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John Natale Named easyhome Vice President Of U.S. Operations
"I have known John since 1995 when he was responsible for my orientation into the rent-to-own industry in the U.S. His proven successful track record as a senior manager in the rent-to-own industry in the U.S. represents an important step forward in strengthening our Management team." - David Ingram, President and CEO, easyhome...more

Upholstery Manufacturer Berkline/BenchCraft Gets $40 Million New Financing
"We have made significant progress in the realignment of our business over the past nine months." - William Wittenberg, President and CEO, Berkline/Benchcraft...more

Artistic Resource Team Announces New Truck Delivery & Exchange Program For Rent to Own Industry
A-R-Team Sales Manager JR Phillips is a veteran of the rent to own industry and an expert at helping companies turn empty walls and dead corners into weekly revenue streams...more

Bruce Beck Opens Second ColorTyme As Part Of Expansion Plan For The Northwest
"When I came across the town of Auburn, I knew I wanted to invest here. The people of Auburn have a hometown attitude that is business friendly, something that appeals to me both as a business owner and as a family man." - Bruce Beck, ColorTyme Franchisee...more

250,000 Maytag and 20,000 Samsung Front Loading Washing Machines Recalled
The recall involves Maytag washers with model numbers beginning with MAH9700 or MAH8700 and Samsung model number WF306BHW...more

Analysts Fear Feds Inflation Controls Will Harm Corporate Profits In 2007
The tensions created by trying to cover rising costs with higher prices have put businesses and the Fed on a collision course that suggests higher interest rates and lower profits lie ahead...more

Payday Loan Provider Amscot Financial Named One of Tampa Bay's 'Best Places to Work'
"As they say on Oscar night, it's an honor just to be nominated. I know all Amscot associates take pride in the fact that we work for a company recognized as one of the best in our region." - Charity McDowell, Director of Human Resources, Amscot Financial....more
 

RTO Excellence Profile; Rick Vadnais Grows His Rent to Own Business Despite New York Winters
"At the start, I wanted to have some merchandise that would allow me to have the lowest price point so I filled about 10% of my inventory with low-end furniture, electronics and appliances. I quickly found out that stocking merchandise of that kind only leads to service issues. I’ve been doing this 20 years but I am still learning." - Rick Vadnais, Owner, Premier RTO, Syracuse, New York....more

Bayou Auto Sales Sees Success With Rent to Own System
Over the last six years Donnie Cochran has learned a great deal about selling rent to own automobiles. Cochran is opening a second location eighty miles away in Houma, Louisiana and expects to add 100 active automobile rental agreements in the next 12 months...more

California Check Cashing Acquires Fast Cash; Creates Largest Payday Loan Provider in Northern California
"We are excited to continue to support California Check Cashing Stores as it further executes on its growth initiatives, both organic and through acquisition." - Jesse Rogers, Managing Director, Golden Gate Capital...more
 

D&H Signs With Chimei To Supply Value Priced High Quality LCDs To Rent to Own Channel
"LCDs are still an in-demand category, and the trend is very significant to the RTO market. D&H is always in pursuit of new partners like Chimei that offer a great total package." - John Alifano, Manager, D&H Home Entertainment Division...more

Louisiana Rental Dealers To Meet This Week in Baton Rouge; Interview With Association President Tom Neyhart
"The Louisiana government and RTO dealers have worked together to create an environment where business can operate and consumers are protected." - Tom Neyhart, President, Louisiana Rental Dealers Association...more

Acer and HP Continue to Gain Notebook Market Share
Acer’s growth narrowed the distance between it and Dell to less than half a million units. Acer’s substantial growth increased its lead over #4 Toshiba, which shipped 2.3 million notebooks in the quarter...more

U.S. Advertising Spending Rose 4.6% in 2006, Nielsen Monitor-Plus Reports
Advertising spending increased in most reported media, led by Internet (35%), the top 100 Spot TV markets (9.1%), Spanish-Language TV (8.1%) and Outdoor (8.1%)...more

Baseline Licensing Welcomes Raiders Defensive End Lance Johnstone As Investment Partner
"I’m confident in the product, management team and continued success of the Baseline Licensing Group. Baseline Licensing has created a niche market with a high barrier of entry for competitors with their combination of licensing and furniture." - Lance Johnstone, Defensive End, Oakland Raiders...more

