... APRO Publications 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: 2008 Progressive Rentals Archives June - July 2008 ... 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 A new chapter in rent-to-own communications has begun.RTOHQ: The Magazine is setting a new standard for the rent-to-own industry's printed communications. Its predecessor,Progressive Rentals, was the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' award-winning, four-color, bimonthly magazine providing news, industry trends, management techniques, details on upcoming events, APRO member ... Rent-to-own News Florida rent-to-own scheme cracked 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 July 25! 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 July 25! 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 ... Industry wows at Congressional Black Caucus fundraiser Rent-to-own substantially increased its visibility both as a united industry and as one committed to the higher goal of improving educational opportunities for deserving students at a prestigious fundraising event this weekend. APRO was the exclusive sponsor of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) silent auction June 22 and ... 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, ... Industry rallies for education; raises record breaking $50,000 for silent auction, scholarship fund Bolstered by the support of state associations around the country, the rent-to-own industry will donate over $50,000 worth of cash and products to the cause of putting higher education opportunities in the hands of deserving students. APRO President Larry Carrico. The donation, which includes contributions from state associations, ... 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 ... < |