NYSRDA March Meeting Recap

The NYSRDA hosted a meeting in March that drew over 50 delegates.  The meeting consisted of typical financial, membership and vendor presentations with a major focus on lobbying updates and legislative issues at both the federal and state levels.

There are currently six bills at the state level and one at the federal level regarding the rent-to-own industry.  Ed Winn, APRO’s chief council, discussed the history of RTO legislation since late 70's to now.  He believes that this year congress will host hearings on the banks, then step to the next level with hearings focused on groups like RTO.  He speculated that our re-regulation will be somewhat "California based" ending up with a "turn" of between 3.7 and 4.3.  Winn strongly recommended that New Yorkers meet with our representatives to educate them about the industry.  Following his suggestion, subcommittees were formed to work on scheduling meeting with key legislators – Senators Aubertine, Valesky, and Breslin.

The slate of Board of Directors and Officers was presented.  Re-elected to President was Dave Edwards, Cathy Skula was elected to Vice President and Greg Heck was re-elected to Treasurer/Secretary.  The Directors elected are John George, James McAlpine, David Philips, Tom Glogowsik, Rick Vadnais, Bill Monnat, Kevin McCarthy, and Andrew Morenus.

Another decision made at the meeting was about the Special Olympics and the 2009 Campaign.  The group decided to raise the goal this year to $40,000.  It is an aggressive goal, but in our economic climate, Special Olympics budget has decreased by over $1 million, with no decrease in the number of athletes it serves.  If every store in the association can set a goal of raising $200 over the six week period from mid-August to mid-October, that $40,000 goal can be achieved.  More details about the campaign will be distributed to members soon.

There are a number of representatives that will be traveling to Washington in April to participate in lobbying efforts there.  The next NYSRDA meeting is being planned for October 2009.