HD DVD Establishes Promotional Group in Europe
"HD DVD is the most recognized brand name worldwide for high definition packaged media and we now have a strong group of companies behind it, from hardware manufacturers to studios and distributors." - Ken Graffeo, Executive VP, HD Strategic Marketing, Universal Studios Home Entertainment...more

National Sanitation Foundation Sets New Clothes Washer Sanitation Protocol
The protocol combines provisions from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Energy under one protocol...more

Rent-A-Center Begins National Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraising Campaign
"We are pleased to help an organization that has such a positive impact on children and their families in the communities where we do business." - Mark Speese, Chairman and CEO, Rent-A-Center...more

Advocate Nation; Environmental Responsibility Is High On Consumers’ Priority List
Americans identify environment and wildlife protection as the area large companies should contribute to the most (45%), placing this slightly ahead of fighting poverty in the United States (42%) and education and schools for children and teens (33%)...more

Klaussner Furniture Intros New Brand Sponsorship Of No. 55 Michael Waltrip at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Klaussner, which is gearing up for a new brand initiative later this year, is giving consumers and NASCAR fans a preview of its new look and new direction...more

Wal-Mart Withdraws FDIC Financial Services Application; President Jane Thompson:  We're putting an end to the "manufactured controversy"
"Unlike dozens of prior ILC applications, Wal-Mart’s has been surrounded by manufactured controversy since it was submitted nearly two years ago." - Jane Thompson, President, Wal-Mart Financial Services...more
 

Premier Rental Purchase Dealers Continue Rapid Pennsylvania Expansion
In their twenty years of combined RTO experience, Rich and Dave have come to conclude that their major strengths are their total commitment to customer service, their ability to attract outstanding and experienced employees, an ability to keep their sense of humor...more

Microsoft Continues Game Console Push; Xbox LIVE extends to Windows Vista to create single online gaming service starting with “Halo 2”
The launch of Games for Windows — LIVE marks a major expansion of the Xbox LIVE service across multiple platforms...more

Only One-In-Five Canadians View Themselves As Very Skilled With Technology; Vast Majority Of Canadians Feel They Are Falling Behind
Rather than relying on the Internet itself, it is surprising that Canadians lean towards non-digital sources of family, friends and newspapers to get the latest information on technology. This shows that Canadians are still grounded for the most part in the non-digital world, and they still have a lot of learning to do." - Steve Mossop, President, Western Region, Ipsos...more
 

UK Rent to Own Company 'Buy As You View' Doubles Profit In Two Years; Ranked In Top 50 Private Equity Companies
"This success would not have been possible without our dedicated workforce; they have developed with us as the company has grown. We recognize that a happy, stable working environment breeds success." - Gillian Wilmot, Chief Executive, Buy As You View...more

Furniture Brands International Warns; Furniture Sales Will Be Down 15%
"Retail conditions remain challenging across the industry and are softer than expected when we last commented on the business." - Mickey Holliman, Chairman, Furniture Brands International...more

U.S. Advertising Expenditures Increased 4.1 Percent in 2006; Online Advertising Shows Biggest Gain
Internet display advertising registered a 17.3 percent increase to $9.76 billion as marketers continued to shift budgets towards targeted, digital media. Spot TV, boosted by record-setting levels of political advertising, was up 10.4 percent for 2006 to $17.23 billion...more

Payday Loan Companies Agree To Cease Lawful Debt Collection In West Virginia
In the agreement, Advance America agreed to permanently discontinue its practice of contacting consumers in person at their homes in West Virginia, and its practice of leaving “door hangers” for consumers when they are not home when attempting to collect alleged debts in West Virginia...more

More than One Third of Online Adults Own a Game Console; Nintendo.com Benefits from Wii's Popularity - Site Grows 91 Percent Year over Year
Nintendo.com increased 91 percent, from 856,000 in February 2006 to 1.6 million in February 2007. Traffic to Playstation.com dropped 8 percent in the same period, from 1.1 million to 1.0 million unique visitors...more

Consumer Electronics Industry Applauds Commerce Department’s Converter Box Rules For 2009 Digital TV Transition
The transition from analog to digital broadcasting in the United States is scheduled for completion on February 17, 2009. Regulatory certainty is important to manufacturers and retailers that are assisting consumers in preparing for the DTV transition, including providing consumers the option of using digital-to-analog converters...more

TruckSkin To Re-Brand Rent-A-Center Fleet; 1,100 Vehicles in 34 States
"There are approximately 600 delivery cube trucks and 500 vans in the process of being re-branded." - Joe Lapekas, owner, TruckSkin...more

