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APRO honors top dealers

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 16, 2001

LAS VEGAS — The Assn. of Progressive Rental Organizations bestowed its highest honor on two dealers during its annual convention here.

Lyn Leach of Ace Furniture & TV in Malcolm, Neb., and James Byrd of Byrd's TV in Florence, S.C., were each named 2001 Rental Dealer of the Year.

Leach was recognized for work he has done before Congress and the Nebraska legislature on behalf of the rental-purchase industry. He currently serves on the national APRO board of directors, where he steers the political action and ethics committees. His efforts in 2001 led to a public hearing in the U.S. Congress regarding federal legislation affecting the rent-to-own business.

"Lyn has raised the bar for dealers throughout the world. His energy and enthusiasm are unmatched," said APRO President Gary McDougal. "We are honored that he is a part of the rent-to-own industry."

Leach, a second-generation rental dealer, owns and operates five Ace RTO stores throughout Nebraska.

Byrd was recognized for his involvement in his community and his representation of the RTO industry with his testimony before a U.S. House panel.

"James and his rent-to-own business embody the family-owned and small-business spirit that built the industry," said McDougal. "He represents the great history as well as the future of rent-to-own."

Dennis Shields, executive director of The Rental Industry Buying Group in Atlanta, was named 2001 Vendor of the Year. He has worked in the industry for 15 years, and sponsors state rental dealer association meetings and employee education through the industry's on-line training program. Shields also supports the industry's efforts for Habitat for Humanity.

Bill Keese, executive director of APRO, received the 2001 President's Award. He has managed passage of 47 state rental-purchase laws, witnessed $2 billion growth in the industry and coordinated the donation of more than $1 million worth of products, time and money to Habitat For Humanity.

Keese is the second non-rental dealer to be given the President's Award in APRO's 21-year history.

Barry Gambini of Exeter, Calif., received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Considered one of the pioneers of the RTO concept, he began his business in the mid-'70s, turning washing machine rentals into a 30-store rental-purchase chain.

He was among the founders of APRO in 1980. Gambini sold his rental stores in 1980, but remains active in the industry.

APRO, the national trade association for the rental-purchase industry, represents some 4,200 stores nationwide.

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