48 Percent of Brand Marketers Plan to Use Social Tactics in the Near Term
"As brand marketers increase their use of social tactics, they are competing not only among themselves but also with frequent networkers." - David Schatsky, President, JupiterKagan...more
 

Furniture Industry Experts Lead Trends Presentation
This season's affair is open to all market attendees, sponsored by Outer Limits at 6:00 p.m in their showroom 311 in the 220 Elm building...more

Second Bidder Offers To Acquire Canada's InstaRent; The Brick Declines To Match First Offer
According to Rentcash, The Brick will not be exercising it's first right of refusal, leaving Rentcash free to take additional bids...more

Rent-A-Center Supports Children's Advocacy Center
Over 900 people are expected to attend Collin County Children's Advocacy Center's annual black tie fund raiser...more

Government Interference in Companies' Salary Policy Sets Dangerous Precedent
"Representative [Barney] Frank's proposal has a high demagoguery quotient, but does little for public policy. What will we hear from Financial Services Committee next, that the government is setting salaries for professional athletes?" - Dick Armey, Former Congressman, Chairman of FreedomWorks...more

Baseline Licensing Reports Successful Mega Group Buying Show
"We opened many new accounts and actually wrote orders faster than we could put them on paper." - Brown Council, RTO Sales, Baseline Licensing Group...more

Demos Key To Audio Sales; Stereos must Be Heard To Sell
"The data clearly shows that retailers who offer demonstrations have a greater chance of capturing the sale. Home audio products sell best when they are heard, just as TVs sell best when they display compelling content." - Steve Koenig, Senior Manager, Industry Analysis...more

High Point Furniture Market To Offer Reps, Exhibitors Free Transportation Before Market
"The weekend before the opening day of Market is a busy one for exhibitors and sales reps." - Brian D. Casey, President and CEO, High Point Market Authority...more

Consumers Want Premium Services with Their Electronics Purchases; Study Finds Services Complete the ‘Total Entertainment Experience’
"Consumers clearly understand that getting the most out of their electronics purchase goes beyond delivery and installation. This presents retailers with a real opportunity to package services at the initial point-of-sale to differentiate themselves and generate more business." - Joe Bates, Director of Research, CEA...more

National Federation of Independent Business Issue Ad Wins Pollie Award
"One of our main goals for the 2006 election cycle was to better communicate with the voting public about key small-business issues through increased online exposure." - Lisa Goeas, Vice President Political Operations, NFIB...more

Consumer Confidence Weakens After Stock Market Tumble
Consumer confidence still remains relatively high by historical standards, but is being weighed down by the combination of the housing slowdown, the shock to the stock market in late February, a slight "untightening" of the labor market and rising gasoline prices." - T.J. Marta, Economic and Fixed Income Strategist, RBC Capital Markets...more

convention coverage - streaming audio - 303 photos
easyhome Wraps 2007 Conference; Sheri Reid Named Store Manager of the Year; Podcast Interview With Keynote Speaker Jack Black
Sheri Reid was named easyhome's Store Manager Of the Year for 2006. Reid was rewarded for her efforts when CEO David Ingram presented her with a new cherry red Hummer...more

Rent to Own Property Tax Amendment Reported Favorably Out Of Committee
Rent to Own companies in Texas currently pay property tax on idle inventory as well as on leased merchandise in customer's homes...more

Delaware Journal of Corporate Law Publishes Challenge to Sarbanes-Oxley; Study Finds No Evidence That Independent Directors Enhance Shareholder Returns
"Our research indicates there is no empirical data to support the notion that super majority independent boards increase financial performance for shareholders." - Eric Fogel, Partner, Schuyler Roche & Zwirner...more
 

Arkansas Law Gives Small Business Owners A Voice In The State Regulatory Process
Senate Bill 55 requires state agencies to analyze the economic impact of a proposed rule on small businesses and to consider less burdensome alternatives that will accomplish the regulatory goal...more

Sony Unveils 3D Online Community To Pump Up Playstation 3
"I feel strongly that this unique blend of community, user-generated content, collaboration and commerce will expand the future of computer entertainment." - Izumi Kawanishi, Corporate Executive and CTO Software, Sony Computer Entertainment...more

Democrat Hillary Clinton Takes Early Lead in Online Race to the White House; Double The Traffic of Three Top Republicans Combined
Republicans, who have historically struggled with building a web audience, are falling behind early in the race...more

convention coverage - streaming audio
Podcast Interviews With easyhome CEO David Ingram, Master Franchisee Bud Gates, VP Dave Maries, Divisional VP Simon Holmes, Regional Manager Errol Penny
"We’re not going (to the United States) to just join the industry. We’re going there to compete fairly and to try to win." - David Ingram, President/CEO, Canadian-based easyhome on his company’s just-announced U.S. expansion program...more

By the Numbers; How Well Do You Know The Hispanic Market?
26.8 million - Number of U.S. residents of Mexican origin in 2005. These residents constituted 9 percent of the nation's total population...more

Online Registration Now Open for RentDirect-Nationwide’s Rent to Own industry Member2Member Summit
"Last year’s inaugural M2M summit was a great success. Attendees selected our new RentDirect Advisory Committee and we left Dallas with a laundry list of action items generated through focus groups and other member feedback." - James MacAlpine, Executive Director, RentDirect-Nationwide...more

Toshiba Expands Recycling Program to Include Free Computer Take-Back
"Toshiba strongly believes in corporate social responsibility." - Mark Simons, vice president and general manager, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems...more

Former Rent A Center CEO Bud Gates To Franchise easyhome Rent to Own Concept In United States
"The agreement grants Bud Gates exclusive rights to franchise the easyhome concept anywhere in the United States, outside the border states." - David Ingram, CEO, easyhome...more
 

Canada's Largest Rent to Own Company Prepares For Annual Convention; 2007 easyhome National Conference Begins Wednesday In Niagara Falls
easyhome managers and executives will gather at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario this week for the company's 2007 National Conference...more

RTO Online Serves Over 300,000 Unique Visitor Sessions For Second Consecutive Month
"RTO Online Inc. continues as the dominant source of independent news and information for the rental purchase/leasing, rent to own and sub-prime financial services sectors." - Roy Griffaw, founder and president of RTO Online Inc...more

Jeffrey Cook Named President of Broyhill Furniture
"I am delighted to be joining Broyhill at this critical time in its history." - Jeffrey L. Cook, President, Broyhill Furniture Industries...more

Job Vacancies Up 22% in February; Job demand is strongest in Management and Business/Financial Sectors
There were 2.5 advertised vacancies online for every 100 persons in the labor force in February. The monthly increase in advertised job vacancies was reflected in every state in the nation and was widespread across most major metropolitan areas...more

Bassett Sales Down 17%; Company To Close Largest Plant In Hometown Of Bassett, Virginia
"Closing this plant has been the most difficult decision we have ever had to make. We regret the effect that this will have on the many fine employees who work at our largest hometown plant." - Robert H. Spilman Jr., President and CEO, Bassett Furniture Industries...more

VIDEO
South Florida Art Company Launches Rent to Own Specific Web Site
"In my 16 years of successful selling to the RTO industry, I have never seen an item rent as quickly and often as the new Scarface line, introduced in the fall of 2006." - JR Phillips, Sales Manager, Artistic Resource Team, Inc...more

DLP Continues Market Lead into 2007; Slim Form Factor Models Drove Increased Share in 2006
In 2006, DLP sold more HDTVs at a screen size of 50 inch and greater than any other competing technology in the U.S. including plasma with 28.9% market share in units...more

McBreen Takes Over As Furniture Brands International VP Supply Chain and Logistics Following McClelland Resignation
"Our business model poses many supply chain and logistic challenges." - Mickey Holliman, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Furniture Brands International...more
 

Democrats Vote to Suspend Basic Guarantees of Democracy in Union Elections
"Today's discussion on the House floor threw into sharp relief the basic differences between House Republicans and House Democrats. Our side stands shoulder-to-shoulder with working men and women of this country who believe in the sanctity and importance of secret ballot elections. Democrats apparently stand with a different group." - Roy Blunt (R-MO), House Republican Whip...more

Rooms To Go Reenergizes Push Into Hispanic Market; Announces Partnership with Celebrity Journalist Myrka Dellanos
"Rooms To Go is certainly a household name in its markets, and securing deeper ties to the Hispanic population is an important company commitment." - Jeffrey Seaman, CEO and founder, Rooms To Go...more

XM Sirius Merger Good For Industry, Consumers
While satellite radio growth has been very strong and automotive consumers are brand aware, most are not subscribing. Often for fear of making the ‘wrong’ satellite choice, it is too expensive or they are happy with their current FM radio. With improved content choices, realigned advertising levels, and targeted pricing, radio and digital audio in the car is a deep, rich opportunity stream...more

Southeast Auto Rental Dealers Association Reports 60% Increase in Rent to Own Automobiles
"The loyal customer base that had rented appliances, furniture, and electronics from me was just as eager to rent clean late model used cars." - Fred Pearson, Payless Furniture and Appliance...more
 

Texas Rental Dealers Plan Special Events For Upcoming Convention; Online Registration Available
"Our goal at TARA is to gather together as many rental dealers from Texas and it's surrounding states for a great buying show, as well as provide them with training for their employees and information on current state and national RTO happenings." - Vicky Hale, TARA Executive Director...more

Civil Rights Group Says Banning Payday Loans Harms Country
"CORE believes that the out-right prohibition of short-term loans could have a negative effect on our country similar to that of prohibition in the 1920’s, which was a miserable failure." - Niger Innis, National Spokesperson for the Congress of Racial Equality...more

Consumer Confidence Hits Five Year High
All in all, it appears that the pace of economic growth exhibited in the final months of 2006 has carried over into early 2007 and may have even gained a little momentum...more

Whirlpool To Receive Department of Energy's Sustained Excellence Award
"Whirlpool's long term commitment to energy efficiency is good for business, the environment, for consumers - and for the country as a whole." - Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy...more

Test Case Proves Power Of PC Rental Agent
"We continue to add new dealers. Once a store successfully locks down that first computer with PC Rental Agent, they’re hooked." - Tim Kelly, President of PC Rental Agent...more

Berkline Benchcraft Appoints Steven Smith CFO
Prior to joining Berkline Benchcraft, Mr. Smith was a financial executive for MTD Products, Inc., a privately held consumer products company based in Ohio...more

Survey Shows Employee Vacation Policies Affect Retention
The number of vacation days offered varies by industry. Not-for-profit, health care and government exempt employees are offered the highest number of days in their first year...more

Las Vegas Furniture Market Officials, "We are the undeniable future of the furniture industry"; Attendance Up 60 Percent
"Evidenced by the overwhelming success of the show, World Market Center will be the dominant international Market in the U.S. for buyers and manufacturers." - Harvey Dondero, CEO, World Market Center...more

Mandatory Digital TV Transition Begins Critical Phase; March 1 Signals Shipment Date for DTV Tuners in all Analog Tuner Products
CEA’s Video Division Board adopted language last year for manufacturers and retailers to alert consumers purchasing an analog-only set that a digital converter box will be required as of February 17, 2009 for over-the-air reception...more

Filippo Joins DBL Distributing
Ray currently serves as a board member of the Consumer Electronics Association ((CES) Accessories Division...more

Rent-to-own Pro Dean Engels Turns 20 Years Of Community Relationships Into A Successful ColorTyme Store
"The RTO business is different. It’s not like being a banker or an accountant; every day is different and brings another opportunity to help people. I enjoy developing relationships with people. Though I had no idea what it would be like to be a franchisee, the job is easy because I enjoy what I do. I should have done this 10 years ago." - Dean Engels, ColorTyme Franchisee...more

Survey Shows Less Than Half of Americans Are Satisfied With Their Job
Less than two out of every five workers under the age of 25 are satisfied with their jobs. This segment of the population has the lowest level of satisfaction and the lowest level ever recorded in the nearly 20-year history of this survey...more

Rent to Own Property Tax Amendment Scheduled For Public Hearing
Texas Senate Joint Resolution SJR 30, a constitutional amendment exempting on-rent merchandise in Texas from personal property tax, and its companion bill HJR35 in the state House of Representatives, have been scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, February 28th...more

Report; Today's New Workforce Lacks Even Basic Skills
Nearly 40 percent of employers say new workforce entrants with just a high school diploma as 'deficient' in reading comprehension. Over half (53.5 percent) say new workforce entrants are "deficient" in mathematics. According to the standardized testing reported in The Nation's Report Card, 77 percent of 12th graders were below proficient and 39 percent were below basic...more

Consumer Spending on Electronics Increases, But Growth Rate Slows
Sales of all TVs in retail stores increased 15.7 percent to $18.2 billion while unit sales remained flat. E-commerce sales jumped 40 percent both in units and dollars to two million and $1.8 billion, respectively. However, online revenue only accounted for 8.7 percent of total TV sales, and units were only 6.4 percent of all TVs sold...more

Was the Super Bowl a Touchdown for TV Sales?; LCD And Good Ole Fashioned CRTs Make Biggest Gains
LCD TVs 32 inches and larger and Direct View (CRT) TVs under 32 inches saw the biggest increases Super Bowl week...more

Payday Advance Association Launches $10 Million Consumer Education Campaign; Revises Industry Best Practices To Ban Certain Ads
"We are pleased to see that CFSA is willing to change the way that it does business. This is an important step toward eliminating the cycle-of-debt." - Robert L. Bowser, President, National Conference of Black Mayors...more

Dell Named Among Top 20 Corporate Citizens
The 100 Best Corporate Citizens list ranks firms based on how well they perform in eight categories: shareholders, community, governance, diversity, employees, environment, human rights, and product...more

High Point Furniture Market Intros Market Scout Program
The Scout will research the product category you’re interested in and prepare a brief report for you featuring sources they have identified that they believe will most likely fulfill your needs. Upon your approval, the Scout will then prepare an itinerary that maps an efficient route between the showrooms featuring the products you’re seeking...more

Sealy Announces $100 million Stock Repurchase
"The Company's adoption of the stock repurchase program reflects the Board's continued high level of confidence in Sealy's long-term growth plans." - Jeffrey C. Ackerman, Executive Vice President, CFO, Sealy...more

easyhome To Webcast Q4 Conference Call
Audio of the call will be broadcast live. A link to the live webcast will be available from My RTO Portfolio....more

Aaron Rents Reports Same Store Sales Up 7.2%; Q4 Lease Revenue Up 17%
For the 2006 year, the Company and its franchisees added a net of 146 sales and lease ownership stores, a 13% increase for the year in total store count for the division, including, in addition to acquisitions, the opening of 78 new Company-operated stores and 75 new franchised stores...more

Small Business Owners Spend More Time Using the Internet Than Any Other Medium
Small business executives’ activity level for traditional online activities is much higher than average...more
 

Auto by Rent Set To Begin Franchise Operations
Company officials say that the buy-here-pay-here Rent to Own concept benefits sub-prime consumers by avoiding additional debt...more

D&H Offers Lenovo 3000 Series Notebooks To Rent to Own Industry; Mobile Desktops Give RTO Store Owners a High-end Offering Through a Value-Added Partner
"Mobile computers are a terrific draw for the rent-to-own market. They're a prestige-level item that can help generate ongoing sales, especially if you're able to enlist a true category leader like Lenovo." - John Alifano, Division Manager, D&H Home Entertainment Division....more

Breaking
updated with full amendment text
Texas State Senator Carona Introduces TARA Supported Constitutional Amendment
Rent to Own companies in Texas currently pay property tax on idle inventory as well as on leased merchandise in customer's homes...more

RTO Online Is Celebrating a Decade of Service to the Rent to Own Industry
RTO Online allows vendors from all categories, regardless of association or group affiliation, to present their companies and products to over 80,000 professionals per week from the Rent to Own and Retail sectors....more

John Eibl Blends RTO and Retail With Premier Home Furnishings In Rockford, Illinois
"I liked Jim’s concept of blending the best of RTO with the best of retail in one operation. I felt that his vision and what he was doing in his home furnishings business matched my vision and what I wanted to do. It inspired me to start my business." - John Eibl, Premier Home Furnishings Franchisee....more

New York Introduces Bill To Ban Spinners
New York State Senator John Sabini has taken the first step in limiting custom wheel and hubcap options for motor vehicle enthusiasts....more

Aaron's Ups Stake In Hooters Pro Cup Racing; Company To Be Title Sponsor In 2007
"We feel the exposure Aaron's receives at the track and on the television broadcasts has brought us closer to the race fans and increased our brand awareness." - Ken Butler, President, Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership...more

Former Sharp Exec Named LG Electronics USA VP Sales
McNally will be responsible for the company's U.S. sales and channel marketing for flat-panel displays, digital audio/video products, portable navigation devices, computer monitors and optical drives...more

VIDEO
Convention Coverage
RentDirect-Nationwide Trade Show Wraps;  See Complete Video Podcast GalleryThe nation’s top electronic, appliance and furniture vendors wrapped up a 16-hour buying show Wednesday that is expected to be one of the most successful-to-date for the PrimeTime-Nationwide marketing group...more